By Rosanna Edeza
PENSIANGAN (Sabah, Malaysia) Sept 5, 2025 – The people of Pensiangan have spoken with one voice – firm, united, and uncompromising – demanding that the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) contest under its own symbol in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17).
This political demand, rooted in the aspirations of the rural heartland covering the three constituencies of Sook, Nabawan and Tulid, reflects a push to reaffirm local identity and restore Sabah’s political dignity on the state stage.
UPKO Pensiangan Information Chief, Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ Henry, said the move to use the party’s own symbol is not merely an electoral technicality but resonates with the people’s aspiration to see UPKO – one of Sabah’s oldest parties, born alongside the formation of Malaysia – reassert its original identity.
“This demand is also seen as a meaningful gift to the people of Sabah in conjunction with Sabah Day and the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Sabahans, especially KDMR voters, are clear in wanting UPKO to contest under its own symbol. Now is the right time to affirm a true local political identity,” he said.
The party, led by its president Datuk Ewon Benedick, has also received strong backing from UPKO divisions across the state, which unanimously agreed that this is the best moment for the party to reclaim its historic symbol.
Khairy stressed that the move is highly significant as it positions UPKO as the leading local political force within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, while strengthening PH’s footing in Sabah ahead of PRN-17.
He added that the people of the interior no longer want local parties to hide behind external logos. Instead, they want a symbol that originates from Sabah itself – a symbol that embodies trust and the continuity of the state’s political struggle. According to him, this approach is not a rejection of PH, but a strategy to consolidate grassroots support by showcasing a political identity rooted in Sabah.
Khairy further emphasised that Pensiangan’s demand does not mean UPKO is distancing itself from PH. Rather, it is a tactical move to counter the growing influence of slogans like “Vote Local Party” and “Sabah for Sabahan”, which have increasingly shaped Sabah’s political culture.
Political observers view the adoption of UPKO’s own symbol as a decisive opportunity to strengthen voter confidence among KDMR communities, attract younger voters critical of political identity, and prevent rivals from exploiting perceptions of over-reliance on external logos.
With Sook’s majority KDMR electorate, Nabawan’s dominant indigenous population, and Tulid’s intensifying local sentiment, the three constituencies are seen as critical catalysts for UPKO’s resurgence – provided the party contests under its own emblem.
“If this proposal is fully leveraged, PRN-17 could mark a turning point that elevates UPKO as a true local party and the leading political force within PH. This step is significant because it ensures UPKO continues to be recognised as the foremost local political player in PH, while strengthening PH’s position in Sabah ahead of PRN-17,” Khairy said
