East Malaysia states still poorest half a century after joining federation, say DAP leaders

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (4th from right), Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow (5th from right) and DAP MP Zairil Khir Johari (6th from right) pose with representatives from Sabah and Sarawak DAP after handing over of mock cheques, at the Impian Malaysia dinner in Penang, last night. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, April 27, 2014.DAP leaders from Sarawak and Sabah said the two states have remained the least developed despite being part part of the Federation of Malaysia for over half a century.

Speaking at the fundraising dinner organised by Penang DAP for the party's Impian Malaysia programme, they spoke of how backward the rural communities in East Malaysia are, such as the absence of basic necessities like piped water and electricity.

Sabah DAP deputy chairman Stephen Wong said the state contributed 35% of the nation's oil and is a major palm oil producer, but remains the poorest state.

Only 38% of its roads, which he called "safari roads", are tarred, compared to 89% in West Malaysia.

There are also no clinics in some areas and power supply is regularly disrupted, he added.

Wong said with 462 hours of blackout a year compared to 60 hours in West Malaysia, Sabahans joke that it is a miracle when there is no power blackout.

"BN had totally failed Sabah... when Sabah joined Malaysia, there was a promise to develop the state and Sarawak like the peninsular states.

"When the Goods and Services Tax come next year, Sabahans with low income will be burdened even more," he said.

The DAP launched its Impian Malaysia movement last year in the hope of improving people's lives, with "dream agents" sent to rural areas of the two states to carry out Impian Sarawak and Impian Sabah projects.

Sarawak DAP chief and Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen said over the last seven months, 11 projects had been completed under Impian Sarawak.

They include bringing water to people in Kampung Sait-Muk Ayun, Kuala Sigu in Bintulu and Kampung Bunan Tembawang, which had no water supply.

Impian Sarawak volunteers took pipes that were several kilometres long into secluded villages in the jungle, straight to the water sources, to channel water to the houses.

Volunteers also built a jetty in Sungai Rassau, refurbished a dilapidating community hall in Kampung Serikin and rebuilt a house for a single mother in Kampung Perigi, Sematan.

Chong said as a result of Impian Sarawak's effectivenes, several projects became "sponsored" by the BN government after the administration learned that the DAP was going to get things done for the people.

He said Impian Sarawak project also included ongoing ones like workshops to help rural folks learn new skills to generate more income.

Chong took a dig at BN for failing to bring change.

"If there is no change for everything, better if they just stay home and do not contest in elections," he said.

Sarawak DAP vice-chairman, Leon Jimat Donald, said Impian Malaysia has brought improvements to the rural Dayaks, who he said had been "subjugated" by BN for too long.

People donate to DAP's Impian Malaysia fund to help projects in rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak, during a fundraising dinner in Penang, last night. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, April 27, 2014.The Impian Malaysia projects in Sarawak, he said, have brought the message of "ubah" (change), DAP's electoral battlecry.

"We have a new chief minister but policies remain the same. There has to be a total change to get rid of BN and put Pakatan Rakyat in the government," he added.

Sarawak politicians are gearing up for the next state election due in 2016, but widely expected to be held next year.

Sabah DAP committee member Wellon Muyou said although the people knew they were marginalised and denied water and power supplied, they continued to vote in the same government.

"Impian Malaysia is the best answer in reaching out to the rural communities and to bring them improvements.

"It is also an effective way to change their mindsets so by the time we have the next general election, they will know who to vote for," he said.

Last night's dinner saw 3,000 tables sold out, and RM18,888 raised for the cause.

The party also presented RM200,000 each to the Impian Sarawak and Impian Sabah cause.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng thanked the people for supporting the cause.

"Even though it is for Sarawak and Sabah, you still offer your support because you believe in the DAP," he said.