KOTA KINABALU — The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) has formally submitted its application to become a component party of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

UPKO President Ewon Benedick led a party delegation in a meeting with Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who is also the chairman of GRS, to officially present the application.

Ewon said UPKO aims to contribute towards strengthening unity and cooperation among Sabah-based political parties in efforts to build a stronger future for the state while continuing to uphold the rights enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.

He added that UPKO’s “Sabah First” vision aligns closely with GRS’ Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 agenda, which he said should be further reinforced through closer cooperation and greater unity among local Sabah parties.

“The Sabah First vision championed by UPKO is in line with the struggle of GRS through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework, which must be strengthened through closer collaboration and unity among local Sabah-based parties,” he said.

Ewon also revealed that UPKO’s Supreme Council meeting on May 25 unanimously agreed to apply to join GRS as a component party.