There is a dearth of Malay opposition members in Sarawak, which means that grouses are not addressed, says a Youth leader from the opposition. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, October 18, 2015.
Abdul Aziz Isa, the great-grandson of former Sarawak governor Tun Rahman Ya’kub , has bucked the trend by joining DAP, being the only one in his family to shun Sarawak’s ruling party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), for the opposition party.
The 26-year-old has also stoked controversy with his choice of political party, as few Malays in the state want to join DAP, which although multiracial, is widely seen as Chinese based.
But Aziz insists DAP is the right platform for him. He is also confident that efforts to champion the rights of Sarawakians will be more effective through DAP as there is a dearth of Malay opposition members in Sarawak.
The problem with Malay leaders in the ruling party, he said in an interview, was that they hardly championed any problems among Malays in the state because these leaders ended up becoming yes-men to the government.
The last time Malays figured prominently in Sarawak’s opposition was in 1987, such as Wan Mazihi, Nuh Tahir dan Salleh Jafarudin.
“They were the last Malay opposition members in the Sarawak legislative assembly. When there is a problem now, all become yes-men,” Aziz told The Malaysian Insider recently.
One example of problems faced by Malays were the traders at the Satok tourist market who were chased away to give space to new development projects. But no one is taking up their cause, Aziz said.
"DAP, however, is fighting for them. If we want Malays to move forward, take them to the city and not move their businesses outside the urba
Abdul Aziz Isa is the great-grandson of former Sarawak governor Tun Rahman Ya’kub. His decision to join DAP was controversial as the party is seen as Chinese based. – The Malaysian Insider pic, October 18, 2015.n centres as that will only alienate them.”
Abdul Aziz Isa is the great-grandson of former Sarawak governor Tun Rahman Ya’kub. His decision to join DAP was controversial as the party is seen as Chinese based. – The Malaysian Insider pic, October 18, 2015.n centres as that will only alienate them.”
According to Aziz, Muslims in Sarawak used to have a lot of money but have spent in on constructing huge buildings.
“The Islamic Complex building in Kuching is worth RM90 million, in Miri RM110 million, Sibu RM50 million and in Sri Aman, RM90 million.
“The total is RM300 million. They were built using money from the Sarawak baitumal. When we ask for a financial report, they say it is under a federal minister despite it being controlled by state ordinance,” he said of money held by the state Islamic treasury or baitumal.
Aziz’s foray into politics began when he was interning in the office of Sarawak opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen, who is also the state DAP chief.
He was also assistant to his cousin, Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, who contested the Demak Laut seat on a PBB ticket in the 2011 state elections.
After that stint with his cousin, however, he felt sure PBB was not the party for him. For one, it would require “a lot of money” to rise up the ranks, he said.
He was the only Malay to join a DAP rally prior to the 2013 general election. A proposal he had presented to senior DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, which was accepted and executed, brought Aziz closer to the party.
Today, Aziz is Chong’s special officer as well as publicity secretary of DAP Youth in Petra Jaya.
He is also said to be one of DAP’s candidates for the Sarawak elections, expected to be held early next year.
Aziz sees his inclusion in DAP as a catalyst to change the party’s Chinese image to a multiracial one.
“In DAP, we are trained to be the people’s representative so when we are elected, we would perform our responsibilities well.”
Although Aziz acknowledged that Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem had a good image among the people, he said it was only temporary.
“I am sure that if we go to the ground and explain the real position, the image will disappear,” said Aziz, who said should DAP move forward without being overshadowed by Adenan’s positive image.
He was also certain that DAP would be able to win more seats in the state elections.
“I expect DAP will increase the number of seats from 12 to 24 in the state elections, especially in Chinese-dominated areas. They will also win in Dayak and Malay-majority areas as well.”
DAP would most likely be running for more seats than the 15 it contested in the last elections in April 2011, following the Federal Court’s ruling this week that the Election Commission’s redelineation exercise in Sarawak was valid.
The exercise has increased the number of state seats from 71 to 83.
On the other opposition parties in Sarawak, Aziz said “PAS is past” referring to the Islamist party which severed ties with DAP and is now not part of any opposition coalition.
He said Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), made up of former PAS progressives, had a good future with its approach.
“Amanah can go way forward and can win in semi-urban areas. I predict that it can win at least one seat in the Sarawak elections.”
- TMI
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