SABAH-based party United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) has officially been accepted as member of Pakatan Harapan today.
“I’m pleased to inform that UPKO had applied to join our coalition and the Pakatan presidential council has agreed to accept the party as a component member.
“We believe that UPKO’s membership in the bloc would further strengthen us in our preparation to face the 15th General Election,” Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said, in a statement.
UPKO, a multi-racial party, was formerly known as the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation until it’s name was changed in 2019.
Currently, it only holds one seat at the Dewan Negara and one more at Dewan Rakyat. Its president Wilfred Madius Tangau serves as the Tuaran MP.
Before the 2018 general election, Madius served as the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister under the Barisan Nasional Government.
Strengthening ties among Opposition parties
Pakatan itself used to comprise of four parties; PKR, DAP, Parti Amanah Negara and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). However, Bersatu quit the coalition in Feb 2020, triggering Pakatan to lose federal power.
On that note, Saifuddin stressed that Pakatan is open to working with any political outfit in order to increase its chances of winning the next general election.
“As per the ‘big tent’ approach touted by Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, we will continue strengthening our cooperation with Parti Warisan Sabah, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and others.
“Therefore, Pakatan will be holding a meeting with top leaders of all Opposition parties soon discuss the matter and prepare ourselves for the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting on Sept 6,” the former minister remarked. – Aug 26, 2021
Photo credit: Malaysiakini
