KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 30 -- United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), which won three seats in yesterday's bruising Sabah election, has pledged full support for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to continue as chief minister.

Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, who was present at Hajiji's swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu early this morning, said the new state government could be formed entirely with Sabah-based parties, reflecting the electorate's clear desire for stronger local representation.

"Me and the Upko representatives have conveyed to Hajiji that he is able to form a Sabah government consisting entirely of local parties.

"The rest, of course, is up to him, who is best placed to determ...