KOTA KINABALU – Despite the rising tension between DAP and Warisan over their disagreement on the 2021 government-Pakatan Harapan (PH) memorandum of understanding (MoU) and the defection of two DAP assemblymen into Warisan’s ranks recently, certain state leaders still believe that political cooperation remains possible.
Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe and Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong both share the same mindset that it is too early to shut out all potential options of working together.
“Anything is possible in politics. But at this point it is more important to tell the truth to the people and bare all the facts out in the open,” Wong told The Vibes.
However, he made no reference to his earlier accusation of DAP’s “hypocrisy” and “playing charades” for being a signatory of the MoU in 2021 which saw the federal level Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional administration committing to a “ceasefire” with its PH rivals.
Tension has hit a boiling point for the two opposition parties after the exit of two DAP assemblymen – Elopura’s Calvin Chong and Sri Tanjong’s Justin Wong who later joined Warisan.
Obviously, DAP did not take the defection sitting down.
It criticised Warisan for accepting turncoats amid a concerted push among federal lawmakers to pass the anti-hopping bill in Parliament.
Matters were made worse with DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke accusing Warisan of adopting a confrontational approach by contesting the recently concluded Johor polls in seats where DAP is the incumbent.
Warisan had refused to sign the historical MoU as its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the country needs a solid opposition to serve as a check and balance to the government.
Meanwhile, Sabah DAP secretary Phoong said while it was unfortunate that Warisan has not stopped attacking his party, they are still all for a united opposition front.
“Not to mention Warisan lured two of our assemblymen and their move in Johor, yes, we have been consistent in calling opposition parties to act like ‘Avengers’ and unite like we once did in the last election.
“Sabah DAP will be having a state committee meeting next weekend and discuss our action plan in preparation for the next general election,” he said. – The Vibes, April 8, 2022
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