PENAMPANG, Aug 10, 2026 — Datuk Ewon Benedick will continue to lead the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) as president, while Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin retains his position as deputy president after both posts went uncontested at the party’s 17th Triennial Delegates Conference here today.

Five vice-presidents were also elected unopposed — Jairaiaz Joseph, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, Datuk Pangiran Lalung, Datuk Basari Sarikun and Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambu.

In his closing address, Ewon said he respected the democratic process and the decisions made by delegates during the party election.

He congratulated all those elected, describing the outcome as an effort to further strengthen the party.

“This election should strengthen our party, not weaken it. All our party members are part of the UPKO family,” he said.

Ewon said all six motions tabled at the conference had also been passed after being debated by delegates.

He said the new leadership would be responsible for conveying the party’s resolutions to the government, particularly to Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.

“UPKO leaders and elected representatives will also bring the party’s positions and resolutions to debates in Parliament and the Sabah Legislative Assembly,” he said.

Ewon, who is a member of the Sabah Cabinet, said he also had a responsibility to convey the party’s positions and decisions within the state government.

He said UPKO would continue improving its organisational structure, including the Supreme Council, bureaus, CLCs and divisions nationwide.

“We are preparing the party not merely for elections, but to continue the struggle and provide the best service to the country, Sabah and the people as a whole,” he said.

Ewon also stressed the importance of making UPKO an inclusive party by providing opportunities and roles for members from different regions, divisions, religions and ethnic communities in Sabah.

“Our goal is to ensure that this party continues to serve and fight for the people, the state and the country,” he said.

New Leadership in Party Wings

Meanwhile, several UPKO wings saw changes in leadership following their respective elections.

Carlye Lajimin was elected as the new chief of the UPKO Youth Movement, with Newbaxter Tibin elected as deputy chief.

Carlye, who previously served as deputy chief of the UPKO central youth wing, succeeds Felix Joseph Saang for the new term.

In the UPKO Women’s Movement, Mohina Sidom retained her position as chief after successfully defending her post, while Lomiti Jahan was elected as deputy chief.

The UPKO Young Generation Movement also welcomed a new leadership team, with Emmanuel Atin elected as chief, succeeding Seheral Linus.

Alison Chan was elected deputy chief, replacing Russell Flavian.

Seheral and Russell stepped aside to make way for the new leadership team to lead the UPKO Young Generation Movement for the coming term.

The changes at the party-wing level are expected to provide space for a new generation of leaders to introduce their own approaches and agendas in line with the party’s priorities and the needs of Sabah’s younger population.