Press Statement By Michael Kong:
Idris Buang is right to say that DAP does not share the same chemistry with GPS. While DAP fights for equality and state development, GPS advocates for privilege and self-enrichment. With both parties’ belief being on the opposite ends of the spectrum, naturally, it is hard for these parties to come together.
This was realised by DAP Sarawak last year when Tun Mahathir resigned abruptly. In order to try to bring political stability and maintain the people’s mandate, an olive branch was extended to GPS to work together for a better Malaysia. It was not a plea for convenience or due to DAP’s desire to hold onto power, but because DAP Sarawak saw fit that there were better things to do at that time such as focusing all efforts to contain Covid-19 which our then-Minister of Health, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had done spectacularly. However, with GPS’ outright refusal, we saw how narrow-minded they are towards the change that this nation needs.
Instead of working towards new policies and removing the toxic that is so embedded within our Malaysian system, GPS chose to work with UMNO and PAS. Even today, Idris Buang is openly admitting that they are fine to collaborate with these Malay-centric and backward parties. UMNO and PAS are the two parties openly advocating for Syariah law within Malaysia and yet GPS is supportive of it.
This leaves Sarawak, her rich culture and her people at the mercy of racial politics. We have been living in harmony regardless of race, religion or creed but GPS is willing to allow everything to change. Even Nazip Razak, the brother to our former prime minister, has come out to say that such old ways of doing things are no longer tenable in today’s Malaysia. As rightly pointed out, these allow for dysfunctional politics and growing divisions within communities.
Sadly, GPS has shown its true colours to the people of Sarawak. It is time for us to show them the boot. We need new leaders who want to take this challenge to implement new political, economic and social systems.
Michael Kong Feng Nian
Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen
