Ewon introduces several new approach principles as new president of UPKO

15 January 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

PENAMPANG: The new president of the United Kinabalu Progressive Organization (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick introduced several principles of a new approach to continue the fight and services to further strengthen the party.

He said one of those approaches is 'common-sense leadership' and doing the right thing in the right way.

“Our party is already known for its principled oriented leadership approach supported by Tan Sri Bernard and empowered with the servanthood leadership approach by Datuk Seri Madius.

“Now, I will continue the leadership approaches by empowering them through a common-sense leadership approach that needs to be supported starting from our home, UPKO, because I believe that leadership begins at home.

“Common-sense leadership invites us to listen, see, feel, smell, analyse, think and perceive all issues, challenges, opportunities and risks on each issue that is in front of us.

"Every decision made must be defensible based on the practice of upholding what is right, denying what is wrong and continuing what is appropriate," he said when delivering the closing speech at the UPKO Triannual Representative Conference today.

Ewon who is also the Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development Minister and Penampang MP delivered a virtual speech as he had to attend the official settlement ceremony of the Cabinet Ministers of the Unity Government together with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana Putrajaya today.

He said in line with the goals of the party's establishment, the approach of doing the right thing in the right way will help achieve the direction of the party's fight and leadership.

"In the burning spirit, we continue the fight and service of the party in accordance with the goals of the party’s establishment, we must do the right things the right way.

"I want to celebrate democracy in the party. My leadership will not be perfect and I am ready to receive criticisms while leading this party.

"I appreciate every remark and criticism accompanied by suggestions and motivation because that is the right way to correct weaknesses," he said.

He is also determined to continue working hard and practice the principles of diplomacy throughout his leadership.

“I will be friends with many parties without compromising my principles and goals in this party. I want to pass on loyalty and tenacity together with the quality of service, hard work and principles of struggle as a legacy to party members and ordinary people," he said.

Ewon also welcomed all who were members of UPKO to return to the party and continue the struggle to defend the people through UPKO.

“Let's continue to build this house (UPKO) together as a democratic, progressive, principled, diplomatic and quality leadership family," he said.