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
