By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 18: The Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) decision to remain in the federal government must be backed by concrete action, including a stronger push for the full restoration of Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), rather than empty rhetoric and blame-shifting, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
Yap said DAP delegates’ overwhelming 88.2 per cent vote at the party’s National Conference recently to remain in the federal government for the remainder of the parliamentary term was an internal matter that had now been settled.
“Now that their delegates have voted to maintain the status quo in Putrajaya, Sarawakians deserve absolute clarity and real deliverables, not selective outrage,” he said in a statement today.
He said DAP had for years marketed itself to voters as a ultimate guardian of institutional reforms, transparency and fiscal prudence.
“Yet, despite holding powerful federal portfolios in the Cabinet, the rakyat have witnessed a glaring stagnation in structural reforms. Many of the sweeping promises loudly made during election campaigns have either been diluted or quietly put on the backburner,” he added.
He also criticised DAP Sarawak leaders for what he described as political theatrics at the State level while their national counterparts remained part of the federal government.
“They consistently twist the concept of ‘checks and balances’ to mean opposing and nitpicking every public-centric initiative by the Sarawak government. Concurrently, they conveniently blame the State for systemic deficiencies that are entirely rooted in federal policies and decades of national neglect,” he said.
Yap said DAP should now use its influence within the federal government to deliver on three key areas.
“First, fulfil manifesto commitments. With the mandate secured, DAP must stop acting like an opposition party when it is politically convenient,” he said.
He said DAP should leverage its administrative influence to implement the institutional, financial and anti-corruption reforms it had promised voters.
“Second, deliver on Sarawak’s rights under MA63. Instead of introducing divisive rhetoric or opposing strategic measures such as increasing the number of State seats, which are meant to protect Sarawak’s representation, Sarawak DAP MPs should actively push the federal cabinet to fully restore Sarawak’s rightful status under MA63,” he said.
Yap also called on DAP to address what he described as double standards in its approach to accountability.
“True accountability means looking inward. DAP leaders cannot continue preaching transparency to others while remaining silent on missteps, political appointments and policy gaps within the federal machinery,” he said.
Yap contrasted this with the governance approach of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, saying the State government had consistently focused on structural transformation, infrastructure development and long-term economic stability.
“Voters are tired of endless press conference drama and social media posturing. If DAP intends to stay in the driver’s seat federally, it must start delivering tangible results. The rakyat will measure leadership by actions and actual accountability, not by empty rhetoric,” he said. — DayakDaily
