KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Bernard Dompok yesterday announced his resignation, effective March 21, as the president of the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) he had helmed for 20 years.
The 64-year-old Dompok said the time had come for him to step down and let a new individual with fresh ideas to helm the party in a changing national political landscape.
“I have given my decision to step down a lot of thought, and (engaged in) soul searching. It is not an easy decision for me as party members continue to ask me to stay on. But I am convinced that the time has come for me to pass the baton to the next echelon of leadership,” he said at Nabalu Puru Lodge in Putaton, Penampang, here.
He said Upko deputy president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau would become the acting president following his resignation, as provided for in the party constitution.
Dompok, who had served as the minister of plantation industries and commodities up to May last year, said he had told party members numerous times that a president should not overstay his welcome as this could undermine the party’s growth. — Bernama