![[UPDATED] Tangau steps down as Upko president, names Ewon as successor](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/20220928-sbh-wilfred_madius_tangau_(right)_steps_down_as_upko_president_replaced_by_ewon_benedick_(left)_at_party_hq_in_penampang–jason_santos.JPG)
PENAMPANG – Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau today announced that he is stepping down from his post as Upko president, naming party vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedick as his successor, whilst saying in jest that “a burden has been lifted.”
The decision to step down, he said, came after the party’s supreme council member decided to form a new party leadership to face a general election which could be called at any time.
“I have decided that the party will now be led by our vice-president, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
“At the same time, the party supreme council member has agreed to name me as the party’s honorary president,” he said during an emergency press conference at the party’s headquarters here, today
Despite stepping down, Tangau said he would defend his Tuaran parliamentary seat.
Tangau, 64, served as acting Upko president in 2014 and was elected president in 2018, having succeeded Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok in the post.
His resignation comes as Upko is set to head into internal polls on October 15 and 16, where his position as president was initially set to be challenged by Ewon.
Tangau also said the position of party deputy president held by Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin will also be uncontested in the party election.
“I believe and am confident under the new leadership of (Ewon), Upko will remain focused in its struggle where the present scenario involves more voters with the inclusion of those aged 18,” said Tangau, adding that Ewon will now focus on the party’s affairs in Sabah, while he will work more on the national level.
Tangau also said his decision not to defend his post did not mean he was retiring from politics altogether.
“I feel a burden has been lifted, this is a very heavy responsibility. But as I said, the leadership of Upko has always been collective and I will be very much part of the leadership.
“I will be not be chairing the party’s supreme council… I’m not retiring. In 2008, when I said I will not contest to make way for the party’s then deputy president and Tuaran division chief… I respected the decision of the party.
“I have done this before and can do it again to make sure the party remains intact,” he said. – The Vibes, September 28, 2022
