KUCHING, Jan 11 — The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has set its sights on winning more seats in the next state election, said Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the newly renovated DAP Sarawak headquarters here, she said the party’s current two-seat representation is insufficient to ensure its voice is effectively heard in the state legislative assembly.

“Now two seats are not enough. My voice in DUN Sarawak, Chong Chieng Jen’s voice in DUN Sarawak, is not enough. Altogether there are 82 seats — GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) has 80 and DAP has two,” she said.

“So we need DAP Sarawak to continue to fight for the people, to speak louder in DUN Sarawak. That’s why in the coming state election, we need to win more seats.”

Yong said the renovation of the party’s headquarters, which she described as the ‘Home of Rocket’, was part of preparations to better serve the people and gear up for the next election, which she said could be held at any time this year.

“So we must prepare ourselves. Fellow members of DAP, we must stay united, remain ready, and face the upcoming state election,” she added.

She said the headquarters, which the party first occupied on March 8, 2010, is now 16 years old and required refurbishment not just for its appearance, but to improve service to the public.

Reiterating DAP’s principles, Yong said the party remains committed to opposing corruption, defending democracy, pursuing justice, and speaking up for the people.

She also paid tribute to DAP Sarawak founder Chong Siew Chiang, who brought DAP to Sarawak in 1978, with the party’s first landing in Sibu on Aug 23 that year.

“It’s because of the steadfast principles, we are able to struggle until today. We don’t go through shortcuts but through principles, perseverance, and the support of the people,” she said.

She also thanked donors and supporters for contributing to the renovation of the headquarters.

“Without the people, there is no DAP. We must remember that we have to be with the people always, fight for them, stand by the people and be with the people,” she added.

Also present were Siew Chiang, DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, vice chairmen Mordi Bimol and Oscar Ling, secretary Alan Ling, treasurer Chiew Chiu Sing, assistant organising secretary Roderick Wong, publicity secretary Kelvin Yoo, and assistant publicity secretary Michael Kong. — The Borneo Post