By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Youth Movement has maintained its stance that the party should use its own logo in the 17th Sabah General Election (PRU17), in line with its Sabah First struggle.
Upko Penampang Youth Chief, Billy Joe Dominic, said the party is ready to be expelled from Pakatan Harapan (PH).
This follows the principled stand taken by Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has expressed his willingness to resign from the Federal Cabinet if the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) files an appeal against the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision on the judicial review concerning Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
“The Upko Constitution states that one of the party’s objectives is to fight for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution.
“This objective is rooted in the spirit of the Sabah First struggle, which Datuk Ewon has consistently demonstrated throughout his service in the Federal Cabinet and during his leadership of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
“Datuk Ewon has clearly stated his principle that he cannot support any government decision that contradicts the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s ruling on 17 October regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement to federal revenue collected in the State.
“Therefore, the use of Upko’s logo by its candidates is most appropriate, as it reflects the spirit of the Sabah First struggle, which forms the foundation of the party’s establishment.
“I believe Upko is ready to be expelled from PH because of this principled stance,” he said.
Billy also pointed out that the decision of the Sabah PH general meeting to appoint Datuk Ewon as chairman has never been finalised by the PH Chairman and Presidential Council following objections from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah.
“In fact, PKR Sabah has belittled Datuk Ewon and Upko. Only now, as the election approaches, do they wish to recognise Datuk Ewon as chairman.
“Even the seat negotiations with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) only involved the top leadership of PKR Sabah.
“I believe the time has come for Upko to stand on its own and listen to the pulse of the people of Sabah.
“Upko Penampang Youth urged the party to continue using its own logo and flag in the election and to be prepared to face expulsion from PH Sabah,” he said.
