MANY factors need to be taken into account when the national DAP conducts its post-mortem after the party’s total rejection in the 17th Sabah state election yesterday, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
DAP was wiped out in all eight seats it contested, a major setback given that it had held six of the seats since 2020.
“First of all, we accept the outcome of the Sabah state election, especially the loss of all DAP candidates. We respect the voters’ decision,” Chow said when asked for comments by reporters after kicking off a nine-a-side “I Love Penang” football tournament at the Polo Ground this morning.
A member of the DAP Central Executive Committee, Chow stressed the importance of understanding the voters’ message, the lessons that must be drawn from this setback, and how the party should chart its direction to bounce back.
He added that what happened in Sabah was not a question of candidate suitability, as all eight candidates, including incumbents and a state cabinet minister, were defeated.
“We need to take note of the total rejection of DAP in the Sabah election and its implications for the party.
“This is also not just a question for DAP alone, but for Pakatan Harapan, as the coalition did not perform well either,” Chow explained.
PH won only one seat despite fielding 22 candidates.
Chow said that even though Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has demonstrated strong leadership internationally and ensured the nation’s finances have stabilised since taking over the administration, this still appears insufficient.
“There are many issues that remain, especially the cost of living. Although much has been done, it continues to be a major concern among voters.
“The most critical issue is the scepticism towards the Government’s efforts to curb corruption, abuse of power and so on within the administration, which has led people to feel the need to take a stand.
“But the strange thing is, for example, in Sabah, I believe DAP candidates were never involved in any scandal. Yet, that is the reality. We have to shoulder the collective responsibility when it comes to governance. Perhaps this is among the complex considerations that have led to DAP being seen as having to bear responsibility among our supporters in various constituencies due to the duty and trust given to us.
“Specifically, I believe that incidents of corruption, cases involving arrests, and what we have witnessed have all contributed to the voters’ decision-making process.”
Nevertheless, Chow said the party accepts accountability and responsibility as part of the democratic process and will rebound in future elections.