UPKO uphold nation's sovereignity

11 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG : The United Progressive Kinabalu (UPKO) pledge to uphold the sovereignty of our independent nation and protect the rights and safety of Malaysian citizens.

It's President Datuk Ewon Benedick said while fighting for the implementation of unresolved matters in MA63, the nation's sovereignty must be upheld.

Speaking during UPKO National convention here today he said, they are resolute in rejecting external propaganda that seeks to claim Sabah as their own as Sabah is a sovereign territory.

"Let us appreciate the commitment and firmness of the Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim and the leaders of the MADANI Government who responded firmly when there were attempts to challenge our nation's sovereignty in Sabah."

"Our party should be proud to be under the leadership of a nation that successfully fought off the Sulu heirs' claims overseas."

"Our party should show appreciation to the Special Task Force Handling the Sulu Claims led by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dato Azalina Othman Said, for continuously thwarting external attempts to challenge our nation's sovereignty," he went on to say.

"The MADANI Government has also introduced the Foreign Powers Immunity Jurisdiction Act 2023, which allows Malaysian courts to summon and prosecute any party challenging our nation's sovereignty outside the country. If any country revokes our immunity, we can also revoke their immunity in Malaysia."

At the same time, party members must continue to ensure that residential areas, land ownership, and economic enterprises are free from illegal immigrants (PATI), he stressed.

"Do not rent out homes and premises to PATI. Prevent before it spreads, report to eradicate. This is a fundamental effort where we can be part of the solution to ensure our sovereignty and independence are continually defended," he opined.

He stated that UPKO supports the aspirations of the Rukun Negara.

"Therefore, for the first time in the history of the Party Convention, we have recited the pledge of the Rukunegara as a reminder to all party members of our responsibility to build this nation based on the five fundamental principles of the Rukun Negara."

"The MADANI Government has decided that the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge should be included in official events to revive our patriotic spirit, uphold the principles of Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, and uphold the importance of legal principles and ethical conduct for the multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious population."