Kota Kinabalu: DAP Sabah pledged to bounce back stronger despite being wiped out in the November 2025 Sabah election, promising to speak up more courageously on key issues including Sabah’s 40pc revenue entitlement, illegal immigration and cost of living.
The commitment was made by DAP Sec-Gen Anthony Loke and state chief Senator Phoong Jin Zhe during the party’s 2025 Annual Convention at Dewan Foochow Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
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Loke acknowledged the difficult electoral outcome, which left DAP without representation in the Sabah Assembly, but emphasised that the party remains undeterred in its struggle.
“Setbacks are part of politics, but they will not stop us from serving the people. We remain fully committed to reform and good governance,” he said.
He noted that while the party lost its state seats, it still retains a strong presence at the federal level through Kota Kinabalu MP and Deputy Agriculture Minister Chan Foong Hin, as well as Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee.
He urged members to stay united to defend both parliamentary seats in the coming general election.
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Loke also highlighted key reforms delivered by the Madani Government, including faster corporate tax refunds, reduced service tax on rentals from 8% to 6%, and the historic move to allow Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders entry into public universities.
He added that plans to separate the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor would be tabled in Parliament July, marking another major reform milestone.
Loke said Phoong’s appointment as Senator was to bring Sabah’s concerns directly to the Federal Government.
In his address, Phoong said the convention’s strong turnout reflected the party’s unity and determination despite six months of reflection and post-election outreach across the state.
“Our focus on track record and service may not have won us seats last time, but it remains the right path. Politics is about serving the people, and that will never change,” he stated.
Phoong pledged to raise Sabah’s demands more forcefully, starting with calling on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to fulfil the promise of the state’s 40pc net revenue entitlement without further delay.
He also labelled the illegal immigration issue as “the elephant in the room” that requires urgent solutions, warning that inaction would bring severe economic and social consequences for Sabah.
Other key demands include maintaining diesel subsidies to offset Sabah’s development gaps compared to Peninsular Malaysia and addressing pressing issues such as rising electricity tariffs, port congestion, slow progress on the Pan Borneo Highway, and unreliable water supply.
Even as an opposition party in the state, Phoong assured the public that DAP would remain a responsible check-and-balance voice.
He also called on new MACC Chief Commissioner to restore public trust by taking firm action against high-profile cases including alleged corporate cartels and the Sabah mining case.
