Sarawak DAP PolEd holds first political education forum
SIBU: The new Sarawak DAP Political Education Bureau (PolEd), under the leadership of former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang, held its first political education forum at the DAP headquarters in Miri yesterday.
More than 30 party members from Miri and of different age groups attended the forum.
A similar forum was last held more than two years ago before the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Chang, in her new capacity as the Sarawak Political Education director, had formed a political education team to assist her in the task of organising political forums in the state in order to bring political awareness and to impart political education to party members as well as to the public.
So far, the team consists of party members from each division of Sarawak, namely Eileen Wong and Brolin Nicolsion from Kuching; Paul Ling Fong from Sibu; Lawrence Low and Alan Sia from Miri; Tony Chiew Chan Yew, Kho Siew Hui and Stilda Ada from Bintulu and Roderick Wong and Mary Yong from Sarikei.
“This team may be expanded as time goes by in order that more party members may be encouraged to participate in these political forums which shall be held from time to time,’ Chang said in a media statement.
The forum in Miri saw the gathering of DAP representatives from Miri as well as some of the members of the political education team.
The topic for the forum was ‘Youth and Social Media’ and the main speaker was Bandar Kuching MP and DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) national chief Dr Kelvin Yii.
Dr Yii talked on the political trend of youths and the influence of social media on young people.
He also mentioned that Dapsy shall provide its full assistance to comrades in DAP Sarawak and DAP Malaysia, to strengthen contact and interaction with the youths.
He also reminded everyone at the forum that it is necessary to maintain close communication with the grassroots, especially the young people to ensure the younger generation understand DAP’s objectives and political stand.
At the same time, Chang also disclosed that the Sarawak Political Education Bureau plans to hold successive ‘tour’ forums in different parts of Sarawak.
“Hopefully, through the local exchanges and communication, we can have more in-depth exchanges with local grassroots, strengthen political education and increase political awareness campaigns in various places.”
Speaking further, Chang called on all DAP members to actively participate in the upcoming activities and forums.
She said that although political education and democratic reform are definitely not something that can be accomplished overnight, they are crucial in order that people may be more equipped and involved in nation building.
Chang also expressed her gratitude to her Miri comrades, thanking everyone for staying by DAP’s side during this difficult time when the party saw its support base drop during the last state election.
DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling, who was also the host for the forum, also expressed his thanks to those who attended the forum.
“In addition to the mainstay of DAP Miri, today’s attendees also include new party members and members of the public. This has given us a lot of encouragement and DAP shall continue to learn and serve with humility,” he added.