Sabah DAP reps apologise to party over 'Datuk' titles

Two DAP elected representatives from Sabah who were conferred and accepted state ‘Datukships’ have apologised to their party’s leadership.

The duo - Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin and Luyang assemblyperson Phoong Jin Zhe - said they accepted a reprimand for violating the party’s policy which prohibits members from accepting titles while serving as elected representatives.

“We would like to extend our sincere apologies to the leadership and members of the party,” they said in a joint statement today.

“Although we previously explained the complexity of the situation, stressing our obligation to respect the goodwill from the governor of Sabah and the state government, we understand this should not be an excuse to undermine the party’s principle and policy,” they said.

Chan (above, left) is also deputy agriculture and food security minister, while Phoong is Sabah’s industrial development and entrepreneurship minister.

“As Sabahans, we deeply value the state governor’s recognition of DAP’s dedicated service to the people and the community.

“Our unwavering dedication to serving the people and our beloved nation as elected representatives remains resolute.

“We want to reassure everyone that our commitment to upholding the party’s principles and values is unwavering,” they stressed.

Chan and Phoong were among 88 individuals conferred the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu award, which carries the ‘Datuk’ title, in a coronation ceremony held at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Oct 7.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke in an immediate response at the time said the party’s central executive committee (CEC) will deliberate on action against the duo.

Yesterday, Loke said the CEC that met on Wednesday has issued a strong reprimand against them.

“We have taken to heart the strong reprimand from the DAP CEC and are ready to accept the party’s guidance and advice with humility and an open mind,” said Chan and Phoong today.

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