DAP girds up to penetrate S’wak’s hinterland

By Ang Ngan Toh | Malaysiakini
May 7, 11

Interventional cardiologist Dr Tang Sie Hing has joined a growing list of professionals and educated young Sarawakians signing up as DAP members to serve in rural areas.

Tang, who celebrated his 42nd birthday on Thursday, will be helping Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen as special assistant, whose job specifications include serving the rural areas.

Under the five-year plan, the DAP is expanding into the state’s countryside with the main aim of spreading its influence among the Dayak community there.

The Chinese-based party has so far outshone the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) in winning urban support.

Boosted by its victories in capturing the mostly urban and Chinese majority 12 seats in the recent state elections, the party has turned its attention to the state’s hinterland to prepare the ground for the next state polls.

Turning knowledge into political weapon

It is tapping into the skills and energies of the young and educated Sarawakians to rise to another level of effort to snare more seats.

“I am glad that more young professionals have joined the party over the last two weeks,” Chong said on Thursday at a press conference to introduce Dr Tang to journalists.

He said there are piles of work waiting to be done in rural areas.

“It is better to have more assistants to provide the service, and Dr Tang will be helping our rural drive. With his medical skills and knowledge, he will be very helpful to the party, providing certain services, like free medical consultancy and treatment,” he said.

Chong, who is also the state assemblyperson for Kota Sentosa and member of parliament for Bandar Kuching, said has expressed his willingness to provide free medical consultancy and treatment.

“He is part of our plans to make in-road into rural areas. I am not saying that we will be successful, but we are trying something new.

“I don’t have much experience in the rural areas, but along the way, we can learn from each other and explore new means and methodologies to serve the people better,” he said.

Sacrificing comfort for people’s sake

Chong said Tang will be serving the people wherever his skills and knowledge are required.

Meanwhile, Tang on his part, said that his main role in the party would be to concentrate on serving the grassroots.

“Int the prime of my career and achievements, I can no longer selfishly enjoy the fruits of my labour.

“I have decided to step forward and be counted,” he said.

He said he was inspired to join the DAP by the sincere and sacrificial works of party leaders Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.

However, he acknowledged that he still needed to learn more about politics and how to serve the people in that field.

“I see myself as a new kid on the block. It is important to humble yourself and learn from party leaders, how to serve,” he said.

Quoting a Chinese leader, he said: “Young people must aspire to do great things, don’t just aspire to be great leaders.”