Upko Distances Itself From Talks With Sabah Parties For Now

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Upko leader Ewon Benedick has clarified that the former Pakatan Harapan component has not initiated talks with other Sabah-based parties but is open to working with them later.
He said he also has not held any meeting with other local parties, including Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), to forge new alliances for the Sabah polls.
Ewon told reporters that Upko’s immediate focus was to reorganise its campaign machinery ahead of tomorrow’s nomination day, where the party is expected to present its first slate under the banner of Sabah First.
“There has been none (talks). As of now, I want to confirm… although there are statements in the media… I confirm there has not been any meeting between Upko and any other local party,” he said when asked by reporters after the party convention in Penampang last night.
ADSWhen asked about Star, Ewon simply responded, “No meeting.”
This comes after Star president Jeffrey Kitingan said he would meet with Upko to discuss a possible cooperation for the Sabah election.
Shared goals
Still, Ewon acknowledged that Upko’s party constitution allows cooperation with any organisation that shares its goals.
“Who understands Sabahans better than Sabah parties themselves?
“Upko keeps its door open, before, during or after the election, to any party that can work with us towards strengthening Sabah’s rights,” he said.
Ewon has framed the “Sabah First” slogan as a Sabah’s political “referendum” on Sabah’s constitutional rights, especially the state’s 40 percent revenue entitlement, which the High Court ruled in October must be settled within 180 days.
“Sabah First is based on Sabah’s rights in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“These rights must be decided by the people of Sabah, by Sabah parties and by a Sabah government, without needing views from outside Sabah,” he said.
Although the federal government had implemented 13 MA63 items, he said “many others remain unresolved”, leaving the coming state election as a chance for voters to decide how firmly the next Sabah administration should pursue what is still owed.
“This election should be a referendum. A referendum for a more principled Sabah government, and one more effective in securing what is owed, especially the 40 percent,” he said. - Mkini

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