By Rosanna Edeza
PENSIANGAN (Sabah, Malaysia), September 27, 2025 – The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Pensiangan Division today took a firm stand as its meeting unanimously passed a resolution to claim three state constituencies in Pensiangan to be contested under the UPKO banner in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17).
UPKO Pensiangan Division Chief, Jubilin Kilan, stressed that the decision was not merely a political strategy, but a reflection of the aspirations of the KadazanDusun and Murut (KDM) communities, who make up the majority of the electorate in the area.
“My position is clear – the Sook, Nabawan and Tulid seats must belong to UPKO. The people’s aspiration is for UPKO to emerge as their main voice and representative,” he said with confidence at a press conference after chairing the division meeting.
Jubilin, who is also a Supreme Council Member (AMT) of UPKO Malaysia, underscored that it was time for the KDM communities in Pensiangan to be directly represented by UPKO.
The meeting also named candidates for the three state seats:
- N.45 Sook – Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ Henry, Chairman of UPKO CLC Sook.
- N.44 Tulid – Mohd Khairil Abdullah, Chairman of UPKO CLC Tulid.
- N.46 Nabawan – Jubilin Kilan, UPKO Pensiangan Division Chief and UPKO Supreme Council Member.
Additionally, three other names were proposed for Nabawan and will be submitted to the party’s leadership for shortlisting.
“As Division Chief and Supreme Council Member, my responsibility is to ensure the people’s voices reach the leadership. This is not a personal demand, but a mandate that reflects the pulse of the people. They want UPKO, and my duty is to champion that,” Jubilin asserted.
Responding to questions on why Nabawan had three proposed names, Jubilin explained that it was a reflection of grassroots aspirations, but emphasized that the local community overall endorsed him as the most suitable candidate.
“For Sook and Tulid, consensus was reached with only one candidate each, unanimously supported. This decision reflects the political maturity of the people in these constituencies,” he added.
Local political observers noted that although three names were put forward for Nabawan, grassroots support clearly leaned towards Jubilin, positioning him as the strongest contender to deliver victory for UPKO in the strategic seat.
