Kuching: A healthy democracy demands dissent, scrutiny, and balance, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak said, expressing its commitment to defending democratic values in Sarawak.
DAP Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen said, as the only opposition party in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), the DAP remains committed to monitoring government spending and policy direction to prevent Sarawak from experiencing future financial hardship.
“Here in Sarawak, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has absorbed almost all seats through party-hopping and political co-opting. Currently, only two opposition state assemblypersons remain – Violet Yong (DUN Pending) and me (DUN Padungan). This situation is extremely detrimental to democratic development and offers no protection for the rights of ordinary citizens.
“GPS is working hard to turn Sarawak into an ’82-to-0′ state, aiming to create a legislature without space for opposition voices. This is a deeply unhealthy phenomenon for any country that upholds a democratic system,” he said in a speech during DAP Kuching branch annual meeting on 7 May 2025.
Chong, also a Member of Parliament for Stampin, pointed out that even in countries such as Singapore, the government is renowned for its integrity and efficiency, yet it still requires opposition parties in Parliament to monitor its administration.
“Even though Singapore is frequently cited as a global benchmark for clean, efficient governance, a minister had to resign simply for privately accepting a few F1 tickets. The people insist on the necessity of opposition oversight, and the government acknowledges the need for checks and balances.
“Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party lost 10 seats in the recent general election despite its clean image. This shows that in a sound democratic system, the presence of opposition is essential,” he said.
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