‘Silence is not stability': DAP S'wak hits back at Dr Sim's 'divisive' label

Borneo Post

5 days ago

Yong rejects the claim and asserted that Sarawak's political stability should not rest on 'silence, submission, or selective memory'. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (May 28): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak will not be silenced despite being labelled 'divisive' by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
Yong, who is also DAP Sarawak organising secretary, rejected the claim and asserted that Sarawak's political stability should not rest on 'silence, submission, or selective memory'.
'True political stability is achieved when every voice is heard, when power is held accountable, and when governance is inclusive – not when the ruling elite are shielded from scrutiny,' she said in a statement today.
'We will continue to speak without fear or favour, to demand transparent governance, expose misuse of public funds, and fight for fair and inclusive development for all Sarawakians,' she said, reaffirming DAP's commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
Yong's response came following Dr Sim's ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, in which he claimed Sarawak had enjoyed prolonged political stability because DAP had never been part of the state government.
Dr Sim, also the State Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, further described DAP as a party that consistently engages in divisive and polarising politics under the guise of championing the 'rakyat' (people).
Yong said she was taken aback by the remark, calling it a reflection of 'political ignorance and whitewashing', and described it as a gross insult to the principles of parliamentary democracy.
'Let me make this clear. DAP is not in the Sarawak government because we respect the will of the people,' she said.
'In the last state election, we won only two out of 82 seats. We accepted that result with humility and chose to serve where the voters placed us – as the opposition- playing our role in providing checks and balances.
'That is the essence of democracy; not blind obedience, but principled service to the rakyat,' she added.
Yong also challenged Dr Sim to provide a single example where DAP had divided Sarawakians.
'When have we ever played the politics of race or religion? The answer is never,' she said.
She also criticised Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), led by Dr Sim, for aligning themselves with Perikatan Nasional during a time when the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a dominant force within the coalition, held significant influence.
'SUPP has become nothing more than a meek junior partner, politically submissive to PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu).
'They toe the line, nod in silence, and remain conveniently quiet in the name of so-called 'stability', even as core Sarawakian values are under threat,' she said. dap divisive Dr Sim Kui Hian violet yong