By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 12: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has chided the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for its brand of ‘political theatrics’, saying that what Sarawakians really want are development, unity, and progress, which Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) can provide.
In a statement, Yap was responding to comments made during the DAP Kuching Branch’s annual general meeting (AGM), which he claimed to be misleading and politically motivated.
“Firstly, Sarawak DAP’s insinuation that Sarawak’s political landscape is undemocratic due to the strength of GPS is a gross misrepresentation of the will of the people and the realities of good governance of GPS under the visionary and exceptional leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
Yap also touched on the claim that GPS’ strength is ‘unhealthy’ for democracy as the coalition holds a large majority in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), which he described as a ‘flawed argument’.
“Democracy is not measured solely by the number of opposition seats but by the competency, accountability, and transparency of GPS leaders in the progress, development, stability, and prosperity of Sarawak, while at the same time, taking care of the welfare of its people,” he said.
He also brought up the point made on Singapore’s political scenario as irrelevant, reasoning that the country’s political system is different.
“The 10 seats won by the opposition in Singapore exist in a tightly controlled political environment where opposition voices are often stifled by legal and systemic barriers. In contrast, Sarawak’s democracy is organic, and GPS’s dominance reflects public confidence, not suppression.”
Yap went on to add that GPS’ overwhelming mandate is a result of proven governance reflected in unprecedented infrastructure development, rural electrification, socially inclusive and visionary economic policies that benefit all Sarawakians.
He said, unlike DAP, which is a Peninsular-based party, GPS is a homegrown coalition which prioritises Sarawak’s interests and legitimate rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.
He said that DAP’s reduction to just two State seats should call for the party to reflect on why Sarawakians reject their brand of politics instead of blaming democracy.
“The suggestion that GPS operates without oversight is also false. We have institutions like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and DAP is part of the federal government with over 40 parliamentary seats.
“Accountability is ensured through internal party discipline whereby GPS leaders are answerable to party mechanisms and their constituents, not to mention the freedom of the press to expose any wrongdoing.
“Sarawak does not need DAP’s brand of opposition. Sarawakians must stay united under GPS because the GPS Sarawak government delivers results.
“The DAP’s narrative of a ‘democracy under threat’ is a desperate attempt to remain relevant despite its declining influence. Sarawakians want development, unity, and progress—not DAP’s political theatrics.” — DayakDaily
