It’s better to vote for Sarawakian parties, sys Wilfred Yap

suppadmin | August 24, 2026

DAP’s call for greater “check and balance” in the coming Sarawak Election is an attempt to expand the influence of a Malayan-based political party in Sarawak, said Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.

Yap said Sarawakians should question whether more political space should be given to a party whose political roots, leadership and organisational structure are based in Peninsular Malaysia.

“DAP may operate in Sarawak, but it remains fundamentally a Malayan political party with a national structure and leadership based in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

He said Sarawak’s political future should be determined by Sarawakians, taking into account the state’s unique history, constitutional position, political culture and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Yap said the concept of “check and balance” should not be used as an excuse to increase the number of representatives from a Malayan-based party.

“A strong State Assembly does not depend on having more members from a Malayan party. It depends on elected representatives who genuinely put Sarawak first,” he said.

He stressed that while constructive criticism and debate were welcomed, Sarawak’s rights, resources and constitutional position must remain the priority.

Yap said efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s rights under MA63 required political strength and unity, particularly in areas such as constitutional safeguards, fiscal autonomy, immigration powers and natural resources.

“A united Sarawak strengthens our hand. A divided Sarawak weakens it,” he said.

He added that under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Sarawak had been able to chart its own development path, strengthen its financial position, protect its interests and pursue greater autonomy.

“The coming election should not be reduced to a question of how many opposition seats DAP can win. It should be a choice about who Sarawakians trust to determine Sarawak’s future,” Yap said.

“My position is clear. DAP is a Malayan-based political party. Sarawak should not surrender more of its political space and decision-making influence to Malayan parties.

“Sarawak belongs to Sarawakians. Sarawak must be led by Sarawakians, and Sarawak’s future must be decided by Sarawakians.”