Kota kinabalu: All eight DAP candidates in the 17th Sabah State Election must win to put the party in a strong position for joining possible talks on forming a coalition state government, said Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He expressed the view that the political reality in Sabah points towards the formation of a coalition government, as no single party seems capable of forming a government on its own.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Phoong highlighted the potential for a MADANI Government to be formed in Sabah, similar to the federal level, which saw a coalition of various parties in the Unity Government. He emphasized that DAP is ready to cooperate with any party that shares its policies and agenda. Phoong made these remarks during a press conference at the Tanjong Papat DAP operations room.

Phoong, who is contesting in Likas, stated that the party will continue to prioritize social and economic development agendas as the core focus of forming the new government. He pointed out that a comprehensive victory would empower DAP, a component party of Pakatan Harapan (PH), to negotiate and chart the direction of state policies, particularly in areas of economy, investment, employment opportunities, and industrial development.

Phoong also expressed confidence in DAP’s two female candidates in Sandakan, Tang Szu Ching in Tanjong Papat and Vivian Wong in Elopura, believing they can effectively represent their constituencies and advocate for creating economic and employment opportunities for the people. Polling is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25.