KUCHING: Batu Kitang State assemblyman Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang has criticised Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong for voting against the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025, calling it a failure to stand up for Sarawak’s interests.
Describing the one-day Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting as both a “moment of truth and a moment of shame,” lo claimed that the two opposition lawmakers refused to support the Bill, which proposed an increase of State seats from 82 to 99 — the largest expansion in Sarawak’s legislative history.
“They had the chance to stand for Sarawak, and they chose to play politics instead. ” Lo said.
In a statement issued, Lo clarified that his criticism was not about DAP opposing more parliamentary seats for Sarawak but rather their refusal to support the Bill that, according to him, would lay the groundwork to justify such an increase in Parliament.
“Chong cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens our case for it. That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,” Lo said.
He stressed that the Bill is more than just about numbers, describing it as a vital institutional reform aimed at modernising Sarawak’s legislature in line with the state’s growing autonomy, responsibilities, and development scale.
“With more ADUNs, we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability, and enhance service delivery,” he said.
He pointed out that Singapore, a city-state, has 99 Members of Parliament, adding that Sarawak with its vast geography, scattered populations, and complex needs deserves equal representation.
Lo also questioned how Sarawak could push for the restoration of one-third representation in Parliament without first increasing its own voice in the State Assembly.
In response to Chong’s remark that “the increment should be tabled in Parliament,” Lo said Parliament is under federal control, not Sarawak’s. He added that DAP, as part of the federal government, should be the one pushing for such a motion.
“If Chong and Violet are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission?” he asked.
He criticised the conduct of Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who was suspended from the Dewan for defying the Speaker, shouting over debates, and allegedly distracting the House from substantive issues.
“That behaviour is not the Sarawak Way,” said Lo, adding that the Sarawak Way stands for respect, integrity, and unity in the face of historic injustice.
The Bill, he stated is about justice, autonomy, and fulfilling promises made under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially ensuring that voices from remote and rural areas are fairly represented.
Addressing constituents in Padungan and Pending, Lo asked if they were proud of how their elected representatives behaved in the Dewan and their decision to oppose the Bill. History will remember this day as the day when some of us stood up for Sarawak, and others sat down and shouted instead,” he added.
By Connie Chieng