Upko joins PH to realise decentralised, progressive and multicultural federation

Upko Secretary-General Nelson W Angang

26 Aug 2021

By Ilona Andrew

KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko)'s decision to be part of Pakatan Harapan (PH) is to ensure that its party's aspiration of a decentralised, progressive and multicultural federation gets realised, said its Secretary-General Nelson W Angang.

He lauded PH's big tent approach to build a solid block that can provide a core for the next government as well as a coherent and feasible Governance programme for Malaysia's post-Covid resurgence.

"Upko has rebranded itself in 2019 to uphold and promote multi-ethnic politics as a progressive party.

"Our party’s struggle is to serve the people, irrespective of race, religion and ethnicity. This is the same struggle we find in Pakatan Harapan’s endeavours.

"It is important for Upko to find the right partner that upholds the same spirit in serving the best interests of all Malaysians and the party believes that PH is the coalition of parties that align with this aspiration," he said in a statement today.

According to Nelson, the party is assured as an equal partner and will be bringing ideas of reform from the perspective of the Borneons.

"Many times, we have seen policies that do not fit our demography. For Upko to change the statu -quo, our voices and ideas must be heard," he said, also stressing that decision-making in important areas is often centralised.

This, he added, would be more effectively fought on a national platform with a coalition of national parties. "Therefore, a strong partnership at the Federal level is highly needed."

Meanwhile, Nelson also mentioned that PH is the right partner for Upko to forge a partnership in the struggle to achieve the full realisation of Malaysia Agreement 63 (MA63).

"Pakatan Harapan is a coalition of progressive parties that respect, understand, and share the same aspiration of our continuous fight for the MA63.

"It is timely for Upko to formally join PH as a component party and to actively support the dynamic of strengthening the opposition bloc in its struggle to achieve a progressive Malaysia."

Upko has today officially joined PKR, DAP and Amanah as one of PH's component parties. This was announced by PH chief secretary Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said Upko's participation will be able to strengthen the cooperation of parties from the Opposition bloc in facing the 15th General Election (GE15).