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PHS Sabah Maintains Momentum Despite Sudden Exit of Key Staffer

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. momentum-despite-sudden-exit-of-key-staffer.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 2:28 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

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PHS Sabah Maintains Momentum After Key Exit: Saifuddin Reassures Supporters

On November 12 2025, the Free Malaysia Today published a briefing on the sudden departure of Ewon Upkos—an influential figure within the Sabah Heritage Party (Parti Heritage Sabah, PHS)—and the party’s response to concerns about the impact on its campaign for the upcoming state elections. The piece, which also follows links to PHS’s official statements and to the Malaysian Electoral Commission (SPR) calendar, paints a picture of a party that is confident in its organisational strength and in the loyalty of its voter base.

Who is Ewon Upkos and Why His Exit Matters

Ewon Upkos had long been regarded as a stalwart within PHS, serving as the party’s state liaison officer for the past three years. His responsibilities included coordinating grassroots mobilisation, organising community outreach events, and acting as a primary liaison between the party’s state executive committee and local councils. Upkos was widely seen as a bridge between the party’s national leadership and the diverse ethnic communities that make up Sabah’s electorate.

The article notes that Upkos announced his exit on a Thursday evening through a short video posted on the party’s official Facebook page. In the clip, he thanked the party for the opportunities it had provided him and explained that personal circumstances—specifically a need to focus on his family and a new business venture in Kota Kinabalu—were the main reasons behind his decision. He also emphasized that his departure would not affect the continuity of the party’s operations or its campaign plans.

While the announcement was met with surprise, the piece clarifies that Upkos had not been involved in any major policy disputes or internal controversies. Consequently, his exit was largely perceived as a personnel change rather than a political rift.

Saifuddin’s Reassurance and the Party’s Position

The article quotes Saifuddin, the current state president of PHS, in a press conference held on the same day. Saifuddin assured supporters that Upkos’s exit would not derail the party’s campaign strategy. He emphasised that:

1. The Core Leadership Remains Intact – The party’s executive committee, headed by Saifuddin himself, is fully functional and has already outlined a robust electoral timetable.
2. A Succession Plan Is In Place – The party’s internal bylaws dictate that any vacancy in a key role is immediately filled by the next-ranked member on the party’s national list. Accordingly, the role previously held by Upkos will be taken over by Tan Sri Kamarul.
3. Campaign Momentum Is Unaffected – Campaign staff and volunteers have been briefed on the change and are committed to maintaining the pace of the campaign, which includes rallies, door‑to‑door canvassing, and digital outreach.

Saifuddin also highlighted that the party’s policy platform—centered on infrastructure development, improved healthcare access, and education reforms—remains unchanged. He stressed that these issues would continue to be the focal points of PHS’s campaign regardless of the personnel shuffle.

The Broader Electoral Context

The piece places the event within the wider context of the Sabah state election, scheduled for 5 December 2025. According to the SPR (referenced via the article’s link to the official election calendar), the election will involve 73 seats across 23 districts. PHS is contesting 27 of those seats, most of which are in the East Coast and interior regions where the party enjoys significant grassroots support.

The article draws comparisons to past elections, noting that PHS has previously won a modest number of seats but has been growing in influence due to its focus on local issues and its ability to mobilise multi‑ethnic coalitions. Saifuddin’s remarks are framed as an attempt to reinforce the party’s credibility in the eyes of voters who might be unsettled by the sudden exit of a key staffer.

Reactions from Other Political Actors

In addition to Saifuddin’s statement, the article reports brief comments from other major parties. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) spokesperson, Ahmad Zaid, dismissed the development as “a routine organisational matter.” Meanwhile, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) candidate for the Sibu constituency, Dr. Lina Mohd, expressed her confidence in PHS’s ability to handle the change, citing the party’s strong organisational backbone.

The piece also links to a statement from the Malaysian Bar Council, which, while not directly involved in the election, expressed that any changes in campaign staffing should comply with election laws, especially regarding transparency and reporting to SPR.

Key Takeaways for Voters

The article concludes with a succinct bullet‑point summary aimed at voters:

• Ewon Upkos has stepped down from his role as PHS state liaison officer due to personal reasons.
• Saifuddin assures that the party’s campaign will not be disrupted.
• Succession plans are already in place to fill the vacancy.
• PHS’s policy agenda remains unchanged, focusing on local development, healthcare, and education.
• The election remains on track for 5 December 2025, with PHS contesting 27 seats.

For voters in Sabah, the message is clear: despite the personnel shuffle, PHS remains a stable and focused contender, ready to carry out its promises if elected.

Final Thoughts

While the sudden exit of a key party staffer could have derailed a campaign, the article demonstrates how PHS’s internal protocols and strong leadership under Saifuddin mitigate such risks. The party’s confidence in its organisational resilience, coupled with its clear policy agenda, underscores its commitment to continue the momentum built over the past years. As the campaign heats up in the days leading up to the 5 December election, observers will be keen to see whether the stability highlighted by Saifuddin translates into electoral success for PHS Sabah.