By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 20: Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders have pushed back against Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s call to give the former “zero seats” in the next Sarawak election, describing the remark as politically arrogant, irresponsible, and dismissive of democratic principles.
In a media statement today, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen stressed that a functioning democracy requires a credible opposition to provide checks and balances, as well as to apply constructive pressure on the government to perform better.
“It is never in the interest of Sarawak to have no opposition, no checks and balance, and no accountability in a democratic process.
“In fact, it can be said that zero opposition is detrimental and against the interest of Sarawak,” he said.
Yii pointed to past periods in Sarawak’s history when there was little to no opposition in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS), claiming it led to unchecked power, allegations of corruption, abuse, and the passing of laws without proper scrutiny.
“We cannot go back to those days when the government had unfettered powers without proper accountability.
“Even, as the performances of the government has improved and many good policies have been announced and implemented, that does not negate the necessity of a stronger check and balance,” he added.
He further argued that stronger scrutiny is now even more crucial as Sarawak gains more financial resources, including federal allocations and revenues from oil and gas, to ensure funds benefit the people rather than a select few.
Meanwhile, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui also criticised Dr Sim’s remarks, calling them “deeply irresponsible” and unbecoming of a Deputy Premier.
“For such a statement to come from a Deputy Premier is frankly very low class. The office he holds demands a higher standard of leadership, maturity, and respect for democratic values, not cheap slogans meant to provoke and divide,” she said.
She also claimed that the “kasi DAP telur” remark was an affront to voters’ intelligence, arguing that it undermines their ability to make thoughtful and independent choices.
Yong also cautioned against what she described as political arrogance, noting that some SUPP victories in previous elections were secured through split votes and narrow margins.
“These are not mandates that justify arrogance, but reminders of how fragile electoral outcomes can be,” she said.
She further took issue with comparisons to Sabah, where DAP failed to win seats in recent elections, saying Sarawak voters are capable of making their own choices based on service, track record, and credibility.
At the same time, Yong questioned Dr Sim’s silence on the growing influence of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), warning that its hardline and extremist positions could be at odds with Sarawak’s multiracial and multireligious identity.
“It raises serious concern that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is prepared to accommodate or work alongside such extremist tendencies for political convenience. This is not a trivial matter. It is one that goes to the core of Sarawak’s identity and future,” she stated.
Yesterday (April 19), Dr Sim called on Sarawakians to emulate Sabah and vote out DAP in the upcoming Sarawak election.
“In 2025, what did Sabah do? They followed Sarawak. So, Sarawak, in 2026, what do we need to do? Follow Sabah – kasi DAP telur (give DAP zero seats)!” he said in his speech at the GPS Convention 2026 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). — DayakDaily
