KUCHING, Sept 28: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) Jepak branch has urged Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak to reconsider its decision to abstain from contesting in the upcoming Jepak by-election.
Its chairman Tonny Ung emphasised the critical importance for PKR to participate in the by-election in order to bolster democracy, especially a system of check-and-balance within the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) and preventing absolute control by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“The political landscape in Sarawak is different from that at the national level due to the absence of a unity government.
“Moreover, Pakatan Harapan (PH) which consists of DAP, PKR, and Amanah (Parti Amanah Negara) is regarded as an opposition coalition at the State level. As such, a mature democracy should encourage the celebration and give people the opportunity to make choices at the ballot box,” he said in a statement today.
This appeal came in response to PKR Sarawak’s decision not to field a candidate in the upcoming Jepak by-election, which its deputy chairman Senator Abun Sui Anyit justified as necessary to maintain the stability of the unity government.
While acknowledging the existence of political stability in Sarawak, Ung pointed out that the primary issue in Sarawak politics is the lack of check-and-balance, particularly with GPS holding 76 out of 82 seats in the DUN.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential consequences of the proposed merger of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), which could further reduce the number of opposition representatives in the DUN to just two out of 82 seats.
“This would significantly impact the check-and-balance role of DUN Sarawak on the executive branch.
“Check-and-balance is very important in the administration of a government and democracy in Sarawak, to prevent corruption and arrogance in their (GPS) governance,” he said.
Ung stressed that all policies at the State-level must be debated and refined by all stakeholders, rather than monopolising decision-making power within GPS.
On Sept 26, Abun Sui told DayakDaily that their decision was a gesture of goodwill shown in response to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s support for PKR candidates during the six state elections on Aug 12 involving Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
He added that PKR Sarawak did identify several suitable candidates to contest in Jepak but since the State Leadership Council had made the decision of not contesting, there was no necessity to reveal the names of these individuals.
The Jepak seat became vacant following the passing of its incumbent Datuk Talib Zulpilip at Normah Medical Specialist Centre on Sept 15.
The polling date for the Jepak by-election has been set for Nov 4, with nomination day on Oct 21. — DayakDaily
