KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 — Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau will step down as the president of Sabah’s United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) in favour of vice president Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Tangau said the move was part of the party’s new strategy to make way for younger leaders, and he was doing so to help Upko realise its goals.

“The decision to put forward new leader was decided unanimously after reviewing the potential new leaders to helm the party; with this I have decided not to defend my position as president for the next term,” he said.

He announced that he also gave his support to Benedick, who is Kadamaian assemblyman, after a meeting with the party’s supreme council and division leaders at Upko’s headquarters here today.

“I feel a burden has been lifted; it is a very heavy responsibility,” he said, adding that he was still a part of the leadership.

Tangau said the party’s supreme council has also agreed to name him the party’s honorary president.

Former Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin will remain as deputy president, which he won uncontested.

“I am confident that the new leadership led by Benedick will ensure Upko remains focused and committed as a local party fighting for the state and people’s interest, especially in the current political scenario,” he said.

He said the move to allow younger leaders was also strategic given the shift in voters that will see more youths eligible to vote.

“The party leadership believes this is the best decision for everyone in Upko in our effort to lead and fight for the people’s voice.

“In our efforts to continue the struggle we must always be ready to face challenges especially in a complicated political landscape. Upko needs to remain intact as a local party prioritising the people and looking forwards progressively,” he said.

Tangau, 64, clarified that he was not retiring despite stepping down as the Upko president and would still defend his seat in the general election

“In 2008, when I said I will not contest to make way for the party’s then deputy president and Tuaran division chief... I respected the decision of the party.

“I have done this before and can do it again to make sure the party remains intact,” he said

The party will have its tri-annual congress on October 15 and 16 to elect its top leaders for the coming term.

Upko was formerly aligned with the Warisan Plus state government until its collapse after the 2020 Sabah election.

It now works with Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan.