KUCHING: Sarawak DAP today admitted that it is not too confident of its performance in the upcoming state polls.
The opposition party cited Tan Sri Adenan Satem's appointment as chief minister two years ago as the biggest stumbling block for DAP to achieve its target for a clean sweep.
Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen admitted that Adenan had brought changes to the state through several policies, and has won support from the Chinese community in urban areas.
"Adenan’s policies have drawn support from the Chinese community. Hence, we are expecting some difficulties and challenges this time around. It is not going to be same (as in the previous election),” said Chong at a press conference today.
In the 2011 state election, DAP won 12 Chinese majority seats. For the 11th state polls it had announced its intent to contest in 30 seats, including 14 Dayak-majority seats and the Malay-majority seat of Stakan.
More than 50 decisions and policies tailored to benefit the people irrespective of race had been implemented since Adenan assumed office.
Among the significant moves were the abolishment of tolls in Sarawak, reduction of electric tariffs, abolishment of quit rent, annual allocation for Chinese independent schools, recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and recruitment of UEC graduates into the state’s public services.
Prior to the dissolution of the state assembly, the state government had also agreed in principle to reduce assessment rates in Sarawak.