UPKO Expresses Support For Hajiji As Chief Minister

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), through its three victorious candidates in the 17th Sabah State Election, has pledged its support for the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as the Chief Minister.

UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick said he personally attended Hajiji’s swearing-in as the 17th Chief Minister of Sabah at Istana Seri Kinabalu here early today.

“I, together with UPKO’s elected representatives, informed Hajiji that he is welcome to form a Sabah government composed entirely of local parties.

“The remainder, of course, will be for Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji to determine wisely when forming the Sabah Cabinet,” he said in a statement.

In yesterday’s state election, Ewon retained the Kadamaian seat, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau won in Tamparuli, and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin in Moyog.

Ewon said UPKO supports Hajiji’s leadership as Chief Minister based on the strengthening of values and good governance.

“UPKO urges the people of Sabah to unite to develop and advance the state and to reclaim their rights,” he said.

With 73 state seats contested, GRS won 29 seats, Warisan (25), Barisan Nasional (six), independent candidates (five), UPKO (three), STAR (two), while Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) won one seat each.

For the latest on the state polls, visit the Bernama microsite at https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php

-- BERNAMA