THE United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) is still strong even though two of its assemblymen left the party today, said party president Wilfred Madius Tangau.

He said the party would continue to play an important role as a partner of the Sabah coalition government.

“We respect their decision to leave Upko as announced. For the time being, we have not received any official or written notice. After contacting our leaders on the ground, Upko is not very badly affected,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu today.

Madius, who is also the deputy chief minister and state trade and industry minister, was commenting on the decision of party vice-president Limus Jury and supreme council member James Ratib who resigned from their party posts and as party members in a press conference this morning.

Limus, who is Beaufort Upko division chief and Kuala Penyu assemblyman while James is Sugut assemblyman who won his seat on Umno ticket during the 14th general election in 2018 before joining Upko.

Meanwhile, Madius said Beaufort Upko division deputy head, Nelson W Angang who is also party secretary-general would be carrying out the duties as acting division chief with immediate effect.

Madius also said Beluran Upko stays under the leadership of youth chief, Felix Joseph Saang as James did not hold any division post.

“Whatever it is, I would be calling for an Upko supreme council emergency meeting in a day or two,” he added. – Bernama, June 15, 2020.