DAP’s Foray In Sarawak Upsets Dr M

(Bernama) – PORT KLANG — Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is upset over the increase of Chinese voters support for the DAP in the Sarawak state election on Saturday.

“I feel sad that the DAP managed to bring its racist policy into Sarawak.

This does not augur well for the Chinese community and a multi-racial country like Malaysia,” he said after the launch of a dredging ship, Inai Latree owned by Malaysia’s premier dredging company, Inai Kiara Sdn Bhd here on Monday.

He said the people of Sarawak, regardless of race had joined forces to form the state government that represented all races but the DAP’s victory in wresting 12 out of 15 seats contested had detached the Chinese community from the state government.

Asked whether the DAP’s foray in Sarawak would have an impact on the next general election, he hoped the people in the peninsular and Sabah would not be influenced by the DAP to enable a coalition government based on power-sharing among various races to be formed.

“I hope the people will be aware of the DAP’s approach in garnering support by worsening the race relation,” he said.

Asked whether the erosion of Chinese support was partly attributed to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Dr Mahathir said, “There was a possibility as Taib contested in the election.”

“But the fact that his party (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) won 100 per cent of the seats contested, it showed Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu accepted his leadership.

“On the other hand, the Chinese community clearly could not accept Taib due to incitement from the DAP,’ he added.