KOTA KINABALU: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah successfully organized its 2025 Leadership Retreat from May 2 to 4 at the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort, uniting national and state leaders, grassroots representatives, and key stakeholders to strategize for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.
The retreat focused on refining election strategies, governance policies, and Sabah-centric solutions to address the state’s challenges. DAP Sabah Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe emphasized the event’s success in fostering unity and consensus within the party, stressing the need for “clear solutions and real progress” to earn public trust.
In a press statement, Phoong highlighted Sabah’s volatile political climate and DAP’s commitment to transcending “political games.”
“We must articulate a hopeful vision and demonstrate our ability to drive change through hard work, solid policies, and proven results,” he said.
He urged leaders at all levels—ministers, assemblymen, and grassroots members—to prioritize service delivery over political theatrics, aligning with the party’s “Three-Good Policy”: improving livelihoods, boosting the economy, and safeguarding public wellbeing.
Prominent national figures attended the retreat, including DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo, National Organising Secretary Khoo Poay Tiong, Publicity Secretary Yeo Bee Yin, and Sabah State Secretary Vivian Wong. Their presence underscored federal support for Sabah’s development agenda.
While Phoong reiterated openness to alliances with like-minded parties, he cautioned that partnerships must be rooted in shared reformist goals.
“Before alliances, we need policy alignment. Stability alone isn’t enough—we need a governing vision,” he stated.
Closing the retreat, Phoong urged members to approach upcoming challenges with humility and confidence.
“We must work twice as hard to bring unity, stability, and hope to Sabah,” he said, emphasizing performance-driven governance.
The event concluded with a resolve to position DAP Sabah as a proactive force in shaping the state’s future, leveraging its dual role as a governing party at federal and state levels. – James Leong
