With representation comes responsibility: Kota Sentosa rep urges S’wak DAP MPs to back seat increase

Wilfred Yap (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 21: As the Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) has five MPs, they should focus on fulfilling the promises made in its manifesto and consistently advocate for Sarawak’s rights and autonomy instead of opposing or casting doubt on measures that strengthen Sarawak’s long-term political standing, as with representation comes responsibility.

This was said by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap over Sarawak DAP’s stance regarding their opposition to the proposed increase in State seats, which he said serves as an important prelude to strengthening Sabah and Sarawak’s position in seeking greater parliamentary representation under the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“The move to increase Sarawak State seats is a strategic step towards ensuring Sarawak’s voice is stronger at both the State and federal levels.

“It is therefore disappointing that Sarawak DAP appears to take a position that could undermine this broader objective of restoring Sarawak’s rightful representation in Parliament,” he said in a statement.

He went on to say that Sarawakians deserve clarity, accountability, and results, and with five MPs, Sarawak DAP is already in a position to perform its check and balance role by pushing for meaningful reforms that benefit Sarawak.

Yap also reiterated that any effort to enhance Sarawak’s representation, whether through State seat increases or future parliamentary seat adjustments, must be supported in good faith.

The Sarawak DAP MPs are Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (Lanang), Mordi Bimol (Mas Gading), Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (Bandar Kuching), Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin), and Oscar Ling Chai Yew (Sibu).

Of that, Lau is the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Mordi is the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, and Chong is the State-level chairman for DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH), as well as Padungan assemblyman.

On the issue of electoral delineation, he emphasised that the Election Commission (EC) must act with transparency, fairness, and independence.

“Any redelineation exercise must reflect Sarawak’s unique geographical and demographic realities and must not be perceived as disadvantaging Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily