The Malaysian Insight

VIVIAN Wong’s win in Sandakan is a victory for the people and the “best” anniversary gift to Pakatan Harapan, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

The results shows that Malaysians still have confidence in PH and Warisan, he said. 

“This is the Sandakan folk’s victory, despite the dirty tactics, lies, and appearance of Bossku (Najib Razak). It shows they want a clean government, which only PH can give,” he told reporters during the tallying of voters, near Bandar Lee Tat, Sandakan.

Unofficial results show Wong has won by a landslide 9,814 votes against closest contender Parti Bersatu Sabah and three independent candidates, despite a turnout of only 54%.

Lim thanked Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is the Warisan president, whose influence had convinced more voters, especially Malays, to vote for the PH candidate from DAP. 

Though the seat is regarded as a DAP stronghold, the party has found in difficult to make inroads in the Malay areas in Sandak, where the Malay vote accounts for 16% of the 40, 131 votes.

“The fact that he (Shafie) mobilised the voters, shows the solidarity of the state and federal governments and the coalition of Pakatan Harapan and Warisan, which crosses race,” he said. 

Lim said this shows that PH and Warisan could unite all the races in Malaysia.

“Many parties represent certain races or areas, but PH goes beyond race and areas nationwide. 

“We represent not just the Iban, Sabahans, Malays, Chinese, but all. This victory shows that the people still have confidence in Pakatan Harapan,” he said. 

Lim vowed that Sandakan folk will get the development they deserve from PH, which is unlike the Barisan Nasional regime which only rewarded cronies.

He hailed Wong for helping DAP to retain Sandakan and securing a huge majority despite the low turnout. 

“This augurs well for PH… and boosts our confidence, not just for this term but also the next.”

The win today marked the end of PH’s recent losing streak at the polls. In recent months, the ruling coalition had lost to BN/Umno in Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau by-elections.

The pact celebrated its one year in power on Thursday.

– May 11, 2019.