SABAH DAP will consult Pakatan Harapan (PH) allies to evaluate its role in the state government, following a mandate from the party’s central executive committee (CEC) to review its position.
“We will discuss with other PH component parties before making any decision,” said Sabah DAP chief Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
Phoong, who is also Sabah PH deputy chairman, said the meeting — expected to include PKR, Amanah, and Upko — could take place as early as Sunday (Dec 15).
The mandate was granted after Phoong briefed the CEC on alleged corruption involving several Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders.
Sabah PH, of which DAP is a key component, is currently in informal talks with GRS about a potential electoral pact ahead of next year’s state election.
However, videos showing several senior GRS leaders allegedly accepting bribes from a businessman in exchange for mining concessions had hit the ruling GRS coalition.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has since taken statements from those implicated.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke called on MACC to conduct a thorough investigation and emphasized the party’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption in a statement issued by the party CEC.
The decision was made following the CEC meeting held in Kuala Lumpur.
Sabah PH holds significant roles in the state Cabinet. Phoong serves as the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, while Sabah PKR’s Datuk Christina Liew is the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister.
Additionally, Sabah DAP’s Tan Lee Fatt is the Assistant Finance Minister, and PKR’s Datuk Peto Galim is the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries.
“Our focus is on ensuring accountability and upholding public trust,” said Phoong, reiterating that decisions would be made collectively with PH allies.
Sabah PH currently has eight assemblymen: three from PKR, four from DAP, and one from Upko. — December 12, 2024
