Sabah Dap Moves To Appease Supporters After Losing 2 Reps

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Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe said the party regretted the loss of its elected representatives, acknowledging the weaknesses and shortcomings in its leadership.KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP has decided to appoint two of its elected representatives into its state committee following the sudden departure of two assemblymen.
Its secretary, Phoong Jin Zhe, said the unanimous decision to co-opt Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin and Kapayan state rep Jannie Lasimbang into the committee was reached during the party’s emergency meeting last night.
Chan, who was the previous Sabah DAP secretary, and Lasimbang, formerly its women’s chief, were not re-elected as committee members in the party polls last November.
“Both of them will be invited to attend the next state committee meeting,” he said, in a text message in the Sabah DAP WhatsApp group.
Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe.“We will further discuss the specific arrangements with them.”
Political observers contended this latest move by the party is a way “to appease” its remaining elected representatives and their followers.
This came after its Sri Tanjong and Elopura assemblymen, Justin Wong and Calvin Chong, as well as former senator Adrian Lasimbang, announced their resignation from DAP with immediate effect on Thursday night.
Wong had said there was a lack of trust in the Sabah DAP leaders, particularly in its chairman, Frankie Poon.
The loss of direction, serious internal division and lack of communication among leaders caused them to believe that the party was no longer striving for the people’s interest.
Chong had claimed he felt sidelined by the party, in particular by Poon.
Poon responded yesterday that their departure could have something to do with the tabling of the proposed anti-hopping bill in Parliament.
Speaking today, Phoong said Sabah DAP acknowledged that there were weaknesses and shortcomings in its leadership.
He said the state committee had discussed the matter thoroughly during the emergency meeting.
“We admit the party has to focus and work harder to regain public confidence. At the same time, we must unite all grassroots members to overcome these difficult moments.
“There is a strong call for unity from not only party grassroots members but also our supporters,” he said.
At the same time, Phoong regretted the departure of Wong and Chong, saying the party will be appointing coordinators to continue to serve the people in Sri Tanjong and Elopura.
“Sabah DAP reiterates its commitment to fight for the Orang Asal’s rights. I sincerely hope that Adrian will reconsider his resignation from DAP,” he said. - FMT

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