DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang plans to discuss the proposal of a merger between DAP and Snap with top party leaders when he visits Sibu tomorrow.

Lim has conceded that his proposal, which he mooted earlier this week - three days after DAP made it biggest advance in Sarawak by doubling its seat haul at the state polls - has drawn mixed reaction.

sarawak state election dap second nite ceramah kit siang signing ubah “There have been different responses, both pro and con, to the suggestion that DAP and Snap seriously consider a merger of the two parties,” he said.

According to Lim, while a Malaysiakini commentator has described the idea of a merger between DAP and Snap as “ one of the more stimulating propositions to emerge in recent times”, Snap has apparently given it short shrift.

Malaysiakini has reported yesterday that Snap secretary-general Stanley Jugol had poured cold water on the proposal while Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian was surprised by the move.

     

Baru has expressed dismay over DAP’s plan to work with Snap despite the Sarawak party has opposed Pakatan by fielding candidates in 26 seats which saw multi-cornered fights with the PKR.        

Merger ‘just a suggestion’

Lim clarified today that the proposed merger between DAP and Snap would not take off if the Snap leadership is opposed to it.

“Secondly, my suggestion of a possible merger of DAP and Snap to accelerate Iban/Dayak political awakening following the 416 (April 16) Sarawak general elections and to avoid multi-cornered contests in the 13th general elections is just that - a suggestion.”

Lim said he had yet to raise the issue with the party’s Sarawak state leadership and the central executive committee.

“I will take the opportunity of my visit to Sibu tomorrow to discuss the idea with Sarawak DAP leaders and I welcome further comments to my suggestion of a possible merger ... to better prepare for the new political challenges post-416 before deciding whether to pursue it further in DAP and Pakatan Rakyat.”

He reassured Pakatan leaders in allies PKR and PAS that all three component parties are on common ground in wanting to ensure that the ‘stable coherence’ of Pakatan in Sarawak must be “upheld, protected, promoted and advanced at all times and that it should not be undermined in any form”.

Covert fixed deposits into current accounts

Meanwhile, another DAP veteran politician has urged PKR not to distrust DAP’s invitation to Snap for a merger.

National chairperson Karpal Singh described the merger proposal as a “natural and logical move” by DAP.

“The failure of the efforts by PKR and Snap to reach a solution on the seat allocations in the recent Sarawak state election should not, in any way, affect efforts by the DAP to forge an alliance with Snap,” he said.

“What is important is to strengthen Pakatan to make substantial gains in Sabah and Sarawak in the oncoming general election to break BN’s boast of treating Sabah and Sarawak as fixed deposits in national elections.

“The time has come to convert these fixed deposits into current accounts in the national interest.”