Sabah Polls Expected To Produce No Clear Winner Dap Leader Says

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Sabah DAP chairperson Phoong Jin Zhe said the Sabah election is likely to produce no clear winner, with a coalition government running the state seemingly inevitable.
“There is no political party that can win by itself. After the election, we will see a government that stands on the side of the people, and that is the coalition government,” Phoong (above) said.
He mentioned this after DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke unveiled seven candidates for the upcoming Sabah state election in Kota Kinabalu today.
The party’s line-up comprises three women and four men, five of whom are below 40 - in a move the party described as a generational and gender-balanced line-up.
The party also adopted the campaign slogan “Rocket Di Sabah, Maju Bersama” (Rocket in Sabah, Moving Forward Together), while revealing a campaign music video and other materials.
Loke said the Sabah team reflected the party’s confidence in young, capable, and inclusive leadership.
“Gender equality, it’s not just about women playing their roles. We are a progressive party.
“Out of seven seats, three are contested by women and five by candidates under 40.
“This shows that DAP gives real opportunities to young people,” he said.
Loke added that they are also eyeing another seat but discussions were still ongoing on the matter.
While he refused to the name the seat, the transport minister said a woman candidate is expected to contest there.
‘Three women front’
The three women leading the Sabah lineup are Vivian Wong, the Sandakan MP and Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairperson, defending Elopura; Jannie Lasimbang, the incumbent for Kapayan; and newcomer Tang Szu Ching, contesting Tanjung Papat.
Meanwhile, the youth-driven team includes Phoong, 35, moving from Luyang to contest Likas; Sabah DAP Youth chief Chan Loong Wei, 25, contesting Luyang; and Sabah DAP committee member Phillip Yap, 40, a first-time contender in Sri Tanjong – together with Tang (29) and Wong (36).
For the record, this is the highest proportion of young contenders ever fielded by DAP in Sabah.
Loke said the line-up embodies renewal and inclusivity, balancing experience and youth.
“The DAP of today is not just about continuity,” he said. “It’s about transformation - building leaders who can govern for the next generation.”
Rebranding push
The 2025 slogan anchors DAP’s rebranding push to project itself as a Sabah-grown party - while strengthening cooperation with Pakatan Harapan allies PKR and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
The phrase “Maju Bersama” (moving forward together) encapsulates both unity and local identity.
As for their candidates, Phoong said they know how to serve and all geared up to start work.
“This is not about outsiders leading Sabah, it’s about Sabahans taking the ‘rocket’ forward together,” he added.
Nomination day is set on Nov 15 and polling day set for Nov 29. - Mkini

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