KUCHING – Batu Kitang Assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang has openly questioned DAP Sarawak’s sincerity in promoting political unity, calling out what he sees as a contradiction between the Prime Minister’s recent unity rhetoric and DAP Sarawak’s continued antagonism toward Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
During the recent Madani Government retreat in Port Dickson, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lauded his administration’s strength, attributing it to the cooperation among coalition partners and specifically thanked GPS leaders for their ongoing support.
But Lo was quick to challenge this narrative.
“If this is the unity he refers to, how do we explain DAP Sarawak’s constant criticism and undermining of GPS?” he asked.
He pointed to the 2023 public apology issued in Sarawak by national DAP leaders Anthony Loke and Nga Kor Ming, who vowed to “reset” relations with Sarawak-based political entities. However, Lo argues that DAP Sarawak’s conduct since then has contradicted the spirit of reconciliation.
“If that apology was genuine, they would have shown the political maturity to let Sarawak-based parties lead. But what we see instead is one face offering apologies and another launching attacks soon after,” Lo asserted.
Highlighting that Sarawak already possesses opposition parties focused on local issues, such as Parti Bumi Kenyalang, Lo warned against the presence of Malayan-based parties that may be advancing federal agendas not aligned with Sarawak’s interests.
He also expressed unease over recent media reports suggesting tension between the Premier and Deputy Premier of Sarawak.
“These kinds of baseless stories don’t just appear on their own. If they’re not originating from the Peninsula, they’re certainly being echoed by parties connected to it,” he said.
Lo further questioned whether national DAP figures like Loke and Nga were turning a blind eye to DAP Sarawak’s actions, despite their vocal support for unity on the national stage.
“If DAP Sarawak genuinely believes in checks and balances, they should form a Sarawak-based party. Don’t use Sarawak as a vessel for Peninsular politics,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Lo warned that such continued hostility risks undermining the Prime Minister’s unity message and reducing it to mere political rhetoric.
The remarks come amid wider celebrations across the state, including events like the Sarawak Day Walk 2025, where unity and pride in Sarawak’s identity were prominently on display.
