KUCHING: Kota Sentosa state assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin, rejected calls by DAP Sarawak to impose term limits on the Sarawak Premier, saying leadership should be determined by democratic mandate and performance rather than “arbitrary limits”.
Yap said that Sarawak practises a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy, in which the head of government must command the confidence of the majority in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“The Premier of Sarawak is someone who commands the confidence of the majority in the State Legislative Assembly, and that assembly is made up of representatives elected directly by the people,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Yap said the mechanism to remove a Premier already exists through elections and the legislature, arguing that the final decision rests with the rakyat.
“The mechanism to remove a Premier has always existed; through elections, through the legislature and ultimately through the will of the rakyat,” he said.
He added that Sarawakians want a Premier who is competent, accountable, transparent and capable of delivering results, rather than what he described as artificial political measures.
In defending Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Yap said the Premier has shown leadership through policies aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s economy, advancing digital and green initiatives, safeguarding Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and ensuring long-term development for both urban and rural areas.
“Leadership should be judged by performance and outcomes, not by slogans or imported political narratives from Malaya that do not fit Sarawak’s realities,” he said.
Yap also criticised the opposition for what he described as focusing on rhetoric rather than delivery, adding that the Sarawak Government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains focused on stability and development.
“Unlike DAP leaders who appear content to make noise and issue statements, the Sarawak Government under GPS remains focused on delivering progress, stability and development for the people,” he said.
He maintained that Sarawakians are capable of deciding their own political future through the democratic process.
