KUCHING: The concept of ‘check and balance’ should not be reduced to constant criticism, politicising issues or opposing government initiatives without merit.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin, said true accountability lies in constructive contributions, strengthening institutions and proposing practical solutions that benefit the people.
He said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) continues to misconstrue the concept by treating it as opposing government initiatives regardless of merit or facts.
“If you truly want to perform your ‘check and balance’ role, you must come up with ideas to strengthen institutions. You can raise examples, but you also need to explain how those reforms will be implemented.
“At the same time, you must ensure accountability through the governance you propose and offer constructive solutions.
“You cannot tell people to do what is right while doing what is wrong yourself,” he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Yap, who is the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau Chief, said that DAP’s approach has resulted in what he described as a culture of negativity, where various initiatives by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government are frequently politicised.
He cited examples including efforts to strengthen transparency through the Sarawak Ombudsman, Sarawak’s assertion of its constitutional rights, as well as major infrastructure and economic transformation projects.
Yap said such portrayals were often framed negatively and could undermine public confidence.
“Sarawak does not need toxic politics from the peninsula, where everything is framed along racial and religious lines.
“What we need is mature politics, responsible leadership, economic development and practical governance. The public can evaluate these differences and decide for themselves,” he said.
