“Instead, these factors should be the basis to unite us in the spirit of federalism,” Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud said in a statement.

Mustapha pleaded with political parties to continue prioritising the interest of Sabahans and to continue cooperating with each other.

He was commenting on Upko’s decision earlier today to pull out of PH with immediate effect.

Upko secretary-general Nelson Angang had cited the “gap” between the party’s stance and that of the PH components at the national level in regards to Sabah’s entitlement to 40% of federal revenue derived from the state when announcing its decision to quit the coalition.

Nelson also said PH components had a different view on the demand for one-third of the parliamentary seats for East Malaysia, as well as the failure to grant autonomy to Sabah PH.

Upko was part of Barisan Nasional from 1994 to 2018. It left the coalition after the 14th general election in 2018 to form the Sabah government with Warisan and PH.

It formally joined PH in August 2021 and contested under the coalition’s banner in Sabah during the 15th general election the following year.

Commenting on Upko’s decision, Mustapha said that during the party’s time in PH, Upko had worked closely with its leaders and machinery, especially in championing the reform agenda.

“On that note, we are grateful to Upko president Ewon Benedick and the leadership for their contributions and commitment,” he said.