PETALING JAYA: Upko has defended the election of its president as chairman of Sabah Pakatan Harapan, despite PKR disapproving of Ewon Benedick’s appointment last month.
Upko secretary-general Nelson Angang said no objection was raised during the Sabah PH election on Dec 1, nor were the results contested.
“However, we are open to discussing the matter at the PH presidential council meeting. And we will explain what took place during the election. I believe any dissatisfaction can be reconciled sensibly,” he told FMT.
Ewon was elected Sabah PH chief by a margin of three votes on Dec 1, ousting Christina Liew of PKR from the post she had held since 2017.
Two weeks later, Liew said discussions were being held on her possible return as Sabah PH chairman, adding that talks were held with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and members of the state leadership council.
Sabah PH Youth leaders have called for coalition partners to respect the election results.
A Sabah PKR leader contends that the state PH chairmanship should rightfully be held by the party, citing a formula that had been agreed on by coalition partners.
The PKR leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the post should have never been contested and it was the first time a poll was held since Sabah PH was formed in 2017.
Separately, Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud was reported as saying that Ewon’s appointment must still be endorsed by the presidential council.
