DAP Sarawak must engage, play constructive role

MIRI: DAP Sarawak needs to continue playing a constructive role for the betterment of the state.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party’s Sarawak chief Chong Chieng Jen must therefore continue to engage to be a balancing force.

He said the top leadership respected DAP Sarawak’s wish to remain the opposition in the state legislative assembly despite the party being in the federal Unity Government together with the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which rules the state.

Loke, in this instance, described Sarawak’s political scenario as unique, compared to that in West Malaysia and Sabah after the formation of the Unity Government following the last General Election.

He made these remarks during the opening of the DAP Sarawak convention here on Sunday.

DAP Sarawak needs to think of the approach, its political model or collaboration initiative as a way forward, he said.

“I know, it’s not easy, but Chong must continue to engage to look into a new model together with the national leadership to co-exist with one another,” Loke pointed out.

Towards this end he stressed the importance of ensuring the country as whole remains progressive, where everyone embraces each other’s culture and religion.

“For this we must build allies together … build a strong political force,” he added.

Also present at the convention were Chong, deputy chairman Alice Lau , vice chairman Mordi Bimol, vice chairman Oscar Ling and secretary Alan Ling.