Kuching: Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has hit back at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, rejecting his claims that the opposition is “sowing division” and obstructing development.
In a firm statement, DAPSY Sarawak’s Political Education Bureau Director, Soo Tien Ren, said such attacks were a distraction from deeper governance failures.
“We are not tearing Sarawak down. We are trying to protect it from being hollowed out by unchecked power and misuse of public funds.
“Calling us ‘political termites’ doesn’t change the facts. We are here to demand transparency, not to stay silent in the face of abuse,” he said.
3 key issues DAPSY says Sarawakians must not ignore
Soo outlined three major governance concerns raised by the DAP – each based on public records:
1. A RM122 million hydrogen bus project awarded to a company with only RM100 in paid-up capital.
2. RM100 million spent by the Premier’s Office to lease a private jet.
3. Sarawak state-owned companies have taken loans totaling RM32 billion, with RM2.3 billion in annual interest payments.
Rejecting accusations of being “anti-development,” Soo reiterated the DAP’s commitment to accountable and forward-looking governance.
“Among the solutions proposed: a transparent budget oversight committee to monitor major projects, open tenders for all state contracts with public disclosure of contractor details, and local government reform to restore elected councillors for stronger grassroots oversight.
“Which of these are ‘political stunts,’ Mr. Wilfred Yap?” Soo asked.
Oversight is democracy, not disruption
Soo stressed that winning an election is not a license to avoid scrutiny.
“Yes, GPS won the election, but winning power doesn’t mean escaping oversight. A vote is not a gag order and it certainly isn’t a free pass to abuse authority.
“As the opposition, our job is not to echo you, but to watch the government and protect public funds. If even the presence of oversight unnerves the ruling party, what exactly are they afraid of?” he asked.
“Political Termites” or guardians of public funds?
Soo concluded with a sharp rebuke:
“Rather than calling us names, perhaps it is time to inspect the real nest: Where is the money going? Who is benefiting? Who is being held accountable?
“We are ready to work with any party that puts responsibility first – but we will never stay silent in the face of misuse of power,” he said.
