Inanam voters urged to support SabahFirst

22 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Thunderous applause greeted Inanam United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Candidate Datuk Wong Thien Fook as he made the rallying call of ‘Sabah First’ at the town square yesterday.

People from all walks of life thronged the square to listen to his speech, in which he explained why they should vote for UPKO and support their cause.

Wong, who had worked with other UPKO leaders in Inanam, such as the late Datuk Steven Kutai, stated that he had never switched parties, explaining his dedication to its cause, especially now that its courageous leader Datuk Ewon Benedick is at the helm.

“We are struggling for so much now such as the 40 percent constitutional entitlement of federal revenue derived from the state, which should not be compromised,” he stressed.

"I am personally very, very touched. Deeply moved by the sacrifices made by Datuk Ewon. He has given up his job as a Federal Minister for the sake of our people in Sabah. To him, what's important is the rights of the people of Sabah, not the position he holds,” he said.

“We still have ministers and deputy ministers in the Federal Government and we wonder why they won’t sacrifice anything for Sabah,” he pondered.

“We in Sabah have many complaints: electricity is unreliable, water supply is unreliable, and the roads are terrible. All of that requires money. If the 40% is returned, wouldn't we have a lot of money to manage and to administer our region in Sabah?"

“Fellow Inanam residents, your voice matters! This is our moment to shape the future of our community,” he said.

“Let’s come together to support UPKO, a party committed to championing our needs, aspirations, and dreams. UPKO has a proven track record of working tirelessly for progress, unity, and development. By voting UPKO, you’re choosing a brighter, more inclusive future for our families, our children, and generations to come. Your support can truly make a difference, stand with UPKO and be part of the change we want to see.”

Datuk Ewon Benedick who was present to be with people of Inanam for a brief duration on his SabahFirst# Journey, called on the people of Inanam to support Wong, stressing that Wong will make a good leader, able to promote and deliver the SabahFirst agenda.