UPKO Beaufort Youth Chief Questions Tham’s Record on Sabah Issues

20 June 2026

BEAUFORT: UPKO Beaufort Youth chief Mohd Sahlan Mohd Thaufick has questioned the timing and consistency of Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook’s recent calls for principle and consistency in the struggle for Sabah.

Speaking on behalf of UPKO, Mohd Sahlan urged the public to consider Tham’s track record before he was elected as an Assemblyman, particularly on issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s rights.

“Today, he is quick to question the struggles and commitment of others. But before becoming an Assemblyman, how many statements did he make on MA63? How many times did he speak up for Sabah’s rights? What efforts did he undertake to champion state autonomy and the interests of Sabah?” he said.

Mohd Sahlan said many ordinary Sabahans, including teachers, had long spoken up for the state’s rights despite not holding any political office.

He also defended UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick’s record, noting that Ewon had resigned from a federal ministerial position over a disagreement with a federal decision, which he described as clear evidence of principle and conviction.

“How many leaders are willing to relinquish a ministerial post for the sake of their principles?

“It is easy to talk about principles when one is outside the government. But when someone is prepared to sacrifice position and power to uphold their convictions, that is the true test of principle,” he said.

Mohd Sahlan also criticised what he described as double standards, pointing out that the President of Warisan had served for many years in the Federal Government as a senior minister.

He said the same yardstick should be applied to all political leaders. If Datuk Ewon’s record is open to scrutiny, then the record of Warisan’s president on MA63, Sabah autonomy and state rights while serving in Putrajaya should likewise be examined.

“One should not use one standard to judge others and another to judge oneself.

“Datuk Ewon does not need slogans to demonstrate his commitment because his record speaks for itself,” he said.

Mohd Sahlan added that some politicians only became vocal about Sabah’s future after obtaining political office, but said voters were capable of distinguishing between long-term advocates and those who found their voice only after entering politics.

He also defended UPKO’s decision to join Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), describing the move as an effort to strengthen unity and cooperation among Sabah-based political parties.

“Sabah’s future cannot be built on endless political divisions. It requires unity, mutual understanding and the strength of local parties capable of speaking with one voice for the benefit of the people.

“If we are all truly fighting for Sabah, efforts to unite local parties should be welcomed rather than questioned,” he said.

Mohd Sahlan concluded that political fragmentation did not benefit the people of Sabah, who stood to gain more when leaders and local parties worked together to defend state rights, strengthen the economy and secure a better future for the next generation.

“Before questioning the principles of others, one should first reflect on one’s own record,” he added.