Phoong confident in move from Luyang to Likas, says he is ‘no stranger’ to the constituency

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 15): Phoong Jin Zhe sees no issue in switching from Luyang to Likas for the 17th Sabah state election.

Phoong, who has been named Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for Likas, will be hoping to retain the seat held by his fellow party member Datuk Tan Lee Fatt since 2018.

Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination on Saturday, Phoong said he was no stranger to Likas and that he assured the people to expect the best from him if he is voted in as their representative.

“My efforts and work contribution is not only to Luyang but also to Likas, which is very close to one another.

“I’m no stranger to Likas. I went to kindergarten, primary and secondary schools all in Likas, which means I am very familiar with the area and have a lot of good memories there. So, we are well prepared.

“I think the people of Likas are familiar with me and I can offer new hope, fresh energy and the best and most excellent service, just as I delivered in Luyang.

“You (people of Likas) can expect that same very good and excellent service from me and my team,” he said.

Phoong added that the decision to switch constituencies stemmed from his belief that Sabahans wanted to see positive changes.

“Since the Likas incumbent has stepped aside for now to give opportunity to someone who is young – and I wish him all the best – I decided to move to Likas.

“I feel the people of Sabah want change, not change in terms of who the Chief Minister is or the administration is, but change in terms of a representative who is confident and clean,” he added.

Meanwhile, Phoong, who is also Sabah DAP chairman, said the party was ready to offer new hope and fresh ideas in both Likas and Luyang.

“I believe Desmond (Luyang candidate Chan Loong Wei) and I can be a good team even though some of the Luyang voters may miss me.

“I told them this is not a move, this is an expansion. This is a better team effort, combining energy and resources to help the Likas area.

“So if you vote for us, you are not voting for just one package, you vote Ginger (Phoong) for Likas and you vote Desmond for Luyang.

“If both win, that is a strong team, full of dedication and offer new hope for both constituencies,” Phoong concluded.

For the record, Tan retained the Likas state seat after garnering 8,174 votes for a massive 7,517 majority win in 2020.