The just concluded elections are a “political prostitution” of democracy. It makes democracy no more a sacred process to elect politicians and political parties to run the country. Citizens now see politicians as “prostitutes” sleeping with whom they can freely choose once elected. They keep not their words with whom they would not “sleep” with.

After elections are over, the true colours of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) are now laid bare. Sarawak for the past 59 years was always worried about Islaminzation of Sarawak. It was for this reason, the forefathers of the federation including Tunku Abdul Rahman had made assurance that Sarawak would always be a secular state.

The elders in Sarawak at that time had made it clear that Sarawak could only be in Malaysia if secularism is maintained in Sarawak.

The thinking of collaborating with Perikatan Nasional (PN) which has in the coalition, PAS, to form the federal government, is of concern among Christians in Sarawak. PAS is seen by most Christians as a religious extremist party with dreams to implement hudud laws. Hudud laws can punish crimes by amputation of hands or limbs. GPS’ intention of collaborating with PAS failed to see the sensitivity of the matter among Sarawakians of which 62% are Christians. Putting PAS into power will nullify GPS slogan of “Sarawak First”, that is, protecting Sarawak as a secular state where all races live in harmony and where citizens are respecting each other.

Premier must understand that under the rule of parliamentary democracy, the 22 members of parliament (MPs) from GPS could not be heard against 49 MPs from PAS. PAS is with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and it would definite BERSATU President, Muhyiddin Yassin, the boss of PN, will push whatever PAS wants in Sarawak.

The political stunt by Muhyiddin Yassin about christianization of citizens of other faiths a few days ago was horrible. This shows that he can be a “trigger happy” leader. There should be fear that if he could not be able to control himself as a trigger happy leader, he could disrupt racial and religious harmony in the country at any time. Both GPS and DAP should know that to work with Muhyiddin Yassin is not a wise choice in a multiracial and multi-religious society.

DAP should not be forgiven too because during campaign, DAP was critical against UMNO and Zahid Hamidi. How could DAP work with UMNO whom DAP considered as the party that caused much problems in Malaysia since Malaysia came in existence? Did DAP forgot that UMNO (Dr. Mahathir) declared Malaysia as an Islamic state?

Did not DAP forgot that DAP was critical against UMNO leaders who now are tainted with corruption, abuse of power, failure to boost the economy and slide of the ringgit? What made you, DAP want to “sleep” with UMNO? DAP should know that working with UMNO will cause much worry to Sarawakians because UMNO as announced by Zahid Hamidi will push to amend the federal constitution to give better prominence to syariah laws in the country.

DAP Sarawak now owes an explanation to Sarawakians who voted for them during the elections by Pakatan Harapan (PH) having the intention to work with UMNO. Are you only interested in power, but, not the welfare of Sarawakians?


VOON LEE SHAN
President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang