SANDAKAN: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the party is unfazed by calls for Sabahans to support only local parties, dismissing them as rhetoric that distracts from the work that needs to be done for the state.
Loke said that parties must be judged on their ability to deliver progress and improve the people’s livelihood.
“Politics and elections are not about sentiments. They are about the future and which party can bring progress,” he said during DAP’s Sabah state election dinner in Sandakan on Saturday (Sept 27).
“All our Sabah leaders are Sabahans as well. Those who play up this kind of sentiment have no policy solutions for the people — they are just playing politics,” he added.
Loke said such narratives would have limited appeal as voters today are more concerned about tangible outcomes.
“What matters are the people’s livelihoods. It doesn’t matter if a party is federal or local — what’s important is who can deliver results. People are smart enough now; they don’t buy into mere sentiments,” he said.
On candidate selection, Loke said DAP is likely to field younger and more energetic candidates, with a few expected to replace incumbents.
“In every election, there will be changes. We have always emphasised that candidates must be young, hardworking and ready for the next generation. A party must be prepared for succession so it can go further and develop better,” he said, adding that age, strategy and leadership renewal will all factor into the final line-up.
Loke said the party is also committed to improving gender balance, with a target of at least 30% of candidates being women.
“We will try our best to reach that target. Although we have not finalised the names yet, female representation is something we are taking seriously,” he said.
On a separate development, Loke said that airport upgrades are also in the pipeline, with plans to enhance Sandakan Airport by expanding its passenger handling capacity and improving its infrastructure to support future international flights.
He said the proposed works include adding two more aerobridges — doubling the current number from two to four — which will allow the terminal to handle four aircraft simultaneously and improve passenger flow during peak travel periods.
“This is not a major project but an enhancement we are prioritising. Sandakan is one of the airports being considered under the Airport Development Fund,” he said, adding that the improvements would also position Sandakan as a more strategic gateway for tourism and connectivity in Sabah’s east coast.
