Handout photo shows Dominic (left) and another party member with Mordi (centre) during the 2022 general election.
KUCHING (Dec 20): There was never a blanket or permanent decision made by the Sarawak branch of Democratic Action Party (DAP) to refuse serving in the federal executive.
This was highlighted by DAP Tasik Biru deputy chairman Dominic Daon Nyana in a statement yesterday, issued in response to Stakan branch chairman of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dato Sim Kiang Chiok’s misleading and inaccurate remarks about DAP’s acceptance of a deputy ministerial post representing a reversal of an earlier stance on executive power.
Dominic defended the appointment of Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol as a deputy minister in the latest Federal Cabinet reshuffle, hailing it as ‘appropriate and timely’.
“It reflects the spirit of a Unity Government that recognises contributions from all regions and communities, including Sarawak and the Dayak people.
“This appointment demonstrates that the federal government is attentive to the developmental gaps faced by interior Sarawak, where a significant proportion of the population are Dayaks.
“DAP has always been a multi-racial democratic party, both in principle and in practice.
“The appointment of a Dayak leader from Sarawak into the federal executive underscores this reality and directly rebuts repeated attempts to portray DAP through narrow or outdated racial narratives.”
According to Dominic, the SUPP Stakan chairman’s attempt to frame this appointment as a ‘U-turn’ appears less about defending Sarawak’s interests and more about sustaining a political narrative built on selective memory.
Dominic also said it was worth noting that Sarawak-based parties, including SUPP, had themselves participated in federal governments and accepted ministerial and deputy ministerial roles when it suited their political objectives.
“To now question the legitimacy of elected representatives serving in similar capacities is inconsistent and disingenuous.”
Dominic stressed that Mordi’s appointment as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports was about responsibility rather than power, ensuring planning and implementation of policies that would youth and sports development.
“This appointment is significant for the rural communities in Sarawak, including the Dayak-majority areas, which have long been under-represented at the federal level.
“Positions must be accepted only when they serve the people, and representation must strengthen, not dilute, Sarawak’s voice within the Federation,” he pointed out.
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The post ‘DAP Sarawak never made blanket decision of refusing executive federal-level posts’ appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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