KUCHING: The Democratic Action Party (DAP)’s narrative of a ‘democracy under threat’ is a desperate attempt to stay relevant amid its waning influence, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
Responding to what he described as misleading and politically motivated statements made during the recent annual general meeting of DAP’s Kuching branch, Yap dismissed claims that Sarawak’s political landscape is undemocratic due to Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) strong majority.
He said the claim made by DAP that GPS’s strength is becoming ‘unhealthy’ for democracy because GPS holds a large majority is a flawed argument.
“Democracy is not measured solely by the number of opposition seats but by the competency, accountability and transparency of GPS leaders in the progress, development, stability and prosperity of Sarawak while at the same time taking care of the welfare of its people,” he said in a statement.
As DAP cited Singapore’s political scenario as an example, Yap said it is irrelevant as the former’s political system is fundamentally different.
“The 10 seats won by the opposition in Singapore exist in a tightly controlled political environment where opposition voices are often stifled by legal and systemic barriers. In contrast, Sarawak’s democracy is organic, and GPS’s dominance reflects public confidence, not suppression,” he added.
Yap stressed that GPS’s overwhelming mandate is a result of proven governance reflected in unprecedented infrastructure development, rural electrification, socially inclusive and visionary economic policies that benefit all Sarawakians regardless of race or religion.
“Unlike the DAP, which is a Peninsular-based party with little understanding of Sarawak’s unique needs, GPS is a homegrown coalition that prioritizes Sarawak’s interests and legitimate rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963, Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
“If the DAP has been reduced to just two seats, perhaps it should introspect on why Sarawakians reject its brand of politics rather than blaming democracy itself. Is it because Sarawak DAP is a spokesperson for Malaya rather than fighting for Sarawak legitimate rights and interest,” said Yap.
He stressed that the suggestion that GPS operates without oversight is also false.
“We have institutions like the federal Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission and DAP is part of the federal government with over 40 parliament seats. Accountability is ensured through internal party discipline whereby GPS leaders are answerable to party mechanisms and to their constituents, not to mention the freedom of the press to expose any wrong doings.
“Sarawak does not need DAP’s brand of opposition. Sarawakians must stay united under GPS because the GPS government delivers results.
“Sarawakians want development, unity, and progress—not DAP’s political theatrics,” he said.
