Kota kinabalu: Bolstering the state’s economy is the main message of Sabah DAP in its campaign for the 17th Sabah state election. Its Chairman Phoong Jin Zhe, who is also the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Likas seat, said emphasis is being placed on economic development issues as it is the foremost need of the people of Sabah at present.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Phoong highlighted that a strong economy brings more job and business opportunities, which creates many prospects for young people. This is the key focus for DAP’s agenda this time, he told reporters at the PH-DAP Sri Tanjong Operations Room today. DAP Sabah is also using the election platform to present new ideas to further improve Sabah’s economy in a more sustainable direction.

In addition, Phoong noted that the Sri Tanjong candidate, Philip Yap Wui Lip, has achieved 10 accomplishments over three years while leading the DAP Youth wing. Tawau DAP and Yap have been engaging with the community at the Taman Sin On New Market by opening a mobile service counter and providing free legal advice sessions every month at the service centre.

Phoong mentioned that Yap collaborates with farmers and local enterprises to promote the ‘QAV1’ avocado developed by the Tawau Agriculture Department and distributes tourism guide pamphlets at Tawau Airport. Yap’s 10 years of experience as a councillor in the Tawau Municipal Council is believed to equip him well to administer the Sri Tanjong seat and act as a bridge to the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Yap stated that among his key commitments, if given the mandate, is to establish a special tourism task force together with industry players to drive the development of the sector in Tawau. Early voting is set for Nov 25 while polling day is on Nov 29.