Latest news with #FelixJosephSaang


Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Prime Minister's decision is wise and timely, says Upko
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. Kota Kinabalu: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement Wednesday. On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and, therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the State and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Upko Youth welcomes full trust in PH Sabah, vows support for state polls
Felix KOTA KINABALU (June 4): The decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to grant full autonomy to Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership ahead of the upcoming state election (PRN) is seen as timely and appropriate. UPKO Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said the move reflects the federal coalition's confidence in the capabilities and political maturity of PH Sabah under the leadership of its chairman, Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said the decision acknowledges the importance of allowing local leaders to devise strategies based on the political landscape and sentiments of Sabahans. 'This strategic autonomy approach not only strengthens the party's grassroots machinery but also facilitates negotiations among component parties on seat distribution and field cooperation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Sabah's political context is distinct and complex. The mandate given to PH Sabah allows for more inclusive, localised and targeted strategies. 'Our focus is on Sabah's development, improving rural infrastructure, tackling poverty, and safeguarding the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' he added. Felix said the recent official meeting between Anwar and the PH Sabah leadership marked a significant milestone in state-level political cooperation. 'With the mandate, Ewon is now positioned to drive strategic partnerships among coalition parties in Sabah. 'I am confident he will be able to coordinate preparations for the PRN, including negotiations with allies and campaign planning,' he said. As Sabah Harapan Youth leader, Felix said he would fully support the initiative and work to engage young voters while continuing to advocate for the rights of Sabahans. 'Youth will play a vital role in outreach efforts. We are ready to work with any party that respects and upholds Sabah's rights. 'This initiative aims to strengthen PH's position in Sabah ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested state election, with priority given to development, state autonomy, and the people's welfare,' he said.


Daily Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Better than past Federal leaders'
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 Text Size: Felix stressed that nine out of the 13 issues related to the MA63 demands have been fully resolved. Kota Kinabalu: Although several Sabah leaders held federal minister posts for dozens of years, their achievements are no match for Upko's where fighting for the rights of the state is concerned. 'We are not just speaking out, we are acting. We put forward proposals, we fight for the implementation of MA63 and we ensure that the demands of the people of Sabah are given due attention in national policy,' said its Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang. He was responding to actions of some groups trying to belittle Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick's efforts in fighting for the rights and interests of Sabah. 'Ewon's excellence in achieving several successes regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is far better than other leaders. 'Among the most obvious successes is the Amendment of the Inland Revenue Board Act (IRB) to include official representatives of the Sabah and Sarawak Governments in addition to the increase in special grants as an interim solution which now amounts to RM600 million, the highest so far. We will certainly continue to demand 40 per cent rights,' he said in a statement. Felix stressed that nine out of the 13 issues related to the MA63 demands have been fully resolved. All this happened during the Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Upko being represented in the Federal Cabinet. Felix said Upko is now among the most active voices demanding implementation of MA63, especially administrative rights, state revenue and infrastructure development in Sabah. 'Some of the demands fought by Upko have received positive feedback from the Federal Government,' he said. Felix criticised the political culture of some leaders who speak loud without solutions or thoughtful ideas. 'We do not want to be leaders only good at talking outside, but fail in the Cabinet and Parliament. 'It thus positions Upko as one of the important pillars in today's Unity Government.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia