(Kuching, 6th) Padungan State Assemblyperson Violet Yong Wai Wah stated that the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) denying the Democratic Action Party's (DAP) oversight and balancing power is equivalent to denying the people this power, making it a blatant bullying and trampling on Sarawak's democracy!
She noted that SUPP's 'termite' analogy is self-defeating, as since Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963, SUPP and all local parties at that time have supported implementation of discriminatory policies against Sarawak, causing continual erosion of our rights, not DAP.
She pointed out that the people of Sarawak have entrusted DAP with the power to oversee and balance the government, yet SUPP likens this to 'termites'. This is such arrogance and pride, disregarding the democracy in Sarawak! They seem to have forgotten that DAP or GPS assembly members are elected by the people, one vote at a time.
She emphasized that the Sarawak DAP, established in 1978, has played a crucial role in Sarawak's political landscape and power structure, preventing the previous BN and current GPS from acting recklessly.
'The people will never forget the 1974 Petroleum Development Act proposed by the late Taib in Parliament, which received full support from all Sarawak MPs, including those from SUPP. Without the actions of selling out Sarawak's rights back then, Sarawak and the Federal Government would not be entangled over the oil issue until today.'
More significantly, in 1976, the Federal Constitution was amended again, downgrading Sarawak from an equal partner to one of the 13 states, leading to the loss of many autonomous powers under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement. This amendment received full support from all Sarawak BN MPs as well.
Violet Yong Wai Wah, also the DAP organizing secretary, stated that local parties openly handed over Sarawak's rights, which is not only similar to termites gradually eroding the foundation, but much worse! The numerous difficulties in reclaiming rights today stem from the initial actions of local parties 'selling out Sarawak'.
She revealed that in 2015, when DAP state assemblymen brought up the issue of Sarawak's autonomy in the State Assembly, Speaker Asfia used 'gag orders' to silence the discussion.
Therefore, compared to Sarawak DAP, SUPP appears clownish on the autonomy issue, not only supporting legislation to sell out Sarawak's rights multiple times but also not daring to speak up when Sarawak's autonomy was eroded and, to date, has not apologized to the Sarawak people for past foolish actions.
Violet Yong also stated that Sarawak DAP's defense of Sarawak people's rights is evident, such as in land lease renewals. If it wasn't for DAP winning 12 state seats in 2011 and bravely voicing out for the people, today people might still need to pay 'exorbitant' land lease renewal fees.
'The overthrow of 'White Hair' changed Sarawak's political landscape. The people's exertion of oversight and balancing power through DAP led to amendments in the land lease renewal policy. At the time, SUPP was silent under the late Chief Minister Taib's tough stance. Laughably, they rushed to claim credit after the fee reduction!'
As part of the Sarawak government, SUPP has consistently avoided touching on land issues. Their adeptness at political strategy is evident today, leaving many landowners seeking help from DAP representatives in desperation.
Additionally, she also emphasized that lowering electricity fees and canceling land premium lines are issues closely related to people's lives and rights, spearheaded by Sarawak DAP; advocating for September 16 as a public holiday was also initiated by Sarawak DAP.
Additionally, she also emphasized that lowering electricity fees and canceling land premium lines are issues closely related to people's lives and rights, spearheaded by Sarawak DAP; advocating for September 16 as a public holiday was also initiated by Sarawak DAP.
Reviewing Sarawak's political history, SUPP's 66 years can be described as unremarkable, failing both large and small issues, such as basic livelihood problems. The party's most adept trick seems to be smearing and vilifying Sarawak DAP to gain political capital.
'The oversight and balancing power, the most critical right of the people, is mercilessly trampled by SUPP, perfectly aligning with BN's and current GPS's actions to create a singular voice in the state assembly. This is why SUPP endeavors to suppress DAP's oversight and balancing calls.'
Absolute hegemony leads to absolute corruption! She urges Sarawak citizens to bravely defend their democratic seeds and their rights, allowing Sarawak to have a more robust political system and guide Sarawak forward!