DAP to contest 7 seats in Kuching, mulls another in Batu Lintang

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has announced its initial list of seven seats it intends to contest in the upcoming Sarawak elections, all located within the Kuching division. Party chief Chong Chieng Jen revealed that the party plans to defend seats in the Chinese-majority areas of Padungan and Pending. Additionally, DAP aims to regain control of the Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah, and Batu Kitang seats, which they previously held.

The party is also considering challenging the GPS-dominated seats of Tasik Biru and Opar, both of which are held by Dayak communities. Chong refrained from providing specifics on candidates, stating that decision would be made later.

The DAP is also contemplating contesting the Batu Lintang seat, a Chinese-majority constituency traditionally contested by the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Chong emphasized that the party intends to bolster the opposition's presence in the Sarawak legislature to ensure greater checks and balances on the GPS. Currently, the DAP holds only two seats out of the total 82 in the dissolved state assembly, prompting their strategic expansion.

Chong highlighted the importance of a functioning democracy with an active opposition, stating that their entry into the election aims to offer Sarawak's people a stronger opposition and more representation in the state assembly. The DAP is also exploring potential cooperation with the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), noting that both parties share common objectives, but formal agreements still need to be reached. Chong mentioned that a meeting with the PBDS president is a next step in this process.

It is worth noting that PKR has yet to decide whether to participate in the state election, pending a decision from party president Anwar Ibrahim. As Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman, Chong clarified that the PH is awaiting PKR's decision before proceeding with their own planning.