Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the party remains part of the Sabah Government amid ongoing discussions among Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) component parties to address current political developments.
“We had a lengthy discussion on Jan. 12 to chart the way forward and resolve current challenges within the coalition,” he said, adding that the meeting involved the four leaders from Sabah DAP, PKR, Amanah and Upko.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“We need to be very careful when it comes to decisions as there will be implications. It is important to maintain PH’s unity before addressing other matters,” he said, after officiating Sabah DAPSY and Sabah DAP Wanita 2025 Ordinary Convention, Sunday.
He said while Sabah DAP has autonomy in decision-making without requiring approval from the party’s Sec-Gen Anthony Loke, they must consider the coalition’s stance, particularly PKR’s clear position to support the Sabah Government until the end of its term and work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
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To better understand public sentiment, he said, Sabah DAP is conducting a tour to meet constituents and gather feedback.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“We have to meet the people, we have to collect the views and ideas from the people,” he said.
While acknowledging that decisions may be reviewed from time to time depending on different context and factors, Phoong who is Sabah Industrial and Entrepreneur Minister, said he remains a minister and DAP continues to be part of the Sabah Government.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Asked about Sabah DAP’s stand on corruption and working with those who have been linked to alleged graft, he said they continue to evaluate their future direction based on both investigation outcomes and public sentiment.
“We need to see before we make any decision. As a party that comes from the people, we will listen to the views of the people,” he said.
“We do not compromise on corruption. That is very clear,” he said, pointing to the importance of waiting for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigation results before making any decisions.
On the Sabah DAP Statewide tour, he said the tour, launched amid Chinese New Year preparations, has already covered Lahad Datu, Keningau, Tenom and Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu.
“I will be going to Sandakan, Tawau and Papar next. We will go to wherever our branches are before going back to Keningau to complete the tour,” he said.
“The party’s Sec-Gen. has entrusted me with the mandate to make decisions regarding our position,” Phoong said, explaining the tour’s purpose to gather grassroots feedback.
“We are visiting every branch to listen to people’s opinions and ideas. It is important for us as a party to work together with the people.
“We received positive response during our tour. The people see us as a party that is diligent in doing work. So, this is our branding. Our priority is not positions. What matters most is maintaining public support and working together with the people,” he said.
On the Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition dynamics, he said it is important for unity within PH.
“We hope we in PH can discuss this issue more deeply, because we feel worried too, because this is an issue that has not been resolved yet. It will threaten our unity in PH.
“Whatever decisions Sabah DAP makes, maintaining harmony within PH is a precondition, as we are one coalition,” he said.
He also reiterated his continued support for Datuk Ewon Bendick as Sabah PH Chairman saying “The decision was made through democratic process based on our constitution. We cannot reverse this.”
On whether there has been discussion between Sabah DAP and Sabah PKR on the matter, he said there is ongoing productive discussion with coalition partners including talks with Sabah PKR Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
“We had several discussions. I also have had discussions with Mustapha and I am grateful that we can, you know, discuss in a very open and friendly way,” he said.
On the coming Sabah election, he said Sabah DAP is committed to diversity in candidate selection.
“We will consider more women and young candidates who are winnable.
“In the last general election, we achieved over 50 per cent representation and our State Committee has 30 per cent women representation fulling our party’s policy,” he said.
