Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee dismissed Sabah DAP’s “threat” to review its position in the Sabah GRS-led State Government as a mere negotiation strategy.
“GRS leaders should not worry that DAP will withdraw from the GRS-led government because there is no possibility of leaving the GRS-led government on grounds of anti-corruption,” said Yong in a statement, Saturday.
“In any case, GRS has nothing to fear because as the Chief Minister said, “There is nothing to hide.”
“If anti-corruption were really the principle of DAP to choose its government partners, the DAP would not have joined hands with BN-Umno in November 2022,” he said.
He said people remember how DAP, over more than 50 years, severely condemned Umno as a corrupted party.
“But what people have witnessed in the last two years is that DAP is comfortable partnering Umno at all levels of government and even campaigning for Umno at state elections and by-elections,” he said.
He said in Sabah, the so-called “review” of DAP’s position in the Sabah government is more likely to be merely a negotiation tactic to squeeze the Sabah Chief Minister and GRS leaders to concede more posts, more privileges and more benefits, including promoting DAP leaders in the Sabah Cabinet.
New Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the Sabah chapter has been given the mandate to review its position in the State Government as a partner in the wake of the mining scandal.
However, State DAP Secretary MP Vivian Wong, praised Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for cancelling prospective mining licences that were allegedly secretly issued to a cartel. The case is being investigated by MACC.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala said quitting the State Government over the alleged scandal would be viewed as nothing more than a publicity stunt.
He said every political party was expected to oppose all forms of wrongdoing, especially corruption, in order to retain its existing supporters and win over new voters.
“While there are allegations of corruption among members of certain parties, these are just allegations that haven’t been backed by solid evidence.
“Therefore, DAP should not entertain these allegations. If it does, the party would be perceived as seeking cheap publicity,” he said.
On Wednesday, DAP said it had given its Sabah chapter a “mandate to review its position in the Sabah government” in light of the alleged scandal.
Party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said it would be entirely up to Sabah DAP to decide on the next course of action.
Bilcher warned DAP that Loke’s statement could be perceived by Sabahans as interference by the party’s peninsula-based leadership in its state chapter’s affairs.
“With the rise of Sabah-centric politics of late, DAP needs to ride that wave if it wants to remain relevant in both Sabah and Sarawak,” said Bilcher.
Meanwhile, SAPP called for Sabah’s Head of State title to revert to the original title “Tuan Yang Terutama Negara”, in line with the MA63.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s rights and autonomy. We have submitted seven key motions to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Supreme Council, aimed at ensuring Sabah’s future is shaped by Sabahans, for Sabahans.
SAPP said it remains fully committed to GRS, the only coalition of 100pc local parties.
“We will continue to fight for Sabah’s autonomy and a government that truly represents Sabah people,” said Deputy President Datuk Edward Dagul.
SAPP also proposed that GRS should field candidates in all 73 constituencies in coming Sabah election, upholding Sabah’s autonomy.
Other motions include the issuance of a Sabah Identity Card (Sabah IC) for all Sabahans and Labuan’s return to Sabah to enhance its economic and social development.
“We also demand that 35pc of parliamentary seats be allocated to Sabah and Sarawak to ensure fair representation in the federal government.
“SAPP is committed to the full implementation of MA63, including the 40pc revenue entitlement, territorial sea rights and recognition of Sabah’s continental shelf.”
Lastly, Land Reforms for Anak Negeri and Sabahans are also reiterated to ensure better access to land for personal and community development.
