As the Sabah state election approaches, Sabah DAP is deliberating whether to contest under its iconic rocket logo or the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition banner. The decision follows United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) opting to use its own logo, highlighting strategic choices within the coalition.
Ongoing Discussions on Logo Use
Sabah DAP deputy chairman Chan Foong Hin said no final decision has been made on whether PH component parties will use their individual logos or a unified PH banner. “We have had internal discussions and shared views with other component parties. At this moment, nothing has been finalized,” Chan told reporters.
Respecting Upko’s Choice
Chan, the Kota Kinabalu MP, acknowledged Upko’s decision to contest under its own logo, as announced by Upko president Ewon Benedick. However, he emphasized that unity matters more than logos. “The logo isn’t the most important thing—what matters is the spirit of unity,” he said, citing DAP’s use of the Warisan logo in the 2020 Sabah election as an example.
Strategic Autonomy for Sabah PH
Ewon’s announcement aligns with PH’s decision to grant Sabah PH autonomy in shaping local electoral strategies. Chan noted that other component parties are consulting their central leadership to confirm their stance, with hopes of reaching a consensus soon to ensure a cohesive campaign.
Navigating Coalition Dynamics
Chan contrasted PH’s flexible approach with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition’s stricter stance, which deems parties using their own logos as having left the coalition, as seen with Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP). PH, GRS, and Barisan Nasional (BN) are part of the federal unity government but face tensions, with BN and GRS clashing over seat allocations.
Avoiding Multi-Cornered Fights
Commenting on the “love triangle” between PH, GRS, and BN, Chan expressed hope that GRS and BN could find common ground to avoid multi-cornered contests. Such clashes, he warned, could destabilize the unity government and erode public trust. “The main focus will be on post-election negotiations to form the state government,” he said.
Potential for Post-Election Cooperation
When asked about working with Parti Warisan, Chan noted its role in the federal unity government despite contesting independently in Sabah. “Cooperation or even government formation is still possible after the polls,” he said, advocating for compromise among Sabah’s political players to prioritize the state’s interests.
