KUCHING: Wong King Yii, Treasurer of DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak, has called on Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap to reflect on the Sarawak Government’s own role in past underdevelopment instead of criticising recent federal efforts to reduce borrowings.
Responding to Yap’s statement that the Federal Government’s reduction of national borrowings is “meaningless” if Sarawak continues to be sidelined, Wong said the reduction from RM99 billion in 2021 to RM77 billion in 2023 reflects responsible governance. He added that this financial discipline fosters investor confidence and creates the fiscal space needed for meaningful development, including in Sarawak.
Wong questioned why Sarawak lagged behind in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and equitable development during the decades when Yap’s party enjoyed full political alignment with the Federal Government. “The question isn’t why Sarawak is only getting attention now it’s why nothing was done before,” he said.
He credited the current Unity Government for delivering key outcomes, including the handover of Bintulu Port and MASwings to the Sarawak Government, a historic settlement between Petronas and Petros, and increased annual grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Wong welcomed public statements on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) but stressed that Sarawakians expect more than words—they expect action. He urged Yap to consider what the Sarawak Government itself can do, especially since the Premier is already involved in MA63 negotiations. Wong called on all parties to focus on delivering real outcomes rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
By Connie Chieng