KOTA KINABALU, May 29 -- The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) is officially asking to become a component party of the governing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick led a party delegation in a meeting with Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also the GRS chairman, to formally hand over its application today.

"Upko hopes to contribute towards the unity and cooperation of Sabah-based parties in strengthening efforts to develop Sabah's future as well as championing rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution," he said in a statement here today.

"The 'Sabah First' vision championed by Upko is aligned with GRS' struggle through the Sabah Maju Jaya ...