United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Wilfred Madius Tangau could be facing a challenge to his position, with vice-president Ewon Benedick announcing last night that he is ready to step up if members wished it.
Upko is currently a member of Pakatan Harapan but suffered heavy losses in the last Sabah state election, with only one out of 12 candidates winning their contests. That sole winner was Ewon in Kadamaian.
“I am not challenging anyone’s leadership but I would like to offer my own leadership record here in Kadamaian to the other party members.
“If they feel this record can be made into inspiration for the party, and if they feel the time has come, I am ready to take up the challenge,” Ewon was reported as saying by the Borneo Post.
He said this in his speech at the Upko Kota Belud triannual meeting in Taginambur in the presence of Upko deputy president Donald Peter Mojuntin, secretary-general Nelson Anggang and youth chief Felix Joseph Saang.
Notably, Madius is said to be in the United Kingdom and has yet to respond to Malaysiakini.
While his intent appears clear, Ewon's announcement was couched in vague terms.
“I know people have been saying there will be an announcement today. I leave it to the party, specifically to the Upko divisions to interpret my statement today.
"I am ready to take on the challenge if they want me to lead this party,” he said.
Ewon said Upko would not be able to compete against the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah without fresh inspiration and warned that the party could face divisions.
Madius, who is the Tuaran MP, has led Upko since the retirement of former chief minister Bernard Dompok. In the 2018 general election, Upko ran as part of the BN coalition but defected to support Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal in his power struggle against incumbent Musa Aman.
The defection was crucial, but Upko's fortunes have since plummeted with the fall of the Harapan government at the federal level and the Warisan-led administration at the state level.
Madius and Ewon are Upko’s only two elected representatives.
Previously, Madius was reportedly offered a “president mentor” position by senior party leaders to make way for Ewon.
The Upko leadership elections are expected to be held in October this year. - Mkini
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