Media comment by Lim Kit Siang in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 22^nd April 2011: 

I will discuss my suggestion of a possible merger between DAP and SNAP with Sarawak DAP leaders when I visit Sibu tomorrow before deciding whether to pursue it further in DAP and Pakatan Rakyat

Three days ago, I had said:

“In the 13th national general elections, we should avoid any multi-cornered contests which can only benefit the Barisan Nasional and for this reason, I would even suggest that DAP and SNAP should seriously consider a merger of the two political parties to accelerate Iban/Dayak political awakening following the 416 Sarawak general elections.”

There have been different responses, both pro and con, to the suggestion that DAP and SNAP seriously consider a merger of the two parties, which are beneficial references and guides to political workers in Sarawak and Malaysia.

Veteran journalist Terence Netto described the idea of a merger between DAP and Snap as “one of the more stimulating propositions to emerge in recent times”.

There are also critics who oppose the idea painting its prospects in the most pessimistic terms.

There have also been reactions from the political players.

SNAP leaders for instance have been reported by the media as pouring cold water on the idea while the Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has asked for clarification.

Firstly, the idea of a proposed merger between DAP and SNAP would not take off if the SNAP leadership are opposed to it.

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

I have not yet taken it up with the Sarawak state leadership and the DAP central executive committee.

I welcome reactions to the idea of a merger between DAP and SNAP as one response to the new Sarawak political scenario after the 416 Sarawak state elections.

Baru Bian and Pakatan Rakyat leaders in PKR and PAS can be rest assured that we are on common ground in wanting to ensure that the “stable coherence” of PR in Sarawak must be upheld, protected, promoted and advanced at all times and that it should not be undermined in any form.

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 between DAP and SNAP to better prepare for the new political challenges post-416 before deciding whether to pursue it further in DAP and Pakatan Rakyat.

*Lim Kit Siang, DAP Parliamentary Leader & MP for Ipoh Timor