Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) unanimously accepted the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) as its sixth component party with immediate effect at a Supreme Council meeting on June 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Upko submitted its application to join GRS on May 29, 2026, and received full support from all existing coalition members with no objections or concerns, according to GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor [1, 2]. He said, "We have unanimously agreed to accept Upko as a new component member of GRS. This is in line with GRS’ own struggle of ‘Sabah United, Sabah First’ and to strengthen local parties within the coalition" [2]. Hajiji added, "Starting today, Upko is officially a member of GRS and we will formally notify the party of the decision" [2]. He also noted, "There were none. Everyone agreed because we want to strengthen GRS. There are no issues or concerns" [2].
Following Upko's entry, GRS now comprises six component parties: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Cinta Sabah, and Upko [1, 2, 3]. Upko is committed to championing Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution. Datuk Ewon Benedick, Upko president, said the party aims "to contribute towards greater unity and cooperation among Sabah-based parties to strengthen efforts to develop the state’s future" [2].
GRS has appointed its component party presidents to lead six electoral zones across Sabah in preparation for the coming general election [1, 4]. The coalition aims to contest all 25 parliamentary seats in Sabah plus the federal territory of Labuan [4]. Hajiji said the coalition intends to "create and maintain the stability of the state government that exists today" [3].
GRS’s next step is gearing up for the general election with party leaders overseeing regional campaigns across Sabah.
