Sarawak DAP chairperson Chong Chieng Jen said the party is still committed to the opposition cause despite PKR saying that it will contest seats that are also being eyed by DAP in the coming state polls.
To highlight DAP's commitment, Chong said he would be travelling to meet with PKR national leaders in Kuala Lumpur this Friday to iron out seat negotiation issues.
“I hope things will work out for the better,” said Chong who is also Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyperson, in a statement today.
Chong said Sarawak DAP is all for co-operation with PKR in facing BN and as such he would not be making any statement on Sarawak seat negotiations to avoid jeopardising them.
“However, my own restraint has been taken advantage of by PKR, both Sarawak and the national level, who have had their national leaders repeatedly making announcements of PKR’s candidates for areas which are still under negotiation.
“Out of the 22 seats that PKR president Wan Azizah announced candidates for on Jan 31, at least seven seats are still subject to negotiation,” he said.
Chong said this did not show sincerity on PKR's part adding that Sarawak DAP wouldn't mind if such announcements were made by some local PKR branch leaders eager to contest.
“But when such announcements are made by PKR's national president, it represents the stand of the whole of PKR.
“Since Wan Azizah has already announced the PKR candidates for those contentious areas, what is there for negotiation over those areas?” said Chong.
'Discipline, wisdom'
Chong was responding to Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian's call today that DAP restrain its members from issuing rash statements about PKR members and leaders in West Malaysia.
"These irrational statements by his members are detrimental to the image of the opposition in the eyes of the public and I am concerned that they may reflect negatively on his role as leader of the party," said Baru in a statement.
Baru said the coming Sarawak election would be challenging for the opposition coalition, urging DAP to show 'some discipline and wisdom'.
The Sarawak election is expected to be held in the next few months with 82 seats up for grabs in what is seen as a baptism of fire for new chief minister Adenan Satem.-Malaysia Kini
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