SANDAKAN – Sabah DAP has taken a victory lap almost a year after the state’s political turmoil ended, saying it is proud to have contributed to a stable political landscape.
DAP central executive committee’s international secretary, Jannie Lasimbang said even though the matter may not be acknowledged by all parties, Sabah DAP believes that it played an important role in contributing to the political stability of the state.
In January this year, Sabah DAP along with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) decided to support Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to remain as chief minister.
This was after Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin withdrew support for Hajiji, which many alleged to be a move with Warisan to topple the GRS-led state government.
However, the attempt failed when Sabah PH backed Hajiji as chief minister until the next state election.
“I am happy that Sabah DAP played a role in calming the political turmoil in Sabah,” Lasimbang told the media after the Sabah DAP annual conference at Hakka Hall, here today.
As part of the state and federal governments, DAP still has a lot of work to do to address the people’s problems, especially in Sabah, she added.
Meanwhile, DAP national organising secretary Steven Sim said he is confident that Sabah DAP would remain strong and urged the party members to stay united.
“After about a year under the unity government, I must say that I am very proud that Sabah DAP has been very serious about the fight to honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This is DAP’s fight. We have successfully fought for several matters, including Sabah having the authority to approve any development project worth RM50 million, as well as the increase in the interim special grant payment to RM300 million next year.
“Though it (interim payment) is not enough, it proves that the federal government is sincere in implementing Sabah’s claims under the MA63.” – December 3, 2023