Tuaran PKR chief Razeef Rakimin said Upko’s proposal would result in PH coalition partners and supporters questioning Upko’s loyalty. Upko joined PH in 2021.

The proposal “also gives the impression that Upko was preparing to quit the coalition en-bloc,” Razeef told FMT.

“We are not asking for Upko to leave PH, but abandon the idea of contesting under its own logo,” Razeef said, adding that his comments were his personal views.

He said the proposal was ironic in view of the fact that Upko president Ewon Benedick is also the Sabah PH chairman.

Yesterday, Ewon said Upko was discussing the possibility of contesting the election using its own logo, but stated that no decision has been made yet by the PH presidential council.

“We want PH to have an emphasis on the Sabah spirit, which is why Upko has proposed to use its own logo. I believe our fellow PH leaders understand Upko’s position on this matter,” he was reported to have said.

There has been speculation that Upko would contest under its own logo in the coming election.

FMT has sought comment from Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud.