Three Upko Keningau leaders sacked

PENAMPANG: The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) yesterday sacked its three Keningau leaders.

“The trio - Datuk Justin Guka and his two aides - are sacked with immediate effect. Upko does not condone their actions; Upko has nothing to do with them starting today,” said Datuk Alex Martin after chairing the disciplinary committee meeting at the party headquarters.

“We took note that Justin’s resignation was not done in accordance with the proper procedure. What made it intolerable is the fact the he offered himself as an independent candidate,” he added.

Justin, who was Upko Keningau chief, was sacked based on the party’s constitution Article 61(ix); while vice chief Baidi Aripin and organising secretary Bungkilau Kimin were sacked based on Article 61(iii)(d).

“The trio could appeal but not to us; they can appeal to the Supreme Council. We wish them all the best,” said Martin, adding the committee has full independent power to deliberate and impose penalties against those who act against the party constitution.

Justin submitted his resignation from all divisional and central posts but only to divisional secretary Jamestan Dominic last week.

He then filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Keningau parliamentary and Bingkor state seats in the May 9 general election. Arifin was his proposer while Kimin was the seconder.