Latest news with #SabahDAP
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Probe why police failed standard operating procedures
Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 Text Size: Phoong raised concerns about whether external factors or internal pressures may have influenced the investigating officer's deviation from established procedures, warning that such actions would undermine Malaysia's judicial fairness and violate the rights of both the deceased and her family. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe called for a comprehensive investigation into why police investigators failed to follow standard operating procedures in the fatal case involving student Zara, whose death has sparked widespread public concern. 'There is significant procedural failures after police admitted that investigating officers did not properly explain the importance of a post-mortem examination to Zara's grieving mother nor did they simultaneously apply to the hospital for the procedure as required by protocol. 'While the police statement helps clarify public questions and curb speculation, it also reveals critical lapses in the investigation process. 'This demands accountability and further investigation to prevent such incidents from recurring,' Phoong said. He said Zara's mother's decision to refuse a post-mortem should be viewed with compassion, noting that any parent receiving such devastating news would naturally be overwhelmed by grief and unable to think rationally. 'We should be questioning why officers failed to follow proper procedures by patiently explaining the post-mortem process and its importance to the family,' he said. Phoong raised concerns about whether external factors or internal pressures may have influenced the investigating officer's deviation from established procedures, warning that such actions would undermine Malaysia's judicial fairness and violate the rights of both the deceased and her family. 'If anyone deliberately concealed, delayed or circumvented proper procedures, they must face severe legal consequences regardless of rank or position. Otherwise, our police force's credibility will be questioned,' he said. Sabah DAP attended a candlelight vigil for Zara on Aug 12 and plans to participate in a peaceful assembly at the Padang Merdeka here on Aug 15, demanding transparency and truth from authorities. Phoong said the case has evolved beyond a school safety tragedy to become a test of Malaysia's law enforcement credibility and judicial procedures, requiring an open and transparent investigation to restore public trust. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Local parties like STAR well-equipped to represent Sabahans
Kenny Chua KOTA KINABALU (Aug 15): The upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17) is set to showcase the growing strength and credibility of local-based parties, with Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) asserting its readiness to represent the diverse voices of Sabahans — including those in Chinese-majority constituencies. STAR Deputy President Datuk Kenny Chua said voters in Sabah, particularly in urban and Chinese-majority areas, are increasingly placing their trust in local parties that are better attuned to the state's unique political and social fabric. 'The winds have changed. Sabahans, including the Chinese community, are increasingly looking to local parties that can genuinely represent their voices and aspirations,' Chua said. His remarks come in response to Sabah DAP Deputy Chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin's recent claim that the party is confident of winning between eight to ten seats, including defending its six constituencies and reclaiming Sri Tanjong and Elopura. Chua cautioned against relying too heavily on past voting trends, stressing that the political landscape has evolved. 'Voter sentiment today is driven by real engagement, accountability, and local understanding,' he said. He added that STAR is not only preparing to contest in more constituencies, but is also specifically targeting several with strong Chinese voter bases — a reflection of growing grassroots support across communities. 'This is not just a strategic move. It's a direct response to what we believe is the people's call for more grounded, Sabah-based leadership. Local parties like STAR are fully capable of championing the interests of all Sabahans — Chinese included,' he said. Chua noted that local-based parties are increasingly seen as more equipped to address on-the-ground concerns, as they are not tied to Peninsular-based political interests and agendas. As Sabah heads into what is expected to be a highly competitive election, the contest will likely spotlight the rising role of state-rooted parties that promise inclusive and responsive leadership grounded in Sabah's diverse reality.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Zara's mother's initial autopsy refusal a 'natural' reaction, don't use it against her, says Sabah minister
KOTA KINABALU: Zara Qairina Mahathir's mother's decision to forgo a post mortem in the wake of her sudden tragic death should not be used against a grieving parent, says Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said. 