KOTA KINABALU: Any future political alliance must place Sabah’s interests at the forefront, says Upko.

The party is currently engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions with national and local coalitions ahead of the upcoming state election.

Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick said while informal negotiations were ongoing with parties within Pakatan Harapan and other regional blocs, the party’s guiding principle remains unchanged — any collaboration must ultimately benefit Sabahans.

“This is not about my party, but about how the coalition we choose can give Sabah the best,” he told reporters at the Upko Libaran Hari Raya Open House in Sandakan on Saturday (April 12).

Ewon, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said Upko’s political decisions will always be rooted in ensuring development, inclusivity and social harmony for the people of Sabah.

He added that unity and mutual respect among Malaysia’s diverse communities should remain the cornerstone of the country’s political stability and progress.

“As a party that promotes unity and national integration, we will continue organising open houses for Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Kaamatan and other celebrations,” he said.

Ewon also highlighted Libaran’s significance within Upko, adding that it has the largest number of Muslim members in the party.

“Even though Dr Peter is Christian, his deputy is Muslim, and this year’s Raya celebration in Libaran reflects the multiracial spirit we uphold,” he said.

He urged fellow Sabahans to serve as ambassadors of unity, saying Sabah should continue to be a model for racial and religious harmony in the country.

“Pakatan Harapan is open to discussions with its partners in Sabah, and we are ready to sit down with anyone who shares our commitment to building a better Sabah,” he added.