Kuching: The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has voiced intense criticism against the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), accusing it of labelling legitimate public concerns and opposition questions as obstacles to development, a move the DAP says undermines democratic principles and silences the voice of the people.
In a firm statement, DAPSY Sarawak Secretary George Lam described SUPP’s tactics as “dangerous for democracy” and warned that branding criticism as a threat to political stability is a diversionary tactic to avoid public scrutiny.
“Let’s be real. If your government has nothing to hide, why not just answer the questions?
“Why attack DAP just for doing our job?” Lam asked.
Lam highlighted the stark imbalance of power in the Sarawak State Assembly, where Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and its allies, including SUPP, control 80 out of 82 seats. DAP holds only two.
“How can we possibly be the ones blocking development or causing instability? It doesn’t even make sense,” he added.
The concern, according to Lam, is that GPS’s overwhelming majority enables it to pass legislation without meaningful debate – sometimes involving massive public expenditure without proper checks and balances.
One example cited is the recent approval of an RM100 million travel expenses budget, passed in a single afternoon with minimal explanation or debate.
Lam questioned the transparency of such decisions and expressed alarm over the lack of oversight.
“Even the Public Accounts Committee has no opposition representation and hasn’t investigated anything for the past three years.
“That means GPS is essentially monitoring itself – and doing nothing.”
Lam emphasised that the role of DAP, even with just two seats, is to raise questions and demand accountability on behalf of 2.2 million Sarawakians.
“Instead of responding to our concerns, SUPP chooses to attack us. That’s not leadership – that’s fear,” he said.
He concluded with a direct call to SUPP to end the political blame game and prioritise governance that reflects transparency, accountability, and the people’s interests.
“Sarawakians deserve answers, not political drama. The more you try to silence us, the more people will start to wonder what exactly are you trying to hide,” he said.
