UPKO President Ewon Benedick Thanks Sabah Voters, Congratulates Hajiji on Reappointment

30 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick has extended his gratitude to the people of Sabah for fulfilling their democratic responsibility in the recently concluded state election, while congratulating Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor on his reappointment as Chief Minister.

In a statement today, Ewon thanked all Sabahans who participated in the election, and offered special appreciation to the 64,471 voters who supported UPKO candidates across the state.

With the support of the people, UPKO has been given the mandate in Kadamaian, Tamparuli and Moyog through Ewon Benedick, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin respectively. .

Ewon reaffirmed that the three UPKO representatives would continue to uphold and champion the Sabah First agenda, while providing strong leadership and dedicated service in their constituencies.

“They are not only representatives of their respective areas, but must also serve as representatives for the whole of Sabah,” he said, stressing that UPKO would continue to fight for Sabah’s rights, particularly the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement which he described as essential for development, welfare and the well-being of Sabahans.

Ewon also congratulated Chief Minister Hajiji, who was sworn in earlier the same morning. He noted that UPKO’s three elected representatives had supported Hajiji’s appointment and that he had personally attended the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu.

He said UPKO had conveyed to Hajiji that he now has the mandate to form a state government comprised entirely of local parties.

“Ultimately, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji is the most qualified to determine the composition of the Sabah State Cabinet,” Ewon added.

He stressed that the relationship between the State and Federal Governments must be rooted in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Sabah’s constitutional rights, and that these rights must be firmly upheld in the pursuit of national political stability.

Ewon affirmed UPKO’s support for Hajiji’s leadership, emphasising the importance of strong values and commendable governance.

He also urged all Sabahans to unite for the development and advancement of the state and to reclaim its rightful entitlements.

Ewon added that the election results should serve as a lesson and preparation for the next general election, ensuring that the Sabah First agenda can be fully realised.

He ended by thanking UPKO personnel, supporters, and all election workers who ensured the smooth running of Sabah’s democratic process.