KOTA KINABALU: Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang (pic) has expressed deep disappointment over the decision of her former aide, Cyril Liew, to resign from Sabah DAP.

Liew announced his plans to contest as an independent candidate during a recent event alongside Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda, who is spearheading a bloc of independent candidates under the Gelombang Hitam banner.

Sabah DAP has since confirmed receipt of Liew’s resignation letter.

Lasimbang said Liew’s decision came as a shock, particularly after he was entrusted with key responsibilities to help manage development projects and address constituents’ concerns in Kapayan.

She described Liew’s move as a betrayal of trust and a desperate attempt to gain political traction.

Liew’s decision to contest independently in the upcoming Sabah state election is believed to have been prompted by negative voter feedback, with some constituents expressing interest in moving away from both Pakatan Harapan and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

Lasimbang also refuted allegations that the welfare of her staff had been neglected.

She said another former staff member, Apain Soriun, who made the claims, had his service terminated due to poor work performance and persistent absenteeism.