Sabah first: Ewon says Upko's GRS entry is about standing as strong as Sarawak

Sabah's Political Landscape Shifts: Upko Seeks Unity in GRS, Championing Local Power

A significant political realignment is underway in Sabah, with a prominent local party making a strategic move to bolster the presence and influence of state-based political entities. The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) has formally applied to join the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), signaling a renewed commitment to a "Sabah First" agenda and the strengthening of local political alliances.

Forging a United Front: The "Sabah First" Imperative

Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick articulated a clear vision for the party's role in the state's political ecosystem. He emphasized the critical need for Sabah-based parties to unite and cooperate, drawing a parallel to the spirit of self-determination that has historically defined the region.

Benedick, who also holds the position of Deputy Chief Minister III, stressed that this unity is not merely symbolic but essential for effective governance and the advancement of Sabah's interests. He urged party machinery, particularly in areas like Kadamaian within the Kota Belud constituency, to actively contribute to this overarching goal.

The core principle, as defined by Benedick, is to prioritize Sabah's well-being and autonomy above all else. This means fostering an environment where local parties work collaboratively rather than engaging in adversarial tactics.

Beyond Internal Rivalries: A Call for Cooperation

The call for unity extends to a plea for local parties to refrain from attacking one another. Benedick believes that such internal conflicts detract from the collective effort needed to serve the people and secure the future of Sabah.

Instead of focusing on perceived differences, the emphasis should be on shared objectives and mutual benefit. This cooperative approach, he suggested, will pave the way for smoother development initiatives in regions like Kadamaian and enhance the ability to protect the interests of Kota Belud and Sabah as a whole.

This perspective is rooted in past experiences where, despite being part of national coalitions, certain state-related matters faced challenges at the federal level. Benedick highlighted that such situations underscore the importance of a strong, unified bloc of Sabah-based parties.

The Strategic Move: Joining Gabungan Rakyat Sabah

Upko's application to join GRS is a direct response to these observations and a proactive step towards achieving greater political consensus. The party officially submitted its application to the Chief Minister, who also serves as the GRS Chairman, on May 29.

The intention behind this application is to fortify GRS into a formidable coalition, drawing inspiration from historical alliances that championed Sabah's unique identity. Benedick expressed a desire to see GRS emulate the strength and solidarity of the Sabah Alliance that existed in 1963.

He noted that many leaders within GRS have prior experience with national political parties, giving them a deep understanding of the complexities involved in defending Sabah's rights and interests. This shared understanding is seen as a valuable asset in strengthening the state government under the Chief Minister's leadership.

Upholding Principles: No Compromise on Advocacy

Benedick was quick to reassure that Upko's participation in GRS will not dilute its commitment to advocating for the people and the state. The party's core mission and its long-standing championing of key issues will remain undiminished.

He stressed that joining GRS is not about sacrificing the party's identity or its role in the national political discourse. Instead, it is about leveraging a stronger, unified platform to better serve Sabah.

The ultimate goal, according to Benedick, is to see Sabah governed by its own local parties, capable of engaging with other states on an equal footing. This vision of self-governance and parity is a driving force behind Upko's strategic decisions.

A Vision for the Future: Parity with Sarawak and Beyond

The aspiration is for Sabah to stand as strong and as firm as Sarawak in its dealings with Peninsular Malaysia. This pursuit of equal partnership is central to Upko's political philosophy and its engagement with GRS.

Benedick expressed optimism that Upko's inclusion in GRS will significantly strengthen the state government. Furthermore, he believes it will better position the coalition to face upcoming electoral challenges with a united front.

The ultimate aim is to see a coalition of Sabah local parties contest in every constituency, presenting a unified voice and a common agenda. This strategic consolidation, beginning with the application to join GRS, is seen as a crucial step towards realizing a more empowered and self-determined Sabah.