Sabah polls: Upko throws support behind Hajiji to form state government

UPKO which won three seats in the 17th Sabah General Election is believed to have thrown its support behind Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the formation of the new state government.

Last night, its president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, successfully defended the Kadamaian seat for the third term, while honorary president, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, captured the Tamparuli seat, a long-time stronghold of Parti Bersatu Sabah, which is part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

Madius, who is also the Tuaran member of parliament, secured 8,247 votes, winning with a majority of 2,556.

Moyog became the third seat won by Upko, with its deputy president, Datuk Donald Mojuntin, emerging victorious in another 13-cornered contest.

Upko, which exited the Pakatan Harapan coalition just days before nomination day, fielded 25 candidates out of 73 state seats. - November 30, 2025