Kuching: DAP Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui has sharply criticised what she describes as the politicisation of community leader appointments in Sarawak, warning that the ongoing controversy has exposed deep-rooted authoritarian practices and a growing power struggle among ruling parties.
Speaking out on the issue, Violet Yong said the recent public spat over the so-called “political asset” status of community leaders has laid bare how these positions have long been used as “political gifts” – tools of patronage distributed by the ruling coalition to reward loyalists rather than to serve the needs of the people.
“Instead of benefiting community development, these loud and messy political dramas have shown the darker reality of how leadership roles are hoarded and manipulated for political gain,” she said in a statement.
Violet Yong was responding to remarks made by Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who accused certain parties of attempting to privatise the appointment of community leaders – comments widely interpreted as being directed at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP).
“SUPP has always treated community leadership positions as its personal property. Their silence in response to Tiong’s criticism – does it indicate tacit admission?” she asked.
She noted that with PDP now encroaching into constituencies like Batu Kawah and Bawang Assan, SUPP’s dominance over these appointments is being challenged, sparking behind-the-scenes maneuvers and inter-party friction.
Violet Yong, who is also the Sarawak DAP organising secretary and a lawyer by profession, said it had been an open secret that the ruling coalition, especially SUPP, has long used community leader posts to reward allies, leading to inconsistent quality among appointees.
“Many rural communities have suffered due to underqualified leaders who fail to address local issues, resulting in growing public dissatisfaction,” she said.
She also cited PDP senior vice-president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep’s recent admission that community leader appointments are confined within the ruling coalition, suggesting that the current dispute may stem from an “unequal distribution of benefits” rather than a sincere push for reform.
Violet Yong insisted that she respects the role of community leaders and acknowledged that many serve the people with dedication and commitment. However, she warned that the appointment system had been increasingly politicised.
“Some leaders appointed through SUPP’s recommendation don’t even reside in the constituencies they’re meant to represent,” she alleged. “Why recommend such individuals? Because they are easier to control during elections.”
She further argued that this political domination led to the erosion of representation for traditional clan associations and cultural groups, which were once active in community affairs but have now been sidelined.
“These associations have tried for years to regain their roles but to no avail. The political control has effectively diminished the value and status of community leaders,” she said.
