By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, June 14: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen believed that there are still many people who are attracted to join the political party because DAP has principles and is a disciplined political party.
Chong in a press statement today said many ordinary rakyat still value integrity and steadfast principles in political parties and politicians despite party hopping, betrayals and back stabbing which he opined as the new norms in Malaysia’s politics
Chong also revealed that he has received more than 100 new membership applications from a small village in the Stampin constituency last night to join DAP and had requested the political party to set up a new branch there.
“I asked them (new members) why (they) chose to join DAP at this time when we are just ousted as the government? Their reply was most encouraging.
“They said, they prefer a party that is “principled and will not betray the rakyat”.
“In the past few months of political turmoil, DAP stands out as a party that is disciplined and principled.
“Though politicians may have other views, ordinary rakyat do appreciate such virtues.
“In my address to the new members, I stressed that integrity, principles and discipline are the main pillars of DAP and that is what we expect of all our members.
“It is by steadfastly upholding these virtues that the rakyat will continue to have trust in DAP despite how dirty and murky the other parties and politicians have made of politics in Malaysia,” Chong said.
Nonetheless, he believed a betrayal is a betrayal and no amount of nice words can beautify nor justify the ugliness of a betrayal.
Chong noted that all of us can never over stress the virtue and importance of integrity and discipline in any political party and amongst politicians.
If a political leader can betray the trust and votes of the rakyat, Chong believed the politician can sell out anything for personal gains.
Hence, he believed such leaders are of no good for the country and the people. —DayakDaily
