KOTA KINABALU: President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, has announced his readiness to offer his leadership once again by defending the party’s presidency for another term in the UPKO 2026 elections.

He said this year marks the party elections at all levels, with UPKO set to hold its Congress on 8 and 9 August, which will include leadership elections in accordance with the party constitution.

“Members have full freedom to ensure that the democratic process is implemented transparently and efficiently at all levels.

“I hope this election will continue to unite us, not divide us. We must choose a line-up of leaders based on merit and potential, and who are able to offer leadership that is acceptable to the people — leaders who want to work for the people and lead the people,” he said when officiating the launch of UPKO’s 17th Triennial Delegates Conference here yesterday.

Ewon acknowledged that UPKO under his leadership is not perfect and still has its shortcomings, but stressed his commitment to continuously improving the party.

“The Sabah State Election highlighted the need for our party to strengthen its machinery at all levels, especially in every state constituency. We cannot win elections based on desire alone without solid grassroots machinery.

“Therefore, all divisions intending to participate in the next general election should use this year’s UPKO Triennial Delegates Conference to streamline and strengthen their branches, including the leadership committees at the state constituency level.

“If there is a need to amend the party constitution to strengthen the institutional leadership of state constituencies, then it should receive the support of all divisions,” he said.

Ewon added that UPKO will also strengthen the institution of UPKO’s elected representatives to ensure they are involved in party policy decision-making, including enhancing the roles of the Party Advisory Council and the Party Election Director.

“UPKO’s elected representatives are the main face of the party and must be at the forefront of leadership struggle and service delivery, becoming ambassadors and a true reflection of the party. UPKO’s elected representatives and all leaders must be free from controversy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ewon reiterated the need to diversify and strengthen the party’s machinery through the implementation of the initiative “One Division, One Association, One Cooperative, One Success Story”, in addition to organising more retreats, forums, and conventions related to the Sabah First agenda and vision.

He also welcomed the participation of new members, but stressed that the establishment of new branches and divisions must go through a process of internalisation and deep understanding of the party’s struggle over a two-year period before being endorsed by the Supreme Council.