Bau: DAP Tasik Biru has emphasised that the appointment of Mas Gading MP, Mordi Bimol, as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports is not about political power, but about trust and responsibility.
DAP Tasik Biru Deputy Chairman, Dominic Daon Nyana, said the role is intended to ensure that youth policies, sports development, and rural outreach cover Sarawak’s interior regions and the Dayak community, which have long been underrepresented at the federal level.
According to Dominic, Mordi’s background and experience in his parliamentary constituency make his appointment particularly relevant to rural and interior youth, grassroots sports development, and communities often excluded from central decision-making.
“This appointment demonstrates that the Federal Government is aware of the development gaps in Sarawak’s interior areas, where the majority of residents are from the Dayak community,” he said in a statement.
His remarks came in response to comments by SUPP Stakan Branch Chairman Sim Kiang Chiok, who described DAP Sarawak’s acceptance of the deputy minister position as a “U-turn” on its previous stance regarding executive power.
Dominic stressed that the claim was misleading and inaccurate.
“DAP Sarawak has never made any absolute or permanent rejection of participation in the federal administration. What has consistently been emphasised is that positions are accepted only when they benefit the people, and that participation must strengthen—not weaken—Sarawak’s voice in the Federation.
“Since its founding, DAP has been a multiracial democratic party, both in principle and practice. The appointment of a Dayak leader from Sarawak to the federal administration underscores this fact and rejects repeated attempts to label DAP through narrow and outdated racial narratives,” he added.
He further criticised SUPP’s attempt to frame the appointment as a “U-turn,” saying it reflects a tendency to maintain selective political narratives rather than genuinely defending Sarawak’s interests.
“It should be noted that Sarawak-based parties, including SUPP itself, have long joined the federal government and accepted ministerial and deputy ministerial positions when it aligns with their political interests. To question the legitimacy of elected representatives undertaking the same responsibilities is inconsistent and hypocritical,” Dominic said.
He added that Sarawak’s rights, autonomy, and development cannot be defended by remaining outside the system.
“They are defended through active, principled, and responsible participation in federal institutions. DAP Sarawak will continue to fight for Sarawak’s rights firmly, engage constructively at the federal level, and remain accountable to the people of Sarawak, not narrow political rhetoric,” he said.
Dominic stressed that Sarawak needs representatives who work for the people, not slogans that divide.
He also noted that the appointment is timely and reflects the spirit of the Unity Government, which values contributions from all regions and communities, including Sarawak and the Dayak community, who have long supported the reform agenda and national stability.
“DAP Tasik Biru wishes to record our highest appreciation to the MADANI Government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the appointment of Mordi as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in the recent Cabinet reshuffle,” he concluded.
