KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak PKR chairman Larry Sng has called it quits, saying it is in the chapter’s best interest to be led by a Dayak into the state election next year.
In a Facebook post today, he said this will lend the party more credibility in its fight against economic inequalities in the private sector, and inequalities in selections and promotions in the public service, as well as harden its resolve to address native customary land issues.
“The majority of Sarawakians are Dayaks, representing 43% of the population, with Malay and Chinese representation at 24% only. Yet, we find that the poorest and most undeveloped areas in our state are within rural Dayak constituencies.
“Dayaks are also under-represented in top leadership roles in both government and opposition parties. The presidents/chairmen of PBB, PDP, SUPP, PKR, DAP, PSB, PBK and Amanah are either Malay or Chinese, despite their party being largely supported by Dayaks.
“Even though I am elected in a predominantly Dayak parliamentary seat and have had experience in the state administration, I am confident that the party will find a good replacement.”
He said his replacement will be discussed with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the coming days.
In October, Sng told The Vibes that there will be no more infighting, as lingering issues have been ironed out at Pakatan Harapan leadership meetings.
“It is also important to note that those six seats we had clashed over were resolved in the first meeting we had. I believe there is now an understanding that PH parties should not be contesting against one another.
“I think DAP is more focused on its traditional seats. It is not venturing into rural constituencies with the same gusto as before, and PKR will be taking the lead instead.”
He said PKR will contest 47 seats this time around, up from the 40 in 2016, while DAP will go for 25 and Amanah, 10. – The Vibes, December 21, 2020
