KUALA LUMPUR – DAP is actually taking on a “wait-and-see” approach to assess the situation in Sabah following the corruption allegations facing its top leaders despite its Sabah chapter being given full authority to reassess its position in the state government following the scandal, said a political analyst.
James Chin, a professor at the University of Tasmania told Scoop that both the DAP Central Executive Council (CEC) and Sabah DAP seem to be taking this approach in dealing with the corruption scandal as the issue has not yet directly affected Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
“I think the Sabah DAP leadership is behaving exactly like the central DAP leadership (in adopting a) wait-and-see attitude as most people in Sabah will tell you that while they believe in this scandal, it has not yet directly impected Hajiji.
“People (there) are just waiting for some sort of report from MACC before they can start moving (forward),” he said.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday after a meeting at the DAP Headquarters on Tuesday, secretary-general Anthony Loke said that Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has provided his detailed statement to the CEC on matters related to allegations stemming from videos circulating online, reportedly showing discussions about corrupt activities involving key state assembly members.
Loke also reaffirmed DAP’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.
Saving face or being opportunistic?
Lee Kuok Tiung, an associate professor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) told Scoop that DAP’s move can be perceived as “a strategic necessity” for the party to maintain its credibility to the public while reflecting the autonomy given to its Sabah chapter.
DAP’s decision to allow its Sabah chapter to reassess the party’s position in the state government following the graft scandal has divided analysts on how the party will be perceived – either principled or opportunistic.
Lee said that the party’s call can be seen as a “double-edged sword” as on one hand, the CEC’s decision underscores the party’s commitment to accountability and integrity but on the other hand, DAP could also be perceived as abandoning its allies which are under attack in Sabah’s fluid and contentious political landscape.
The analyst also pointed out that CEC’s instruction makes the Sabah government “sound like it has been proven guilty of the graft allegations is facing”.
“In essence, DAP may be seen as attempting to take advantage of the opportunity to distance itself from a political turmoil.
“If it is truly a party that champions good governance and transparency, it should unequivocally advocate for an impartial investigation into these allegations, avoiding any prejudgment or bias, particularly when the matter involves potential character assassination via media.
“This stance could indirectly impact DAP’s national and local image, as it might raise questions about its loyalty to allies or its objectivity in addressing such issues,” he asserted.
However, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan said that DAP CEC’s instruction was appropriate given the severity of the scandal.
“DAP should show that corruption should not be tolerated in Sabah, despite it is yet to be proven and is now merely an allegation,” he told Scoop.
Meanwhile, Chin asserted that the fear of public backlash would not be an issue for DAP, since its Sabah leadership had already voiced out its concerns about the scandal and called for formal investigations to be initiated.
However, he acknowledged that Sabah DAP was initially tight-lipped on the issue, which drew anger from netizens as they questioned its stance on this issue.
“I think part of the reason why Sabah DAP was having problems answering this (question) is because it is part of the larger Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH). I think they’re waiting for PH to take a stand (on this matter).
“As (we) know, PH was only brought into government after Umno was kicked out last year. So, it is not as if it has been part of the ruling government from day one,” he added.
On December 9, MACC confirmed it is currently investigating the matter, having recorded statements from 15 individuals, including eight Sabah state assembly members and a whistleblower.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said that while interviews were completed last Saturday, the whistleblower has yet to hand over any evidence, citing a need for immunity protection.
Azam also revealed that the agency is investigating a second case involving the whistleblower, accused of colluding with a Sabah state government officer in mineral exploration activities.
What should DAP do come state elections?
With the graft scandal materialising at a time when Sabah is gearing up to face the next state elections, expected to take place next year, questions arise on who DAP should partner with.
Azmi said that because Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) reputation has taken a hit from the graft allegations facing its leaders, DAP and PH should distance themselves from the coalition as such a partnership would not resonate well with DAP’s battle cry of not tolerating any forms of corruption.
Lee echoed Azmi’s sentiments, saying that the idea of collaborating with GRS amid the corruption allegations would risk undermining the party’s credibility.
However, the analyst viewed that such a decision, if taken by DAP, might create opportunities for certain groups within GRS which would prioritise local parties’ agendas to potentially foster better partnerships among themselves – thus avoiding tensions that could stem from cooperating with peninsular parties.
“DAP is likely to continue working with GRS as it remains the most strategic option. This decision would be based on the electoral strength of both parties and the relatively straightforward seat distribution arrangement.
“DAP’s influence is concentrated in urban and Chinese-majority areas, which minimises potential conflicts over seat allocations (with GRS) and allows the partnership to focus on broader strategic goals,” Lee added.
Meanwhile, Chin pointed out that since DAP wants to be part of the Sabah state government, it would never ditch the current GRS-led government “no matter what happens”, and that the party would partner with the coalition in the next state election if it believes Hajiji could win.
“(However, DAP could also) go alone with PH and see which bloc would win the largest seat, and they can do the post-election coalition (formation).
“There are three big blocs (in Sabah) – GRS, PH, and Umno plus its allies. It will be a free-for-all (situation where) they (blocs) can come together post-election to see who has the numbers (to form the next state government),” Chin concluded. – December 16, 2024