PENAMPANG: Datuk Ewon Benedick remains President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), while Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin retains the Deputy President post after both positions went uncontested at the party’s 17th Triennial Delegates Congress at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall here.
Five Vice Presidents were also returned unopposed, namely Jairaiaz Joseph, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, Datuk Pangiran Lalung, Datuk Basari Sarikun and Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambu.
Delivering his closing address, Ewon said he respected the democratic process and the decisions made by delegates during the party election.
“This election should strengthen our party, not weaken it. All our party members are part of the big Upko family,” he said, adding that six motions tabled at the congress were debated and passed.
He said the new leadership line-up was responsible for conveying the party’s resolutions to the government leadership, particularly Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Ewon added that Upko leaders and elected representatives would also carry the party’s positions and resolutions into debates in Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly.
As a member of the Sabah Cabinet, he said he had a responsibility to convey the party’s positions and decisions within the government.
He said Upko would continue improving its organisational structure, including the Supreme Council, bureaus, Community Liaison Centre and divisions nationwide.
“We are preparing the party, not merely for elections, but to sustain our struggle and give the best service to the country, the state of Sabah and the people as a whole,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of making Upko an inclusive party by giving members from various regions, divisions, religions and ethnicities in Sabah a role and a voice.
“Our goal is to make this party continue to serve and fight for the people, the state and the country,” he said.
Several Upko wings also saw leadership changes through their respective elections.
Carlye Lajimin was elected as the new Upko Youth Chief, with Newbaxter Tibin as Deputy Chief. Carlye, who previously served as Upko Youth Deputy Chief at the central level, takes over from Felix Joseph Saang for the new term.
For Upko Wanita, Mohina Sidom retained her post as Chief after successfully defending the position, while Lomiti Jahan was elected Deputy Chief.
The Upko Young Generation Movement also welcomed new leadership, with Emmanuel Atin elected Chief, replacing Seheral Linus. Alison Chan was elected Deputy Chief, taking over from Russell Flavian.
Seheral and Russell made way for the new leadership to steer the Young Generation Movement in the coming term.
The leadership changes at the party wing level give the new leaders an opportunity to introduce their own approaches and agendas, in line with the needs of the party and young Sabahans.
