KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP remains intact despite the ouster of three lawmakers from the state liaison line-up in the party polls over the weekend, says its chief.

       Datuk Frankie Poon said losses by capable candidates – in this case, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang, Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong and Senator Adrian Lasimbang – were normal in any election and this did not mean the party was weakened.

       Chan, who was state party secretary, and influential grassroots leader Jannie, who was also former Sabah DAP Wanita chief, were ousted in the election, shocking party members as well as political observers.

       Poon said whatever was happening in the party, such as dissatisfaction among some members after the election, did not amount to friction or the breaking down of the party.

       “Of course, there will be wins and losses in any polls but this does not mean there are separate groups fighting each other within the party,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Nov 23).

       He said those elected on Sunday (Nov 21) had gone through a proper democratic process.

       “Maybe there are new faces but they are also keen to contribute more to the party and the people,” Poon said.

       Asked if the losses by several leaders with strong grassroots support and a proven work ethic would make the party unstable, he said "not necessarily".

       “I think this is a good opportunity for the party to grow. We do not know yet how this new line-up would turn the party around but we must give it time,” he said.

       Poon added that as party members and community leaders, they must not use the holding of positions as the basis for their work performance.

       “After that, we then see how the people respond to our party,” he said.

       “We still have to work as a team regardless of whether we have any party position, because ultimately we are working for the people, not ourselves.

       “I would still do my best and work for the party as well even if I am no longer the chairman,” he added.

       Sabah DAP stalwart Datuk Jimmy Wong quit the party to protest the ouster of Kadazandusun leaders like Jannie and Adrian, saying it was a step backwards for the party in winning the larger base of Sabah's indigenous people.