KUCHING: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak MPs will continue to serve as the government’s backbenchers and speak up for the people of Sarawak even though none was appointed into the unity government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
DAP Sarawak chairman, Chong Chieng Jen in a congratulatory statement to the appointed deputy ministers, said all elected MPs (from DAP Sarawak) will continue to play their role as the backbenchers of the government and voice out issues for the people of Sarawak.
“We will do our best to provide the necessary check and balance in the Parliament.
“We will also ensure that the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance are complied with by the ministries and government agencies,” he said.
The Stampin MP revealed that Anwar had reached out to him before the announcement (of deputy ministers) on yesterday (Dec 9) to explain the delicate situation of the present political landscape in the county and the request by some quarters for the exclusion of DAP Sarawak MPs from the posts.
“We understand that under the present circumstances, national interest of political stability and a stronger government rises above all personal interest and positions.
“As our party’s secretary-general Anthony Loke has made clear that DAP’s support for Anwar to be the Prime Minister is unconditional, we will accept whatever arrangement that the Prime Minister makes for a more stable government.
“Therefore, we call upon our members and supporters not to be disappointed and dismayed about the current arrangement,” he said.
Chong who is also Padungan assemblyman, said with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as the backbone of the present government, the administration will move away from the old days of corruption and cronyism.
Those who have been accustomed to the old Barisan Nasional’s (BN) way of running the government, will have to change to be more accountable.
He added that DAP Sarawak will meet in Kuching today to deliberate on the party’s direction for the next five years.
“While some parties (in Sarawak) want to see DAP weakened, we believe that so long as the people are with us, we will be able to fight against all odds to be stronger.
“Our strength lies in the support from the people, not the number of ministers or deputy ministers.
“More importantly, we will persist in our ideals and continue in our struggle to make Malaysia a better country and to improve the quality of life of all Malaysians,” he said.
