‘Sabah First’ Spirit Surges as Nearly 2,000 Youths Gather in Kota Marudu

27 November 2025

KOTA MARUDU: Sabah First, the call to prioritise Sabah’s interests, is far more than a slogan for the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO).

It has become a rallying force, particularly among the younger generation.

This was evident when nearly 2,000 youths attended the Youth Awakening Assembly: Sabah First held yesterday at the Kota Marudu Temple Hall.

The programme formed part of the ongoing #SabahFirst tour led by UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick, organised in support of the party’s candidates: Suzie Salapan for the Bandau State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat, and Jamil Majingkin for the Tandek seat.

“Thank you to the people of Kota Marudu who came. The spirit of independence is truly soaring in Bandau. With the blessings and support of the people, Suzie and Jamil can become elected representatives who will drive the Sabah First agenda,” Ewon said in his speech.

He stressed that the Sabah First movement is about upholding the rights of Sabahans as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.

“This election is not merely about choosing representatives, but about choosing leaders who genuinely understand the aspirations and hopes of the people based on Sabah First principles.

“Many parties are contesting, but choose the principled local parties—those that truly fight for and defend Sabah’s rights under MA63, especially the 40 per cent revenue entitlement,” he added.

A participant interviewed at the gathering said he attended specifically to hear Ewon’s address, describing him as a bold and principled young leader.

“I am not a UPKO member, but I am inspired to join and support the party because I am proud that Sabah still has leaders willing to sacrifice their positions to defend our rights.

“This is the kind of leadership we want to steer the Sabah state government. That is why I am here to give my full support to the Bandau candidate, Suzie Salapan. I hope Suzie—and all UPKO candidates contesting the 25 seats across Sabah—will win in this election,” he said.

The gathering reflected the strong spirit and steadfast support of the local community, who wish to see more Sabahan leaders rise to champion the people’s voice and assert Sabah’s rights.

Ewon has previously conducted an extensive Sabah First tour, travelling from village to village across the constituencies where UPKO is contesting.

The tour began on 16 November in Membakut, Limbahau, Petagas and Tanjung Keramat, then continued to Melalap, Bingkor, Liawan, Tulid and Nabawan on 17 November.

On 18 November, the programme moved to Kuamut, Telupid and Labuk, followed by Bengkoka, Tandek and Bandau on 19 November.

It then proceeded to Kiulu, Tamparuli, Inanam and Kapayan on 21 November, continued to Gum Gum in Sandakan on 25 November, and reached Ranau and Kundasang today.