Kuching: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) must first clarify its political position and demonstrate a genuine grassroots presence before claiming it can become an effective opposition and checks-and-balances force in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, said DAPSY Sarawak Organising Secretary, Chong Hong Hien.
The remarks came in response to PBK president Voon Lee Shan’s criticism that DAP Sarawak’s elected State Assembly representatives had been weak.
Chong said PBK’s ability to provide effective checks and balances was questionable as long as it appeared politically close to the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), which is part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.
He pointed to recent statements by SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who said Sarawakians could choose a local opposition party to provide checks and balances, while Voon had stressed that strong support for GPS would strengthen Sarawak’s stability.
“With SUPP and PBK continuing to appear increasingly close politically, how can Sarawakians expect PBK to become a strong and effective force for checks and balances?” he asked.
Chong also described PBK as an “election party”, noting that it had yet to establish a single basic service centre since the 2021 Sarawak State Election.
He questioned how a party could claim to represent Sarawakians while lacking a consistent grassroots presence, particularly when PBK had travelled to Sabah to participate in its state election.
Chong said PBK should focus on serving communities, understanding people’s problems and challenging policies it considers unfair or unreasonable, rather than relying mainly on slogans such as “Sarawak independence”.
He said PBK must answer three basic questions: What is its actual political position? Who does it intend to scrutinise? And with whom does it intend to cooperate?
Chong acknowledged that PBK’s participation in the coming state election could contribute to a more competitive democratic process.
However, he stressed that having more parties contesting elections alone was not enough.
“Sarawakians need political parties with firm positions, clear principles, genuine grassroots presence and a commitment to continuously speak up for the people,” he said.
He added that PBK should answer these questions before asking Sarawakians for their support.
