UNITED Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for allocations for Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula to be equal after the status of Sabah and Sarawak as regions in the Federation of Malaysia is gazetted.

In this regard, he said, Sabah and Sarawak’s allocation should be one-third of the funds under the Malaysia Five-Year Development Plan as well as the national annual budget.

“The requirement should be institutionalised,” he said when opening the 16th Upko triennial general meeting in Kota Kinabalu today.

“It is not only one-third of the seats in parliament for Sabah and Sarawak that received attention recently but also one-third of the development allocation and funds should get due attention.”

He said Upko wants the wider focus to be given to Sabah and Sarawak, encompassing every aspect of the people’s livelihood as well as quality facilities and infrastructure, which is the basis of the socioeconomic status.

“When we talk about the target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it should not remain on the lips by claiming that Malaysia adopted the SDGs drafted by the United Nations. It should be translated and implemented to bring sustainable development,” he said.

“We don’t want Sabah to remain a poor state for another 50 years.

“We don’t want to talk about the lack of quality water supply for another 50 years.

“We don’t want to talk about the existence of dilapidated schools for another 50 years.”

Meanwhile, Madius requested that Upko vice-president Ewon Benedick, who will lead the party, to strengthen Upko so that it is always relevant.

“Today, we are in a new political landscape. It requires a new leadership approach. I am calling on all members to play a more effective role, based on the new approach, to succeed in our struggle… and prioritise long-term benefits for the party and the people,” he said.

“Upko must always listen to the people’s voices and grouses.

“Time has changed in terms of various challenges, which require us to make decisions throughout our struggle as a political organisation.”

He said Upko needs to avoid matters that the people hate the most such as racial politics, the practice of arrogance, religious extremism and corruption.

Ewon will officially take over the position of party president from Madius at the 16th Upko triennial conference this afternoon after appearing as the sole candidate for the post while Madius, who is also Tuaran MP, will be appointed as honorary president. – Bernama, January 15, 2023.