Lasimbang rejoins to boost Penampang Upko
Published on: Monday, March 25, 2024
By: Jonathan Nicholas
Ewon (second right) hands over Adrian’s membership card.
PENAMPANG: Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick said the official return of former senator Adrian Lasimbang to the party on Sunday gives it an edge on environmental issues, among others.
Ewon said he would be raising the ideas of the founder of Tonibung and Centre for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies (Create) in Cabinet.
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Adrian left Upko after he was not fielded for the Pensiangan seat and joined DAP before a political hiatus in 2022. His sister Jannie Lasimbang is DAP Kapayan Assemblywoman.
“The government of today puts major focus on the environment and climate change. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Germany had Malaysia invited into the Climate Club.
“Adrian’s return is fitting as he is an environmental activist and his expertise is beneficial for the party.
“Innovation wise, Adrian has a centre in Penampang which has proven an impact on Sabah’s community. This ought to be synergised with entrepreneurship and cooperatives,” Ewon said.
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Adrian, meanwhile, said it’s a homecoming and an opportunity to learn and gather experience while continuing the struggle to fulfil the people’s aspirations.
“Upko has since been rebranded. I am sure it will bring innovation and new school politics. I believe that under Ewon, Upko is capable of elevating Sabah to a higher level. I’m ready to serve,” he said.
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No application form was needed for Adrian’s comeback as Ewon in 2023 had promised direct membership for all former members.
Meanwhile, Ewon said the party’s 30th anniversary and convention would be held beginning Aug. 9 and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend.
“The Council also decided that the Upko Kaamatan celebrations will be held in Kuala Penyu for two days on May 11. It will be hosted by Upko Beaufort.
“Besides the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant and cultural activities it will also implement cooperative empowerment for the micro, small and medium enterprises,” the Entrepreneur and Co-operatives Development Minister said.
Upko has over 160,000 members.
On the coming elections Ewon said Upko does not want a single party to become a dictator of one issue. “Upko and the PH (Pakatan Harapan) coalition should be making the correct decision to maintain Anwar as leader.
“At the same time PH should have its rightful place in Sabah’s political scene,” he said.
He said Upko is taking the “mature” approach in its discussions with other components and coalitions in preparation for the Sabah election.
“We are in the Madani government, which has several coalitions in the unity government at the Federal level while in Sabah, we have our own dynamic.
“When we are with our friends from other components, we always voice our opinions, vision and party stance. We do not want one party to dictate on a certain issue, it has to be discussed maturely.
“But the supreme leadership at the party and Pakatan Harapan-level will give the final decision when the state election comes,” he said.
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