KOTA MARUDU - Pertubuhan Kinabalu Progresif Bersatu (Upko) is claiming for the Kota Marudu Parliamentary seat to be given to the party for the 15th General Election (GE15).
The demand was made to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Parliamentary seat distribution negotiation committee and urged for priority to be given to the candidate from Upko.
Kota Marudu Upko Division Secretary Jamius Bisara said as the local party, they deserved to contest in the area where 85 per cent of its resident among the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut dan Rungus (KDMR) community.
He said that based on the strength and strong support of the party, they could afford to bear the responsibility in GE15.
"The division of seats must be centered to the spirit of togetherness with the even distribution among PH components.
"I am confident that Upko has strong support especially from the youth, with that, we ask for the Parliamentary candidate in the election to be given to Upko," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Jamius said Kota Marudu Upko had around 10,500 members involving 168 branches in the Parliamentary area.
He said Upko had long since stayed in the Parliamentary area since it was known as Sabah Democratic Party (PDS) in the 90s era.
"The voice of the grassroots in Parliament hopes for Upko to be given a chance to contest, campaign strategies would surely be effectively implemented with the sentiments of the local party.
"The fact that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) members would change their support towards Upko candidate would be caused by the failure of certain issues relating to the president of the party.
"He (Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili) once again wants to contest in elections again even though there were clearly many failures he had throughout his service as Kota Marudu MP," he said.
Jamius said Upko played a big role in ensuring the victory of the PBS candidate in GE14.
"Upko has been feared by opposing parties and the chance should be used well to take the Kota Marudu Parliamentary seat," he said.
"Kota Marudu Upko specifically had prepared to 'fight' in the elections now including the funds needed," he stated.