FORMER Ranau MP Ewon Ebin today announced his departure from the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).

In a statement, the former party vice-president said joining him in quitting are several committee members from the Ranau division, which he heads, as well as some members of the youth and women’s wings.

Among the reasons behind the decision to leave is that Upko’s direction and struggle have deviated from the party’s original objective to protect the interests, welfare and rights of members and Sabah natives, he said.

Ewon was among several people who founded Upko in March 1994. He won Ranau in the 2013 general election, and held the seat for one term.

In the 2018 elections, he lost to Jonathan Yassin of PKR. – Bernama, February 25, 2020.