DAP Sabah asked to clarify stance on corruption scandal
KOTA KINABALU (April 23): DAP Sabah has been urged to clarify its stance on the high-profile corruption scandal implicating several government assemblymen and the Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly.
Grassroots leader and Kapayan Community Development Officer (PPM) Cyril Liew has issued an open statement calling on the party to clarify its stand ahead of the upcoming 17th State Election, warning that continued silence could erode trust and cost the party at the ballot box.
'The leadership's silence on this matter is deeply troubling. It runs contrary to the core values of the party, which has always taken a firm stance against corruption and abuse of power,' he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Liew, who frequently meets with grassroots members, revealed that the issue has become a major concern among party supporters on the ground.
'This is the number one question I get from the grassroots, what is the party's position? Without a clear answer, speculation festers and that undermines confidence in the party's integrity,' he said.
Although the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is currently investigating the matter, Liew stressed that a firm public stance is still necessary, especially given the weight of public perception.
'Even though no formal charges have been filed yet, perception matters. The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' must be respected, but that doesn't mean we stay silent. At the very least, the leadership must make its position known so that the grassroots are not left guessing,' he pointed out.
Liew also highlighted another point of contention, DAP Sabah's ongoing cooperation with state-level coalition partners, some of whom are also facing corruption-related allegations.
He questioned whether DAP Sabah intends to maintain the current government status quo or consider new alignments, such as working with Barisan Nasional (BN), given the realities of the Federal Unity Government.
'Both GRS and BN are tainted – BN's chairman is already in court, while GRS figures are still under investigation,' Liew pointed out. 'That difference matters, and the party must weigh it carefully.'
He said the grassroots are not demanding perfection, but they do expect honesty and clarity.
'They simply want transparency. For many, transparency is the foundation of their support for this party,' he stressed.
Frustrated by the lack of response from internal channels, Liew said he had no choice but to make his concerns public.
'I am doing this out of love and loyalty to the party. It's precisely because I believe in the party's principles on its firm stand on integrity, anti-corruption, and accountability, that I felt compelled to speak out,' he said, adding that party leaders must step up and address the concerns of the rank and file before state election arrives.
'The grassroots deserve answers. And the party must provide them before it's too late,' he said.
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