Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has been appointed a Senator.
Phoong, when contacted, confirmed he received the appointment on Monday.
Phoong, a former State Minister who lost his bid to win a state seat in the Nov 29 Sabah election, will replace Noorita Sual, whose term as Senator has ended.
Sabah DAPSY Chief Chan Loong Wei said Phoong’s appointment showed the party’s continued commitment to ensuring Sabah’s voice and interests remain represented at the federal level.
Chan said the appointment should be seen as a responsibility to continue advocating for Sabah’s development needs, rights and long-term progress.
“Despite past electoral setbacks, DAP has never abandoned Sabah. Instead, the party has chosen to continue rebuilding from the ground, reconnecting with the people and regaining public trust through consistent work and service,” Chan said, referring to the party’s wipeout in the state election.
Chan said Phoong has long been actively involved in Sabah’s political and public affairs landscape, consistently raising issues concerning infrastructure development, youth opportunities, education, investment, economic growth and Sabah’s rights within the federation.
“With Phoong’s appointment to the Dewan Negara, Sabah DAP will continue to have a platform at the federal level to raise Sabah-related concerns and push for greater attention towards Sabah’s development priorities,” he added.
Chan also urged the Federal Government to place greater emphasis on addressing Sabah’s long-standing development gaps, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, logistics costs and youth development opportunities.
At the same time, he said DAP must continue to stay grounded in its reform agenda regardless of political position, and remain focused on addressing the real concerns faced by the people.
He urged party members and supporters to remain united and work collectively towards building a more mature, rational and progressive political culture in Sabah.
Phoong was among 13 members of the Senate, including six new appointees, who took their oath of office Monday before Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
