Sabah DAP defends appointment of treasurer to state assembly

Sabah DAP has defended its treasurer Loh Ee Eng's appointment to the state legislative assembly, saying that it would not undermine the position of Sabah as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Sabah DAP secretary Chan Foong Hin said that this is because Loh is a permanent resident of the state despite being born in Penang. 

He also accused those taking issue with Loh's appointment of being "malicious." 

"The nomination of Loh as a nominated state assemblyperson is in line with Sabah's position, rights and privileges as agreed in MA63, as he is a permanent resident of Sabah. 

"Therefore, there is no problem with his nomination," he said in a statement today.

Chan (photo) noted that Loh was awarded a Sabah permanent resident permit in 1999, and that his services to the state were acknowledged by the governor when he was awarded the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu medal that year.

He added that Loh's nomination as state assemblyperson took into account his permanent residency, position as state DAP treasurer, political experience and other considerations.

"Although Loh was born in Penang, after discussing with the state party leaders, we unanimously nominated his name for the post," the statement read.

Read more: SUPP: Non-native CM possible if S'wakians back 'outside' parties

Earlier today, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian said that Loh's appointment shows that Sarawakians could end up with a non-native chief minister if they back "outside" parties like DAP and PKR.

This, he said, could erode the state's autonomy.

Under the Sabah constitution, the governor can appoint six state assemblypersons on the advice of the chief minister.

In his statement, Chan drew parallels between Loh's appointment to the Sarawak-born Peter Hii’s appointment as Sandakan Municipal Council president, and Sabah-born Penny Wong's appointment to the Australian cabinet after obtaining citizenship.

He also denied that Loh's appointment had come at the expense of Sabah's indigenous peoples – pointing to Sabah DAP naming Adrian Lasimbang as Dewan Negara senator, Noorita Sual as Tenom MP, and Jannie Lasimbang as an assistant state minister.