GE14 | Sarawak DAP chairperson Chong Chieng Jen said the good performance of the state Pakatan Harapan coalition in yesterday’s 14th general election (GE14) was due to “the Sarawakian tsunami”.

He said it was not a Chinese, Malay or Dayak tsunami but Sarawakians have had their eyes open and have come to a final realisation that the kleptocratic BN government has got to go.

Speaking after being declared winner of the Stampin parliamentary seat, Chong, together with Dr Kelvin Yii, who won the Bandar Kuching seat, spoke at a joint press conference and thanked the people of Sarawak over and over again.

Both Chong and Yii seemed overawed and astounded by the sterling performance of the Harapan candidates.

“This victory is not just ours, or our team, but a victory of the people of Sarawak. This is not a Chinese, Malay or Dayak tsunami. This is the Sarawak tsunami,” Chong reiterated.

“Here, we go beyond racial lines, not Chinese, Malay or Dayak but a tsunami of the people of Sarawak. The Sarawakians have spoken with a clear message to one and all, not to take Sarawak and Sarawakians for granted.

“From the beginning of the election campaign, we promised to at least win 10 seats, and this we have done, thanks to you, Sarawakians. We Sarawakians have contributed to the creation of an upcoming new government,” he added late last night.

“From what we are seeing now, it looks like we will wake up to a new government in the morning. I think our work has progressed. We will be working from a new level from now on, and we are ready to bring about a new, clean and effective government.

“Sarawakians and the people of Malaysia have spoken. We, together with our counterparts in Sabah and West Malaysia are seeing a new dawn of hope.”

Chong said that just to say that “we are happy with the results’ is an understatement.

An end to corruption, injustice and unfairness

He said in the present reign corruption, injustice and unfairness would all be a thing of the past.

“Thank you for helping us make this happen. Thank you for helping us create history. We will no longer be deemed the fixed deposit of the corrupt BN administration. We are seeing a new hope for our young generation as well.

“And at last we have proven to the whole world that we do not condone kleptocracy,” Chong added.

Asked what could be the main factor for the choice made by the Sarawakians, Chong said the people have suffered enough.

“The high cost of living caused by the BN regime is one large factor. Financially, everybody is feeling the pinch brought on by the GST. In the light of this, Sarawakians in their wisdom have chosen to reject the BN government,” Chong added.

Yii said: “Thank you for the trust given to me for representing Sarawakians in Parliament.

“I worked very hard. But I pledge now to work even harder for the mandate given to me. This victory is not just ours alone. This is the victory of all the people.

“I will work hard to serve all Sarawakians. This victory is a great testimony to the power of unity.

“We have proven that when we come together to fight a corrupt government, we can make things happen. So, thank you Bandar Kuching, my work starts immediately.”

In a WhatsApp message to Malaysiakini, Yii’s opponent, SUPP’s Kho Teck Wan said: “I lost as expected. But since we work for the people, our work will continue.”

Chong’s opponent, SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian did not show up at the Kota Padawan Municipal Council when the results were announced.