KUCHING: Chong Chieng Jen’s repeated criticisms of the Sarawak Government are not only baseless but a clear demonstration of DAP’s short-sighted and politically motivated rhetoric, said Sentosa State Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap.
Yap pointed out that Chong’s latest remarks against the Sarawak’s investment in major infrastructure projects again reveal a fundamental misunderstanding or intentional misrepresentation of what sustainable, long-term development means for Sarawak and its people.
He stated that DAP has long positioned itself as a party that preys on populist sentiments, particularly in urban Chinese-majority constituencies, rather than offering sound, fact-based solutions.
“Their track record is one of broken promises and scare-mongering tactics. Who can forget their sensational claim that Sarawak would be bankrupt within three years? A claim proven so false that even their National Secretary General Anthony Loke had to publicly apologise to Sarawak’s Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Where is the apology now from Chong?” Yap asked.
Yap hit at Chong’s argument on mega infrastructure projects such as the ART, Second Trunk Road, Deep-Sea Port, and the new Kuching International Airport do not help the people is not only misleading but insulting to the intelligence of Sarawakians. “These projects are not just about construction as they are strategic investments to unlock economic potential, connect rural and urban communities, attract global investors, and create jobs for the long term. They will generate multiplier effects across various sectors — transport, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, ultimately leading to higher household incomes. What Chong fails to understand is that real economic growth requires vision, not empty rhetoric, ” he reasoned.
Yap urge the public not to forget DAP’s dismal record while in government at the federal level. What happened to their promises to recognise the UEC? What about justice for Teoh Beng Hock and others? The silence has been deafening. They failed to deliver when in power in the federal government, and now that they are the opposition in Sarawak, they have reverted to fear-mongering and finger-pointing without any constructive alternatives.
He feels that Sarawak needs leaders who speak with reason and responsibility, not those who manipulate emotions for votes. We need effective voices of check and balance within government, not from those who choose to remain perpetually outside and irrelevant, throwing stones without ever building anything.
Sarawak, added Yap cannot afford to listen to DAP who see only problems and offer no credible solutions. We must stay the course with visionary development, economic resilience, and practical strategies, not hollow populism.
By Connie Chieng