'Zara's mother's decision to refuse a post-mortem just after her death is in essence, a natural human reaction and should not be subjected to public condemnation or moral judgement," the Sabah DAP chairman said. The state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said that her reaction was natural for any parent or family member just grappling with the sudden death of their only child. "It would have been an overwhelming period of panic, grief, and confusion, making it impossible to think rationally, let alone make the best decision in a short time," he said. "Instead, we should be asking why the officers at the scene failed to follow standard operating procedure (SOP) by patiently and clearly explaining the relevant procedure and its importance to the family,' he said. "My question is whether Zara's mother was made to fully understand what a post-mortem entails before she signed the Declaration of Refusal for Post-Mortem. "If she did not understand its importance, this would indicate a serious procedural misconduct by the IO (investigating officer)," he added. Phoong urged the police to carry out the probe into the SOP breach transparently. "If it is confirmed that anyone deliberately concealed, delayed, or circumvented the proper procedures, then regardless of rank or position, they must be subjected to severe legal consequences. "Otherwise, the credibility of our police force will inevitably be called into question,' he said. 'Bukit Aman's statement not only helps to clarify certain public questions but has also curbed unfounded speculation and rumours," he said, adding that it was crucial to uncovering the truth and restore public trust. However, he said it also means that the police must now follow up with accountability and further investigation to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Zara's body was exhumed for a postmortem on Aug 10.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah polls about respect, not autonomy, says Sabah DAP
KOTA KINABALU: The decision on Sabah's electoral collaboration and seat allocation is more about mutual respect and exclusivity than outright autonomy, says Sabah DAP deputy chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin. "It's about mutual respect. Any decision made must take into account that it's not just about Sabah alone, as it also affects the federal landscape," said Chan, who is also Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister, after launching the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair at the Sabah International Convention Centre. The Kota Kinabalu member of parliament was responding to claims that Sabah DAP lacks autonomy in determining its political alliances, following the recent announcement of cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) under the Unity Government Secretariat. "Prior to the announcement, there was no official decision. Even now, the arrangement is not final – the door remains open for other like-minded parties to join the BN-PH Plus collaboration. "As for reports suggesting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) plans to contest all, or between 51 and 52 seats – that is quite normal at this stage. "But since these three coalitions – BN, PH, and GRS – each intends to work together, any final seat arrangement will need to return to a coalition-wide consensus, which is inherently complex." Commenting on PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar's remark that her party aims to contest at least 13 seats in Sabah, Chan said that fell under the broader PH framework. As for Sabah DAP, he said that the party was eyeing 10 constituencies, including its incumbent seats in Luyang, Likas, Kapayan, Tanjong Papat, Sri Tanjong, and Elopura.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah DAP's 'autonomy myth' shattered, says SAPP
Yong Yit Jee KOTA KINABALU (May 9): Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) criticised the arrangement of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) to jointly contest the upcoming Sabah state election, calling it a direct blow to Sabah DAP's long-standing claim that 'Sabah DAP has autonomy.' Its Supreme Council member cum Vice Youth chief, Yong Yit Jee, also exposed DAP central leadership's previous assurance of 'empowering' Sabah DAP as an empty promise. 'On 10 November 2024, DAP Secretary General personally declared that Sabah DAP had been granted autonomy to negotiate its own cooperation. Yet in just half a year, the latest announcement by the Unity Government has completely proven that to be false,' he said in a statement today. Yong pointed out that in the official statement released by the secretariat of the Unity Government on 9 May 2025, it is clearly stated: 'Segala keputusan akan dimuktamadkan oleh kepimpinan tertinggi Pakatan Harapan dan Barisan Nasional di peringkat kebangsaan.' ('All final decisions will be made by the top leaderships of PH and BN at the national level.') 'May I ask DAP, both national and Sabah, whether this is what they call 'autonomy'? Sabah DAP can't even decide its own seat allocations, and everything is determined in Kuala Lumpur — yet Sabah DAP can shamelessly tell the people they have autonomy?' Yong further criticised Sabah DAP's for their repeated inconsistencies — such as firmly denying any cooperation with Umno before the 2022 general election, only to later sit in the same government after the polls. Now, Sabah DAP has gone a step further by becoming a mere puppet and executor of decisions made by the central leadership of PH and BN, thus betraying their original promises to the people of Sabah. 'The people of Sabah are not forgetful. One single statement from the central government has exposed all Sabah DAP's falsehoods. Can Sabah DAP still face the voters with a straight face and claim that they represent Sabah?' Yong stressed that what Sabah truly needs is a party that is firm in its stance and refuses to compromise with the central authorities, not agents who chant slogans while accepting decisions handed down from KL. 'Sabah is not a vassal of Malayan parties, and the power to decide Sabah's fate should not lie in distant KL. The people of Sabah deserve autonomy and the right to self-determination — not external control! 'Therefore, SAPP calls on all Sabahans to unite and support a truly Sabah local based government that will fight for their rights and aspirations. In the coming state election, Sabahans will have the chance to choose a voice that truly belongs to Sabah — not political actors who merely change their 'packaging' but remain obedient to outsiders.' 'Now is the time for us Sabahans to unite and build the Sabah we rightfully deserve.'
