Kuching: I strongly reject SUPP President Dr. Sim Kui Hian’s claim that Padungan has seen no development over the past 20 years. As a ruling party, SUPP should fulfil its responsibility to serve every Sarawakian, instead of using development as a political bargaining chip to threaten the people into supporting them.
SUPP has consistently relied on the same political tactic — using development projects and public allocations as leverage to pressure voters into electing its candidates. Such an approach is not only contrary to the principles of democracy, but is also deeply unfair to Sarawakians who believe in free and fair elections. The ruling party must recognise that development is the people’s right, not a reward reserved only for those who support the government.
In any democratic system, both the government and the opposition play indispensable roles. The government is entrusted with formulating and implementing policies to ensure that every region and every citizen receives fair attention and development. The opposition, on the other hand, is responsible for holding the government accountable, identifying weaknesses in policies, and speaking up for the people whenever their interests are neglected.
Padungan is a mature urban constituency located in the heart of Kuching. It is not lacking in commercial development or high-rise buildings. Rather, it has entered a new stage of urban development where the priority should be maintaining and upgrading public infrastructure, improving municipal services, addressing urban poverty, revitalising ageing neighbourhoods, and enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens.
The real challenge facing Padungan today is not a lack of development. What the constituency needs are better municipal policies, improved infrastructure, and state policies that inject new vitality into the community while strengthening social welfare and public services. These are the priorities that truly reflect the needs of Pending’s future development.
As representatives of the ruling coalition, SUPP assemblymen receive approximately RM9 million annually in constituency allocations. In contrast, opposition representatives in Sarawak continue to be denied any constituency allocation despite representing thousands of voters. With the 12th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly now entering its fifth year, I ask a simple question: where did the nearly RM90 million in public allocations meant for the people of Padungan and Pending over the past five years actually go?
SUPP repeatedly claims that only the ruling party can deliver development. If that is truly the case, then they owe the people an explanation. Where have all these public funds gone? Have they genuinely been utilised to improve the lives of the people and strengthen community development? These are legitimate questions that the people of Padungan and Pending deserve answers to.
The people of Padungan have always stood firmly on the frontline of democracy by placing their trust in DAP. Their votes have enabled opposition representatives to continue serving as an effective check and balance in the State Legislative Assembly, speaking up against unfair and unreasonable policies while ensuring that the government remains accountable.
A mature democracy does not require people to support only the ruling party. It guarantees every citizen the freedom to choose and ensures that diverse voices are represented and respected in the legislature. Public funds belong to the people because they are financed by taxpayers—not by any political party. Any attempt to politicise development or make public resources conditional upon political support is a betrayal of democratic principles and the trust placed in those who govern. DAP will continue to uphold the role of checks and balances, defend the rights of the people, and work towards a Sarawak that is governed with fairness, transparency, and accountability rather than political intimidation and patronage.
George Lam
DAPSY Kuching Chief
30 June2026
