The Upko supreme council, chaired by party president Ewon Benedick, is expected to deliberate today on the party’s next course of action ahead of the official nominations for the Sabah state election.

When contacted, the Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief hinted that Upko may chart its own path and work with parties aligned with its “Sabah First” vision, rather than remain with the coalition.

“You will know it by this evening. Upko will work with parties that subscribe to the ‘Sabah First’ vision and agenda,” he told Malaysiakini.

Ewon, who previously announced that Upko would contest the state polls under its own logo, is scheduled to chair the supreme council meeting at 3pm, where a final decision on its alliances is expected to be made.

The outcome of the meeting is likely to be announced later this evening.

Earlier today, Ewon officially tendered his resignation from the cabinet with immediate effect, further fuelling speculation of a political realignment ahead of the Nov 29 Sabah polls.

His resignation reportedly stemmed from his disagreement with Putrajaya’s decision to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement for the “lost years”.

Under Harapan’s seat-sharing arrangement in Sabah, the coalition was allocated 23 seats - with PKR taking 10, DAP seven, Amanah one, and Upko five.

Party insiders said Upko was initially offered just two seats - Moyog and Kadamaian - which sparked discontent among members who viewed the deal as unfair to the coalition’s smallest but locally rooted partner.

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