Stay the course on reform, Dapsy Sabah tells unity govt

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 28): Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sabah chief Chan Loong Wei has called on the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government to remain steadfast in reform commitments and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence.

Chan in a statement voiced support for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s proposal for the Cabinet to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to thoroughly investigate the alleged corporate mafia controversy.

“With public concern mounting, only an independent, transparent and legally empowered RCI can conclusively establish the facts, uncover the truth and restore institutional credibility,” he said.

Chan also expressed solidarity with former Damansara MP Tony Pua, noting that Pua’s concerns over a police investigation under Section 124B of the Penal Code reflected broader and legitimate worries about potential political intimidation and abuse of power.

He pointed out that Pua was previously investigated under the same provision and barred from leaving the country for his persistent pursuit of the 1MDB scandal.

The recurrence of similar developments, Chan said, understandably raised fears of selective enforcement and a chilling effect on legitimate scrutiny.

Chan reminded that the Madani Government came to power on a platform of reform and the rule of law, carrying high public expectations.

“Repeating past excesses would risk eroding the trust that enabled political change,” he said.

He further noted that several DAP MPs had recently raised strong concerns both inside and outside Parliament regarding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) leadership controversy.

Among them, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong in Parliament openly called for Tan Sri Azam Baki to resign, while Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh submitted a motion seeking a parliamentary debate on related allegations.

“This wave of parliamentary voices clearly shows the matter has escalated into an issue of institutional integrity and public trust,” he said.

Chan stressed that under the present circumstances, the government must directly address public concerns, including seriously considering growing calls to replace the MACC Chief Commissioner rather than allowing the controversy to continue.

He reiterated that Dapsy Sabah fully supported anti-corruption efforts and the safeguarding of national security.

However, he emphasised that a genuine reformist government must have the courage to face scrutiny, accept oversight, correct course when necessary and remain open to constructive dissent.