DAP Sabah Women Strengthen Grassroots Ties in Tawau and Sandakan Tour

23 October 2025

TAWAU: DAP Sabah Women have continued their proactive outreach to the people through a series of visits to Tawau and Sandakan from 21 to 23 October 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots connections and introducing DAP’s potential candidates for the upcoming State Election.

In Tawau, the programme began with a walkabout at Tanjung Market alongside the prospective DAP candidate for Sri Tanjung, Philip Yap Wui Lip, who is also a member of the DAP Sabah Committee and a Tawau Municipal Councillor. Present were Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, DAP Sabah Deputy Chairperson and Pakatan Harapan Women’s Chief, as well as Bronica Sikula, DAP Sabah Women’s Chief, together with members of the DAP Sabah Women’s Executive Committee.

During the programme, DAP Sabah Women distributed the Iltizam Wanita Harapan Sabah 2025 (Sabah Women’s Hope Commitment 2025) to traders and visitors as a symbol of their dedication to women’s and family development. The delegation also attended a friendly gathering at Kampung Saddani to listen directly to the aspirations and issues faced by local residents.

The warm reception from Tawau residents reflected strong support for DAP’s new candidate, seen as an agent of change, with hopes that the future elected representative would bring inclusive, people-centred development to the area.

Meanwhile, in Sandakan, the tour continued with Tang Szu Ching, DAP’s prospective candidate for Tanjung Papat, who is also DAPSY Sandakan Chief and DAP Sabah Assistant Organising Secretary. The delegation visited Sandakan Central Market, Berhala Island, and Kampung Sim-Sim, where DAP women leaders engaged with the local community and listened to their views.

According to DAP Sabah Women, grassroots support for the party remains strong, built on trust in DAP’s consistent commitment to championing the people, whether in opposition or in government. The presence of young and dynamic figures such as Tang Szu Ching was also welcomed as a breath of fresh air that can further strengthen DAP’s legacy in Sandakan.

In her speech, DAP Sabah Women’s Chief Bronica Sikula stressed that the Iltizam Wanita Harapan Sabah 2025 is not merely a manifesto, but a comprehensive action plan dedicated to advancing women’s rights and well-being at all levels.

She highlighted in particular the fifth pledge within the document, “Dignity and Quality of Life for Women Across All Stages”, which proposes a key structural reform, renaming the Ministry of Community Development and People’s Well-being to the Ministry of Women, Family, and People’s Well-being.

“This change is not merely cosmetic but reflects the need for government policies and programmes to focus more holistically on women’s development in Sabah,” she said.

Bronica further suggested that the ministry should be led by a woman to ensure that policies and programmes truly reflect the needs and voices of women in the state.

“Women are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of family and community development. It is time government policies reflect that reality,” she added.

DAP Sabah Women expressed their appreciation to the people of Tawau and Sandakan for their warm response throughout the tour and reaffirmed their commitment to remain close to the people while championing the voices of women and families in Sabah’s progress and national development.