‘Strong opposition for much needed check and balance’

A scene at SPDP operations room.

KUCHING: The announcement by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for July 22 to be made Sarawak’s public holiday is a positive development and a proof that the state needs a strong opposition.

PKR’s Batu Lintang candidate in the coming state election See Chee How said the party saw obvious political consideration in such announcement just two days ahead of the 11th State Election nomination day.

“During the last state election in 2011, the opposition parties made significant progress in terms of seats and votes compared to the previous election in 2006, giving a wake-up call to the ruling parties to buck up and perform.

“Following that, we see some positive changes taking place, including more funding for schools and churches from the government, moratorium of dam projects, abolishment of quit rent and now July 22 as a public holiday for Sarawak,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

See said all of the above could not have happened without the strong opposition parties in the state, adding that in the 2011 election, the votes gained by PKR increased almost 150 per cent compared to the 2006 election and the party’s elected representatives had persistently been raising various issues concerning the interest of people and the state.

“Removal of ‘Lain-lain’ from the government official forms, July 22 as a public holiday, 20 per cent oil royalty, protection of native customary rights (NCR) land, 24-hour electricity supply, affordable houses, improvement of infrastructure in the state are among the demands that have been continuously voiced by PKR leaders and state assemblymen.”

He said now some of their demands had been realised, but there are more to be done, and only with the presence of strong opposition parties that the ruling coalition would stay aware and alert, listen to voices of the people and able to be monitored closely on its performance.

“We call for the people to vote wisely in the election to secure a better tomorrow for Sarawak.”

See garnered 13,235 votes in 2011 state election in a three-corner fight and won with an impressive majority of 8,381 votes.

 

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