PENAMPANG: Carlye Lajimin has been elected as the new Chief of UPKO Youth after winning the youth movement’s election at the party’s triennial general meeting here yesterday.
Carlye, who previously served as Deputy Chief of UPKO Youth at national level, replaces Felix Joseph Saang to head the party’s youth wing for the 2026–2029 term.
He said the mandate given to him was not a personal pride but a large responsibility to be carried out together with the entire leadership team and UPKO Youth members.
“Differences arising during the election process must not become a wall that divides us. Instead, let them be an experience that matures us and strengthens our struggle,” he said in his closing speech to the meeting.
He said UPKO Youth must reunite after the election and move forward as one team to ensure the party’s cause continues to resonate with the people of Sabah.
Carlye said one of his main priorities would be to realise the ‘One Branch, One Industry’ initiative, with each UPKO Youth branch having at least one economic or industrial initiative based on the strengths and potential of its area.
He added that UPKO Youth should not only be a political driver but also play a role in driving the local economy.
“We want to produce more young entrepreneurs, create opportunities for young people to generate income and build business networks between branches.
“Most importantly, we want UPKO Youth to have a clear economic agenda that benefits the grassroots,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said UPKO Youth must adapt in step with changes in the political, economic and technological landscape and with the evolving needs of young people.
He said UPKO Youth should be more progressive and bold in trying new approaches, and engage young voters to understand their voices, concerns and aspirations.
Carlye also called on the entire leadership, branch youth chiefs, delegates and members to work together to implement the new leadership’s agenda.
“From tomorrow, our work begins. We will return to our branches to go down to the grassroots, help the people and build the youth economy.
“We accept this trust because real politics is service to the people,” he said.
In the election, Gideon Gadit was elected Permanent Chairman while Rayner Ebi was chosen as Deputy Permanent Chairman.
Newbaxter Tibin was elected Deputy Chief of UPKO Youth at national level.-pr/BNN
