Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has identified the Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan parliamentary constituencies as key target seats for the upcoming general election, aiming to provide voters with what it calls a credible local alternative.
Party President Datuk Chin Su Phin made the announcement following the party’s Supreme Council Meeting on Sunday, where leaders reviewed the political landscape after the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) and mapped out strategies for the general election.
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Chin said the PRN17 results reflected the political maturity of Sabahans, who showed a clear preference for a State Government led by local-based parties.
“The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition’s success in forming the State Government has ensured political stability,” he added.
“The upcoming general election will be a critical and decisive contest for Sabah’s rights and autonomous standing,” he said.
He noted that if Chinese voters in Sabah consolidated their support under the Sabah-based GRS coalition, the State could build a stronger political force to advocate for more development opportunities and a stronger voice at the Federal level, similar to Sarawak’s experience.
He said the LDP’s strategic decision not to contest in PRN17 was based on the political landscape at that time.
He observed that constituencies remaining in the opposition for extended periods face constraints in development resources and government allocations, which does not serve the long-term interests of the Chinese community.
“The Chinese community must have stable, rational and responsible representatives within the government system to more effectively safeguard legitimate interests and advance community development,” he said.
He also noted that the influence and electoral base of Peninsular-based parties in Sabah have gradually weakened.
“Sabah’s future development should be driven by parties that genuinely understand the state and are rooted locally,” he said.
He said the LDP currently has a Nominated Assemblyman, Datuk Chin Shu Ying, providing the party with a platform within the state government to assist the Chinese community and convey public concerns.
The party has called on members of the Chinese community requiring assistance in community, livelihood or development matters to contact the LDP directly at 014-376 0027.
