KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan particularly DAP should make its stand clear on its relations with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which is now embroiled in an alleged bribery scandal sparked by a whistleblower's secret videos.
Opposition Parti Warisan’s legal adviser Chin Teck Ming said that newly elected Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe should make it clear with the people on its position as a coalition partner of GRS led by Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.
He said Phoong has yet to make state DAP's stand on the issue that is sending shockwaves among the people in the state.
"They have to clarify their position on working with GRS especially in the coming state election due by September 2025.
"Sabah DAP must take a stand and openly inform the public of its position and not remain silent on the issue," he said in a statement Saturday (Nov 16).
"DAP has been portraying to the public that it is an immaculate party that is committed to clean and corruption-free governance.
"If that is what they have portrayed themselves to be, can they now explain to the public why they are still working with GRS which is so tainted now with allegations of corruption?" said Chin.
Chin cautioned that Sabah DAP’s silence could be misconstrued as wanting to keep their ministerial positions, GLC chairmanship and other government benefits including receiving state awards.
"If Sabah DAP is sincere in their political struggles and objectives, they should leave the GRS government.
"Otherwise, their anti-corruption slogan is just a political show to mislead the voters," Chin added.
He urged Phoong, the state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, to be bold and immediately inform the public about DAP's stand in Sabah.
Sabah Pakatan forged a coalition with GRS in January 2023 after Sabah Barisan Nasional-Umno led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin pulled out of the GRS coalition government.
Recently, a news portal reported the existence of eight videos depicting assemblymen allegedly discussing sums ranging between hundreds of thousands to RM4mil with a businessman in exchange for a state project.
The businessman, who remains anonymous, claims to possess these recordings and has sought whistleblower protection from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
