SANDAKAN: Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the DAP-PH coalition’s primary agenda centres on economic development and creating employment opportunities for Sabahans.
“Robust investment and economic prosperity would generate more job opportunities, particularly for young people,” he told a media conference at the Tanjong Papat Operations Room in Kampung Sim-Sim, here, Monday.
“With a thriving economy, we want to create opportunities that will encourage young Sabahans working elsewhere to return home and build their careers here,” he added.
The press conference was attended by two DAP-PH candidates, namely, Vivian Wong Shir Yee, contesting the Elopura seat and Tang Szu Ching, running for Tanjong Papat.
Phoong said recent studies show Sabah’s unemployment rate has declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the government’s success in economic development through strategic investments.
He cited silica sand exports from Kudat as an example of how local resources are generating employment and boosting the economy through international solar panel material exports.
Regarding the selection of two female candidates in Sandakan, Phoong said this reflects the aspirations voiced by constituents.
On potential post-election coalitions, he said that whilst alliances would naturally form if victorious, the immediate priority is securing wins for all eight DAP candidates.
“Should we be given a mandate to join the government, we will champion economic development and local employment opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vivian said she is contesting to represent constituents’ concerns at the State level, including water supply, road infrastructure and electricity issues.
She dismissed suggestions that she is merely replacing a former DAP assemblyperson who previously held the Elopura seat before leaving the party.
Tang Szu Ching pledged to address residents’ concerns, particularly cleanliness and other community challenges.
