UPKO’s progress shared in Perak

8 April 2024

By Nabalu News Reporter

IPOH: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (UPKO) history and struggle to the present day was related to the attendees of UPKO Mini Convention and Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Talk for Orang Asli in Perak, today.

Presented by member of UPKO Supreme Council Carl Mosoom, he shared that the evolution of UPKO, from its origins in the negotiations for the establishment of Malaysia in 1961 to its current form as the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, showcases a commitment to representing the indigenous people of Sabah, particularly the Kadazandusun community.

The party's growth and transformation, as evidenced by the increase in membership numbers and expansion into various divisions, reflect a dedication to embracing diversity and unity among different ethnicities and religions, he said.

As a member of UPKO Supreme council Carl believed that it is important to encourage more indigenous people to join UPKO to strengthen the collective voice in advocating for their rights and representation in the Malaysian government.

The President Datuk Ewon Benedick's vision of a Malaysia where every citizen has access to wealth, development, and a place to call home resonates with the party's mission, he said adding that the significant increase in membership in areas like UPKO Tuaran, Penampang, and Kota Belud highlights the party's stronghold in these traditional seats and the efforts to expand its reach.

“The dedication and hard work of leaders like Datuk Ewon in growing membership numbers demonstrate the party's commitment to its cause,” he said.

According to him, UPKO has undergone transformations and in addition to its original struggle since 1961, 1994, and 1999, “we are proud to embrace the struggle of various ethnicities and religions, especially the indigenous people.”

“The UPKO division with the largest number of members is UPKO Tuaran with 18,880 members, followed by Penampang with 13,394 members and Kota Belud with 8,508 members. I intentionally share this data because these three areas are traditional UPKO seats up to this day. For Kota Belud, this is the result of the hard work of Datuk Ewon himself, where the Kadamaian Kota Belud State Assembly seat was originally a seat of our party's ally.”

“As of the 1/2024 highest council meeting on February 18, 2024, the number of approved members by the Supreme Council is 160,143, with UPKO Perak having 2,281 members. The breakdown by divisions is as follows: UPKO Tg. Malim with 670 members, UPKO Tapah with 531 members, UPKO Gopeng with 563 members, and UPKO Parit with 517 members,” he shared.

He said the success of UPKO is due to teamwork, dedication, and determination.

“We need a solid foundation to ensure that the direction of a party's struggle receives attention and focus. These words of encouragement and inspiration aim to motivate everyone to continue their efforts as a strong team under the name of UPKO, to realise all plans and aspirations in our region. It is our dream and desire in UPKO to see some movement and influence in the near future, resulting in more Members of Parliament or State Assembly members.”