KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP admitted weaknesses within its leadership and moved swiftly to reappoint sidelined leaders into the state central committee following the resignation of two assemblymen and a former native senator.

       The state committee decided to appoint Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang and Kota Kinabalu MP Chang Foong Hin, who were both voted out of the state party line-up in the November state party polls.

       The decision was made by the Sabah DAP committee, which held an emergency meeting Friday (Jan 21) night to discuss the latest political developments after the departure of assemblymen Calvin Chong (Elopura) and Justin Wong (Sri Tanjong) and former senator Adrian Lasimbang.

       In a statement Saturday (Jan 22), Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe said the party acknowledged that there were weaknesses and shortcomings within its leadership.

       “The state committee has discussed the matter thoroughly and we admit that the party has to focus and work harder to regain public confidence.

       “There is a strong call for unity from not only party grassroots but also our supporters,” he said, adding that Jannie and Chang would be invited for the next meeting.

       In quitting on Thursday, the three departing leaders blamed non-inclusive state leadership under Datuk Frankie Poon as their reason for leaving.