Kota Kinabalu: DAP is setting its sights on greater female representation in the upcoming Sabah state election, with plans to field at least 30 per cent women candidates as part of a push for a more inclusive leadership.
Party secretary-general Anthony Loke said increasing the number of women contesting was a key priority for the party and an important step towards strengthening policymaking.
“We will try our best to reach that target. Although we have not finalised the names yet, female representation is something we are taking seriously,” he said when met during DAP’s Sabah state election dinner here on Saturday.
He said women bring valuable perspectives and their participation would strengthen the party’s leadership and policies.
“We believe women leaders bring valuable perspectives, and their participation will strengthen the party and its policies,” he added.
The party is also expected to see a generational shift, with younger and more dynamic candidates replacing some incumbents to ensure leadership renewal.
“In every election, there will be changes. We have always emphasised that candidates must be young, hardworking and ready for the next generation,” Loke said.
On the political landscape, Loke expressed confidence that rising calls for Sabahans to vote only for local parties would not significantly sway voters.
He described such rhetoric as political posturing rather than meaningful policy debate.
“Politics and elections are not about sentiments. They are about the future and which party can bring progress,” he said.
“All our Sabah leaders are Sabahans. Those who play up this kind of sentiment have no real policy solutions for the people — they are just playing politics,” he added.
Loke said Sabahans today are more concerned with tangible results than political narratives.
“What matters are the people’s livelihoods. It doesn’t matter if a party is federal or local — what’s important is who can deliver,” he said.
On a separate note, Loke said Sandakan Airport is expected to undergo upgrades to expand capacity and support future international flights.
Plans include adding two more aerobridges — doubling the current number from two to four — to allow the terminal to handle four aircraft simultaneously.
“This is not a major project but an enhancement we are prioritising. Sandakan is one of the airports being considered under the Airport Development Fund,” he said.
So far, DAP has expressed hope to contest eight of the 73 state seats, including six it won in the last election.