Kit Siang: DAP-PSB could have won more seats as allies

 

DAP and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) could have won more seats during the Sarawak election had they cooperated, said DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang today.

In a statement, Lim said the results of the election suggested that DAP could have won seven seats while PSB could have won six, instead of two and four respectively.

DAP and PSB faced off in 11 constituencies. There were some contests where their combined votes exceeded that of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Although there were prior overtures from PSB over the past few months for a deal, by December, talks had fallen through.

The veteran lawmaker said they should look to the future as the challenge ahead was on whether the Pakatan Harapan coalition and PSB could cooperate on areas of common interest.

"Whether DAP and Harapan in Sarawak can come to some form of electoral co-operation with PSB will be up to Sarawak DAP and Harapan leaders as well as the PSB leaders.

"However, the people of Sarawak should get a clear message that although the DAP in Sarawak is down from the finest day of the 2011 Sarawak election, it is not out as it is determined to regain its former strength and position as the repository of hope and confidence for a better tomorrow for both the people of Sarawak and Malaysia," he added.

Lim also said that Sarawak DAP enjoyed some degree of autonomy and therefore the party headquarters cannot dictate its Sarawak chapter on its choice of allies. - Mkini