An analyst has labelled Upko’s departure from Pakatan Harapan (PH) a “political stunt” to boost voter appeal before the Sabah state election.
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said the exit stems from unhappiness over PH’s seat distribution for the polls.
On Sunday, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim revealed the coalition would field candidates in 23 of the 73 seats, assigning PKR 10, DAP seven, Amanah one, and Upko five.
Though PH leaders allowed Upko to contest more, Awang Azman noted the party’s focus on winnability.
“The real reason Upko left is the limited seats they got, far below their hopes,” he said.
Upko wanted viable constituencies but worried about getting only low-chance ones.
The party quit PH after a special Supreme Council meeting yesterday.
Secretary-general Nelson Angang cited Sabahans’ preference for local unity.
He highlighted clashes with PH allies on Sabah’s 40% federal revenue claim, one-third parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, and no autonomy for Sabah PH.
Last Saturday, Upko president Ewon Benedick resigned as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister.
He disagreed with the Attorney-General’s Chambers stance in the revenue case.
The Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled on Oct 17 that Putrajaya unlawfully skipped Sabah’s 40% share for nearly five decades.
Ewon said the AGC view overlooked Malaysia’s formation history, making his Cabinet role uncomfortable.
A political source, speaking anonymously to FMT, questioned Upko’s grounds.
The revenue issue had surfaced in talks before without exit threats.
Anwar had signalled no personal intent to appeal the ruling, awaiting today’s Cabinet meeting.
“If revenue was key, Upko could negotiate inside PH,” the source said.
“Quitting seems aimed at securing better seats and wins.”
The insider compared it to Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku’s (STAR) recent GRS exit.
Seat deals and positioning drove STAR’s move too.
Many view STAR’s step as bargaining tactics, not policy principles.
“Like Upko, STAR shifts for stronger seats and chances,” the source added.
GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun said STAR and Sabah Progressive Party, which left last month, demanded own banners.
They opposed facing PH candidates.
Masidi noted they rejected GRS-PH seat pacts, despite Hajiji Noor’s alliance reminder.
STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan threatened exit if GRS tied with PH, blaming grassroots views.
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