KUCHING, April 20: Political parties other than Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should be permitted to represent Sarawakians in Parliament so that the diverse voices and interests of the people can be represented.
Special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian said that GPS may become complacent and unaccountable with the absence of the check and balance provided by other political parties.
“For example, one major issue that has plagued Sarawak under Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak’s rule was the rampant land grabbing and logging activities that have taken place, often at the expense of the rights and livelihoods of Sarawakians, particularly the indigenous communities.
“This has led to the destruction of forests, pollution of rivers, and displacement of communities, resulting in loss of biodiversity, social unrest, and economic disruption.
“Despite efforts by civil society groups and environmentalists to raise awareness about these issues, BN Sarawak (now GPS) has been accused of being complicit in these activities, either through corruption, lack of political will, or failure to enforce laws and regulations,” he said in a statement today.
He was responding to Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang’s views that GPS should be the only representation of Sarawak in Parliament.
According to Kong, by limiting representation to a single political party, the principles of democracy are undermined.
“The election of non-GPS political parties such as DAP ensures that the diverse voices and interests of the people of Sarawak are heard and represented, and that the decisions made in parliament reflect the will of the people.
“Moreover, fair representation is essential in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual society like Sarawak. Being home to a diverse range of communities, including the Malay, Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh, and Melanau, all of these communities deserve to be represented in Parliament, and limiting representation to a single political party will only serve to marginalise some groups and perpetuate a sense of inequality,” he said. — DayakDaily
