The LDP honorary life president said he was tired of the country’s current political situation, particularly in Sabah, and the deteriorating economy and social aspects in the state, especially concerning the presence of illegal immigrants.
“Sabahans have every right to get angry with all the disgraceful party hoppers, the political frogs,” he said, referring to state assemblymen who had repeatedly switched sides.
“If we do not allow our emotions to cloud our feelings and judgement, I believe we should not only condemn all these latest political frogs but also the party that accepted them in the first place.
“There will be no political frogs if there is no party to accept them. It is these ‘frogs collectors’ that give Sabah a bad name.”
Chong is making a comeback in this state election after being out of politics after stepping down as deputy chief minister in 2008.
He campaigned for Barisan Nasional (BN) in GE14.
Chong said LDP, which he had founded with others in 1989, was free to chart its own course in the coming election as an independent entity.
He said previously, LDP was only allowed to stand in Chinese-majority seats.
“LDP is no longer under BN. For the very first time in our 31 years of political struggle, we have invited fellow Sabahans from our Muslim communities to join us and offer the people another choice at this election.
“LDP will announce its full team of candidates close to nomination day (Sept 12). It will be a great combination of the youthful and the experienced,” he said.
Chong said that if he and his party were chosen to lead the state, they would bring Sabah “back to its glorious past”.
“It will be a Sabah that is not acrimonious or wasteful. It will be harmonious, vibrant and won’t be controlled by the PTIs (illegal immigrants).
“LDP will not make promises it cannot keep — we always walk the talk,” he said.
He also outlined LDP’s plans to engage with the federal government over Sabah’s rights in terms of oil royalties and completion of a new rail link, among others.
“The list goes on and on and Sabahans have received nothing but hot air from the Warisan Plus government.”
Chong was Sabah chief minister from 2001 to 2003 during the previous CM rotation system.