Putra Jaya: More graduates are joining Upko, especially through the party's Komulakan movement.

"I am very happy to see that more and more young people joining us in Upko. The party welcomes them with open arms," said Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Thursday.

He expressed optimism that the Kadazandusun and Murut communities will continue to be presented and play a meaningful role in the mainstream of national development.

At the launching of the Komulakan Movement for the Upko Kadamaian Division earlier on Sunday he called on the Komulakan members to always touch base while keeping themselves updated with world developments.

"We have to see how best we can help our people, especially those in rural areas, to progress further while taking the globalisation trend into account," he said, adding, "we have a very heavy responsibility on our shoulders."

In his speech, State Komulakan pro-tem chief Ewon Benedick, who is also the Kadamaian Komulakan pro-tem chief, said the movement had been receiving tremendous response since it was officially accepted by the Registrar of Societies last year.

"I have travelled quite extensively, not only in Sabah, but have been meeting fellow Sabahans in Semenanjung. Honestly, I am touched by how eager they are to join Upko," he said.

Fifteen of his State Exco members are graduates while the other six hold STPM qualifications, said Benedick. The event saw Dompok receiving 112 forms from Benedick on behalf of the young people in the area.

Three other areas have launched their Komulakan movements, which is open to those between 18 and 28. The party has so far 700 new Komulakan members in Kiulu, 210 new members in Penampang and 210 in Ranau.