KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP's priority must be on sound policies and results that benefit the people instead of playing political games, says its chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
He said the party must propose clear solutions to Sabah’s pressing challenges, deliver real progress, articulate its vision for the state's future, and earn the people's trust through hard work and tangible outcomes.
“DAP now plays a governing role at both federal and state levels and its leaders, from ministers and assemblymen to grassroots members, must live up to the expectation of being capable and results-oriented,” he said after the party’s 2025 Leadership Retreat here from Friday to Sunday (May 2 to 4).
He also called on members to maintain a clear identity and focus amid the fluid and unpredictable political landscape in Sabah.
According to Phoong, the party remained open to constructive dialogue with any party that shares its reformist direction.
He also said any talk of a political alliance for the upcoming state election was premature.
“Alliances must go beyond stability. They must also propose a governing vision. That’s why I’ve always stressed, before we talk about alliances, let’s talk about policies first. That’s the role DAP hopes to play,” Phoong said.
Last month, Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition had decided to form an alliance with Sabah Pakatan Harapan for the state polls.
Phoong responded that Sabah DAP was open to working with Sabah Barisan but that a formal meeting must be held first with other members of Pakatan.
The DAP Leadership Retreat saw national and state party leaders gather with grassroots representatives for in-depth discussions on election strategy, governance policies, and the future of Sabah.
Among those present were national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, national organising secretary Khoo Poay Tiong, publicity secretary Yeo Bee Yin, strategy director Liew Chin Tong, political education director Howard Lee, elections director Wong Kah Woh, and state party secretary Vivian Wong.
