UPKO’s three elected representatives pledge support for Hajiji Noor’s leadership as Sabah chief minister, endorsing a government of local parties
KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation has pledged its support for Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s leadership as Sabah chief minister.
UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick personally attended Hajiji’s swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu earlier today.
Ewon confirmed that UPKO’s three elected representatives have informed Hajiji he is welcome to form a Sabah government composed entirely of local parties.
“The remainder, of course, will be for Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji to determine wisely when forming the Sabah Cabinet,” he said in a statement.
In yesterday’s state election, Ewon retained the Kadamaian seat while Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau won in Tamparuli and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin in Moyog.
Ewon said UPKO supports Hajiji’s leadership based on strengthening values and good governance.
“UPKO urges the people of Sabah to unite to develop and advance the state and to reclaim their rights,” he added.
With 73 state seats contested, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah won 29 seats followed by Warisan with 25 and Barisan Nasional with six.
Independent candidates secured five seats while UPKO won three and STAR obtained two.
Perikatan Nasional, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat and Pakatan Harapan each won one seat in the election. – Bernama
