Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is preparing to welcome prominent figures and veteran leaders into its fold at upcoming divisional meetings, as it steps up efforts to bring fresh blood and unified influence to Sabah’s political landscape.
Party president Datuk Chin Su Phin announced that a string of well-known personalities and senior figures will be officially inducted during the West Coast division annual general meetings (AGMs) on July 26 and August 9 — gatherings that will also map out the party’s roadmap ahead of key national polls.
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Behind the new arrivals is a growing trend: more young Chinese professionals, business owners and community leaders are choosing to align with local-based parties like LDP, a shift Chin says signals rising trust in homegrown representation over outside forces.
“More and more people now understand that only local parties truly rooted here will fight first and foremost for Sabah’s priorities,” he said after chairing the latest Supreme Council meeting.
Drawing lessons from the last state election, Chin pointed out that KDM and Malay communities have already shown strong backing for local parties — and now it is time for the Chinese community to follow suit to avoid being left behind.
He warned that splitting support across parties outside the ruling bloc only weakens Sabah’s bargaining power. Instead, backing parties within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition — the only platform effectively bridging state and federal decision-making — is the surest way to turn demands into results.
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“Being inside the government is where the real influence lies. We cannot advocate for Sabah’s interests if we are not part of the table where decisions are made,” he stressed.
With the next general election drawing near, Chin is making a direct call for unity: consolidate support behind LDP and other GRS component parties to secure stronger representation, and greater leverage on critical issues including the Malaysia Agreement 1963, fiscal autonomy, development funds and infrastructure.
He also urged members to deepen grassroots outreach and inspire more young people to enter politics, saying Sabah’s future depends on leaders who live and fight for the state first.
