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

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has announced its plans to contest seven seats in the upcoming Sarawak polls, all located within the Kuching division. Party chief Chong Chieng Jen revealed that the party intends to defend the Chinese-majority Padungan and Pending seats, while also seeking to regain control of Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah, and Batu Kitang, which they previously held. Additionally, DAP plans to challenge the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) strongholds of Tasik Biru and Opar, both of which are Dayak seats.

Chong indicated that the party is also considering contesting the Batu Lintang seat, a traditionally contested Chinese-majority seat previously held by the People's Justice Party (PKR). The vice-chairman stated that the party will determine its stance on the state seats in Sibu, Sarikei, Bintulu, and Miri within the next two weeks.

Chong emphasized that DAP's goal is to strengthen the opposition's presence in the Sarawak legislature, aiming to provide greater checks and balances on the GPS. He stated, "There is no democracy without opposition," underscoring the party's commitment to offering the people of Sarawak a stronger opposition and more voices in the state assembly.

Regarding potential cooperation with the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Chong mentioned that the two parties share common ground but have yet to reach a formal agreement. He indicated that further discussions are necessary, including a meeting with the PBDS president.

As the state election approaches, Chong clarified that the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PKR) has not yet decided whether to contest the polls, pending a decision by party president Anwar Ibrahim. As Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman, Chong stated that his party will proceed with its own planning first.