DAP overreacting, hypocritical over ‘Kasi DAP telur’ remark as party used stronger language

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 21: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak leaders’ reaction to the “Kasi DAP telur” remark made by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is deeply hypocritical, as DAP itself has previously used far stronger language and more provocative slogans against its political opponents.

Hitting back, SUPP Central Women Section chief Kho Teck Wan said DAP leaders, from elected representatives to DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY), were quick to condemn Dr Sim’s remark as arrogant, but such responses were “exaggerated and inconsistent” given the opposition party’s own political rhetoric over the years.

“What is wrong with a remark made during a GPS Convention, before an audience of party members? It was delivered in our own setting, with the purpose of energising and motivating members to work harder in preparation for the upcoming election. This is standard political practice,” she said in a statement today.

Kho stressed that political parties across the spectrum routinely use slogans and sharp rhetoric to mobilise supporters, adding that freedom of political expression should not be selectively applied.

“Over the years, DAP itself has used far stronger language and more provocative slogans against its political opponents. To now condemn such remarks is not only inconsistent, but also dismissive of the principle of freedom of speech,” she said.

She added that the right to motivate party members “does not belong exclusively to DAP”.

Kho also criticised DAP leaders for claiming that the “bagi DAP telur” narrative would “destroy democracy in Sarawak” and remove checks and balances in the Sarawak.

“To suggest that such a remark could destroy democracy is an insult to the political maturity of Sarawakians. More importantly, it reflects an inflated sense of self-importance—implying that without DAP, there can be no accountability,” she said.

She questioned whether only DAP could serve as an effective opposition. “Are we to believe that only DAP is capable of holding the government accountable? Are Sarawak-based parties, rooted in local realities, any less capable of serving as a credible opposition?” she asked, adding that such assumptions were “arrogant and dismissive” of Sarawak’s political strength.

Kho further accused DAP of focusing heavily on criticism while contributing less to Sarawak’s development and social cohesion, saying this raises questions about its role in the State.

She cited DAP’s past opposition to the 5 per cent State Sales Tax (SST) on exported petroleum products introduced in 2018, noting that the policy has since strengthened Sarawak’s financial position.

“Since January 2019, this policy has significantly strengthened Sarawak’s financial position. As of October 2025, it has generated approximately RM28.5 billion in revenue, enhancing fiscal independence while supporting infrastructure development and welfare initiatives,” she said.

Kho added that these revenues have helped fund initiatives such as senior citizen health benefits, the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS), and free tertiary education programmes.

“Had the Sarawak government followed DAP’s position, the State might have missed this critical opportunity to strengthen its revenue base,” she said.

She urged Sarawakians to reflect on the effectiveness of DAP as an opposition party in Sarawak Legislative Assembly, questioning whether its approach truly serves Sarawak’s long-term interests.

“Democracy is not defined by the presence of a single party, but by the strength, responsibility, and maturity of all who participate in it,” she said.

The exchange follows Dr Sim’s remarks at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 on April 19, where he called on Sarawakians to “emulate Sabah” and vote out DAP in the upcoming State election. — DayakDaily

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