KUCHING, April 24 2026: Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii (picture) has asserted that the Sarawak DAP has fought for many issues that have benefited Sarawak, explaining why it is necessary to have its continuous presence in Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA).
He cited many examples of what it has done since the national party set its foot in Sarawak 48 years ago.
He said one example is the revision of Quit Rent Rate in Sarawak in 2010.
“Under the pressure of Sarawak DAP in the SLA and also public campaign, the state government finally decided not to force land owners to renew their land title five years prior to expiry.
“The rate has now standardised for terrace houses, semi- detached and bungalow,” Dr Yii said in a statement.
He added the Sarawak DAP was in fore front questioning the extravagantly-priced projects in Sarawak including alternative funding model, which lacks transparency and accountability, including in SLA.
“These mechanisms, which involve special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for infrastructure, hide true debt levels and constitute "left pocket to right pocket" financial manoeuvring rather than sustainable development and full disclosure in SLA,” he said.
He said the Sarawak DAP, in collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), were the early ones in Sarawak to bring forth the conversation and the fight for the state’s rights as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963(MA63) through its Bintulu Declaration 2011, even before it was popularised by the then Chief Minister the late Adenan Satem when he was sworn-in only in 2014.
“These are just a few examples of the many issues raised and fought for by Sarawak DAP,, which have applied positive pressure on the government of the day to act and implement reforms.
“It is through this democratic process and accountability that the current government has shown improvements in governance, although there remain many gaps that still need to be addressed,” he said.
Dr Yii said that is why there is a need for a credible and consistent opposition like Sarawak DAP, saying that while the party may not be perfect and some may not agree with some of the approach of some of national leaders, but its elected leaders never jumped ship, they stayed consistent, and they have continued to act as a check and balance even with all kinds of pressure from the state government.
“We all want what is best for Sarawak and what is needed is not just a good government, but equally important, is a strong and credible opposition who have stayed consistent to our roles over the years, even when things are tough,” he said.
In a recent Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) convention, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian had urged the delegates to “kasi DAP telur” in the coming state election.
Dr Sim, who is also the Deputy Premier, said the people of Sarawak should take the cue from Sabah by giving the Sarawak DAP “zero” seats.
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