LDP president Datuk Chin Su Phin (standing, fifth left) and LDP vice president Chong Thien Ming (standing, fourth left) celebrating Chinese New Year with party members and the local community in Sandakan.
KOTA KINABALU: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) says it has no issues with other Chinese-based parties within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), stressing that all local parties should unite to gain the people’s support.
LDP president Datuk Chin Su Phin stressed that unity within GRS is crucial to ensuring political stability in Sabah and meeting the people's expectations.
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"I don’t think there is a problem because right now, we need to stay united within GRS. If we want the people’s support, we must work together.
"If we are divided, that will be the real challenge. After all, I believe the people of Sabah want to see local-based parties standing together," he said at the party's Chinese New Year celebration in Sandakan on Sunday (Feb 16), part of its annual programme held across Sabah.
GRS comprises eight component parties: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah STAR), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), the LDP, and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
SAPP and LDP are among the parties expected to contest Chinese-majority seats in the coming state election, as well as possible candidates from Gagasan Rakyat.
On seat allocations, Chin confirmed that LDP plans to contest two or three seats, including in Sandakan, but noted that the final decision rests with GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
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"We may wait until the State Legislative Assembly is dissolved before we discuss it further. We will suggest this to the GRS chairman first," he said.
He also confirmed that LDP has already identified its candidates for the election.
LDP vice president and Tanjong Papat and Elopura division chairman Chong Thien Ming said the party has been active on the ground for years, working to address local issues.
"LDP has been going on the ground to solve (these) issues, and if given the chance, we will go all out to ensure GRS secures the desired seat in Sandakan," he said.
Sandakan has seven state seats, with the Chinese-majority constituencies being Tanjong Papat, Elopura and Karamunting.
