Latest news with #SarawakDAP
Free Malaysia Today
25-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
We're only doing our job as opposition, Sarawak DAP tells GPS
Sarawak DAP's Michael Kong said it is unrealistic to expect the government to slash new borrowings from RM99 billion to zero within one to two years. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak DAP has fired back at Gabungan Parti Sarawak assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang for condemning the party's continuous attacks against GPS, calling it an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent and scrutiny. Michael Kong, an aide to Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen, said the party was simply fulfilling its role as the opposition and check and balance in the Sarawak assembly. 'Our duty is to represent the people, question excesses, and hold the government accountable. That is what a healthy democracy demands,' Kong said in a statement. Earlier, Lo said Sarawak DAP's repeated attacks on GPS called the government's unity into question. The Batu Kitang assemblyman said previous apologies from DAP over past offensive statements were discredited by their actions of repeatedly undermining Sarawak's leadership. Lo pointed out that DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and adviser Lim Guan Eng had apologised to GPS over past statements by DAP leaders that offended the Sarawak government and people. He said these apologies, made before the unity government's formation, were quickly discredited by Sarawak DAP's actions. 'Sarawak DAP has done nothing but oppose GPS at every turn, questioning our policies, casting doubt on our initiatives, and repeatedly undermining Sarawak's leadership,' he said. Kong also slammed GPS assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who criticised the federal government for sidelining East Malaysia despite debt reduction by RM22 billion over the last two years. He said it is unrealistic to expect the government to slash new borrowings from RM99 billion to zero within one to two years, and that Yap's criticism 'reeks of double standards and selective outrage' 'It is deeply hypocritical for Yap to condemn the reduction of federal borrowings while applauding the Sarawak government's budgetary approach, which sees an increasing reliance on debt through its so-called 'alternative funding' mechanism,' he said. Kong also questioned Yap's criticism of the recently announced RM100 cash aid by the government to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. 'Cash handouts are one of the most effective ways to directly channel financial aid to the people, particularly those in the B40 group. 'Is Yap now suggesting that programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah should be discontinued because they are also cash handouts? 'If he truly opposes cash aid, he must also be prepared to tell the people of Sarawak that they should not receive any form of direct financial assistance,' he said.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Batu Kitang rep slams Sarawak DAP's refusal to support DUN seat hike Bill
Dato Lo Khere Chiang KUCHING (July 9): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has likened the Sarawak DAP's refusal to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025 to 'wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step.' Lo explained that the Bill, which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday despite objections from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, lays the groundwork for Sarawak government to justify more parliamentary seats in the future. 'Chong Chieng Jen cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens the state's case for it. 'That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,' he said in a statement. He stressed that the Bill is not just about numbers, but represents a vital institutional reform — a move to modernise Sarawak's legislature in line with its growing autonomy, responsibilities, and development scale. Lo said the Bill is also about justice, autonomy, and restoring what was promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'It's about ensuring that Sarawak's voice, especially in our remote and rural areas is heard clearly, loudly, and fairly,' he added. 'With more ADUNs (state assemblypersons), we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability, and enhance service delivery.' Lo argued that if Singapore can have 99 MPs, then Sarawak — with its vast landmass, scattered populations, and complex needs — deserves the same. 'How do we restore Sarawak's one-third representation in Parliament if we don't first increase our voice in our own Dewan? How can we demand fairness in Putrajaya when we won't even give ourselves fairer representation in our DUN?' 'Chong says: 'Table the increment in Parliament and we'll support it.' But who controls Parliament? Not Sarawak. Not GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). The federal government does. And DAP is part of it. 'If Chong and Violet are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission? 'The people of Sarawak are not fools. They can see through this political tap dance.'
