NO CHANGE FOR DAP

KUCHING: Chances of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) forming the next government in Sarawak is almost none, conceded Democratic Action Party (DAP) state chairman Wong Ho Leng.

“As of now (yesterday), the chance is zero until DAP, PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat), PAS (Parti Islam SeMalaysia) and SNAP (Sarawak National Party) sit down to discuss,” he told a news conference here yesterday.

The Sibu MP and Bukit Assek incumbent said DAP had a list of 18 candidates although it was willing to give up Padungan, Senadin and Balai Ringin to its PR coalition parties.

“DAP state committee will decide whether to contest in all 18 seats as planned before negotiations break down.

“We have finalised all 18 candidates but the list will be revealed latest by 8am April 6,” he said, without disclosing their names.

Wong said he would have to sign letters of authorisation earlier as they would be handed out by either himself or DAP national secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to the candidates in Sibu on
April 4.

“We have not notified any of our candidates except myself, as I am in the negotiation team,” he said when replying to a question.

On whether all DAP incumbents would be retained, Wong said it depended on their respective performance and acceptance by the party.

He added that seat-swapping might be inevitable as the party works on the principle of best chance of winning.

“Some incumbents’ seats may be switched or they may have to give way to new blood as we may need them for parliamentary election,” he said.

He believed that DAP incumbents had been all over the ground instead of servicing only their respective constituencies.

He said the party did consider voices from the communities throughout the state as he cited Padungan as an example: “People say we shall take back the seat as we have higher chances of winning.”

He also reiterated that DAP never wanted to see a three-cornered fight in Padungan.

“We hope to avoid a three-cornered contest but we have no control over it. Moreover, we do not find seat-swapping with other coalition parties acceptable.

“For instance, if you let us contest in Muara Tuang, which DAP has no chance of winning at all, it is pointless,” added Wong.