Sabah DAP told to rethink role amid corruption scandal

SABAH DAP has been directed to reconsider its role in the state government following a DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) decision last night.

Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook said the party’s Sabah chapter now has full mandate to review its ties with the state administration.

"The CEC reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and urges the MACC to conduct a thorough investigation,” Loke said in a statement.

This comes after videos allegedly showing senior Sabah government leaders discussing bribes for mining licenses went public, which has sparked a political firestorm in the state. 

The whistleblower claims several assemblymen were involved, but Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has denied the allegations, insisting no licenses were approved.

DAP, a component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition is part of the ruling coalition with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. The Sabah chapter holds four state assembly seats. 

Two assemblymen also occupy positions in the Sabah cabinet - Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe serves as the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship and Datuk Tan Lee Fatt as Assistant Finance Minister. 

Sabah DAP chairman Phoong Jin Zhe briefed the committee on the scandal, prompting the decision to evaluate their standing. Further action will follow after the review. - December 11, 2024