It’s final, says state DAP on quitting Pakatan Rakyat

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KUCHING: The state DAP is adamant in its decision to quit Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

According to Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, who is state DAP chairman, its cooperation with state PKR was ‘almost zero’ due to the association with PAS.

“The reason why DAP Sarawak quits state PR is because despite PAS’ policy to pursue the implementation of the hudud law nationwide, PKR Sarawak still wants to remain with PAS.

“I think the implementation of Hudud has no place in Sarawak; and any political party with that as its aim for struggle has no place in Sarawak. I just cannot comprehend why PKR would still want to be with PAS.

“This is going against the wishes of the majority of Sarawakians. That is why we had to sever ties with PAS and PKR, as well as anyone who is in the same boat with PAS,” he said at a press conference held at state DAP headquarters here yesterday.

Chong, also Kota Sentosa assemblyman, advised state PKR to sever its ties with the state PAS, especially given the outcome of the party election of the national PAS last year.

“It is proven that DAP Sarawak has made the right decision. If PKR still has any doubt about it, it should be clear by now. It is time for them to also sever ties with PAS.

“Only then will any form of cooperation be possible.”

To a question, Chong – who is national DAP vice-chairman – added that the state DAP exercised autonomy and any decision it made would not be restrained by the party’s central committee.