'Sabah First' Policy Must Be Achieved Through Federal-state Cooperation – UPKO, PBRS

KOTA KINABALU, May 13 (Bernama) -- The 'Sabah First' policy, which prioritises the interests and needs of Sabah, must be pursued through effective cooperation and dialogue between the federal and state governments.

In a joint statement, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasised that while achieving this policy requires the collaboration of all local political parties, confrontation with the federal government is not the right approach.

UPKO and PBRS, both members of national coalitions, serve as a ’bridge from Sabah to Putrajaya'  and have consistently worked alongside other parties to address critical issues affecting Sabah, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“UPKO and PBRS remain committed to fostering unity among the people of Sabah, while also contributing to the broader unity of Malaysia,” read the statement.

UPKO is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, while PBRS is a component of Barisan Nasional.

Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and Arthur, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said their parties' efforts through their respective coalitions have resulted in positive outcomes. Nine of the MA63 demands have been addressed by the current MADANI government, and four others were met by the previous government.

The statement also noted that UPKO and PBRS will continue to advocate for the remaining MA63 demands, as well as the development needs under the ‘Sabah First’ policy in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).

Both parties stressed that local aspirations must form the foundation for political negotiations in Sabah ahead of the upcoming state election.

“Local aspirations are crucial for political alliances to navigate the state election while maintaining political stability and public harmony – both essential for building a brighter future for Sabah and a stronger Malaysia,” the statement added.

-- BERNAMA