Adrian Lasimbang, a former Dewan Negara senator, has returned to the political scene after a two-year hiatus by rejoining Upko, a component of Pakatan Harapan. The indigenous rights activist had been without a party since leaving DAP in January 2022. Lasimbang was previously a member of Upko since 1999 but became non-active in 2008 when he was elected as the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (Joas). He then joined DAP in 2014.
Lasimbang was welcomed back into Upko by its president Datuk Ewon Benedick during the party’s executive meeting at a hotel in Penampang on Sunday. Lasimbang expressed his confidence in Upko’s new leadership under Benedick and stated his belief that the party can elevate Sabah to a better level than it is currently at. He also expressed his readiness to serve the party.
Benedick, in turn, welcomed Lasimbang back into Upko, highlighting the potential benefits of his return for the party’s struggles, particularly in innovation. He acknowledged Lasimbang’s expertise in the field and believed it could serve as a motivation for Sabahans, especially the youth, to explore entrepreneurship with a focus on innovation. Benedick, who is also the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, emphasized the importance of innovation in entrepreneurship.
Lasimbang’s return to Upko is part of a trend that includes other former figures returning to the party, such as former deputy president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing and Datuk Marcus Mojigoh. Benedick viewed the return of these former members and leaders as a strengthening of Upko as a local Sabah party, which currently boasts around 160,000 registered members.
During the executive meeting, Benedick detailed upcoming events for the party, including the convention, Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration, and Upko anniversary. The Kaamatan celebration is scheduled for May 11 and 12 in Kuala Penyu, with the Upko National Convention set for August 10. Prior to the convention, there will be the 30th Upko anniversary in Kota Kinabalu, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Pakatan chairman, has been invited to deliver a keynote address.
