By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 6: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has urged the federal government to emulate Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) focus on fulfilling commitments and implementing practical reforms that place public interests above political considerations, saying Malaysians expect governments to deliver tangible results rather than promises.
Yap said the people today were more concerned about lower living costs, quality education, better infrastructure, stronger economic opportunities and policies that genuinely improve their daily lives.
He said GPS had demonstrated in Sarawak that reforms could be translated into action through political stability, prudent financial management and a clear long-term vision.
“As a government backbencher from GPS, I believe constructive criticism is an important part of responsible governance. Supporting the government where it is right and speaking up when improvements are needed is the essence of effective checks and balances,” he said in a statement today.
According to Yap, the GPS government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had consistently backed its vision with implementation.
He cited efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), strengthen the State’s energy autonomy through PETROS, establish the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, acquire strategic assets, introduce free tertiary education at state-owned institutions, and invest in long-term infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.
“GPS has consistently shown that visionary leadership is backed by implementation. This is the standard that Malaysians expect from every level of government,” he said.
At the federal level, Yap called on the Pakatan Harapan-led unity government to accelerate reforms that directly benefit the rakyat, including resolving the long-standing issue of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) recognition.
He noted that recognition of the UEC had been promised repeatedly by Pakatan Harapan over the years and said the matter should be brought to a fair and conclusive resolution if the federal government genuinely believed it would strengthen Malaysia’s human capital and educational diversity.
Yap also urged Putrajaya to continuously review the implementation of targeted fuel subsidies to ensure lower and middle-income households, small businesses, self-employed individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were not unfairly burdened.
While acknowledging the objective of subsidy rationalisation, he cautioned that rising transportation and operating costs could affect food prices, logistics costs and household expenditure.
“Policies must therefore strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and protecting the people’s livelihoods,” he said.
The assemblyman further called on the federal government to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve the business environment and strengthen policies that enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness.
“Good governments are not judged by whether they never make mistakes, but by how quickly they listen, adapt and improve,” he said.
Yap said politics should be centred on service and delivery, pointing to ongoing efforts in Kota Sentosa involving infrastructure upgrades, educational assistance, community grants, flood mitigation initiatives and programmes aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
He added that GPS’ development-oriented approach had earned the confidence of Sarawakians and expressed hope that the federal government would similarly focus on delivering its commitments and pursuing practical reforms for the benefit of all Malaysians.
“Ultimately, governments are remembered not for the number of promises they make, but for the promises they fulfil. The rakyat deserve leadership that is prepared to make decisions, deliver results and build a stronger future for all Malaysians,” he said. — DayakDaily
