DAP fails rural Sarawak, cannot claim to represent the people, says Premier’s pol-sec

KUCHING (Jan 22): Political secretary to the Premier, Kua Jack Seng, has dismissed the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s self-proclaimed role as a ‘bridge’ between the people and the Sarawak government, describing it as a political narrative that lacks meaningful advocacy.

Kua, who is also SUPP Engkilili chairman, said DAP’s urban-centric focus undermines its claim to represent the broader Sarawak population, particularly rural and indigenous communities that depend heavily on government support for infrastructure, basic services and livelihoods.

“The reality on the ground tells a very different story,” he said in a statement.

“If DAP’s influence in areas where development matters most is minimal, its claim to bridge the gap between the people and government becomes symbolic at best, and hollow at worst.”

Kua was responding to remarks by Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak secretary George Lam, who on Monday said DAP Sarawak would continue to play its role as the opposition, acting as a bridge between the people and the state government, as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is expected to remain in power after the next state election.

Lam had said DAP Sarawak would serve as an intermediary on issues related to livelihoods and public aspirations.

However, Kua noted that Lam himself had acknowledged urban voters are generally more politically aware and inclined to support opposition parties, underscoring DAP’s urban-focused strategy.

“DAP appeals primarily to city dwellers while largely sidelining the rural and indigenous majority that forms the backbone of Sarawak’s development landscape,” he said.

“True representation demands active advocacy in areas where people rely on the government for basic infrastructure and livelihood — not just rhetorical statements.”

Kua added that for more than a decade, GPS has delivered development projects across Sarawak’s rural constituencies, while DAP has failed to translate its purported ‘bridge’ role into tangible policy influence.

He also dismissed DAP’s reasons for its limited success in rural areas – including Sarawak’s vast geography, low population density and the high proportion of indigenous voters – as excuses.

“These challenges apply to all parties. They cannot be used to justify inaction or merely symbolic roles,” he said.

“Public trust is earned through concrete results, not political slogans.

“If DAP truly wants to represent Sarawakians, it must move beyond rhetoric, engage substantively, and deliver outcomes that genuinely matter to the people.

“In reality, GPS continues to serve as the primary conduit for the people’s voice, delivering development and addressing public needs,” he added.