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PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah has expressed respect for the decision by Pertubuhan Kinabalu Progresif Bersatu (UPKO) to withdraw from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, as announced by UPKO Secretary-General Datuk Nelson W Angang.
PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the party appreciated UPKO’s contributions since joining PH in 2019, noting that close cooperation had been established between leaders, party machinery, and elected representatives at all levels.
“Throughout UPKO’s participation in PH, strong collaboration was built in advancing the agenda of reform, good governance, and inclusive development in Sabah.
“On that basis, PKR Sabah extends its appreciation to UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick, as well as the entire UPKO leadership and membership, for their contributions, commitment, and solidarity during this period,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Mustapha, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sepanggar, emphasised that PKR Sabah’s struggle to reclaim Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, strengthen state autonomy, and ensure fair socio-economic development should not be a cause for division.
“PKR Sabah believes that this struggle should instead serve as a foundation for unity, grounded in mature and mutually respectful federalism.
“Therefore, PKR Sabah calls on all parties, including UPKO, to continue prioritising the interests of the people of Sabah and to pursue cooperation within a broader framework of unity and national reform,” he said.
Earlier, UPKO’s Nelson W Angang announced that the party had decided to leave the PH coalition with immediate effect following a Special Supreme Council Meeting on Monday.
“The meeting was convened to discuss the ‘Sabah First’ agenda, which forms the core of the party’s struggle and leadership direction. The decision will be formally communicated to the PH Chairman and its component parties,” Nelson said. - November 11, 2025