KUCHING, Aug 1: DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said he felt “betrayed” after having put so much trust and confidence in Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei to represent DAP in the area.
Chong also expressed greatest disappointment to receive the message from Wong declining to withdraw his resignation from the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
“To our supporters and voters in Padungan, I wish to apologise on behalf of the party for having wrongly placed our trust on Wong King Wei to represent the DAP in the area,” he said in a statement issued today.
Wong’s sudden resignation, he added, has not only disappointed many, both within and outside the party, but has also hurt the party greatly because it came at a critical time when the State Election is near.
“And that he has used the SUPP (Sarawak United Peoples’ Party)’s narrative to attack the party as his grounds trying to justify his resignation.
Chong pointed out that he had placed great confidence in Wong all along and that the party has treated him well, giving him the opportunity to contest in Padungan in the State Elections in 2011 and 2016, a seat considered by many to be the white seat for DAP.
“Also, when he (Wong) asked the party to give him a chance to defend the Padungan seat under the party’s ticket in the coming State Election, there was no question about it,” he added.
Chong however gave assurance to DAP supporters and voters that despite the setback, the party will move on and continue to fight for the people’s rights and benefits based on the party’s principles.
Meanwhile, on July 26, Wong had made a shocking announcement of his resignation from the party as well as refusal to be renominated as the candidate for Padungan seat.
In his statement, he had expressed his disappointment over DAP’s refusal to listen to any dissenting voice and lack of inclusivity in opinion and view points.
He admitted to growing sick and tired of certain political means to seek survival and that he was further disillusioned with the direction and the way the party has been managed which has totally deviated from the aims, objectives and struggle in the earlier days when he first joined the party back in 2006.
Two days ago when met during his walkabout around India Street and Carpenter Street to thank voters, Wong had declined Chong’s request to reconsider his decision to quit the party.
He said resigning from DAP was a personal choice for his life, career and future, one which he believed will pave the way to a “happier life”.—DayakDaily
