SIBU: DAP’s proposal to merge with SNAP is only a preliminary although it has plans to move into the native areas on its own, starting with eight constituencies in southern Sarawak.
In a press conference yesterday after its state committee meeting that saw the attendance of its 12 newly elected state representatives, DAP’s national advisor Lim Kit Siang said the two proposals had come after the just-concluded election, in which they had found significant support from the native communities, notably the Dayaks.
He said if it were not for their support, there would not have been such a resounding victory, especially in constituencies like Dudong, Pujut, Batu Kawa, Meradong, Kidurong, Repok, Kota Sentosa and Piasau.
“The merger proposal has come from a discussion within DAP’s state committee and from the public opinions.”
Lim admitted public opinions on the merger were divided, with one group supporting and the other objecting the idea.
He said Sarawak DAP’s victory had come from the people’s power due to what he called “The Ubah Awakening”.
“The suggestion to merge the two parties is an effort to take the Ubah awakening among the various races to the next level.”
But Lim stressed discussion on the merger was only at a preliminary stage within the state DAP, adding they had not approached SNAP to talk on the possibility.
He however stressed that whatever decision is reached later, it would be done in the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat (PR), saying they would put its interest as top priority.
On whether the move would hurt the unity of the state PR, Lim said any decision made later must not be a threat to their solidarity, but a progressive move for the people and the opposition front.
“It should be one that promotes the strength of the opposition front; not one that goes against it.”
In the press conference, state chairman Wong Ho Leng did not touch on the merger plan but instead spelt out their efforts to go rural to work with the native communities.
“This next step is to ensure ‘the Dayak Awakening’ is further enhanced.”
He said the election had shown the native communities were prepared to work with DAP, noting that the opposition had managed to get a considerable amount of support from them.
“We are eager to reach out.”
State DAP secretary general Chong Chien Jen said they would immediately begin with the plan by first moving into eight areas in southern Sarawak, namely Tasik Biru, Opar, Tarat, Bengoh, Satok, Tupong, Balai Ringgin and Kedup.
From there, he said they would expand to other areas.
State DAP treasurer Chew Ching Sing said they would now employ full-time native political workers in their service centres throughout the state.