Voting DAP out was bitter but necessary, jaded Sabah supporters say By Jason Santos

Malaysiakini : As the dust settles from DAP’s wipeout in the Sabah election, former supporters who voted them out told Malaysiakini the outcome was not one they celebrated.They are not happy that the party lost, but are disappointed that DAP became the kind they felt they had to vote out.

The reasons varied, but one major consistent theme that cropped up was disappointment that DAP had allied itself with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). “When DAP became associated with that group, it was very difficult to accept. That is why people voted them out,” said Tham Wei Sheng, 50, a dentist from Kota Kinabalu.

He was referring to DAP’s decision to support the GRS administration after BN withdrew its backing for Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor during a political crisis in early 2023. 

Tham said many voters continued to associate GRS with the “dirty” political culture of the former BN state administration led by Musa Aman, even though Musa is no longer the chief minister and does not formally lead the coalition.

Sabah governor Musa Aman

In Tawau, Chan Kok Wa, 48, told Malaysiakini that many Chinese voters no longer viewed DAP as a party that defended Sabah interests, particularly following its cooperation with both GRS and BN. “If DAP had moved on its own, using the ‘rocket’ logo, maybe they could have won,” he said.

TM My Foot : Well, those who have spoken to MK are Sabahan Chinese who voted DAP out. Bravo. For DAP, don’t say we did not warn you. The writings were on the wall but you totally ignored the very people who voted you in, during GE15. 

That’s only a slap on your wrist from the Sabahans. The slap across the face and a kick up your behind will come if you fail to heed our warning again. You can bet on that. Agree with some commenters; 

1. DAP must leave the UG but can still support govt and on policies which are just. 

2. DAP needs to go alone using your own logo during state elections and coming GE16. However, #1 must kick in first. 

3. DAP needs to get rid of the dead wood “old guards” who practice - silence is golden. Too much softness. Enough of hot air from DAP. Time to act or pay the price.

Chefoo : The basic reason why Chinese or many democratic loving Msian are moving away from DAP is the high expectations they placed on DAP when DAP became part of the government. 

Many thought that DAP will right the wrongs and be a check n balance in the government administration. But DAP’s hands are tied and they’re voices were silenced from day one and they took the softer approach of not rocking the UG. 

They played second fiddle to UMNO and were seen as subservient. They are the favorite punching bag of both the members of UG and opposition. The PM doesn’t even defend them when they are attacked by UMNO members. It’s best DAP stay in opposition and voice out the wrongs instead of losing their voice and dignity.

BluePanther4725 : Anwar who used to champion Reformasi has turned 180 degrees and is now supporting UMNO, a corrupted and racist party rejected by the majority of Malaysians. 

Anwar even destroyed his own PKR party by ditching Rafizi to pander to UMNO. DAP should wise up and not follow Anwar blindly and make the same foolish mistake. Anwar is destroying PH, he should not continue to lead PH and PKR anymore.

Read it all here.....