Kuala lumpur: Both Datuk Ewon Benedick and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin have retained their positions as president and deputy president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) for the 2026-2029 term. Their positions, along with those of five vice-presidents - held by Jairaiaz Joseph, Datuk Wong Thien Fook, Datuk Pangiran Lalung, Datuk Basari Sarikun, and Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambu - were not contested in the party election held in conjunction with the 17th UPKO triennial delegates conference here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon, during the conference's winding up speech, expressed his respect for democratic practices and the delegates' decision at the election. He emphasized that the election should serve to strengthen the party, not weaken it, referring to all party members as a part of UPKO's big family. He congratulated all elected leaders and highlighted the new leadership's duty of presenting the party's resolutions to the government leadership, particularly Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman.

Ewon further stated that leaders and UPKO elected representatives will articulate their positions and party resolutions during debates in Parliament or the state legislative assembly. Meanwhile, several UPKO wings witnessed changes in leadership. Carlye Lajimin was elected as the new UPKO Youth chief, with Newbaxter Tibin as deputy chief, while Mohina Sidom defended her position as UPKO Women chief and Lomiti Jahan was elected as deputy chief. In addition, Emmanuel Atin was elected UPKO Young Generation chief, with Alison Chan as deputy chief.