DAP Sabah chief accepts defeat, vows to rebuild after voters’ ‘clear message’

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 29): Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has conceded the party’s defeat in the 17th Sabah state election, acknowledging voters’ clear message.

“I am responsible to all the people of Sabah who mirrored their disappointment towards us,” he said, adding that he hears and accepts the sentiment conveyed through the results.

Phoong said DAP Sabah would conduct a post-mortem soon to examine its weaknesses, stressing that the setback serves as an important reminder.

“This disappointment is an important reminder for us but we will continue to fight for Sabah which we love,” he said.

DAP Sabah, contesting under the Pakatan Harapan banner, lost all eight seats it fielded candidates in Kemabong, Likas, Kapayan, Luyang, Tanjung Aru, Sri Tanjong, Elopura and Tanjong Papat.

Phoong, who moved from his former Luyang constituency to contest in Likas, was defeated by Warisan’s Tham Yun Fook.

In Luyang, DAP’s Chan Loong Wei lost to Warisan’s Samuel Wong.

In Kapayan, Jannie Lasimbang was unseated by Warisan’s Chin Tek Ming, while Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin failed to wrest Tanjung Aru from Warisan’s Datuk Junz Wong.

Warisan’s Calvin Chong beat DAP’s Vivian Wong in Elopura; in Kemabong, Noorita Sual lost to GRS’ Datuk Rubin Balang; and in Sri Tanjong, Philip Yap was defeated by Warisan’s Justin Wong.