Latest news with #DAPSabah
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Former Kapayan leader quits DAP Sabah, slams leadership failures
Liew (left) with independent Kudat Member of Parliament Verdon Bahanda. KOTA KINABALU (May 16): Long-time grassroots figure and former Kapayan Community Development Officer (PPM), Cyril Liew, has announced his resignation from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah, citing a lack of transparency, accountability, and leadership direction on issues critical to Sabahans. In a strongly worded statement, Liew criticized the state party's silence on key matters such as anti-corruption efforts and the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He warned that the party's continued inaction could erode public confidence ahead of the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17). 'I had personally reached out to DAP Sabah chairman Datuk Ginger Phoong to seek clarity on the party's stance. My message was read, but no response was given. That silence speaks volumes,' Liew said. He also expressed deep disappointment in DAP Sabah deputy chairperson Jannie Lasimbang, accusing her of failing to uphold the party's core values of integrity and good governance. 'As the former BERSIH Sabah chair, I find it shameful that Jannie remains silent on these critical issues while holding public office. The people deserve leaders who act in their best interests,' he added. Liew singled out DAP Policy Bureau chief Datuk Chan Foong Hin, saying his performance on MA63 implementation was 'zero,' and urged voters to rethink their support for career politicians. 'Datuk Chan has done little to advance MA63 rights. Recycled politicians like him should step aside. Sabahans deserve results, not recycled promises,' he said. Highlighting internal disarray, Liew revealed that he had to personally fund and manage the PPM Office at Kobusak Commercial Centre due to the party's failure to provide institutional support. 'Even basic staff welfare was mismanaged. This shows how disconnected the leadership is from the ground,' he said. Liew also announced his departure from DAP and his alignment with Gelombang Hitam (Bebas), a growing grassroots movement he describes as non-partisan and people-driven. 'I'm not here to challenge the government or opposition. I'm here to provide an alternative platform that genuinely reflects the people's aspirations,' he said. With over four years of community service, Liew affirmed his continued dedication to the Kapayan constituency. 'I've been solving real issues with the people every day. Kapayan deserves a voice — not just during elections, but in everyday development,' he added. As the state election approaches, Liew called on DAP Sabah to avoid campaigning on anti-corruption or MA63 promises. 'They've had nearly five years in power and failed to act. Their roles in government have silenced them. It's time for a new, people-first approach,' he said. Jannie expressed her regret over Cyril's announcement to resign from DAP and to contest as independent. Jannie also declared that she is ready to defend her Kapayan seat in the 17th state election.
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP's stance on Sabah corruption claims ‘clear,' says Warisan aide
Yong KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): DAP has made its stance on high-profile corruption allegations involving several state assemblymen, including the Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly. Yong Tain Vui, Political Assistant to Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, said the public is well aware of DAP Sabah's stance, as reflected in multiple statements issued by DAP leaders over the past months. For instance, he said DAP Sabah chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, in a statement dated 20 January 2025, reaffirmed that DAP remains a part of the GRS-led state government. He also emphasized that while Sabah DAP operates autonomously without needing direct approval from DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, it must take into account the coalition's collective position — particularly PKR's firm commitment to support the Sabah Government until the end of its term and to continue working with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). Additionally, DAP Central Executive Committee member and MP for Sandakan, Vivian Wong, publicly thanked the Chief Minister for his commitment to safeguarding Sabah's natural resources despite the ongoing corruption allegations, Yong said in a statement on Thursday. He was responding to the call of Kepayan Community Development Officer (PPM) Cyril Liew to DAP Sabah to clarify its stance on the high-profile corruption scandal ahead of the upcoming 17th State Election, warning that continued silence could erode trust and cost the party at the ballot box. Yong added in response to growing political speculation, GRS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor himself has also stated that GRS will explore the possibility of collaborating with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next state election. 'It is important to note that questions from grassroots supporters are no longer centered on DAP Sabah's stance — this has been made abundantly clear. Instead, the public is more concerned about whether the next state government will demonstrate genuine resolve in combating corruption to build a better Sabah. 'While DAP and PH leaders in Sabah continue to hold ministerial and key positions within the current administration, none of them resign from the current government – there is unnecessary to question their stances on corruption allegation, the answer is very clear,' said Yong. He added it is also important to point out that DAP has not openly challenged or called for the resignation of any of the state assemblymen implicated in the corruption allegations — unlike the firm anti-corruption stance the party has championed in the past. This inaction further reinforces the perception that their position on this matter is, indeed, crystal clear. Lastly, in an earlier interview with Cai Jin, veteran DAP leader Teresa Kok acknowledged the challenges of openly criticizing fellow coalition partners while serving in government. She noted that there are times when DAP must adopt a 'quiet party' approach in order to preserve coalition stability.
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
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.
