Press Statement
by DAP Secretary General and MP for Kota Melaka, Kerk Kim Hock
in Kota Kinabalu
on Saturday, October 05, 2002

Barisan Nasional's internal check and balance mechanism is no substitute for the existence and role of opposition

At the press conference held yesterday at Gaya Street, I had called on the Gaya voters to vote DAP on 12.10.2002 so as to send a clear and determined message to the Barisan Nasional that Sabahans reject one Party rule and that restoration of Sabah democracy shall begin at Gaya.

In an obvious response to the DAP's call, the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat said yesterday that Barisan Nasional leaders were bold individuals who placed the interest of the people first.

He was quoted as saying:

" Our leaders don't just follow without question. We have a lot of leaders who look at issues, when they affect the public. And take the opportunity to voice out what needs to be put forward."

" They are strong enough to question whatever workings of the government."

Unlike the Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Mahatir Mohamad who has once acknowledged the necessary and useful role of the Opposition, Datuk Chong seems to be an advocate of one party rule where there is no need and room for an opposition.

Datuk Chong is entitled to his view, however, he must accept the fact that internal Barisan Nasional check and balance mechanism is certainly no substitute for the existence and role of Opposition.

Chong must not only accept and understand the dangers of absolute power, he also should realise that his justification that Barisan Nasional leaders are not yes men and are bold people needs to be supported by proven record.

Does not Chong know that all the bad laws legislated and the unfair policies implemented were with full approval and support of the Barisan Nasional elected representatives and leaders. But the bold and principled DAP elected representatives are the leaders who have voiced their opposition and voted against such unfair laws and policies.

It may be true that occasionally, there could be a few Barisan Nasional elected representatives who were reluctant to support a particular legislative Bill or government policy which is detrimental to the rights an interest of the people, however, they will finally have to toe the Party lines and vote for the Bill or policy. The final result is that all Barisan Nasional elected representatives have become Yes men.

The Opposition, however, can and will speak p for the people without fear .The DAP elected representatives have proven that they have always courageously expressed their opposition against laws and policies which are detrimental to the rights and interest of the people.

As " Vote the Barisan Nasional for development " has always been the usual theme of the Barisan Nasional election theme, Gaya voters must also use the opportunity of this by election to vote the DAP to send another clear message to the Barisan , that is, that they want development, but they also want justice, freedom, equality and democracy.