KOTA KINABALU – The mystery behind the political direction of two former Sabah DAP elected reps who left the party in January might be answered tomorrow.
It is learnt that Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong and Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong will attend a planned joint press conference by Warisan in Johor.
A source with knowledge of the matter told The Vibes the duo would reveal joining Warisan.
“I was informed both Chong and Wong will be at the press conference and they would announce joining Warisan,” the source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said.
Wong and Chong left Sabah DAP on January 20, citing “corrosive” political practices of the state chapter.
Their departure came following Sabah DAP’s controversial election, which also saw the chapter’s then adviser Datuk Jimmy Wong citing discontent over the chapter’s committee new line up.
Another DAP leader who left the party was former senator Adrian Lasimbang, who had announced that he will be returning to social activism.
He had recently filed a suit against the controversial carbon trade deal Sabah has inked with Singapore-based firm Hoch Standard Pte Ltd.
Since then, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Frankie Poon had reshuffled the committee in what is seen as a step to stop further fallout of leaders.
Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin was subsequently dropped as Sabah DAP secretary and was appointed as committee member.
The same also applied to Jannie Lasimbang, the Kepayan assemblywoman who was dropped as the Sabah DAP Wanita chief in the election.
The announcement was made by Luyang assemblyman, Phoong Jin Zhe, who replaced Chan as secretary in the state chapter.
Meanwhile, Chong, who had been seen in a viral photo meeting with Sabah Bersatu leader Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, triggered rumours he would be joining the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance.
Chong had since denied this, saying his meeting with Hajiji was over his constituency issues.
Warisan suffered a fallout of four leaders last year, with the departure of their assemblymen namely Hassan A. Gani Amir (Sebatik), Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Peter Anthony (Melalap), and Lahad Datu MP cum Segama assemblyman Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
The party now has 7 MPs and 19 assemblymen in the 79-seat state assembly, which includes six nominated assemblymen. – The Vibes, March 9, 2022
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