DAP advisor Liim Kit Siang has voiced the suggestion that the party combine forces with Sarawak-based Snap.

NONE This is for the purposes of accelerating the Iban-Dayak “political awakening” following last Saturday’s state polls, said the veteran parliamentarian.

Lim ( right ) also voiced the assurance that DAP was not a “Chinese party” as its critics have painted it to be, as the party has fought for the rights of all Malaysians since its formation 45 years ago.

Such a perception must be eliminated so that Malaysians of all races, religions and regions can accept as a political movement committed to the betterment of all, said Lim in a statement.

Citing a report on Malaysiakini by political analyst Bridget Welsh, Lim cited the “ myths ” being perpetuated about the purported Chinese support for the Opposition and the urban-rural political divide.

“Nothing can be further from the truth in both cases,” said Lim.

The state polls saw not just a Chinese swing against the BN but also by other communities in Sarawak.

sarawak election kuching dap ceramah 160411 02 BN lost three Dayak-majority seats, for example, while its victories in other Iban seats were slashed to an all-time low, said Lim.

The Bidayuh seats were also impressive, said Lim, for although Pakatan Rakyat failed to win a single one of the Bidayuh seats, there was a 17.9% swing in the Bidayuh votes in favour of the Opposition.

Contradicting the perception that rural electorates voted predominantly for BN while urban voters cast their ballots for the Opposition, Lim pointed out that Pakatan won in the two “very rural” seats of Ba'kelalan and Krian.

NONE Pakatan also won in the large semi-rural areas of Batu Kawah, Dudong and Piasau, said Lim.

“The gains in semi-rural seats were more than in the other areas: 19.7% compared to 14.8% in the rural areas and 13.4% in the urban communities,” said Lim citing Welsh’s report.

He also urged that DAP leaders, members and supporters “from now till the 13th national general elections” work hard and reach out to all Sarawakians, including Ibans/Dayaks and Malay/Melanaus”.

“Sarawak DAP cannot rest on its laurels having won 12 seats in the 416 (April 16) Sarawak state elections but must prepare immediately for the 13th national general elections which is not far off,” he added.