Kota Kinabalu: Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) has described the party's acceptance into Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a significant step towards consolidating Sabah-based political parties under a common platform.
He thanked GRS Chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and members of the coalition's Supreme Council for accepting Upko's application submitted on May 29.
Ewon said the development places Upko within a coalition of local parties that understands Sabah's aspirations and is committed to championing the State's interests.
He said the move was consistent with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which recognised Sabah's role in the formation of Malaysia and underscored the importance of regional representation.
Ewon said Upko would work to strengthen GRS and contribute towards Sabah's development, while urging Sabahans to unite in support of a common vision for the State's future.
