Sarawak DAP Youth’s Proposal for a Bipartisan Committee to Fight for State’s Oil and Gas Rights
Puzzling Response from Deputy Prime Minister
Sarawak DAP Youth has expressed puzzlement over Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof’s questioning of the wing’s sincerity in proposing a bipartisan committee to fight for the state’s oil and gas rights. The proposal aims to strengthen Sarawak’s position in negotiations with the federal government over its O&G rights.
DAP’s History of Bipartisan Collaboration
According to Soo Tien Ren, political education bureau chief of Sarawak DAP Youth, DAP has long engaged in bipartisan collaboration, particularly after the formation of the unity government. He cited the meetings between DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and then vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming with Premier Abang Johari Openg to discuss the formation of the unity government. Additionally, Cabinet ministers, including those from DAP, have been working together for the past two or three years to bring stability to Malaysian politics, a feat not achieved after the Sheraton Move in 2020.
Request for Meeting with Fadillah and Abang Johari
Soo revealed that the wing had submitted a request to meet Fadillah and Abang Johari to discuss the wing’s proposal for a bipartisan committee on Sarawak’s O&G rights. By requesting a meeting, they had hoped to dispel any doubts of their sincerity in mooting the idea for a bipartisan committee and to prove their commitment in fighting for the state’s O&G rights.
Sincerity Must be Mutual
However, Soo emphasized that sincerity must be mutual. "DAP Sarawak has done everything possible to show our sincerity. But sincerity must come from both sides, so if we can work together at the federal level, why can’t we collaborate on state matters as well?" he said.
Defending Criticisms of Gabungan Parti Sarawak
Soo defended the wing’s criticisms of the state’s ruling coalition, saying it was not criticising GPS’s policy endlessly, but was aiming to facilitate constructive criticisms and proposals. "This is the aim of Sarawak DAP, to introduce a new kind of politics to Sarawak," he said.
Conclusion
Sarawak DAP Youth’s proposal for a bipartisan committee to fight for the state’s oil and gas rights is met with skepticism by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. However, the wing’s sincerity in pursuing this goal is not in question. As Soo Tien Ren emphasized, sincerity must be mutual, and if the wing can work together with the federal government, why not on state matters as well?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Sarawak DAP Youth’s proposal for a bipartisan committee?
A: The proposal aims to strengthen Sarawak’s position in negotiations with the federal government over its O&G rights.
Q: Why did Sarawak DAP Youth propose a bipartisan committee?
A: To fight for the state’s oil and gas rights and to demonstrate the wing’s commitment to the cause.
Q: Why did Fadillah Yusof question the wing’s sincerity?
A: Fadillah Yusof expressed doubts about the wing’s motivation, wondering if it was "genuine or merely political manoeuvring".