The pair claimed that Sabah DAP, currently helmed by Phoong Jin Zhe, now favoured younger members and sidelined veterans despite their contributions to the party’s growth in the state over the years.

They also said there were efforts to replace existing DAP leaders in Tanjong Papat without the consultation of veterans, based on months of “observation and reflection” on developments within the party, Daily Express reported.

Poon and Liau said they were reluctant to leave DAP but felt compelled to do so as honesty and mutual respect were no longer in the state chapter.

The pair claimed that members of two DAP branches were following them in leaving the party.

Poon is the outgoing assemblyman for Tanjong Papat, which he has represented for two terms now, and also served as a state minister from 2018 to 2020.

He is currently chairman of Sabah Development Bank Bhd.

Liau was Sabah DAP’s organising secretary and contested for the Batu Sapi parliamentary seat on a Pakatan Harapan ticket in the 2022 general election, but lost.