Sarawak polls holds key in realising change in govt, says state DAP chief

KUCHING: The state election holds the key to the change in government, says state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen.

He pointed out the significance of this, following the Citizens’ Declaration led by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday.

“Now is an even better time for Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak to pull out from Umno-led (federal) BN before it is too late,” the Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman said in a press conference at the state DAP headquarters here yesterday, where he was joined by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.

“I think this is a good development. If things were to be developed further, it would bring about the break-up of BN and result in total realignment of the political landscape in Malaysia.”

For the short-term, Chong stressed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak must go for the sake of the people and the country.

However, he projected that Najib would wait until the state election to gauge the overall situation that might enable him to still hold on.

“The ultimate issue here is that if Sarawak BN wins big, he (Najib) could stay on; but if BN loses six to 10 seats, he would be forced to step down,” he analysed.

On whether there could be any delay in calling for the state polls, Chong said it did not matter because the State Legislative Assembly would automatically be dissolved by June.

“In fact, last year was a golden time for Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to seek his mandate. It would be unfavourable for him to delay the election because the times are getting worse, especially the economy.

“Moreover, a lot of promises would be reviewed, especially on the autonomy and oil royalty, which might unveil his (Adenan’s) incapacity or inability to deliver, coupled with the Najib dilemma.”

Meanwhile, some 50 people formed the core group in backing the Citizens’ Declaration, including former cabinet ministers, opposition leaders and civil society representatives.

Among the signatories were former deputy minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sek, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Dr Mahathir’s wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Parti Amanah Negara chairman Mohamad Sabu, PAS election director Datuk Musapha Ali, PAS’ Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah and former Bar Council president Datuk S Ambiga.