UPKO is all for new and fresh approach - Nelson

7 February 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) is advocating for a greater number of seats to contest in the upcoming elections.

In a statement, it's secretary general Nelson Angang expressed his belief that most, if not all, parties would share the same sentiment, even if they have not yet expressed it openly.

He said UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedict, while sharing his views and proposals for potential coalition partners interested in working with UPKO and Pakatan Harapan, emphasised that UPKO is being forthright and transparent about its intentions.

"At least UPKO is honest and clear about its intentions," he stated.

Nelson highlighted that the current political landscape in the country and Sabah is both new and unique, with the presence of a unity government.

"If other parties intend to form a coalition in the upcoming state election, they must adopt a new and fresh approach," he emphasised.

He further added that the sincerity of forming a coalition lies in the honesty of its potential partners.

Those who persist in adhering to outdated notions that one party can dominate and make unilateral decisions, disregarding the opinions of others in the coalition, should be prepared to face extinction, he opined.

"It is true that UPKO only won one out of the twelve seats it contested in the previous Sabah election, where we competed against Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional," he acknowledged.

"GRS did not exist back then, and many predicted it would lead to the demise of UPKO. However, winning two parliamentary seats with PH in the last general election proved that UPKO is capable of more than what people believed," he elaborated.

Some may consider it a testament to the wisdom of UPKO's leaders in choosing the right partner and becoming part of PH, he opined.

"Disrespecting one party means disrespecting the rest of the parties in the coalition," he stressed.

He reiterated that the UPKO President was correct in proposing a new and fresh approach to seat negotiations among potential coalition partners.

"If there are some who disagree with the proposal and believe they would be better off, they are free to choose a different partner or run independently and contest in all the seats. After all, this is a democracy."