Kota Sentosa rep challenges opposition’s track record, says some politicians surface only when elections near

Wilfred Yap

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 10: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has challenged the credibility and commitment of opposition politicians, claiming some only become active when elections approach while remaining largely absent when residents face day-to-day issues throughout the rest of the term.

As speculation grows over the timing of the next Sarawak state election, Yap said voters should closely examine whether political leaders have consistently served their communities or merely re-emerge during campaign season.

He argued that genuine public service is measured not by visibility during election periods, but by sustained efforts to address issues affecting residents throughout the year.

“For years, many of these individuals were largely absent when residents faced issues involving floods, drainage, road conditions, public facilities, housing repairs and other local concerns,” he said in a recent statement.

Referring to the approaching election, Yap said some politicians had suddenly become more visible on the ground, prompting questions about their commitment to serving the people outside campaign periods.

He said that public service should be continuous and not limited to election season.

“If they were genuinely committed to serving the people, their presence and efforts would have been visible throughout the year, not only when an election is approaching,” he argued.

He stressed that Sarawakians deserved representatives who worked consistently with residents, local councils and government agencies to resolve issues on the ground, instead of politicians who appeared only when political opportunities arose.

In this regard, Yap urged voters to assess both elected representatives and aspiring candidates based on their record of service delivery rather than political rhetoric.

According to him, meaningful development requires long-term commitment and cooperation. He pointed to infrastructure upgrades, drainage improvement initiatives, community grants and public amenity projects implemented under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration as examples of such efforts.

His remarks come amid increasing political activity across the state as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next state election, which is widely expected to be held before the current term expires.

Yap maintained that political stability has been one of the key factors behind the State government’s ability to drive economic growth, implement infrastructure projects and continue pursuing matters related to Sarawak’s rights under MA63.

He also broadened his criticism to include politicians linked to parties based in Peninsular Malaysia. Without naming any individual or party, he questioned whether they fully understood Sarawak’s aspirations, priorities and unique political landscape.

Ultimately, Yap said voters would have to decide between leaders with a proven record of delivery and those who emerge with promises as election season approaches.

“The people can judge for themselves who has been working throughout the term and who has only become visible now,” he remarked. — DayakDaily