UPKO Youth Chief: No Issue with Donald’s Candidacy Statement, Calls for Transparency from PKR Penampang

24 June 2025

PENAMPANG: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Penampang Youth Chief Billy Joe Dominic has expressed support for Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin’s recent announcement of his intention to contest the Moyog state seat, describing it as part of the natural early-stage process in candidate selection.

In a statement responding to remarks by Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Penampang Chief Eldridge Laurence T. Pudin, Billy said there is no reason to view Datuk Donald’s declaration negatively, as it precedes any formal coalition negotiations.

“I do not see any issue with the announcement made by my Division Chief, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, regarding his intention to contest in Moyog. His statement should be seen as a preliminary step before discussions even begin,” Billy said.

He added that identifying those intending to offer themselves as candidates is a necessary first step in coalition negotiations.

“How can any discussion be meaningful if we do not even know who the prospective candidates are? Therefore, I suggest that PKR Penampang also clarify who they intend to put forward as their candidate for the Moyog seat,” he said.

Billy also reaffirmed UPKO’s commitment to the spirit of unity within Pakatan Harapan, stating his willingness to support any candidate jointly decided upon by the coalition leadership.

“As a partner of PKR within the Pakatan Harapan coalition, I genuinely have no objection to supporting any candidate from our coalition partners, as long as the decision is made collectively and in the best interest of the people and the strength of the coalition,” he added.

The Moyog state seat is expected to be one of the key battlegrounds in the upcoming state election, with various parties eyeing the constituency.