He said party members have a duty not only to listen to public grievances, but also to explain the government’s policies and track record to the people.
“I know there are members who tell me, ‘We don’t dare go to the market because people will scold us when we do.’
“If you don’t go out there and tell your story, and if you don’t explain the truth and the facts, then our opponents, including those within the (unity) government, will take your place and shape the narrative in society,” Sim said at DAP’s 60th anniversary celebration here today.
The Bukit Mertajam MP added that these rivals would not only make inaccurate statements but also spread slander and falsehoods.
Sim said DAP, as part of both the Penang and the federal governments, must accept that it would face public criticism.
“When we become the government, of course we will hear the people’s criticisms. Of course we will hear that some people are unhappy with certain decisions that have been made. That is the reality,” he said.
Sim said the party should accept such criticism with humility, and reminded members that DAP has always encouraged public scrutiny of the government.
Solid track record
Sim also denied claims that DAP had achieved little despite being in power in Penang for over 18 years and in the federal government for the past three years.
He said the party has a solid track record, citing projects and policies such as the Penang LRT, airport expansion, lower priced housing, public utilities, a higher minimum wage, round the clock Socso protection, and protections for gig workers.
On education, he said the party had also helped make progress on long-running issues involving Tamil and Chinese schools, matriculation and STPM.
“We are not saying we have solved everything, but at least today, students with 10As in SPM automatically get matriculation entry, regardless of background.
“These are DAP’s achievements which we must go down to the ground and explain to the people. We cannot say we do not want to ‘turun padang’,” he said.
Party unity
Sim also called for unity within the party ahead of what he described as a challenging general election, saying that differences must not distract members from the party’s wider struggle.
“I urge DAP members to face the reality. There are matters on which we do not agree, but our focus is the same, that is, to win the coming general election,” he said.
Sim also struck a conciliatory note, admitting that he is not perfect and may at times have offended fellow comrades. He bowed as he apologised to party members.
“If there are things I have done wrongly, I want to first apologise to all comrades,” he said.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, national deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming, national adviser Lim Guan Eng and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow were among those who attended the event.