Lasimbang rejoins Upko, ends political hiatus

KOTA KINABALU: Former Dewan Negara senator Adrian Lasimbang has ended his two-year political hiatus after officially rejoining Upko, a Pakatan Harapan component.

Lasimbang, an indigenous rights activist, had been without a party since quitting DAP in January 2022.

He was a member of Upko since 1999 but became non-active in 2008 when he was elected as the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (Joas).

He then joined DAP in 2014.

Lasimbang received his membership card from Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick who chaired the party’s executive meeting at a hotel in Penampang near here on Sunday (March 24).

“I truly believe in the new leadership under Benedick,” said Lasimbang, before adding, “I feel Upko can bring Sabah to a better level than it is now … I am ready to serve,” Lasimbang said.

Benedick welcomed Lasimbang, who was a senator from 2018 to 2021, back into the Upko fold, saying his return would bode well for the party’s struggles, especially in innovation because of his expertise in the field.

“This can be a motivation and example to Sabahans, especially the young, to delve into entrepreneurship specific in innovation

“As the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, I want to see elements of innovation inculcated in entrepreneurship.

“Lasimbang’s expertise will also add value to our (Upko’s) fight and service in the Madani government as well as the state government,” he said.

Lasimbang was among a number of former figures returning to Upko, with former deputy president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing and Datuk Marcus Mojigoh, both of whom had served as MPs before, also coming back to the party previously.

Benedick said the homecoming of these former members and leaders signalled the strengthening of Upko as local Sabah party.

He said Upko presently has some 160,000 registered members.

Benedick, who was also Penampang MP, had during the Upko convention last year extended an olive branch to former leaders and members who left the party to come back.

Meanwhile, the Upko president said the meeting discussed several events including the party’s convention, Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration and Upko anniversary.

He said the Kaamatan celebration would be held on May 11 and 12 in Kuala Penyu while the Upko National Convention on Aug 10.

“A day before the convention, we will have our 30th Upko anniversary in Kota Kinabalu.

“We also decided to invite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Pakatan chairman to deliver a keynote address at the convention,” Benedick said.