UNITED Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) has reiterated that securing Sabah’s constitutionally guaranteed 40 per cent revenue entitlement remains central to the party’s struggle, calling it indispensable for the state’s development and long-term wellbeing.
Its president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the party’s three assemblymen would continue to uphold and press forward with the ‘Sabah First’ agenda, describing it as both a political duty and a moral responsibility.
“They are not only safeguarding their constituencies but also defending the dignity of the people and fighting to reclaim the rights of this Land Below the Wind,” he said.
“The reimbursement of the 40 per cent revenue is crucial because it is needed for the development, welfare and wellbeing of Sabahans themselves.”
In a statement on Sunday, Ewon also congratulated Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was sworn in early that morning for a second term as Sabah’s Chief Minister.
“UPKO supports him as Chief Minister, and I was present at the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu,” he said. “My fellow UPKO representatives and I have stated that he can form a Sabah government composed entirely of local parties.”
Ewon added that he would leave it to Hajiji, as chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), to determine his Cabinet line-up.
“What matters is that relations between Sabah and the Federal Government must be grounded in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution,” he said. “In safeguarding national political stability, Sabah must remain firm in defending its rights.”
He stressed that UPKO would continue to support Hajiji’s leadership, provided it strengthens good governance and upholds the values essential for effective administration.
“UPKO also urges all Sabahans to reunite in the effort to build and advance the state and reclaim its rights,” he said. “The outcome of this election must serve as a lesson and a preparation for the next general election so that our shared ‘Sabah First’ agenda can be fully realised.” - November 30, 2025
