UPKO Supreme Council Blends Experience with New Talent

KOTA KINABALU: Fifteen of the 47 members of the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) Supreme Council for the 2026–2029 term are new faces, reflecting a blend of experienced leaders and fresh talent in strengthening the party’s leadership.UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the combination of former, existing and new leaders would help foster effective leadership and deliver meaningful results for the people.“As long as UPKO’s top leadership continues to lead with principles and integrity, maintains service-oriented and results-driven leadership, and begins its leadership journey at home, UPKO will remain relevant, respected and accepted,” he said.

He was speaking at the UPKO Top Leadership Pledge Ceremony, which brought together Supreme Council members and the executive committees of the party’s Wanita (Women), Pemuda (Youth) and Generasi Muda (GEM) movements for the 2026–2029 term. The ceremony was held here yesterday.

Ewon said the pledge ceremony served as a reminder to every leader of the reasons and objectives behind their leadership and service within UPKO, in line with the party’s aspirations.

He likened the pledge to promises made to parents during childhood to complete one’s education and become a useful member of society, as well as vows exchanged between spouses during marriage.

He also compared it to the commitment parents make to their children to provide the best possible opportunities for their future.

“I am confident that the unity of former, current and new leaders will help produce effective leadership that delivers results for the people,” he said.

The party’s ninth-term leadership is headed by Ewon, with Datuk Donald P. Mojuntin serving as deputy president.

The vice-presidents are Jairaiaz Joseph, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, Datuk Pangiran Lalung, Datuk Basari Sarkun, Datuk Laurentius Nayan Ambu, Junik Bajit, Dr Peter Jr Naintin, Carlyle Lajimin and Mohina Sidom.

Senator Datuk Nelson W. Angang has been appointed secretary-general, assisted by deputy secretaries-general Junsin Rumunzing and Georgina L. George.

Dennison R. Indang is the treasurer-general, with Kennedy J. Angian and Dato’ Jasni Shirlin serving as his deputies.

Felix J. Joseph has been appointed information chief, assisted by deputy information chiefs Aduka Jasnin Suman and Suzie Salapan.

Rowindy Lawrence Odong has been appointed organising secretary, while Jackson Juin Tannyuh will serve as deputy organising secretary.

In addition to the principal office-bearers, 25 individuals are listed as Supreme Council members, including GEM chief Emmanuel Atin.

Six members were appointed to the council: Datuk Sylvester Taing, Joisin Romut, Augustine Tuuga, Liau Kee Siong, Hanafi Haji Montoi and Haji Ismail Yusuf.