KUCHING: DAP Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its role as the opposition in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, despite criticism from Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
Michael Kong, Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen, said it was disappointing but not surprising that Lo accused DAP Sarawak of trying to undermine the Federal Government under the MADANI coalition by carrying out its duties in the state assembly.
“DAP Sarawak is not part of the GPS-led state government. We are not here to play the role of backbenchers. Our duty is to represent the people, question excesses, and hold the government accountable. That is what a healthy democracy requires,” he said.
Kong viewed Lo’s statement as an attempt to suppress legitimate scrutiny and dissent.
He also highlighted what he described as a clear double standard, pointing to Lo’s GPS colleague, Wilfred Yap, who had openly criticised the Federal Government without facing similar condemnation.
Yap had recently taken aim at the MADANI Government for reducing new federal borrowings by RM22 billion over the past two years. Kong called the criticism selective and unrealistic.
“No government can bring down borrowings from RM99 billion to zero within one or two years. What matters is a systematic and responsible plan to reduce debt without affecting development or burdening the people,” Kong said.
He noted that while Yap criticised the Federal Government for borrowing, Sarawak’s own budget relies heavily on its ‘Alternative Funding’ mechanism, with borrowings of RM7.5 billion in 2023, RM7.05 billion in 2024, and RM7.46 billion in 2025.
“If Wilfred Yap believes borrowings should be controlled, he should start by examining the state government’s practices. Otherwise, his remarks seem more like political theatre than genuine concern for Sarawak,” he added.
Kong also addressed Yap’s criticism of the Federal Government’s RM100 cash aid, which Yap claimed was unsustainable. Kong defended cash handouts as one of the most effective ways to provide direct assistance to low-income groups, especially the B40.
“If Yap truly opposes cash aid, is he also against programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), or even Sarawak’s own SKAS scheme? If not, his criticism is inconsistent,” said Kong.
He reaffirmed that DAP Sarawak will continue to be a responsible and constructive opposition in the state assembly, while their counterparts in the Federal Government strive to build a stronger and more sustainable Malaysia.
By Connie Chieng