Malaysia

Upko veep Benedick hints at possible run for presidency

He says he is ready to lead party if members want him to, setting up possible clash with his boss

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 16 May 2022 5:04PM

Upko veep Benedick hints at possible run for presidency
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedick says he does not intend to challenge anyone’s leadership, but he offers his own record of leadership in Kadamaian for Upko’s members to judge if he could become the new inspiration in the party. – Pic courtesy of Datuk Ewon Benedick’s press secretary, May 16, 2022

by Rebecca Chong

KOTA KINABALU – United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedick is ready to take on the challenge of leading the party if the divisions want him to.

He said he does not intend to challenge anyone’s leadership, but he offers his own record of leadership in Kadamaian for Upko’s members to judge if he could become the new inspiration in the party.

“If they (party members) feel that it is time (for me to lead the party) then I am ready to accept the challenge.

“If the majority of the party members want the rebranding of the party to be packaged with a transition in the party’s leadership, then the party should be alert and take progressive action on it,” he said.

Benedick said this in his speech during the Kota Belud Upko triannual general meeting in Kadamian Square Hall, Taginambur, Kota Belud today.

The meeting was graced by Upko deputy president Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.

Last week, The Vibes reported on rumours regarding the clash between the party’s top leaders, where president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau will be facing his current vice-president Benedick.

Benedick said that a lot of people have speculated that he will announce the matter today, but he would leave it to the Upko divisions to interpret his speech at the event.

Hinting that there is a need for new leadership in the party, Benedick said that Upko would not be able to compete with other government political blocs unless they create a new inspiration to rebuild the support of the party.

“The party cannot go into the general election if its divisions are divided,” he added.

He said he believes his statement clearly indicates that the party election will be held this year. – The Vibes, May 16, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

UPKO submits application to become GRS component party

Malaysia / 6mth

Objections grow to leave BN out of new Sabah state government

Malaysia / 6mth

Sabah polls: Upko throws support behind Hajiji to form state government

Malaysia / 6mth

Sabah polls: Upko, KDM, Star, independents crucial in state government formation, negotiations underway

Malaysia / 6mth

Sabah polls: GRS in strong lead, Upko’s Ewon Benedick wins Kadamaian

Malaysia / 6mth

Sabah polls: Tamparuli and Inanam look set for record 13-cornered battle (UPDATED)

Spotlight

Malaysia

Bersatu-PH tie-up a possibility as coalition seeks Malay support, analyst says

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Woman molested on her way home from work (video)

Malaysia

Court allows Daim's daughter to permanently keep passport

Malaysia

Santiago pokes holes in data centre hype, asks: Who really benefits?

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Jeweller vows to pursue Rosmah until ‘every penny’ is recovered as RM67.5m battle enters enforcement phase

Malaysia

Ambulance carrying two injured men crashes en route to hospital after MPV collision in Besut

Malaysia

Man blames 'lack of love' for sexual assault on teens

Business

BNM's OPR to stay at 2.75 pcent in 2026 amid strong domestic demand - Kenanga IB

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

You may be interested

Malaysia

Anwar warns global order lacks direction, calls for renewed international cooperation

Malaysia

Anwar’s leadership strengthens Japanese investor confidence in Malaysia — Bank Rakyat Chairman

Malaysia

Man blames 'lack of love' for sexual assault on teens

Malaysia

Isa Samad's 'Tan Sri' title revoked

Malaysia

Terengganu retains Bersatu exco despite PAS split, signalling government stability

Malaysia

Ministry backs nationwide marriage age reform, says states hold final authority

Malaysia

Court allows Daim's daughter to permanently keep passport

Malaysia

Woman molested on her way home from work (video)