SANDAKAN – A crack has appeared in Sabah DAP, with one of the party’s elected representatives hitting out at the actions of other leaders within the party.
Elopura DAP assemblyman Calvin Chong Ket Kiun today criticised the opening of a new DAP service centre in Bandar Kim Fung, Mile 4, here today, claiming that the move is a waste of the party’s state funds.
There are already two DAP offices in Bandar Letat – the Elopura office and Sandakan Parliament office – which are nearby the new centre.
“Setting up this centre in Bandar Kim Fung is a waste of money. It is also confusing to the people. There are other places that are more suitable, such as Sg Sibuga, Sg Manila, Gum-Gum and Karamunting, that have yet to host a DAP centre,” he said.
But this was not his only issue. Chong claimed that he is being constantly side-lined and isolated by his own party members, adding that there have been several members trying to stop him from contesting in the state election back in September.
“I am heartbroken by this, but I chose to keep quiet on the matter,” said Chong, who is rumoured to have switched sides to support former chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman during the power struggle in July.
Only Sabah DAP assemblyman Ronnie Loh switched sides to support Musa then.
Chong, however, said his resentment this time stems Sabah DAP vice organising secretary Amsi Liew, whose action in setting up the new centre in his constituency without his knowledge is disrespectful to him.
“I am also upset to learn that Liew asked for funding from DAP representatives from other constituencies (to set up the branch).
“Why set up a service centre when you do not have enough money?” he questioned.
He said he will issue a letter to DAP headquarters to report Liew’s actions, and if the centre continues to operate after that, he will take a more serious action on the matter.
"I hope all parties in the community cooperate to stop this political situation that is only wasting funds and confusing the people,” he said.
Chong, who does not hold any position in Sabah DAP, told The Vibes that he will remain loyal to the party in spite of feeling left out by his party colleagues.
Sabah DAP acting chairman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung was present at the opening of the new centre.
Meanwhile, a reliable source told The Vibes that Chong was invited to the opening ceremony of the service centre today through an invitation card, but he did not attend.
The Vibes has been trying to reach Liew to comment on the matter.
Other than Poon, the ceremony was also attended by Sekong Warisan assemblyman Arifin Asgali and representatives from Malaysian Chinese Association and Liberal Democratic Party.
Poon, meanwhile, said that he welcomes the opening of any new DAP service centre, even if it is not headed by an elected representative from Sabah DAP. – The Vibes, December 28, 2020
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