Datuk Ewon Benedick, the president of Upko, which is a component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, has stated that he and his party will not align themselves with any political alliance or government that promotes religious and racial extremism. He emphasized that Upko, being a multi-racial party with the support of indigenous people, rejects this political ideology. He further condemned the increasingly extreme statements made by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, stating that they could potentially harm the country. These remarks were made during the party’s National Convention in Manggatal.
During his first policy speech as president since taking over in January, Benedick urged Upko members to continue supporting the reform agenda of the Federal unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This agenda includes improving the nation’s economic structure, separating the functions of the Attorney General (AG) and Public Prosecutor (PP), implementing a political funding law, and enacting laws to address 3R (race, religion, and royal institution) issues.
Benedick expressed Upko’s support for the economic reforms initiated by the Prime Minister through the Madani Economic Framework. The government aims to raise the ceiling and enhance the private sector’s progressive wage policy, as well as improve wages in the public service sector. Upko also advocates for separating the roles of the AG and the PP, with the desired reform to be implemented during the Prime Minister’s leadership. Additionally, Benedick endorsed maintaining the Sedition Act to handle issues involving royal institutions and enacting new legislation to address race and religion matters.
The party also backs the drafting of the Political Funding Act to ensure better governance through party activities. Benedick highlighted the importance of winning more seats in the upcoming Sabah state election compared to the last snap state election in 2020, where Upko secured only one out of 12 contested seats. However, he emphasized that success in the upcoming election relies on leadership and machinery in the respective areas.
Benedick singled out the Kadamaian seat, part of the Kota Belud parliamentary area, as Upko’s stronghold due to the effective leadership and creativity displayed there. Upko is currently part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government along with other Pakatan partners DAP and PKR.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
