Political Stability With UPKO’s Entry into GRS Coalition

Sabah will see political stability with United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO)’s entry into Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition beginning 2026. UPKO joined GRS on 8 June 2026.

“We appreciate UPKO’s strong support. UPKO’s entry into GRS will shape Sabah’s political landscape and we will now march forward stronger for Sabah’s development through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at UPKO’s 32nd Anniversary Celebration and 17th Triennial Delegates Conference on 9 August 2026 at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA, Penampang.

UPKO is a multiracial political party, rebranded from its previous name, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, in 2019. In 2021, UPKO joined the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, but left in 2025 and joined Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in 2026. The CM welcomed and called on all UPKO leaders and members to work together to realise the vision of Sabah First, Sabah United, Sabah Forward and Sabah Prosper.

The appointment of UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick as Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport will ensure that Sabah’s investment, industrial development and entrepreneurship agendas are successfully realised in line with the objectives of SMJ 2.0, Hajiji said. “GRS is our home, a home that we must take care of together; a home that shelters our struggle, a struggle for the people and our beloved State,” Hajiji added.

“We must maintain and nourish strong and close political unity and cooperation for a more developed, successful and prosperous Sabah. We must leave a legacy that future Sabahans will be proud of.”