PUTATAN: Upko’s decision to join the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition was made collectively and aimed at strengthening Sabah’s political voice rather than serving individual ambition, said Deputy President Datuk Donald P. Mojuntin.
He said the move was not abrupt or personal, but the result of a unanimous decision by the party’s highest leadership.
“This decision is not individual or one made in haste,” he said, adding that it was a unanimous decision of the Upko Supreme Council after considering current political realities and grassroots aspirations.
The Moyog Assemblyman said this in his speech when officiating the Upko Putatan Triennial General Meeting 2026, here, on Sunday.
Donald said Upko’s participation in GRS reflects a broader strategy to unify Sabah-based parties and strengthen the State’s bargaining power on key issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), development funding, education, healthcare and the long-standing 40 per cent revenue entitlement claim.
“Sabah will be stronger when local parties move as one team,” he said, framing unity as essential to amplifying the State’s voice at both state and federal levels.
He also sought to reassure party members that Upko’s core identity remains unchanged despite the new political alignment.
“Upko will continue to be Upko, a party that upholds integrity, social justice, good governance and the rights of the people of Sabah. The only thing that changes is our approach to strengthen our struggle and fight to be more effective,” Donald said.
He dismissed criticism surrounding the move, particularly on social media, urging members not to be swayed by political attacks and to remain focused on grassroots work.
“We do not come to divide. We come to unite and not to pursue posts, but to solidify and empower the voice of Sabah,” he said, positioning Upko’s entry into GRS as a stabilising rather than disruptive force in Sabah politics.
He emphasised that the party’s guiding compass of “Sabah First” remains intact, describing it as a commitment to prioritising Sabah’s interests above all else.
“Our struggle is the same as ‘Sabah First’ remains as our guide. As long as the fight is based on Sabah’s interest and the people, I am confident that time will prove that the step we take (to join GRS) is the right and accurate move,” he said.
Donald’s speech also carried a strong electoral undertone, with him linking the strategic alignment to Upko’s ambitions to reclaim parliamentary influence in Putatan in future elections, including in the next 16th General Election (GE16).
He called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, stronger youth engagement and a more disciplined party machinery.
“Based on the feedback I received from across Sabah, the majority of the people want to see local parties come together, work in unity and speak with one voice when it comes to safeguarding the interests of our beloved Sabah.
“These people want Sabah’s political landscape to be like Sarawak. Hence, this is what Upko has taken the vital measure by joining GRS, which officially accepted us on June 18,” Donald said.
For Upko, he said the message is clear: unity within GRS is not a compromise, but a calculated step toward strengthening Sabah’s collective political leverage.
Donald said he understood the aspirations of many members who want to see Upko once again represent the Putatan parliamentary constituency in the GE16.
He said such aspiration is firmly grounded in the party’s history, track record and contributions to the constituency.
“Putatan holds a special place in Upko’s history. The constituency was represented by Datuk Marcus M. Mojigoh, a capable, people-oriented and effective Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2018.
“His record of service demonstrates that when the people are given leadership that is close to them and works for their interests, they will continue to place their trust in that leadership.
“However, that record of achievement is more than just history. It serves as a source of confidence that Putatan can once again play an important role in the future,” he said.
Donald said he personally witnessed how Upko Putatan’s leaders and members continued to engage with the grassroots, reach out to the people and expand the party’s influence.
“Upko’s strength has never rested on slogans, but on its genuine relationship with the people. If these efforts continue in a more organised and vigorous manner, I believe Putatan can once again become one of the party’s key strongholds,” he said.
Earlier, the party’s outgoing division chief for Putatan, Datuk Marcus M. Mojigoh, repeatedly emphasised unity and loyalty among grassroots members, even those who have shifted political affiliations.
“In our hearts, we have always been Upko,” he told the delegates, insisting that political allegiance among supporters remains intact despite party transitions.
Marcus made the decision to step aside to make way for a younger leadership to lead the division.
He urged restraint in political rivalry, stressing that all parties should be viewed as partners in a democratic contest rather than adversaries.
“Love is the best for politics,” he said, calling for cooperation across party lines including opposition Warisan, PAS and others.
Dr Marcus also appealed for intervention from senior political leaders to reconsider seat allocations and ensure Upko’s role within broader governing arrangements.
He further expressed openness to working under coalition arrangements, including the GRS, while emphasising the need to prioritise winnable candidates in future elections.
“We in Upko Putatan wish for Putatan parliamentary to be allocated to us and we hope GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also the Chief Minister, would seriously consider it.
“But if Putatan is not allocated to us, nonetheless, we will still support and help whoever the candidate chosen by the coalition (GRS),” Dr Marcus said.
He maintained that grassroots unity in Putatan remains strong despite leadership changes and internal restructuring, describing the division as still politically active and committed to community engagement.
