Latest news with #Upko
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
'Strategic autonomy' for Sabah Pakatan in state polls a timely move, says Upko leader
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 on Wednesday (June 4). ALSO READ: All Pakatan matters on Sabah polls to be handled at state level, says Anwar 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. ALSO READ: Anwar meets Sabah PKR leaders amid political shifts 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.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Former Warisan star Rampas says not contesting Sabah polls on Upko ticket
KOTA KINABALU: Former beauty queen Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas denied claims circulating on social media that she will be contesting in the upcoming state election (PRN17) on a Upko-Pakatan Harapan ticket for the Kiulu (N15) seat. Responding to a viral Facebook post suggesting she had secured support from Upko members to run in Kiulu, Rampas dismissed the claim as completely untrue. 'This is not true. I still remain party-less to this day,' she told The Star. The 36-year-old, once regarded as Warisan's 'poster girl,' also confirmed that no political party has approached her regarding candidacy. "Nobody from Upko has contacted me, prior or even after this viral post … so I don't know where this is stemming from,' she said. Rampas, who was crowned Unduk Ngadau in 2007 and previously contested the seat under Warisan, said her current focus is on academic and media pursuits. 'Right now, I am focusing on my podcast project Smart Talks Sabah and academic research with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas),' she said. She dismissed the viral post as 'baseless and false,' speculating it could be the work of political cyber-troopers. 'Election fever is definitely kicking in... but I am happier interviewing politicians these days than being one,' she quipped. The post, shared by Facebook user Bunga Togingo, quoted a so-called 'reliable source' claiming Rampas was being backed as the Upko-Pakatan candidate in Kiulu for PRN17. It suggested she had a strong chance of winning, citing both the party's large membership in the constituency and her own loyal following. 'If this development materialises, incumbent YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai could face a tough challenge in retaining his seat,' the post read, referring to the current Kiulu assemblyman from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS). Rampas, currently on sabbatical from politics while pursuing her doctorate at Unimas, has also been seen attending PBS events, fuelling speculation she might be aligning with the party. However, she clarified that her attendance was strictly professional, as she had been invited to speak based on her academic research, particularly on youth empowerment and political participation under the Undi18 initiative.
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
13 MA63 issues have been resolved: Ewon
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Ewon examining a handcrafted knife showcased at the event venue. KOTA BELUD: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party's struggle and aspirations of the people must be translated into government policies and initiatives that benefit the people. Officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival at Dewan Terbuka Kadamaian Square, here, Saturday, he said the real struggle is not about slogans and rhetoric but implementation of high-impact programmes that benefit the people. Advertisement 'Upko will continue to voice opinions and contribute to the building of the Malaysian Federation and a better future for Sabah. 'We begin this obligation through ministry leadership by introducing the 'Look East Within the Nation' policy. 'This policy was created to address the unique needs and challenges in Sabah and Sarawak, which differ from those in peninsula and to find the best solutions so that the people of Borneo do not feel marginalised,' said the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives. Ewon said he has also ensured agencies under his Ministry provide comprehensive services and implement various initiatives tailored to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Advertisement These include the Skim Usahawan Tamu, Premis Tamu Desa and the Skim Pembiayaan Industri Kraf. He said his struggle began with the mandate given by the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, as well as the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister to lead the Ministry. 'We start with responsibility, fighting, discussing, negotiating and taking action based on consistent principles of struggle. 'Certainly, there is still much to fight for in the context of entrepreneurial and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak. 'However, with a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the federal and state governments, we can build a better Malaysia and Sabah,' he said. 'Among our struggles is fulfilling the purpose of Malaysia's establishment 62 years ago, when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya agreed to sign the Malaysia Agreement, leading to the formation of a new nation called Malaysia. 'Of the many issues we have fought for, 13 matters related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement have been fully resolved and finalised. This is a fact,' he said. He added that of the 13 resolved matters, nine were settled by the current government, involving both the Sabah state government and the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'As Upko President, I am proud that the party is part of the Federal Cabinet and has helped finalise nine issues that have been fought for over 62 years. 'Certainly, this is an achievement and success that we should celebrate together a harvest of struggle that we honour during the Kaamatan Festival,' he said. He also noted that there are still other demands to be fought for. 'That is why Upko calls for unity and cooperation among all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah and its leaders, to remain united.' He added that Upko's struggle in the government is not mere rhetoric but is clearly translated through policies, programs and the government's annual budget. 'Upko wants to collaborate with all parties that can bring progress and a better future for Malaysians, wherever they are. 'This includes our efforts to bring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the international market so that our local products are not only sold domestically but also gain recognition in the global market,' he said. Commenting on the spirit of unity, Ewon said Upko has no objections to any slogan that fosters unity. What matters, he said, is that Upko wants to see real unity, a struggle that can be translated into government programs and policies. At the event, he said the Kaamatan festival celebration is not only a symbol of gratitude for agricultural harvests but also a platform to celebrate achievements in various fields, including education, careers, public service, corporate sectors, entrepreneurial movements and cooperatives. 'As we uphold cultural heritage, we should embrace the Kaamatan Festival as a symbol of success and the fruits of continuous struggle.' * 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
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Ewon stresses policy impact, unity, and progress for Sabah and Upko
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 Text Size: Upko President and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasized that the party's struggle and people's aspirations must be reflected in government policies and impactful programs benefiting all citizens. Speaking at the Upko Kaamatan Festival in Kota Belud, he highlighted the launch of the 'Eastern Malaysia Focus Policy' through Kuskop, addressing the unique challenges in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure Borneo communities are not marginalized. Advertisement Ewon assured that his ministry is implementing initiatives tailored to Sabah and Sarawak's needs, such as entrepreneur schemes, village market premises, and craft industry financing, fulfilling Upko's mandate to represent Sabah's interests in the federal government. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between federal and state governments to advance entrepreneurship and cooperatives, aiming to bring local products to international markets. On unity, Ewon called for genuine cohesion beyond slogans, reflected in government policies and programs. He also noted the Kaamatan Festival as a celebration of cultural heritage and achievements across education, careers, and entrepreneurship. Ewon proudly cited Upko's role in resolving nine of the 13 Malaysia Agreement points, marking significant progress for Sabah under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Advertisement While acknowledging remaining challenges, he urged all Malaysians, especially Sabahans and state leaders, to continue working together in unity for a better future. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Struggle for Sabah's rights not exclusive to one party, says ex-CM
Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said the struggle for the state's rights belongs to all Sabahans. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The struggle for Sabah's rights is not a cause exclusive to any single party, Salleh Said Keruak said today following calls for the state government to be led by local parties. The former Sabah chief minister said there was an assumption that only local parties were entitled to speak on Sabah's rights. 'In truth, this struggle belongs to all Sabahans,' he said, noting that Sabah-based parties such as Upko and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) had opted to work within national coalitions to ensure that Sabah's voice is better heard at the federal level. Salleh said this when officiating a Lahad Datu Umno meeting. He also said that political parties were merely platforms, irrespective of whether they were local or national. He said the more important matter was the sincerity and capability of leaders in bringing the issues affecting Sabahans to 'a higher level'. 'What the people of Sabah want today is not about who is more 'Sabahan' or more 'local'. What truly matters is who is sincere, stable, and capable of fulfilling their promises,' he said. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor said last Friday that the coalition would go solo in the state election if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) had finalised their electoral pact. He said local Sabah parties should form the backbone and head of the state government. PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim however said he was optimistic that the three coalitions would be able to reach an agreement for the state election. Salleh said last Friday that BN and PH's pact for the Sabah election was a step towards ensuring political stability in the Bornean state, which he described as crucial.
