KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP is ready to work with Barisan Nasional in the coming state election in line with the Madani concept which has brought about political stability, says its chief Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
On the recent announcement by Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin confirming an alliance with Sabah Pakatan Harapan, he said political pacts must be forged on the basis of state development and for the well-being of the people, not just for elections.
He said Sabah DAP was open to working with anyone as long as the people’s welfare came first, but a formal meeting with Sabah Pakatan must be held.
“Any collaboration must be based on how we can develop Sabah, not just to face the coming state election.
"Sabah Pakatan must make a stand on this partnership.
“Sabah DAP is ready to discuss policies that need to be implemented for the future of Sabah before finalising any form of political alliance,” he said when contacted on Monday (April 14).
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When contacted, Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Ewon Benedick said he wanted to focus on the state assembly sitting, which ends this Thursday (April 17).
“Let's skip election talk today. Allow me to focus on the state assembly,” the Kadamaian assemblyman said.
On Sunday (April 13), Bung Moktar said that the partnership decision was finalised during a retreat between the two coalitions held in Penang late last year.
The coalition is confident the partnership will strengthen its chances of regaining voter support in Sabah, he said, although the official meeting with Sabah Pakatan is still being arranged.
He said the central leadership had their discussions, and so did the Sabah chapters, adding that the alliance was built on shared goals and mutual trust.
