Dap Upko Weigh Using Own Logos In Sabah Polls

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At least two Pakatan Harapan component parties in Sabah are considering contesting in the state election under their own symbols, amid discontent over the seat-sharing formula agreed with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
It is understood that DAP and Upko are debating the option internally, as negotiations have left them squeezed between PKR’s demands and Amanah’s entry.
A DAP insider said the frustration stemmed from the formula reached in talks with GRS.
“(Under the formula) DAP is left to share with Upko five seats each, while Amanah is also asking for five, and PKR wants 13. That’s the problem,” the insider said.
DAP contested seven seats in the last state election and won six. Party secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party intends to defend all six seats, citing the principle of incumbency.
DAP secretary-general Anthony LokeAn Upko source confirmed that discussions about using its own logo instead of Harapan’s are ongoing.
“We are not rejecting the Harapan logo, but we also cannot ignore the pressure from our grassroots. If the allocations are not fair, then we must consider other options,” the source said.
This has unsettled both DAP and Upko, who fear being left with limited ground to defend their incumbencies.
Squeezed from all sides
The problem is compounded by Harapan’s pact with GRS. The ruling state coalition intends to contest 55 seats, leaving only 18 seats available.
Harapan must also take into consideration a push by its other partner, BN, which plans to contest at least 14 seats - most likely against GRS.
The Harapan sources said the issue is no longer just about branding but survival, with smaller coalition partners weighing whether their identities are best served by staying under the coalition symbol or asserting independence.
With the state assembly’s dissolution expected at any moment, DAP and Upko are under pressure to finalise their positions.
“This is all about fairness. If the deal is not fair, then contesting under our own logos is a real possibility,” said one Harapan insider.
In the previous state election, DAP and Amanah contested under the Warisan logo as part of the then Warisan Plus coalition, while PKR and Upko used their own flags. - Mkini

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