By Johnny S. H. Liew
Sabahans Have No Good Reason To Vote For Malayan Parties Like DAP
By Johnny S. H. Liew, Kota Kinabalu Coordinator Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS)
KOTA KINABALU — The Change Advocate Movement of Sabah (CAMOS) today urges Sabahans to reject Malaya-based parties such as the Democratic Action Party (DAP), whose agenda, priorities, and political strategies have consistently aligned with Peninsular interests rather than Sabah’s fight for autonomy, rights, and fair development.
Recent statements by Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, claiming that DAP aims for a “complete victory” in all eight seats to strengthen its bargaining power in coalition negotiations, only confirm a long-standing pattern: DAP’s primary objective is federal political relevance — not Sabah’s sovereignty or equitable partnership within the Federation.
Phoong openly stated that:
No single party will form the next Sabah government;
DAP is prepared to cooperate with any party aligned with its policies; and
DAP aims to mirror the federal Madani coalition in Sabah.
This shows clearly that DAP’s priority is to entrench Peninsular political frameworks inside Sabah, even if it means compromising Sabah’s struggle for autonomy and constitutional rights under MA63.
DAP Positions Itself as a Negotiator for Malaya — Not a Defender of Sabah
While DAP talks about jobs, investment and “economic opportunities”, it continues to:
Avoid any serious position on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement,
Ignore the MA63 breaches affecting Sabah’s development, and
Support federal centralisation policies that weaken Sabah’s autonomy.
Most tellingly, DAP has never spoken up about the massive corruption allegations involving GRS leaders in the Sabah Mineral Mining (SMM) scandal — a scandal that has shaken public confidence and exposed the abuse of Sabah’s natural resources.
The silence is deafening.
DAP is quick to criticise Warisan or other Sabah parties on minor issues, yet goes completely quiet when federal-aligned partners in Sabah face major corruption controversies. This double standard speaks volumes about where their loyalty lies.
Sabahans Cannot Rely on Malayan Parties to Defend Sabah’s Rights
DAP continues to function as a Peninsular political vehicle that:
Operates under the approval and direction of national leadership in Kuala Lumpur;
Prioritises federal political calculations;
Campaigns on national branding rather than Sabah’s rights; and
Has no track record of fighting fearlessly for Sabah’s entitlement and autonomy.
Sabahans should ask:
Has DAP ever led the fight for Sabah’s 40% revenue?
Has DAP ever confronted federal leaders over MA63 violations?
Has DAP ever defended Sabah against Petronas’ dominance over oil and gas?
Has DAP ever condemned the shocking spike in undocumented migrants in Sabah?
The answer is clear: No.
Instead, DAP is now positioning itself to be a junior negotiating partner in another Malaya-designed coalition in Sabah.
Conclusion: Sabah Must Vote for Genuine Sabah-based Parties
CAMOS affirms that Sabah’s future cannot be entrusted to parties whose real headquarters, real decision-makers, and real priorities are in Malaya.
Sabah needs parties that:
Defend Sabah’s constitutional rights without fear,
Confront federal overreach,
Fight for MA63 and the return of state powers,
Protect Sabah’s natural resources from exploitation, and
Put Sabahans — not Peninsular politicians — first.
Vote for Sabah parties that are not subservient to Malaya.
Vote for parties that will defend Sabah’s dignity, resources, and rights without compromise.
DAP’s silence on critical issues — especially the SMM corruption scandal involving GRS leaders — further proves they are unwilling to confront their federal allies even when Sabah’s interests are endangered.
Sabah deserves better.
