Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, expresses confidence that Upko will run in the Sabah state election under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) flag. This comes despite Upko president Ewon Benedick suggesting the party use its own logo.
Shamsul stressed the importance of Ewon, as Sabah PH chief, leading efforts to present a united coalition front before the polls.
He advised Ewon to consult other PH components in Sabah prior to any final call.
“Ewon, as the chairman of Sabah PH, will come to his senses,” Shamsul told FMT in an exclusive interview.
“It may also be good for him to discuss the proposal with all the other partners in Sabah PH, because we know that in any election, unity is paramount,” he said.
“If Upko decides that they don’t want to use the PH logo, then we need to manage that because it gives a sense that DAP or PKR will also use their own logo.”
Ewon proposed Upko contesting under its own symbol to highlight the “Sabah spirit”. He noted the idea awaits discussion at the PH presidential council, which holds the deciding vote.
Upko exited Barisan Nasional in May 2018, post the 14th general election, and helped form the Sabah government alongside Warisan and PH.
In the September 2020 state election, Upko allied with Warisan and PH but campaigned under its own banner. PKR did likewise, while DAP and Amanah adopted Warisan’s logo.
After joining PH in 2021, Upko competed under the coalition’s banner in Sabah during the 15th general election in 2022.
Shamsul pointed out that negotiations remain open, with weeks left for the central PH leadership to grasp Upko’s stance.
“We still have a few more weeks until nomination day,” he said.
He affirmed that cooperation within Sabah PH stays robust.
“I was made to understand that we are among the first to reach a consensus on the distribution of seats among other coalitions,” he added.
The Sabah election is scheduled for November 29, with nominations on November 15 and early voting on November 25.
