Kota Kinabalu: Disagreement continues within Upko on whether it should contest the coming state election using the party logo or opt for the Pakatan Harapan logo – of which it is a unity government partner.
Tuaran PKR has questioned whether the PH logo has become a liability, following growing calls to contest under its own party symbol. Its chief Razeef Rakimin noted that both Upko’s former president and current president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, were elected to Parliament under the PH banner.
“So, I question whether the PH logo is now considered a liability?” he said.
Razeef also raised concerns that the move could be part of Upko’s preparations to distance itself from PH in order to keep its options open after PRN17.
“Is this also Upko’s preparation to leave PH so they are free to choose any coalition to form the state government? If the election results in a hung assembly, they can then offer themselves to any side without being tied to PH. Even if Upko denies this, it is their actions that have fuelled such speculation,” he added.
Recently, grassroots leaders urged the party to strengthen its identity by contesting under its own logo in PRN17.
Upko National Youth Secretary Rexie Gubat said the move reflects the aspirations of Sabahans who want local parties to be more visible in championing the state’s interests. He said as the only local party within PH, it would be “appropriate and practical” for Upko to contest under its own logo to reinforce public confidence that the party’s struggles are rooted in Sabah.
Rexie said using the party logo aligns with current aspirations of Sabahans.
He said as the only local party in PH using their own logo would boost public confidence in their Sabah-centric struggle.
“Using our own logo gives Upko political flexibility to speak boldly on State rights issues while maintaining our strategic cooperation with Unity Government partners at the Federal level,” he said.
From a political communication and marketing perspective, he said the party’s own logo would strengthen Upko’s brand recognition among Sabahans, noting that the party is already well-known and increasingly trusted by voters.
“A logo represents identity and identity carries a message. With the Upko logo, people know this is the local party fighting for them in both the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament,” said the Ranau Upko Division Deputy Chief.
