Kota kinabalu: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) has proposed to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council that the party use its own logo in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election. UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick announced that discussions are ongoing and no decision has been made yet.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ewon emphasized the importance of promoting the Sabah spirit as part of UPKO’s reasoning for the proposal. He expressed confidence that fellow PH leaders understand UPKO’s stance. Ewon stated, “For me, as long as discussions are ongoing, let them continue until a decision is made. Once there is a decision, we will announce it.” These comments were made during the Halal Franchise Conference, where Ewon also confirmed his candidacy for the Kadamaian seat in the upcoming polls.

Apart from UPKO, the PH coalition includes PKR, DAP, and Parti Amanah Negara. The political landscape in Sabah is set for a change following the announcement on Oct 6 by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor regarding the dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly. This move paves the way for the 17th Sabah state election.

The Sabah State Assembly consists of 79 seats, of which 73 are contested and six are appointed members. The Election Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Oct 16 to finalize key dates and other matters pertinent to the state election.