The voters of Sarawak should be fully aware of this reality, cautioned Lim who has been suspended from Parliament as Gelang Patah MP. “They should decide whether they want their vote on May 7 to be used by Najib as endorsing his premiership and expressing confidence in his leadership.”

Another issue that has arisen in Sarawak was whether the 11th state election would pave the way for a new government in the 12th state election in 2021, said the DAP veteran. “The only issue settled so far is that Adenan Satem will be Chief Minister on May 7.”

In the state election this year, he pointed out that DAP was able to field 31 state assembly candidates, 14 Chinese, 16 Dayak (i.e. four Bidayuh, three Orang Ulu and nine Iban) and one Malay (Orang Laut).

If DAP Sarawak can defend the 12 seats won in the last state election and make a breakthrough in 19 new constituencies, added Lim, then the local chapter will be able to work with other like-minded allies to capture the Sarawak Government in the 12th state election. “The seats that bear watching for political change and meaningful development are Tasik Biru, Mambong, Serian, Simanggang, Pakan, Murum and Mulu.”

“The new areas will go along with Kuching, Sibu, Maradong, Sarikei, Bintulu and Miri.”

Meanwhile, said Lim, the question also arises whether there will be a strong and effective Opposition in the Sarawak Assembly. “A strong Opposition can help ensure that Adenan Satem as Chief Minister will, as promised, serve the people of Sarawak.”

“A strong Opposition will also ensure that Sarawak regains autonomy rights and powers from Putrajaya, and most important of all, ensure that Adenan would not abuse power.”

The DAP veteran reiterated that his party fully supports the autonomy of Sarawak. “However, we cannot agree with any abuse of power.”

“There cannot be any barring of DAP and PKR leaders from coming to Sarawak during the state election to carry out legitimate political activities.”

He warned that it was an abuse of power to violate the Federal Constitution and the Immigration Act. “This should be a salutary reminder that we need a strong and effective Opposition in the Sarawak Assembly to provide the necessary checks-and-balances against abuse of power.”

He recalled Lord Acton’s famous axiom that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely”.

Lim agreed that an ideal situation was to deny Adenan two-thirds majority in the Sarawak Assembly. “That will require a total of 28 out of 82 seats.”

“This will not be easy to realize. However, it may be achievable if the DAP wins 20 to 22 state seats and PKR wins six to eight seats.”