SARAWAK DAP could suffer in the next state election because of the fallout from Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei’s resignation on Sunday, political analysts say

“The content of Wong’s resignation letter is very damaging. That is what the party should worry about,” said James Chin, the director of the Asia Institute of the University of Tasmania.

Wong’s resignation letter three days ago said DAP lacked direction, was poorly managed, had deviated from the objectives of its earlier days.

Wong, who joined the party in 2006 after completing law studies, said DAP had lost its greatest opportunity while it was part of the federal government “to have our ideas and dreams realised into actions”.

Chin said Wong’s letter had given the state’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a powerful weapon to use against DAP in the state election, which is due next year.

“It could even bury DAP (at the polls),” he added.

Wong had also written that the PH government’s promises made during its 22-month rule “seemed to have gone down the drain”.

One of these promises would be the raising of oil royalties from 5% to 20%. 

Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who was also deputy domestic trade minister, had said Sarawak would never have to beg for the oil royalty increase as long as PH stayed in power.

“What Wong has said is that the party didn’t do anything in the 22 months when they were in power. It will be a black mark against DAP,” said Chin.

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Jayum Jawan said DAP will pay for failing to make good on its promises while in power.

Jawan is however, more critical of the way Wong resigned, calling him a “young turk” and an “idealist”.

“When they feel that the party is not delivering on their electoral promises, young turks find it difficult to shoulder the criticisms of the rakyat.

“His frustration reflects, generally, the impatience of the young,” Jawan said.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Lee Kuok Tiung said DAP could also be made to pay for their scathing attack on a Chinese community leader over some personal political comments he made.

Lee was referring to the attacks made by one of Chong’s personal assistants, Michael Kong, on Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Richard Wee. Wong had taken issue with this attack.

Lee said it was unwise for DAP to pick a fight with a respected community leader.

“It will make their election (campaign) more challenging.

“They (DAP) should realise the importance and power of the Chinese associations in politics, especially during election campaign time and they should try to avoid any conflict or misunderstanding with them.

“They too have a track record now of not fulfilling what they promised when in power.”

Lee said videos of Chong and other DAP leaders making those promises are now circulating in the social media.

“They are being cast as big liars.”

After the 2011 state election, DAP had a record number of representatives in the state assembly.

In the 2016 state election, their number was nearly halved as political rival Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) regained ground on the back state sentiments fueled by former chief minister Adenan Satem. – July 29, 2020.