DAP gives Sabah chapter mandate to review party's position in state govt

The DAP central executive committee (CEC) has given its Sabah chapter the mandate to review the party’s position in the state government.

This is after the central leadership was briefed by Sabah DAP chairperson Phoong Jin Zhe last night on the corruption scandal implicating the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government.

“The CEC stressed that DAP does not compromise on all forms of corruption in government and calls on the MACC to investigate the case sternly.

“The CEC has given the full mandate to the Sabah DAP leadership to review DAP’s position in the Sabah state government and take further action,” said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke in a statement last night.

Since last month, the Sabah government led by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has been embroiled in a scandal over mineral exploration licences.

A whistleblower has released videos implicating seven assemblypersons, including top Sabah ministers, of accepting bribes to facilitate him getting a licence.

Former Sabah Mineral Management CEO Jontih Enggihon accused Hajiji of abusing his power as the SMM chairperson.

On Monday, Sabah DAP secretary Vivian Wong stated the party’s stance against corruption in a press release.

However, it also thanked Hajiji for ensuring that no mining licences were issued.

Sabah DAP currently has four state seats, with Phoong - the Luyang assemblyperson - in the state cabinet.

Its Harapan partners PKR and Upko have two and one seat respectively.

The GRS-led coalition currently has 56 seats, 16 more than is needed to form a state government.

Sabah DAP to consult partners

When contacted, a Sabah DAP source told Malaysiakini said the state chapter will be consulting its Harapan partners on whether to stay in the state government.

“Sabah DAP will make any necessary decision after consulting with other Harapan component parties etc

“We will uphold our principle and we will always listen to the people - that is of utmost importance,” the source said.

Separately, a DAP leader from the peninsula said there is no decision for the party to withdraw from the Sabah government.

“The relationship with the state government is good,” the leader told Malaysiakini anonymously.

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