Kuching: The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) ‘s arrogance is beyond comprehension; the Deputy Premier’s statement undermines democratic discourse in Sarawak.
DAPSY Sarawak Organising Secretary Chong Hong Hien made the above remarks in response to Sim Kui Hian’s recent “let DAP eat eggs” statement.
He said in the last state election, GPS secured a landslide victory of 80 seats to 2, leaving only two opposition voices in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
“Despite this overwhelming imbalance, DAP Sarawak has remained steadfast in its role, continuing to scrutinise government policies and raising people’s everyday problems in the DUN.
“This is the hallmark of our democracy: we continue to speak without fear or favour despite facing adversity, and we continue to serve the people with sincerity despite losing out in the last election,” he said.
He further said that when we look at nations that practice a democracy in the world, when a ruling coalition commands such an overwhelming majority, it is expected to exercise restraint and humility – not to ridicule or belittle the opposition. Precisely because of the magnitude of its power, greater self-discipline is required.
“Sim Kui Hian’s remarks not only reflect arrogance but also a disregard for the principles of democratic governance. It is no exaggeration to say that such rhetoric is eroding Sarawak’s democratic foundations,” he said.
Chong pointed out that, following its landslide victory, SUPP has become increasingly out of touch and dismissive.
“More concerning is that its posture goes beyond arrogance – it appears intent on suppressing and even eliminating dissenting voices, potentially resulting in a “zero-opposition” scenario. Such one-sided dominance is dangerous and unacceptable in any democratic society.
At present, the Sarawak government holds an overwhelming 80-to-2 majority. Nearly half of the assemblypersons serve concurrently as ministers, and when combined with numerous political secretaries, more than half of the assembly is effectively part of the governing machinery. In other words, GPS has established a structure of absolute power,” he said.
For this reason, he said, what Sarawak needs today is not an expansion of governmental power, but stronger checks and balances.
“Only through such mechanisms can every public expenditure be properly accounted for and every policy genuinely benefit the people.
“It is also noteworthy that during the GPS convention, among all component party leaders, only Sim Kui Hian made the “let DAP eat eggs” remark. In contrast, Tiong King Sing candidly highlighted the shortcomings and concerns within the government system – points which Premier Abang Jo also acknowledged,” he said.
He said that Tiong’s remarks exemplify the qualities of a mature political leader – one who is willing to self-reflect and respect democratic institutions.
“This also reinforces DAP’s long-standing position: to strengthen checks and balances and ensure that good governance benefits the people at large,” he added.
Chong further urged SUPP not to become complacent in the wake of its success. However, the arrogance displayed in recent years has gone far beyond mere complacency, evolving into outright overbearing behavior.
“As one of Sarawak’s long-established political parties, SUPP should understand that having been entrusted with a strong mandate, it should focus on solving the people’s problems – not eliminating those who raise them, nor attempting to silence voices that hold the government accountable,” he said.
