Party insists decision to quit an irreversible one, stating it can no longer work with PAS
Chong (seated centre), accompanied by other members of state DAP committee, disclosing the party’s decision to quit PR after a meeting in Kuching.
KUCHING: The state DAP has made the decision to quit Pakatan Rakyat (PR) following a State Committee meeting at its headquarters yesterday.
State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the decision, which took immediate effect, would be irreversible as the state DAP could no longer work with PAS as a political partner.
“DAP Sarawak regrets that PAS has deviated from the PR common policy framework by pursuing the implementation of Hudud law in Malaysia. With PAS remaining as a component party in PR Sarawak, DAP Sarawak has resolved and made the painful decision to quit from PR Sarawak.
“This resolution is unanimous of the state committee. Under the DAP party structure, DAP Sarawak has the autonomy to make such decision. Federal DAP has been informed of our decision and they respect the decision of the state.
“We believe our decision is also the wish of the large majority of the people in Sarawak,” he told a press conference after the party meeting.
Chong stressed that DAP Sarawak will no longer work with PAS at both state and federal levels, even if the Hudud law is not passed in Parliament.
“We will not come back together with PAS even if the Hudud law is not passed in the Parliament. They (PAS) have shown their true colours. Their party struggle is not suitable for Sarawak. It is a different situation in Peninsular Malaysia, because there is Umno. PAS has the role to counter Umno, but as there is no Umno in Sarawak, PAS has no role here. They have no place in Sarawak.
“We hope to invite PKR Sarawak to join us in our political struggle too.
“In fact, we call on all parties that support secularism and the fundamental principles of the Federal Constitution to join in our struggle. This offer is not only extended to PKR Sarawak but BN Sarawak.
“Let us form a coalition government that is not BN and not PR to save Sarawak and protect our Constitution,” he suggested.
Chong pointed out that the passing of the Hudud law in Kelantan and the attempted tabling of a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament for the implementation of Hudud law are not only violations of the Malaysia Agreement and the Federal Constitution but will undermine the existence of Malaysia as a country.
“In 1963, Sarawak joined to form Malaysia on the fundamental understanding that Malaysia was and will continue to be a secular country. Sarawak has no official religion till this day.
“The political game played between Umno and PAS has shown clearly that Sarawak is no place for the politics of both Umno and PAS. Such irresponsible political manoeuvring will not only lead to the break up of PR but also BN, and may lead to the break up of the nation.
“We call on Najib not to delay in making his stand and Umno’s stand on the implementation of Hudud law in Malaysia,” he said.
Chong added that the Hudud law issue has taken too much of the country’s time and resources.
“Hudud law is not the one and only issue in the country. It is a waste of energy and resources to focus on it. There are more pressing matters to focus on.
“More energy and attention should be channeled to address the economic plights of the people resulting from the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), escalating costs of living, depreciating ringgit and economic slowdown, rampant corruption in government administration, increasing criminal activities and the deteriorating standard of education,” he said.