No decision yet on ties with GRS, says Sabah DAP 

SABAH DAP has not decided if it should review its collaboration with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led administration.

Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who holds a state cabinet position, said the party is seeking public feedback through its Chinese New Year Jelajah campaign. 

He said they had covered Lahad Datu, Keningau, Tenom, and Kota Kinabalu, while future stops include Sandakan, Tawau, and Papar. 

Phoong expects the campaign will conclude after the Chinese New Year celebrations.

“We will listen to the people’s views and get their ideas because it is important for us as a party to always work with the people and for the people,” Phoong told reporters in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.

He was met during the launching of the party's youth and women convention. 

“This feedback will help us decide what we need to do, and we will also bring this matter to Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah to discuss it further.”

Questions over Sabah PH’s political direction emerged after the DAP’s Central Executive Committee granted its Sabah chapter full authority on December 10, 2024, to reassess its role in the state government.

The decision followed corruption allegations in November 2024 against several GRS leaders involving mining licenses.

Phoong stressed that Sabah DAP remains firmly against corruption and urged authorities to expedite investigations into the matter.

“Given our plans to decide on reviewing our role with GRS, we must tread carefully as any actions could also affect our partners in PH — PKR, Amanah, and Upko.

“Position and power are not important for DAP. But our actions must be based on the people’s aspirations. Until the outcome of the probe, Sabah DAP will continue to work hard to serve the people,” he said.

Phoong also voiced support for newly elected Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, describing his appointment as democratic and legitimate.

“The election was conducted democratically and under our PH constitution. The decision has been made, and we must move forward.

“The rocket has flown; how can you reverse it?” Phoong said, adding that he had discussed the matter openly with Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmut.

On December 1, 2024, Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick was elected as the new Sabah PH chairman, defeating former chairman Datuk Christina Liew.

However, some PKR leaders, including Mustapha, maintained that the chairmanship should remain with Sabah PKR and referred the matter to the PH presidential council led by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

They argued that Benedick’s election still required endorsement from the council. – January 19, 2025.