KOTA KINABALU: Upko has called for a mature and understanding approach to discussions on which logo to use in the upcoming Sabah state election, saying it should not be viewed as a question of loyalty.Its
Tuaran youth chief Rayner Ebi said Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had, in a meeting with the Sabah Pakatan leadership on May 29, affirmed that Sabah Pakatan had autonomy to determine its own strategies and political direction.
"The Prime Minister stated that Sabah Pakatan has four leaders representing its component parties, with coordination led by Sabah Pakatan chairman (and Upko president) Datuk Ewon Benedick," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 13).
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Rayner said this reflects the federal leadership’s respect for Sabah’s unique political landscape, adding that Upko upholds that spirit of trust and partnership in all its decisions.
On Saturday (Oct 11), Ewon proposed that Upko should use its own logo in the election, saying that the aim was to have an emphasis on the Sabah spirit.
"The proposal to use individual party logos should not be seen as a lack of loyalty, but as a strategic choice that recognises local identity. Sabah Pakatan has always practised consultation and consensus," Rayner said.
He noted that similar flexibility was seen during the 2022 Johor state election when PKR used its party logo while Amanah and DAP used the Pakatan Harapan logo.
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"This shows Pakatan’s openness to diverse strategies under one umbrella of cooperation. Loyalty should not be questioned over this," he said.
Rayner added that Upko believes the Pakatan presidential council will handle the issue with wisdom and unity, as it has always done.
"For Upko, the priority is strengthening solidarity and ensuring the coalition remains focused on the people’s welfare," he said.
He added that the party remains committed to cooperation within Pakatan Harapan, in line with the shared responsibility to build a stronger and more prosperous Sabah.
