The Sabah legislative assembly today appointed United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) deputy secretary-general Dr Lucas Umbul as a senator effective Dec 10.  

Lucas, 52, of Kampung Melalap, Tenom, will succeed former Upko vice-president Maijol Mahap when his term expires. Maijol left the Barisan Nasional (BN) in August.

Lucas, who has four children, hails from a family of rubber tappers and pursued tertiary education in the United States.

The vice-president of the Sabah Murut Association was a lecturer at the Teacher Training Institute in Keningau before opting for early retirement.

Speaking to reporters after today’s meeting of the state assembly, Lucas said he would use the opportunity of his senatorship to help the people of Sabah, particularly those in the interior areas.

“I can do a lot for the community. I want to ensure that the people of all ethnic groups benefit from all government policies,” he said.

- Bernama