Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP has yet to finalise its election strategy, including whether to use its own logo or a common one with Pakatan Harapan (PH), said Organising Secretary Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu MP, said several factors are being considered before making any decision.
“For example, Sabah DAP took note of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s firmness in the way it handled the issue of two of its component parties choosing to contest using their own logos,” he said.
Last month, the membership of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) were automatically terminated from GRS.
Sabah PH component party United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) also stated its intention to contest using its own logo.
“I hope we can reach a consensus soon. It’s not concluded yet.” said Chan after officiating the closing and prize presentation ceremony of the Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Collection Competition for Schools in Sabah, here, Monday.
Chan also dismissed speculation of a so-called “UMDAP” coalition, saying “No, there’s no such thing. It’s just two components from two coalitions.”“PH is the basis of governance but, at the same time, we must respect the uniqueness of our partners,” he said.
Chan said PH highly values its cooperation with GRS under the Unity Government, describing it as a relationship that continues to strengthen despite differing approaches.
“As the Prime Minister said, this is like a love triangle. It’s not easy to please everyone, but we haven’t stopped discussions. Hopefully, a miracle will happen where all sides can work together,” he said.
He expressed hope that both the Prime Minister and GRS can make compromises to avoid unnecessary multi-cornered contests.
“If it’s just one or two seats, that’s still manageable. But if everyone contests against one another, that would confuse the people because we are all still under the same umbrella,” he said.
Chan emphasised that his personal wish is for all parties to eventually sit together and move forward in the true Sabahan spirit.
“It’s difficult, but we can’t give up. After the general election, I hope all parties, including PH, GRS and others, can sit at one table for the sake of Sabah,” he said.
Asked if PH might face friendly contests with GRS, Chan clarified that it was not the intention.
“What I meant is that we are negotiating with both sides. Hopefully, Barisan Nasional (BN) and GRS won’t clash with PH because we are friends with both.
“But if they have to compete, I hope it will only happen in certain areas, not everywhere,” he said.
Chan said discussions on logo use are still ongoing among PH components.
“We have shared our views and suggestions with the other component parties. Nothing has been finalised yet. Just wait, we will make a joint decision,” he said, adding “the logo is not the most important thing, what matters most is the shared spirit of cooperation.”