SUPP rep: Sarawak’s push for more seats, stronger energy sector is responsible federalism, not separatism

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, May 14: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) supports increased representation in the Parliament not because the ruling coalition is obsessed with political arithmetic, but because it is committed to restoring Sarawak’s rightful position under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

This is in accordance with Kota Sentosa assembly Wilfred Yap (GPS-SUPP) who stressed that for too long, Sarawak and Sabah have been structurally underrepresented in Parliament and for long, national policies affecting Sabah and Sarawak have been determined disproportionately by political forces from Peninsular Malaysia; and that Sarawak’s voice could be diluted whenever federal political winds shifted.

“That is why the fight for greater parliamentary representation is not a partisan issue. It is a constitutional issue. It is a historical issue. It is an issue of protecting Sarawak’s future.

“We in GPS understand that if Sarawak does not strengthen its institutional representation now, future generations may once again find themselves politically marginalised within the Federation,” said Yap when debating the Motion of Thanks on TYT Address at Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.

He held that the opposition such as Democratic Action Party (DAP) opposes these efforts because they remain politically tied to parties headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

“GPS answers to Sarawak. The opposition answer to their puppet master from Malaya. That is the difference,” said Yap.

He said the opposition has attempted to portray the seat increase issue as though democracy itself is under attack and speak as though constituency delineation is a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by GPS behind closed doors.

“Under Article 114 of the Federal Constitution, the Election Commission is an independent constitutional body. Its members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.

And who leads the Federal Government today? It is Pakatan Harapan. It is the coalition that DAP itself belongs to.

“So when DAP leaders attempt to accuse GPS of manipulating boundaries, they are essentially accusing their own federal partners of misconduct,” said Yap who is from Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), a component party of ruling coalition of GPS.

Subsequently, Yap raised another question — Why is the Sarawak Government repeatedly forced to use State resources to resolve matters that should fall under federal responsibility?

“The opposition DAP sits comfortably within the Federal Government. They speak loudly about reform. Yet where are the major federal allocations for urban infrastructure rehabilitation in Sarawak?

“Where are the large-scale federal investments to modernise drainage systems in Kuching? Where are the comprehensive federal urban renewal initiatives? Where are the substantial federal healthcare upgrades for growing urban populations?” Yap questioned.

He said Sarawakians are tired of excuses and pressured the opposition DAP, which is part of federal ruling coalition to show the results.

“Sarawak’s future ultimately depends on one fundamental principle — our ability to protect and exercise our sovereign rights over our own resources.

“For decades, Sarawak contributed enormously to national development, especially through oil and gas. Yet despite our contributions, development gaps persisted. Infrastructure gaps persisted. Revenue imbalances persisted,” he said.

Disappointed, Sarawak, he said, is asserting its constitutional rights with confidence and clarity.

“We are strengthening our control over gas distribution. We are expanding our role within the energy sector. We are pioneering the hydrogen economy. We are positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in renewable energy.

“This is not extremism. This is not separatism. This is responsible federalism,” said Yap. —DayakDaily

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