Formerly a component party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, SAPP officially withdrew from BN in September 2008 to become independent.

Yong, who were the Deputy Chief Minister under Pairin, togethers with members of his faction, resigns from PBS on the day of SAPP's formation.

When BN regains control of the state on March that year after further defections from PBS, SAPP were part of the government in Sabah.

[6][7] The majority of the Sabah population are generally content with the SAPP no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Abdullah who has been accused a number of wrongdoings including corruption and abuse of power.

In retaliation for calling for a vote of no-confidence against Abdullah, the BN supreme council issued a show-cause letter to SAPP.