Kota kinabalu: The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and empowering the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, aiming to enhance the leadership, administration, and development of Sabah under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPKO's president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, announced this commitment following UPKO's official acceptance as a GRS component party. The application to join the coalition was formally received, marking a significant step in solidifying local political alliances in Sabah. Datuk Ewon, who also serves as Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister, expressed gratitude towards Hajiji, the GRS chairman, and the Supreme Council members for welcoming UPKO into the coalition.

Datuk Ewon highlighted the importance of GRS as the sole coalition of local parties in Sabah, emphasizing that it should serve as the primary platform for Sabah's political entities. He stated, "Only local Sabah parties truly understand the image of Sabah in developing its future through what has been agreed upon in the Malaysia Agreement 1963." His statement underscores the belief that local parties are best positioned to navigate the unique political landscape of Sabah.

He further urged all Sabahans to come together under the GRS banner to support the vision of "Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah United." With UPKO's inclusion, GRS now comprises six component parties: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Liberal Demokratik, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, and Parti Cinta Sabah. This expanded coalition reflects a growing unity among Sabah's local parties, aimed at fostering a stronger, more prosperous future for the state.