By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 14: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap (GPS-SUPP) has criticised the opposition for merely playing to the gallery through various means while failing to bring about meaningful change for the people of Sarawak, contrasting it with the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which he said consistently puts Sarawak first.
He clearly stated that the people of Sarawak did not elect actors but elected representatives who can solve problems, manage resources responsibly and lawmakers who understand that governing requires discipline, planning, negotiation, and long-term execution.
“That is precisely why the people placed their trust in Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
“If problems could be solved by press release and posting Facebook videos, Sarawak would have become the most advanced region in Asia decades ago,” said Wilfred Yap when debating Motion of Thanks on TYT Address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.
He admitted that GPS is not perfect, and the party should never behave as though it is beyond criticism.
“But what distinguishes GPS is that we do not run away from responsibility. We govern. We execute. We build institutions. We negotiate firmly for Sarawak’s rights. And most importantly, we place Sarawak First.”
He reiterated that the people are not asking for political drama, neither endless press releases or conferences or social media outrage manufactured for political clicks but results.
“They want roads that do not collapse after heavy rain. They want drains that function properly. They want affordable housing. They want quality healthcare. They want water supply that is clean and reliable. They want jobs for their children. They want a government that plans beyond the next headline.
“That is the fundamental difference between governance and political theatre.
“Today, unfortunately, we continue to witness an opposition that thrives on noise but struggles to deliver solutions. Every week, they rush to social media with dramatic statements, recycled accusations, and manufactured outrage, pretending as though governance can be achieved purely through press releases and press conferences.”
As Sarawak approaches the next Sarawak Election, there are two choices laid before the people. On one side stands GPS — a coalition built upon the principle of Sarawak rirst and one that focuses on stability, autonomy, economic transformation, and long-term planning while the other stands an opposition DAP of Pakatan Harapan which is increasingly trapped within the politics of outrage.
“They criticise every initiative. They oppose structural reforms. They mock strategic investments. They politicise every issue. But beyond criticism, what is their long-term vision for Sarawak?” Yap questioned.
He challenged if the opposition can explain how Sarawak should strengthen its negotiating position under MA63 (the Malaysia Agreement 1963), how Sarawak should achieve greater economic independence, how Sarawak should safeguard future revenues, how Sarawak should compete globally in renewable energy and high-technology industries.
“The people deserve more than slogans. The people deserve substance,” said Yap.
To him, Sarawak is entering a historic phase and Sarawakians are no longer merely discussing basic development but energy sovereignty, strategic industries, institutional reforms and the future structure of the Federation itself which he said requires maturity, seriousness and leaders willing to think beyond social media cycles.
“The people of Sarawak are politically wise. They can distinguish between leaders who merely create noise and leaders who create outcomes. They can distinguish between temporary outrage and long-term vision. They can distinguish between political opportunism and genuine commitment.
“GPS may not always move perfectly. But GPS has consistently demonstrated one unwavering principle: Sarawak comes first,” said Yap. —DayakDaily
