KUCHING, April 24, 2026 – Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has described Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s open call against electing Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak as the opposition as “an indirect confirmation” that the party is performing its role effectively.
In a media statement issued today, Dr Yii, who is also DAP Sarawak’s Publicity Secretary, criticised what he called a shifting of goalposts by certain quarters — from initially pushing the idea of “zero-opposition” in Sarawak to now accepting the need for an opposition, but specifically excluding DAP Sarawak following public backlash.
“The fact that Sim Kui Hian… is openly calling for a party like Democratic Action Party Sarawak (DAP Sarawak) not to be elected as the opposition is, in itself, an indirect confirmation that we are doing our job effectively,” Dr Yii said.
“It shows that we have become such a thorn in the government’s side that they are deploying their full machinery and resources to try to get rid of us.”
He expressed greater concern about “so-called opposition parties that appear to be passively endorsed by the very government they are supposed to keep in check.”
Dr Yii pointed out that DAP Sarawak has been present in the state for nearly 48 years and has consistently fought for Sarawakians’ rights while holding the state government accountable on issues including unfair policies, alleged corruption and power abuse.
He cited several key examples:
- Quit Rent Rate Revision (2010) – Through pressure in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and public campaigns, DAP Sarawak successfully pushed the state government to stop forcing landowners to renew land titles five years before expiry. The rate was subsequently standardised for terrace houses, semi-detached houses and bungalows.
- Questioning Extravagantly Priced Projects – DAP Sarawak has been at the forefront in DUN and publicly questioning high-cost infrastructure projects and alternative funding models that lack transparency and accountability. These include the use of special purpose vehicles (SPVs), which Dr Yii described as “left pocket to right pocket” financial manoeuvring that hides true debt levels instead of promoting sustainable development.
- MA63 Rights Advocacy – In collaboration with local NGOs, DAP Sarawak was among the earliest voices in Sarawak to champion rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through the Bintulu Declaration in 2011 — well before the issue gained prominence under the late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem when he was sworn in 2014.
“These are just a few examples of the many issues raised and fought for by DAP Sarawak, which have applied positive pressure on the government of the day to act and implement reforms,” Dr Yii said.
He acknowledged that the current government has shown improvements in governance but stressed that many gaps remain.
“That is why there is a need for a credible and consistent opposition like DAP Sarawak,” he added.
“While we may not be perfect and some may not agree with some of the approach of some of our leaders, but our elected leaders never jumped ship, they stayed consistent, and they have continued to act as a check & balance even with all kinds of pressure from the State Government.”
Dr Yii concluded: “We all want what is best for Sarawak and what is needed is not just a good government, but equally important, is a strong and credible opposition who have stayed consistent to our roles over the years, even when things are tough.”
The statement comes in direct response to recent remarks by Dr Sim urging Sarawak voters not to support DAP in the upcoming state election.
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