KUCHING: Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman Wilfred Yap criticised DAP Sarawak for what he described as misleading and politically motivated statements, following a recent press release by Michael Kong on behalf of Chong Chieng Jen.
Yap said the statement was filled with misinformation and rhetoric aimed at distracting the public from the Federal Government’s financially irresponsible policies, particularly the RM100 cash handout scheme, which he argued is unsustainable as it is funded by borrowings.
“Sarawak’s use of alternative financing cannot be compared to Putrajaya’s borrowing practices. Sarawak is in a strong fiscal position, with over RM31 billion in reserves. Our borrowings are done strategically through the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) to accelerate infrastructure development without compromising long-term financial sustainability,” he said.
He clarified that the state’s borrowings of RM7.5 billion in 2023, RM7.05 billion in 2024, and RM7.46 billion in 2025 are backed by reserves and assets, and are used to fund revenue-generating infrastructure such as roads, water, and digital connectivity.
He stressed that these projects are managed by state-controlled entities to reduce leakages and ensure timely delivery.
“All borrowings are approved through the Sarawak Legislative Assembly and incorporated into the state’s annual development budget, making it transparent and accountable,” he said.
Yap noted that Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had also defended the financing model, stating that it enabled millions of rural Sarawakians to gain access to basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges and added that Sarawak’s debt remains at a manageable level approximately 12 percent of its GDP compared to the Federal Government’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which exceeds 65 percent.
“In contrast, the Federal Government continues to borrow heavily without a sustainable fiscal roadmap,” he said, citing The Edge Malaysia’s projection that federal debt could reach RM1.5 trillion, or 63 percent of GDP, by 2027, with broader liabilities potentially rising to 82 percent of GDP.
Even Fitch Ratings, he added, expects federal debt to remain significantly above peer country averages despite marginal improvements.
Yap argued that while assistance to the B40 is important, blanket cash handouts such as the RM100 scheme are inefficient and unsustainable.
“Targeted programmes like STR and SARA make more sense. Giving RM100 to everyone regardless of income level is a poor use of public funds,” he said.
“Singapore’s cash support is funded by surpluses and investment income. Malaysia is borrowing just to pay for operational expenses, it’s an entirely different context.”
He also dismissed DAP’s accusations of double standards, stating that Sarawak borrows responsibly with clear repayment plans and long-term development goals, unlike Putrajaya’s short-term populist measures.
“DAP Sarawak’s blind defence of the Federal Government makes one wonder whether they’re representing Sarawakians or simply echoing Putrajaya,” he said.
Yap reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Sarawak’s development and interests.
“As an elected representative and GPS backbencher, I will continue to hold policies accountable and ensure development stays focused on the people. I will not be silenced for doing my job,” he said.
By Connie Chieng