'Don't dominate seat allocation in Sabah polls'

No single party should dominate seat allocation in the Sabah state polls, said Upko president Ewon Benedick.

He called for constant discussions among the unity government components.

“We do not want one particular party to dominate (seat allocation). It should be discussed in an open and mature manner (among our allies),” he was quoted as saying.

“I believe that ultimately, the leadership of Upko and Pakatan Harapan (PH) will make the best decision. PH must have greater room,” he said, adding that this would be fair to the coalition, Berita Harian reported.

Ewon had previously called for a new strategy for seat distribution in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah -led state government as his party vied for more seats.

His call however was criticised by Gagasan Rakyat Sabah leader John Ambrose who said Upko cannot claim seats it cannot win.

Upko had only won one out of the 12 it contested during the state polls in 2020, cAmbrose countered.

Ewon stressed that the discussions should also factor the multiple coalitions at the federal level.

The case in Sabah is unique since the government is made up of GRS, PH and Shahelmey Yahya of BN-Umno. The opposition bench is made up of BN-Umno and Warisan.