United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) acting president Wilfred Madius Tangau today officially takes over the helm of the party following the resignation of Bernard Dompok as Upko president last March 21.

The handing over and receiving of duties took place at the Upko headquarters before he chaired his first party supreme council meeting in Penampang today.

Speaking to reporters, Tangau said the meeting focused on the appointment of several important posts in the party for the term ending 2016, including secretary-general and information chief.

On Ewon Ebin’s post in the party, he said the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister’s position at the party’s central level would also be decided after an agreement is reached by all the party leadership.         

Last March 5, Dompok, 64, announced his resignation as Upko president effective March 21 after helming the party for the past 20 years.

In expressing his appreciation to the party leadership, particularly Dompok, Tangau hoped that all party members would continue with the party’s direction and be re-united as one team for the continuity of its struggles.

Meanwhile Dompok, who is now an ordinary Penampang Upko member, said he would continue contributing to the party in whatever position after holding the presidency post for so long.  

The outgoing Upko president jokingly said he planned to see all the areas in Sabah, especially in Penampang, Ranau and the interior besides being actively involved in several non-governmental organisations.

He is the Montfort Youth Training Centre board chairperson and Borneo Conservation Trust chairperson.

Dompok also expressed confidence that the new leadership under Tangau would continue the party’s struggles to be always on the right track.  

- Bernama