Warisan has hit out at Sabah DAP for its lackluster response to the mining licence corruption scandal, accusing the party of failing to take a firm stand despite mounting allegations involving state assemblymen in the government.

Warisan Youth Chief Terence Au said DAP Sabah’s reaction had been vague and non-committal, merely urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct its probe without directly addressing the scandal.

“From the moment the scandal’s videos went viral, DAP Sabah has remained largely silent, only making broad statements about hoping MACC does its job. Even now, with new developments and the MACC chief confirming that the videos were heavily edited, their response remains disappointingly unclear,” Au said.

He noted that DAP Sabah only issued a statement after Penang DAP MP Ramkarpal Singh highlighted the case, suggesting there was a prima facie case. According to Au, this showed that DAP Sabah was being reactive rather than proactive in addressing the issue.

“Warisan immediately backed Ramkarpal’s stance because we recognize the seriousness of these allegations. But DAP Sabah’s delayed response lacked substance and failed to address the key concerns raised by the MACC chief,” he said.

In a recent statement, Sabah DAP secretary Vivian Wong Shir Yee reaffirmed the party’s commitment to combating corruption while reassessing its alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). 

Meanwhile, DAPSY Sabah Youth Chief Chan Loong Wei deflected Warisan’s criticism by highlighting the contributions of Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.

This comes as DAP’s Central Executive Committee had instructed the Sabah chapter to review its role in the state government, granting it full authority to decide late last year. However, no decision has been made to date.

Au also accused Chan of dodging questions about the scandal by shifting focus to the party’s achievements instead.

“This diversion tactic shows DAP Sabah’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with the corruption issue.

“They seem more interested in protecting their position within the GRS-led government than ensuring accountability,” he added.

The Warisan Youth Chief urged DAP Sabah to take a firm stand, stressing that as part of the government, the party must uphold transparency and accountability.

“Sabahans need a government that genuinely fights corruption, not one that just makes vague statements when the opposition calls them out,” he said. – February 19, 2025