Tun Fuad’s patriotism in our blood – Madius
RANAU: The task at hand is enormous but United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has what it takes to assist the community to achieve greater heights.
“Yes, the challenges facing us are like nothing we have seen before. It is indeed scary. But make no mistake about it, Upko is here to stay; the patriotism inherited from the Tun Fuad (Stephens) era is well, alive and in our blood,” said acting president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.
Speaking at the Upko Ranau Convention at the Community Centre here on Saturday, Madius put into perspective that Malaysia was only formed after the agreement from Upko leaders representing the Pasokmomogun community.
The leaders were Tun Fuad and Datuk GS Sundang, founders of Upko.
It was only apt, he said that the Upko of today upholds dearly the conditions set by its founding leaders, particularly relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“Upko held a Malaysia Day Forum on Sept 15. Leaders such as Datuk Yap Pak Leong and Tan Sri Ghani Gilong shared their first hand experience of the birth of our country.
“That spirit, the thirst to become better and at least be on par with other communities including in the international arena are in Upko's vein, our life. We are now continuing their noble struggle,” he added.
Therefore, in its quest to continue to be better, he said, Upko welcomes everyone who subscribed to the party's struggle to fight for the people of Sabah based on a principle centred on servanthood leadership.
The event saw Madius accepting 34 application forms from youth and the younger generation joining Upko.
Madius, who is also Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, also accepted a group of 250 new members led by former Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir during the convention.
“Their entry into the party's fold was clear proof that Upko is becoming stronger by the day. We are happy to see the party as the choice of the people,” he added.
Also present at the convention were Ranau Upko chief Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin and Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology Datuk Siringan Gubat.