LDP looking forward working with govt of the day

KOTA KINABALU - Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin yesterday said it was premature for the party to decide which party or coalition to work with over the next four years till the next general election.

He said LDP had officially parted ways from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno after the 14th general election (GE14).

“We are now an independent Sabah-based Chinese party.

“With over four years till the next general election, it is premature for LDP to decide which party or coalition we are going to work with,” he said when officiating at the 29th LDP conference and elections at Kian Kok Middle School here yesterday.

Some 677 delegates, including Youth and Women delegates, attended the conference.

In light of the current political landscape, Chin said the party had to respect the people’s wishes who have given their mandate to Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) to lead the Sabah State Government.

“LDP will support the State Government’s policies that serve the interests of the people.

“At the same time, we hope that the Warisan-led State Government will truly be transparent and corruption-free,” he continued.

Earlier, Chin said the GE14 this year had heralded a dramatic political shift in the country, marking the end of BN’s 61-year regime.

He said the change of government had caused LDP to be once again on the opposition side of the political divide, a role the party had not held since 1990.

“Nonetheless, we are no stranger to being an opposition party.

“In fact, I am confident that LDP is able to be an efficient and constructive opposition party as we continue to serve the people and defend the rights of the rakyat,” he said when officiating at the opening of the conference.

Chin also expressed his sincere gratitude to the party’s immediate past president, Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, JP, for his selfless contribution and service to the party.

During his tenure as the Minister of Special Tasks, he said Teo had done his absolute best to assist the Chinese community, schools, temples and churches in Sabah.

“No doubt our State has lost an excellent Chinese leader when Teo lost the Tanjong Kapor state seat,” he went on.

On that note, he hoped that the State Government led by Warisan would appoint a Chinese minister who specifically oversees the affairs pertaining to the Chinese community, schools, temples and churches.

“I believe the Chinese community will find it easier to communicate with a Chinese minister who understands their issues,” said Chin.

Also present were LDP secretary general Datuk Yong Wui Chung and other party leaders.