KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has been appointed as the new Sabah DAP chairman.
Phoong, who is also Luyang assemblyman, unseated incumbent Datuk Frankie Poon during the Sabah DAP convention on Sunday (Oct 27), making him the youngest ever to lead the state party
Phoong, who is Sabah's Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, has set his sights on reinforcing unity and rejuvenating the party as it gears up for the forthcoming state elections.
Phoong said he wanted to bridge existing divides within the party.
"DAP is a relatively small party; we cannot afford to keep losing members every few years. Keeping our ranks united is essential," he said.
In the new line-up, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister and Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin was named deputy chairman, with Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang and former Tenom MP Senator Noorita Sual appointed as vice-chairmen.
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee was elected secretary, Henry Shim Chee On as treasurer, supported by Lai Shiau Ling.
Oscar Sia Yu Hock was named organisation secretary, assisted by Kaven Lee Seng Vui. Public relations are overseen by Thien Ee Hang, with Tang Szu Ching as his deputy.
Grelydia Gillod assumed the role of political education director, with Ben Wong Chun Miew, Liew Chan Hang, and George Wong Hshueh Cheng completing the committee member line-up.