UPKO applies to join Sabah coalition GRS

The United Progressive Kinabalu Party (UPKO) has formally applied to become a component party of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick led a delegation to meet with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who also chairs GRS, to submit the party's application.

Benedick stated that UPKO's intention is to contribute to the unity and cooperation of local parties. This, he explained, would bolster efforts to develop Sabah's future and champion the rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution. He emphasized that UPKO's "Sabah First" vision aligns with GRS's "Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0" roadmap, which requires closer collaboration and consolidation of Sabah-based parties.

The UPKO Supreme Council unanimously agreed to the application during a meeting on May 25. The party believes that joining GRS will strengthen its position in advocating for Sabah's interests.