Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has taken a firm stance against any potential electoral cooperation between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional-Umno ahead of the 17th state election.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of 12 West Coast Divisions on Sunday, LDP President Datuk Chin Su Phin (pic) said Malaysians and Sabahans made history in 2018 by toppling the BN-Umno government due to widespread corruption, abuse of power and the 1MDB scandal involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Umno is unwilling to change its ways after its downfall,” Chin said, citing Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s tendency to play with racial and religious sentiments and the party’s refusal to acknowledge Najib’s guilt despite his conviction and incarceration.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Chin also referenced Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s 2022 attempt to overthrow the Hajiji-led GRS government as another reason why GRS should avoid any pact with BN-Umno.
Chin defended the current GRS administration’s track record, pointing out notable economic improvements under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s leadership.
He pointed to Sabah’s cash reserves increasing to RM8.6 billion and State revenue projected to reach RM7 billion this year, up from RM4 billion in 2022.
Major investments include SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Kibing Group’s RM11.34 billion manufacturing plants in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd’s RM20 billion natural gas supply project.
The implementation of a six percent sales tax on petroleum products has generated RM1.5 billion annually for the State.
He said the GRS government also secured RM600 million in interior special grants from the federal government this year, notably higher than the RM53 million received during Parti Warisan’s governance.
The upcoming state election will feature three main contenders GRS, Warisan and BN. Chin indicated that potential cooperation between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) remains possible if PH contests no more than 20 State seats.
Additionally, he urged Chinese voters against putting all eggs in one basket by supporting Warisan, arguing that the party lacks strong Kadazan candidates and faces challenges in Malay constituencies due to vote splitting.
With only party president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as a notable leader, Warisan has struggled to attract professionals since losing power two years ago, he said.
“Some Chinese voters have expressed their desire to support Warisan to change the government, but the reality is that Warisan is unlikely to form the next State Government without strong support from the Malay and Kadazan communities,” Chin said.
He urged Sabahans to evaluate candidates based on their backgrounds rather than party affiliation, pointing out the importance of maintaining political stability and continued development under proven leadership.
“The 17th state election is unlike previous polls because its outcome will have major implications on Sabah’s political stability and economy,” Chin said, calling for wisdom in selecting leaders who will form the next State Government.