Kota Kinabalu: DAP Sabah chairman Phoong Jin Zhe said the party sees potential benefits regardless of whether Pakatan Harapan (PH) aligns with Barisan Nasional (BN) or Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
He views the evolving political landscape as a positive opportunity for PH and DAP. DAP anticipates contesting six to 10 seats and aims to introduce a new era of policy and service-oriented politics if entrusted with the people’s mandate.
Phoong’s comments followed BN Chairman Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s announcement that BN and Umno would collaborate exclusively with PH, excluding GRS, in the coming State election.
Speaking at the DAP Kapayan operations room opening in Kepayan Point, Phoong emphasised the broader implications for DAP and PH, noting that political cooperation can take various forms beyond formal pacts.
Currently, discussions focus on preventing seat clashes, with Phoong highlighting positive progress in negotiations with other coalitions and parties.
While clarifying that PH and BN have not yet formed an electoral pact with a shared manifesto or policy framework, Phoong confirmed that seat arrangements are the primary focus.
Addressing potential clashes between BN and GRS seats, Phoong drew parallels with European democracies, where multiple parties contest seats independently, and post-election negotiations determine government formation.
He expressed DAP’s ambition to secure its contested seats in the 17th Sabah Elections with a clear vision for Sabah’s modernisation through industrialisation.
Phoong cited DAP’s track record in public transportation, industries, job creation, and overall improvements for Sabahans.
Securing a sufficient number of seats would enable DAP to engage in government formation talks based on a shared mandate.
