Letter to the Editor
By Robert Saweng
I support the principle of ‘Sabah for Sabahan’ expressed during the last Sabah election, where Sabahans stood firmly to protect their State’s interests. In the same spirit, Sarawakians must also uphold the principle of ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’, particularly on critical issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and oil and gas rights. A strong and united State government is essential to safeguarding Sarawak’s long-term interests.
While many political parties, such as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), appear to have strong grassroots support among the natives, it is noticeable that Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) leaders—especially Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian—are frequently targeted by Chong Chieng Jen (Padungan assemblyman) and Violet Yong (Pending assemblywoman) from Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak.
DAP’s activities are highly concentrated in town areas, where voters are often influenced through attractive narratives and promises that are not always followed by concrete action. Over time, these risks weakening the GPS-led State government, thereby undermining Sarawak’s bargaining power and its ability to protect rights under MA63.
This concern became personal when I approached Chong and Yong to raise serious public-interest issues affecting Sarawak. Despite multiple attempts to report and explain matters involving alleged abuse of government officers, misuse of legal firms, tax evasion, and substantial financial losses to Sarawak, there was no meaningful response. There was no engagement, no follow-up, and no visible effort to listen to or act on the issues raised.
At the same time, DAP representatives are observed to be extremely fast, vocal, and aggressive when it comes to attacking the Premier of Sarawak and SUPP leaders. This pattern is not new. For example, in 2019, DAP leader Lim Guan Eng publicly claimed that Sarawak would go bankrupt within three years under the GPS administration,
Subsequently, Chong urged Sarawak to take Lim’s bankruptcy warning seriously. This stark contrast raises legitimate public questions: why is there urgency, loud publicity, and political mobilisation when attacking political opponents, yet silence and inaction when it comes to MA63, Sarawak’s rights, and other issues involving Sarawak’s interests?
When elected representatives consistently fail to act on genuine public complaints, Sarawakians are entitled to question whether such conduct reflects isolated lapses or a broader party culture. In such circumstances, the public has valid reasons to reassess its support for representatives whose actions—or lack thereof—reflect a ‘No Action, Talk Only’ (NATO) approach.
For the Sarawak government to remain strong, public support—particularly among urban and Chinese communities—should be committed towards supporting and strengthening SUPP as part of GPS, so that Sarawak can negotiate firmly and defend its constitutional rights.
Sarawak deserves leaders who are consistent, principled, and courageous in defending the State’s rights and interests—not only when it is politically convenient or useful for publicity.
I urge the public, particularly the Chinese community, to attend the Sarawak government’s Chinese New Year Open House on February 17 at the Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK). This event represents a clear and visible show of support for the GPS-led Sarawak government, comprising PBB, SUPP, PRS, and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
It is the only official Chinese New Year open house in Malaysia, reflecting Sarawak’s unique political unity, inclusiveness, and respect for cultural diversity under the current State administration. Public participation will send a strong message of solidarity and confidence in the GPS government’s leadership in safeguarding Sarawak’s rights and interests.
Robert Saweng is a Sarawak social and political activist.
This is the personal opinion of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
— DayakDaily
