Datuk Ewon Benedick.-filepic
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Ewon Benedick's appointment as Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman has not been endorsed by the coalition's presidential council, says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
The Sabah PKR leadership council chief said the top coalition leadership is aware that Benedick, who is also United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president, won the election based on a report submitted during Sabah Pakatan's annual general meeting on Dec 1, 2024.
"However, the central leadership sought clarification on matters arising during the meeting, and we have provided a detailed explanation," he said.
Benedick, who is also Deputy Higher Education Minister, said Sabah PKR respects the election process.
"Formal confirmation must come from the central Pakatan Presidential Council and so far, no official confirmation has been issued," he said during the Sekampung Christmas celebration at Dewan Serayo, Kampung Malawa, near here, on Saturday (Jan 4).
He also urged Pakatan leaders to handle matters internally and avoid airing issues through the media.
Upko information bureau chief, Dr Peter Jr Naintin.
Meanwhile, Upko information bureau chief Dr Peter Jr Naintin accused Sabah PKR of disrespecting the Sabah Pakatan constitution and undermining the democratic process by disputing Benedick's election as Sabah Pakatan chairman.
He said that the election was conducted fairly, with representatives from PKR, DAP, Upko, and Amanah present during the voting process.
"Each party's views were heard, scrutinised and discussed harmoniously. The process proceeded smoothly under the management of the central Pakatan secretariat," he said.
Naintin urged all parties to respect the election outcome and focus on preparations for the upcoming state election.
Earlier, Sabah PKR secretary Sazalye Donol voiced concern over Upko's leadership of Sabah Pakatan, and questioned the party's eligibility given its recent entry into the coalition.
He also claimed the Sabah Pakatan chairmanship was historically PKR's and that the final decision now rests with Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In the recent polls, Benedick won by three votes against incumbent Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
