By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 11: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch Youth Section has described it as ‘rather ironic’ for Democratic Action Party (DAP) to attack Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for demanding that the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government deliver on promises made by the coalition itself.
The remark was directed at DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Stampin chief Sylvester Lim following his criticism of GPS over federal issues raised by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap during his townhall debate with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii on Aug 7.
SUPP Youth said the issues raised by Yap, including recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), the 20 per cent oil royalty, and the 50 per cent tax return to Sarawak, were promises and commitments associated with PH.
“GPS is part of the PH-led federal unity government to fight for Sarawak’s rights and interests from within. But being part of that government does not mean GPS must stay silent when PH fails to deliver on its own promises,” SUPP said in a statement today.
The party said Lim’s criticism shifted attention away from the real issue: whether the federal government had delivered on its commitments to Sarawak.
“If PH made the promises, PH must answer why they remain unfulfilled,” it said.
SUPP Youth said Sarawak had already seen several outcomes through negotiations and representation by SUPP and GPS.
It pointed to several outcomes it said were achieved through years of advocacy and negotiations, including Sarawak’s recognition of the UEC in 2015, the increase in the Article 112D Special Grant from about RM16 million to RM300 million and later RM600 million, and the restoration of Bintulu Port as a State port.
“These are not promises or slogans. They are concrete outcomes delivered through negotiation and representation by SUPP and GPS from within government,” it said.
On the federal level, SUPP Youth said the current UEC-related measure provides a pathway for eligible students to apply for four Chinese-language programmes at Malaya University (UM), University of Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).
However, it noted that the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) had expressly stated that this did not amount to formal recognition of the UEC.
“Instead of asking GPS why we speak up, DAP should ask its own PH-led federal government why these promises have not been delivered,” SUPP Youth said.
It added that PH leads the federal government and should therefore be held accountable for its commitments.
“PH leads the federal government. PH made the promises. PH must deliver,” they added.
SUPP also urged Sarawakians to remain united under GPS in the continued fight for Sarawak’s rights, regardless of DAP’s approval.
In Lim’s statement dated Aug 10, he criticised GPS for blaming the federal government over unpopular policies despite the coalition itself being part of the federal government.
Lim said GPS should use its positions in the Federal Cabinet and government—including ministers, deputy ministers, and the deputy prime minister—to push for changes on issues such as UEC recognition, targeted fuel subsidies, and the business environment, rather than distancing itself from Putrajaya. — DayakDaily
