Kuching: It’s interesting how certain quarters have shifted the goal-post from first pushing the sentiments of “zero-opposition” in Sarawak, but after public backlash, they have now shifted to the need for opposition, but no to DAP Sarawak.
The fact that Sim Kui Hian, the Deputy Premier of the Sarawak Government, is openly calling for a party like Democratic Action Party Sarawak (DAP Sarawak) not to be elected as the opposition is, in itself, an indirect confirmation that we are doing our job effectively. It shows that we have become such a thorn in the government’s side that they are deploying their full machinery and resources to try to get rid of us.
I would be more concerned about those so-called opposition parties that appear to be passively endorsed by the very government they are supposed to keep in check.
The reality is this, DAP Sarawak has been in Sarawak for almost 48 years and since Day 1, we have been fighting for the rights of Sarawakians and keeping the State Government in check on unfair policies, alleged corruption and power abuse.
Allow me to give a few examples out of the many issues we fought for:
1. Revision of Quit Rent Rate in Sarawak 2010
Under the pressure of DAP Sarawak in DUN and also public campaign, the state government finally decided not to force land owners to renew their land title 5 years prior to expiry. The rate has now standardised for Terrace houses, Semi D and Bungalow.
2. DAP Sarawak were in fore front questioning the extravagantly-priced projects in Sarawak including alternative funding model, which lacks transparency and accountability, including in DUN. These mechanisms, which involve special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for infrastructure, hide true debt levels and constitute “left pocket to right pocket” financial manoeuvring rather than sustainable development and full disclosure in DUN.
3. DAP Sarawak, in collaboration with local NGOs, were the early ones in Sarawak to bring forth the conversation and the fight for our rights as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through our Bintulu Declaration 2011, even before it was popularised by the late- Chief Minister Adenan Satem when he was sworn-in only in 2014.
These are just a few examples of the many issues raised and fought for by DAP Sarawak, which have applied positive pressure on the government of the day to act and implement reforms. It is through this democratic process and accountability that the current government has shown improvements in governance, although there remain many gaps that still need to be addressed.
That is why there is a need for a credible and consistent opposition like DAP Sarawak. While we may not be perfect and some may not agree with some of the approach of some of our leaders, but our elected leaders never jumped ship, they stayed consistent, and they have continued to act as a check & balance even with all kinds of pressure from the State Government.
We all want what is best for Sarawak and what is needed is not just a good government, but equally important, is a strong and credible opposition who have stayed consistent to our roles over the years, even when things are tough.
Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen
Member of Parliament Bandar Kuching
Publicity Secretary of DAP Sarawak
24 April 2026
