By: Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
SOOK (Sabah, Malaysia) – As Sabah heads towards its 17th State Election (PRN-17), the struggle of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) is rooted in the dignity of Sabah’s political identity – demanding recognition as a local party deserving equal standing within Pakatan Harapan (PH), not to be sidelined for the interests of Malaya-based parties.
The proposal of a so-called “friendly contest” raised by Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak and Mustapha Sakmud may open a space for compromise, yet its rejection by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, coupled with UPKO Tenom’s call for the party to use its own symbol should negotiations fail, illustrates how grassroots patience with imbalanced compromises has reached its breaking point.
In reality, UPKO has often been treated as a marginal player. Although its President, Datuk Ewon Benedick, leads PH Sabah, the party was reportedly allocated a disappointingly small number of seats – a decision that clearly fails to reflect UPKO’s rightful role as a local voice representing Sabahans.
Meanwhile, PKR Sabah has demanded more seats than UPKO itself, despite not being a local party. This reflects the hegemonic mentality of Malaya-based parties that still insist on shaping the state’s political direction. If this trend continues, UPKO risks losing its identity and being seen as merely a “tool” for external interests.
At a time when the public is increasingly sceptical of corruption and weak governance, UPKO would only trap itself in disappointment if it continues to be viewed as a complement to national political dominance.
PRN-17 unfolds within a new political landscape. The slogans “Sabah for Sabahans” and “Vote Local Parties” have evolved into genuine expressions of discontent towards decades of external dominance.
With 1.8 million registered voters after the 2024 redelineation – nearly 40% of them young voters through the Undi18 reform – Sabah’s political patterns are becoming increasingly complex. This generation is no longer swayed by ethnic rhetoric but demands tangible solutions to jobs, cost of living, basic infrastructure, and the state’s long-term future.
In this context, contesting under its own symbol would send three strategic messages:
- A Clear Local Identity – UPKO is a Sabah party, not an appendage of national parties.
- A Demand for Political Equality – UPKO refuses to remain a recipient of token allocations in seat negotiations.
- Restoring Public Confidence – local politics can remain relevant, authentic, and trustworthy.
The Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus (KDMR) community remains the decisive bloc in the interior – Sook, Tulid, Nabawan, Melalap, Kemabong and Bingkor. These areas are not only UPKO’s traditional strongholds but also the battlegrounds that will determine whether the party can continue as a pillar of KDMR politics or fade into history.
While STAR and other parties compete for influence, UPKO can only reclaim its legitimacy by contesting under its own symbol – reaffirming that KDMR voices must not be dictated by external interests.
For UPKO, PRN-17 is not just a contest to defend seats but an extraordinary opportunity to reinforce its local political identity. Contesting under its own symbol would demonstrate rare political courage in an era dominated by Malaya-based parties, while underscoring UPKO’s genuine commitment to amplifying the voice of Sabahans without compromise.
The notion of a “friendly contest” may be seen as a middle ground to preserve coalition harmony, but it pales in comparison to the strong message UPKO would send by standing firmly under its own banner. Contesting with the UPKO symbol would prove that the party is willing to take the harder road for dignity, while rebuilding public trust that Sabah politics can stand independently.
The central demand heading into PRN-17 is fair seat allocation. As a local party leading PH Sabah, UPKO deserves an equitable share to contest, rather than being relegated to a minor accessory orbiting Malayan politics.
Fairness in seat distribution is the foundation of political legitimacy. Without this recognition, PH’s image in Sabah itself risks being tarnished, weakening the coalition’s credibility.
For UPKO, contesting under its own symbol is not merely a tactical choice but a declaration of principle – a mark of courage to stand as a clean party, free from scandal, rooted in the will of the people of Sabah.
UPKO now stands at a historic crossroads: to remain a minor follower within Malayan dominance, or rise as a bold symbol of local political resurgence. More than just a party, UPKO must be recognised as a political institution of Sabah, born from the heartbeat of the KDMR community and strengthened by the ideals of local struggle.
PRN-17 is UPKO’s last great opportunity to prove its political identity – that it is willing to risk everything for the dignity of the people of Sabah.
