![[UPDATED] So long, DAP: two Sabah reps officially join Warisan](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/justin_wong_calvin_chong_shafie_apdal_warisan_pic_courtesy_of_warisan.png)
KOTA KINABALU – Two Sabah assemblymen Justin Wong (Sri Tanjong) and Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura) today officially bid farewell to DAP to join Warisan.
At a joint press conference at the Warisan headquarters in Kolombong here, Wong said he made the decision so he will remain in the opposition bloc and continue to be fair and responsible to his voters.
“I believe that it will only be fair and responsible to my voters that I join an opposition party that champions Sabah’s rights, and promote and expand Sabah’s position to the highest possible level.
“For this, I believe the most qualified person to lead my political direction is none other than (Warisan president) Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.”
Wong said he had been a loyalist in his political career, sticking by Sabah DAP since 2008 until recently when he grew tired of the party that only requires him to be a “yes man”.
He added that despite receiving the most votes during the Sabah DAP leadership election last year, he was not given the space to speak and express his views.
“I left DAP not because of personal interest, but the loss of direction and serious infighting within the party.”
Meanwhile, Chong said despite knowing that being in opposition means to have a tougher journey in politics, he is confident with Shafie’s leadership in fighting for the people’s rights.
“It was a difficult decision to make. However, I know that the rakyat wants this party. I hope that in the future, I will not be alone in working for the people in Sandakan (Elopura).
“In the future, I know that people from other parties will criticise me for my actions, but I don’t care. I just want to serve the people in my constituency.”
He added that Warisan is the only party that has a clear direction for Sabah to have a better future.
On March 9, The Vibes reported that the duo had planned to join Warisan in Johor, but the press conference was called off.
The duo’s exit from DAP marked another for the party. On January 21, former senator Adrian Lasimbang also quit, citing the lack of trust in Sabah DAP’s leadership.
Warisan now has seven MPs and 19 assemblymen in the 79-seat state assembly, which includes six nominated assemblymen. – The Vibes, March 26, 2022
