Ewon, Donald Continue To Lead UPKO

PENAMPANG, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Both Datuk Ewon Benedick and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin have retained their positions as president and deputy president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) for the 2026-2029 term.

Their positions, along with that of five vice-presidents - held by Jairaiaz Joseph, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, Datuk Pangiran Lalung, Datuk Basari Sarikun, and Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambu - were not contested in the party election held in conjunction with the 17th UPKO triennial delegates conference here today.

Ewon said during the conference’s winding up speech that he respected democratic practices and the decision made by delegates at the election.

“This election should strengthen our party, not weaken it. All our party members are UPKO’s big family,” he said as he congratulated all leaders who were elected, adding that the new leadership has the duty of presenting the party’s resolutions to the government leadership, especially Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman.

“Leaders and UPKO elected representatives will also state their stand and party resolutions during debates in Parliament or the state legislative assembly,” he said.

Several UPKO wings witnessed changes in leadership, including Carlye Lajimin as new UPKO Youth  chief and Newbaxter Tibin as deputy chief, while Mohina Sidom defended her position as UPKO Women chief and Lomiti Jahan was elected as deputy chief.

Also, Emmanuel Atin was elected UPKO Young Generation chief, with Alison Chan as deputy chief.

-- BERNAMA