Defecting DAP reps’ resignations a cover-up, Poon claims

22 Jan 2022

By Wartwan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP chief Datuk Frankie Poon who is saddened by the departure of all its three leaders from the party said the action was an abuse of the people's mandate.

According to Poon, the two assemblymen who left the party gave unpleasant excuses and it was a mere cover-up before the Anti-Hopping Bill is presented to and passed by Parliament next month.

“I am mystified by their comments, among others ‘there is a lack of trust portrayed by the leadership in the State Committee, the State chairman in particular’. I have no idea what they are trying to insinuate,” he said in a statement on Friday.

He said this following the resignations of Calvin Chong (Elopura), Justin Wong (Sri Tanjong) and former DAP Senator Adrian Lasimbang from the party.

It would be better if they also resign their posts as elected assemblymen if they were really unhappy, he added.

Poon explained that Justin had the highest votes from the delegates in the recent party elections. He also stood as a DAP Candidate for Sri Tanjong in 16th State Election and was a first time YB.

“We had our first State Committee meeting immediately after the State Convention on Nov 21, but he didn't turn up and could not be reached despite repeated calls to him. That was very unbecoming of a YB and an elected member to the State committee and irresponsible towards members' trust in him for putting him in the Sabah DAP State Committee.

“I had never rebuked or reprimanded him for whatever shortcomings he had. Instead, I called to advise him of the correct approaches, if there are issues,” he stated.

Poon who is also the assemblyman for Tanjong Papat also claimed that despite many attempts to call Wong for a meet-up, Wong would always turn down the invitation for family dinners.

“With respect to Chong, he had been with the party much longer dating before my arrival. He contested in all State Conventions and failed to be elected to the State Committee every single time. Successful selections are the mandates given by the delegates. Now, who is to be blamed for not acquiring such a mandate?

“We are barely two months into the new term of the State Committee and they are already unhappy? This term will be for three years. Surely it can't be the reason. Maybe they had their plans. Probably the proposed Anti-Hopping Law hasten their plans.

“I had spoken with our other YBs about certain issues but I never rebuked them. If anything, I offered advice to them. We resolved issues on a one to one. That is the respect I accord our YBs.”

Meanwhile, Poon also urged all supporters and members to remain calm and assured that the two constituencies would be rebuilt with DAP members.