Kota kinabalu: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), through its three victorious candidates in the 17th Sabah State Election, has pledged its support for the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as the Chief Minister. UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that he personally attended Hajiji’s swearing-in as the 17th Chief Minister of Sabah at Istana Seri Kinabalu early today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon, along with UPKO’s elected representatives, assured Hajiji that he is welcome to form a Sabah government composed entirely of local parties. Ewon highlighted that the decision on the formation of the Sabah Cabinet would be left to Hajiji’s discretion.

In the recent state election, Ewon retained the Kadamaian seat, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau emerged victorious in Tamparuli, and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin secured the seat in Moyog. Ewon emphasized that UPKO’s endorsement of Hajiji’s leadership as Chief Minister is founded on the principles of strengthening values and promoting good governance.

Ewon urged the people of Sabah to unite in their efforts to develop the state and reclaim their rights. The election saw 73 state seats contested, with GRS securing 29 seats, Warisan winning 25, Barisan Nasional obtaining six, independent candidates claiming five, UPKO achieving three, and STAR winning two seats. Additionally, Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), and Pakatan Harapan (PH) each won one seat.