24-04-2025
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.
