Kota kinabalu: The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) today officially submitted an application to become a component party of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). The application was presented by UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick, who led the party's delegation in a meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also the GRS chairman.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to apply to become part of the GRS family was unanimously agreed upon at the UPKO Supreme Council meeting on May 25. Ewon stated in a press release that UPKO's move to join GRS reflects the party's intention to contribute to the unification and cooperation of local parties in Sabah, aiming to strengthen collective efforts for the state's future development.

He further explained that UPKO intends to use this platform to advocate for Sabah's rights as outlined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement and the Federal Constitution. GRS currently comprises five component parties, namely Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, and Parti Cinta Sabah.