PENAMPANG: Upko Penampang unanimously approved a motion for the posts of party president and deputy president not to be contested in the current party election term.
The motion, tabled by Upko Tulung branch chief Felix Sikou, was passed at the party’s Triennial Delegates Meeting held at Dewan Ramayah here on Saturday.
Felix said the proposal was not intended to undermine democracy within the party but to ensure stability, unity and focus as Upko prepares for the 17th General Election.
He said the current political landscape required stable leadership to ensure party operations were not disrupted.
“If the posts of president and deputy president are not contested for this term, the leadership and members can fully focus on strengthening the organisation, expanding public support and preparing the party machinery at all levels for the next general election,” he said when tabling the motion.
He said other party posts would still be open for contest to allow the emergence of new leaders, adding that this demonstrated the party’s continued commitment to democratic practice.
Felix said the motion also aimed to preserve unity within the party and ensure continuity of leadership in preparation for the next general election.
“Our struggle is not just about choosing leaders, but ensuring Upko remains a strong, united platform for the people of Sabah and ready to face future political challenges,” he said.
The meeting was officiated by Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
In the same meeting, delegates also passed a motion urging the party leadership to push for additional parliamentary and state assembly seats in Penampang through the redelineation exercise.
Upko Penampang Youth chief Billy Joe Dominick proposed the creation of a new Kapayan parliamentary seat covering the Bahang and Ganang state constituencies, while Penampang parliamentary seat would cover Moyog and Limbanak.
He said the increase in seats was necessary due to population growth, rapid development and urban expansion in Penampang, adding that it would improve service delivery and ensure more balanced development.
“With additional parliamentary and state seats, administration and service delivery to the people will be more efficient as each representative can focus on a smaller and more structured area,” he said.
The motions were supported by Upko Babah branch Youth chief Rajani Jojo, Upko Kampung Sarapung branch chief Gina Chau, Upko Penampang Youth deputy chief Alex John Gintos and Upko Kapayan member Charles Liew.
