DATUK Frankie Poon, the sitting assemblyman for Tanjung Papat and former Sabah DAP chairman, has announced his resignation from the Democratic Action Party, citing internal strife and a lack of respect for veteran leaders.
Poon’s departure was accompanied by that of Liau Fui Fui, the former secretary of organisational affairs for DAP Sabah. Together, they confirmed that two party branches under their leadership would also be leaving the party.
In a joint statement, the pair described the decision as the result of “careful evaluation” of recent developments, expressing concern over what they described as deliberate moves by unnamed party leaders to displace the current leadership in Tanjung Papat.
“We hereby officially announce our decision to leave the DAP along with two divisions under our leadership,” they said. “This decision was not made hastily, but after carefully evaluating recent internal developments within the party.”
They added: “We have observed implicit actions by certain party leaders suggesting a hidden agenda to replace the current leadership in Tanjung Papat without any formal discussion or consultation.”
The statement further criticised the party’s growing focus on grooming younger leaders, which they claimed had come at the cost of sidelining long-serving members.
“This shows a lack of appreciation for senior members who have dedicated years of service,” they said. “In any organisation, leadership must be balanced across all levels to ensure harmonious and inclusive growth.”
While acknowledging the emotional weight of their exit, the pair said the erosion of key values within the party made their continued presence untenable.
“When values such as honesty, respect and teamwork are no longer upheld, leaving the party becomes necessary,” they said. “While this decision is difficult, it is made to uphold our principles and the trust of the people.”
Despite their resignation from DAP, both Poon and Liau affirmed their commitment to public service, stating they would continue working independently of any political party, at least for the time being.
“We will continue to serve the people with sincerity, commitment and courage,” they said. “Political platforms may change, but our dedication to serving the people remains the priority.” - October 11, 2025
