Ewon Ready to Defend UPKO Presidency in 2026 Party Polls

19 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick has announced his readiness to offer himself for re-election to defend the party’s presidency for another term in the UPKO 2026 party elections.

He said this year marks UPKO’s party elections at all levels, with the party set to hold its Congress on 8 and 9 August, in line with the party constitution.

“Members have full freedom to ensure that the democratic process is carried out transparently and efficiently at all levels.

“I hope this election will continue to unite us, not divide us. We must choose a leadership line-up based on merit and potential, and one that can offer leadership accepted by the people, leaders who are willing to work for the people and lead the people,” he said when officiating the launch of UPKO’s 17th Triennial Delegates Conference here yesterday.

Ewon acknowledged that UPKO under his leadership is not perfect and still has its weaknesses, but reaffirmed his commitment to continuously improve the party.

“The Sabah state election highlighted the need for our party to strengthen its machinery at all levels, particularly in every state constituency. We cannot win elections on aspiration alone without strong grassroots machinery."

“Therefore, all divisions intending to contest the next election should use this year’s UPKO Triennial Delegates Conference to strengthen their branches, including the leadership committees at the state constituency level.

“If there is a need to amend the party constitution to strengthen state constituency leadership institutions, such proposals should receive the support of all divisions,” he said.

Ewon also said UPKO would strengthen the institution of its elected representatives to ensure they play a role in party policy decision-making, including enhancing the effectiveness of the Party Advisory Council and the Party Election Director.

“UPKO’s elected representatives are the main face of the party and must be at the forefront of leadership struggles and service delivery, acting as ambassadors and reflections of the party. UPKO’s elected representatives and all leaders must be free from controversy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ewon reiterated the need to diversify and strengthen the party machinery through the implementation of the ‘One Division, One Association, One Cooperative, One Success Story’ initiative, alongside organising more retreats, forums and conventions related to the Sabah First agenda and vision.

He also welcomed the participation of new members, but stressed that the establishment of new branches and divisions must undergo a process of internalisation and appreciation of the party’s struggle for a period of two years before being endorsed by the Supreme Council.