Sabah DAP is facing pressure to clarify its stance on corruption allegations involving its partners in the GRS-led state government, amid an ongoing internal review of its political alignment ahead of the next state election.

In separate statements, a Warisan and a local community leader criticised the party for what they described as silence and ambiguity, warning that public trust may be at stake if DAP fails to speak out decisively.

Kapayan Community Development Officer and a longtime DAP supporter, Cyril Liew, said the party’s integrity was being questioned by its own grassroots over corruption allegations implicating several government assemblymen, including the Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly.

“This is the number one question I get from the grassroots — what is the party’s position? 

“Without a clear answer, speculation festers, and that undermines confidence,” said Liew, who issued an open call for clarity to the Pakatan Harapan component party.

He acknowledged that no charges had been filed but stressed that public perception remained crucial. 

“The principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ must be respected, but that doesn’t mean we stay silent.”

Liew also raised concerns over Sabah DAP’s continued partnership with GRS, noting that both GRS and Barisan Nasional — with whom future electoral cooperation is not ruled out — are now mired in integrity controversies.

Liew said his decision to speak out was not an attack on the party but a call to stay true to its founding principles.

“I am doing this out of love and loyalty to the party,” he said. “The grassroots deserve answers. And the party must provide them before it’s too late.”

A political aide to Warisan deputy president, Yong Tain Vui said DAP had failed to uphold its traditional anti-corruption posture.

“DAP may have issued statements in the past, but the reality is, they remain in government with those under investigation, and they have yet to demand accountability. That silence speaks volumes,” he said. 

The criticism comes after Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe announced a state-wide consultation tour — launched during Chinese New Year — to gather public feedback on whether the party should remain in the GRS administration.

Speaking in January, Phoong said any decision would be made in consultation with the people and fellow Pakatan Harapan (PH) components, acknowledging the political sensitivities involved.

This comes after he also said he would also bring the matter to be deliberated in Sabah Pakatan Harapan, with Phoong maintaining that they will remain part of the GRS-led state government until they completed their consultation. 

“Position and power are not important for DAP.  But our actions must be based on the people’s aspirations. Until the outcome of the probe, Sabah DAP will continue to work hard to serve the people,” he said. 

Sabah DAP was granted autonomy by the party’s Central Executive Committee in December 2024 to review its position following public backlash over corruption allegations tied to the issuance of mining licences. 

Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission are ongoing.

Warisan’s Yong, however, questioned the effectiveness of the party’s outreach efforts, suggesting that consultation alone was not enough without action. 

“Grassroots frustration is not a perception problem. It’s a reality. And the public deserves to know if DAP is prepared to draw a red line,” he said. – April 24, 2025