Thus far, I have observed that DAP is staying very cool on the issue of lompat parti. The only party leader/representative to overtly voice support for lompat parti was Jeff Ooi. But today, another own-goal was conceded:
Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen said in a statement today that “as the largest opposition party in Sarawak, the DAP is openly inviting all Barisan MPs and state assembly representatives to join us in our struggle for the betterment of Sarawakians.’
“They can either join our party as members or join us on a party-party basis as equal partners to form a new alliance front,” he added
Okla, at least he did say they can work together across the isle, but the part that really get my panties in a bunch is his proposed agenda:
a) To implement a chief minister rotation system whereby a Dayak, a Malay and a Chinese will take turn to be the Sarawak chief minister.
The tenure of each CM will be for a full term after a state election. One full term will be quite sufficient for a CM to implement his policies and visions. Dayak will be the first to be the CM under the rotation system as they have the largest population.
b) To demand for 20% oil royalty for Sarawak. Despite our state’s riches in natural resources, we are one of the least developed State. Sarawak has been marginalised by the BN government all these years.
c) To implement total reform of our land policy by (i) converting all leaseholds to 999 leaseholds; (ii) limiting the validity of Section 47 Notification to 3 years; and (iii) to survey and issue land titles to all native customary right (NCR) land.
Is it really so difficult for Malaysians to accept the idea that the best candidate should get a job? What is the bloody use of demanding 20% oil royalty if that money is not going to be used properly? It will only be used properly with a CM who knows best, so why do you want to saddle Sarawak with sub-par political leadership? It’s shameful that a DAP rep would say “Dayak will be the first to be the CM under the rotation system as they have the largest population”.
As for the 20% oil royalty claim, I wouldn’t dismiss this idea outright, but it is important that a proper plan is in place to spend the money. But while we are on the subject, it seems precarious to me that Anwar Ibrahim can promise a reduction of petrol price for all Malaysians and a 20% oil royalty for Sarawak at the same time. I know he gets paid to deliver speeches overseas, but he must be the James Dean of the ceramah scene to pull in enough cash to fund all that.
As for the land reforms, in principle it sounds good (and in line with DAP’s position since the 60s), but that is a local issue that I know little about so no comment!
Right on DAP…