KOTA KINABALU: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council has yet to confirm the appointment of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick as the new Sabah PH chairman.
Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud stated that although Ewon's appointment had been accepted by PH Sabah component party leaders, the final decision still rests with the PH presidential council.
He said the council would deliberate on the matter, especially given differing views regarding the position, which was previously held by Sabah PKR leader Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
"The selection process has been conducted and we have issued a joint statement. However, there are slight differences in opinion, which is why the central leadership, especially the PH presidential council, will discuss this matter.
"There are differing views, but ultimately, the decision will be made by the presidential council, and we have already submitted a report to the PH chairman.
"For us in Sabah PKR, we adhere to the selection method used previously. However, confirmation must come from the central PH leadership, namely the PH presidential council, which has yet to issue any confirmation," he said.
Mustapha was speaking during the Christmas celebration in Kampung Malawa, Sepanggar.
Present were Sabah PKR deputy chairman Datuk Peto Galim, Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu, and UPKO Sepanggar chief Datuk Wong Thien Fook.
Ewon was chosen as the new Sabah PH chairman during the Sabah PH annual general meeting in early December.
When asked about the stance of certain Sabah PKR leaders, who previously stated that the Sabah PH chairman position should belong to their party, Mustapha dismissed it as a personal opinion.
Given the circumstances, he urged PKR leaders and all Sabah PH component parties to refrain from making further public statements on the matter.
"I hope all leaders, whether from PKR or other parties, will avoid discussing this issue in the media. Let's resolve this within the family spirit of PH.
"There may be differences in views, but these must be resolved in PH meetings, which will be held soon. I believe the issue will be resolved amicably," he said.
Regarding a meeting between Sabah PKR leaders and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Sri Gaya yesterday, Mustapha, who is also deputy minister of higher education, clarified that it was a routine discussion about state administration.
He said the meeting was also an opportunity to discuss various recent issues, as the chief minister is scheduled to perform umrah next week.
"The meeting was just a general discussion. We were informed that the chief minister will perform umrah on Jan 6, and I've just returned from umrah myself.
"So, we discussed many state government matters with our State Assembly members, focusing on current issues," he said.
Mustapha also confirmed that the meeting did not touch on political collaboration between PKR and PH with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th State Election (PRN17).
"So far, no. We are simply aiming to maintain the stability of the state government and hope everyone will think rationally in addressing ongoing issues," he said.