BINTULU (Oct 27): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak passed 13 resolutions yesterday during its Annual Convention 2025, addressing key governance, social, and infrastructure issues affecting the state.

The resolutions, adopted unanimously by party delegates, reflected the party’s call for greater transparency, equality, and accountability in the Sarawak government’s policies and administration.

Among the key resolutions were for the state government to consider recognising third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese, Indian, or other origins not listed under the Schedule of the Interpretation Ordinance as natives of Sarawak.

The party also called for a more racially balanced civil service reflective of Sarawak’s diverse population and thus ensuring equal opportunities for promotion across all races.

They also urged immediate and effective action to resolve flood issues statewide, and to expedite compensation payments to victims, including those affected by the Bintulu flood earlier this year.

Another resolution called for an independent and transparent investigation into the accuracy of Sesco’s smart meters, following public complaints over the sudden spikes in electricity bills after their installation.

DAP Sarawak also demanded full disclosure from the state government on the RM30 billion loans taken by its government-linked companies, including details on interest terms, repayment conditions, and specific purposes for the loan.

Other resolutions included calls for improved efficiency and accountability among local councils, proactive measures to address delayed housing projects and land title issuances, and a review of land recategorising policies that have led to sharp increases in lease renewal premiums.

It also pushed for parliamentary-style reforms in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), particularly the appointment of an opposition member as Public Accounts Committee chairman to strengthen checks and balances.

It also urged the state government to stop relying on off-balance-sheet expenditures through alternative funding mechanisms, which it said distort and conceal actual spending in the state budget.

Additionally, DAP Sarawak called for a review of the state’s hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, citing concerns over its viability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

The party also opposed any increase in assessment rates by local councils, noting that the state’s growing revenue should instead benefit the people.

Lastly, the convention called on Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd and the state government to urgently address water supply problems by upgrading ageing and leak-prone pipelines, which cause high non-revenue water losses and frequent water cuts across communities.