UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick has tasked to coordinate for Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) , but not as the coalition’s state chairman — a post that remains undefined as political uncertainty lingers ahead of the state election.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement during a closed-door meeting with Sabah PH leaders in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday night.
He said Sabah PH has been entrusted with the authority to decide on key election matters, including the coalition’s manifesto, candidate strategy, and seat distribution.
“Sabah PH will determine the priorities, strategy, manifesto, and constituencies, whether working with GRS or BN […] There are four PH leaders in Sabah. They will move forward together, and Benedick will coordinate,” Anwar told reporters after the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and several Sabah Amanah key leaders.
Ewon’s appointment as coordinator follows a disputed internal election held on 1 December 2024, in which he was voted in as Sabah PH chairman.
However, PKR objected, citing that the position had traditionally been held by their party.
The matter was brought to Anwar, and on 11 January this year, Mustapha said the decision would be left to the PH presidential council. No resolution has been announced since.
Anwar made it clear that all decisions regarding Sabah PH’s direction will be handled at the state level, and that federal PH leaders — including himself and BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi — would respect the outcome.
“I met Hajiji, and we support whatever PH wants. I met Zahid, and we support what PH wants,” he said, referring to GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He also appeared reluctant to comment on the stalemate between GRS and BN, who have failed to resolve differences since their political fallout in January 2023.
Sabah BN’s Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin withdrew support for Hajiji’s leadership, triggering a power struggle at the time.
“We’re on good terms with both sides. But there is still room for discussions,” Anwar added.
Anwar is in Sabah for the Kaamatan Harvest Festival and a private event. He is scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers. – May 29, 2025
