Signs of division emerge in PH ahead of Sabah election

AS election fever builds in Sabah, early signs suggest all is not well within Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Coalition partner Upko has gone public with its push to contest under its own party logo, while Sabah PKR faces growing unease over central leaders muscling into the state’s election operations.

The call came from United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Tenom information chief Judis Nasir, who said using the party’s logo would project strength and confidence.

“The use of our own logo will send a clear message of confidence in our strength and capability, and highlight Upko as mature and independent, not dependent on another political umbrella,” Judis said.

Upko, which rebranded from United Pasok Momogun Organisation in 2019, has long positioned itself as an inclusive and progressive party.

Judis argued that this was meant to “command respect in the coalition because it brings unique strengths to the table.”

He acknowledged that seat disputes were unavoidable but urged coalition partners to respect Upko and its president, Ewon Benedick.

Benedick is also Sabah PH chairman.

“Every party believes it has the best candidate. But the spirit of solidarity must be preserved, and respect given to Upko and Benedick,” he said.

The remarks are believed to reflect dissatisfaction over seat talks within PH.

Upko has so far been allocated only the Kadamaian and Moyog seats.

PKR machinery in disarray

Across the aisle, Sabah PKR’s election operations were jolted by the resignation of logistics unit chief Fekirie Gobet on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on Facebook, along with his resignation letter, he accused the central leadership of sidelining the state.

“Logistics has been taken over by the central election department without involving Sabah.

“It is not just logistics as other units are also affected. We have lost our autonomy and are left only to wait for instructions from the centre,” he wrote.

The central operations are led by PKR joint election directors Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, while the state’s election operations is under Datuk Peto Galim.

Fekirie said the development echoed earlier warnings by former PKR Sabah leaders about protecting state autonomy.

“I hope PKR Sabah will be more brave after this and not bow to the centre,” he added.

A party insider claimed as many as 11 state units risked being sidelined.

“They don’t take over openly, they just do things without informing the state,” said the source, adding that the central leadership will absorb machinery that is beneficial to them, while some machinery will be kept managed by the state chapter.

Peto, however, downplayed the rift, saying Fekirie resigned of his own accord.

“State and federal leaderships must discuss together,” he said, addind that it was not a central leadership takeover as claimed. - August 27, 2025