Madius not defending UPKO presidency, giving way to Ewon
PENAMPANG: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau will not be defending his post in the upcoming 16th UPKO Triennial Delegates Conference.
“I have decided not to defend my position as president of UPKO in the upcoming term,” he said.
The conference will be held on October 15 and 16.
He also announced that UPKO’s new president will be Kadamaian assemblyman and UPKO vice president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Madius said that he felt confident that the new leadership led by 39-year-old Ewon will ensure UPKO will continue to be focused and committed as a local party that defends the political affairs and rights of the people, especially in facing the nation’s political scenario where there will be more involvement of new and young voters due to the automatic vote-18.
Speaking to the media at the UPKO headquarters near here on Wednesday, Madius also said that he had been given the trust by all the Supreme Council members, division heads and honorary president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, to become UPKO’s new honorary president
He added that he will carry out the trust and responsibility given to him, and will help and work with the new UPKO leadership.
“What is certain, the leadership of UPKO will be more focused after this. As the new prospective president of UPKO and as a member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Ewon Benedick will be able to focus on political affairs and UPKO’s struggle in Sabah,” he said.
Madius also shared that he will defend the P.170 Tuaran parliamentary seat in the upcoming 15th General Election.
He refused to divulge information on other seats the party is going to contest.
He added that UPKO will continue to fight for the voice of the people at both Sabah and national political levels, especially when it comes to policy making decisions.
Madius also said that UPKO’s deputy president position will continue to be held by the head of UPKO Penampang Division, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.
Meanwhile, Ewon shared that he joined UPKO in 2005 and had experienced the leadership of two presidents, Dompok and Madius.
He added that the position would be a big challenge, but noted that the responsibility will be carried by all members of the party.