Chong not to the point in Parliament: SUPP

KUCHING: The publicity secretary of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central has accused Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen of political posturing during the recent parliamentary debate on the devolution of the Bintulu Port Authority.

Kevin Hii claimed that Chong deviated from the main topic of the debate and instead criticised Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s remarks about the federal government not releasing RM100 million for school and clinic repairs.

“This raises questions about whether it’s political posturing.

“Sarawak MPs should use their limited speaking time to maximise benefits for Sarawak rather than addressing other issues. All Sarawakian MPs in the unity government should unite to fight for Sarawak’s interests,” he said in a statement today.

Hii suggested that Chong, having had the opportunity to speak, should have advocated for the RM100 million allocation related to the Federal Ministry of Education.

“If the DAP truly prioritises Sarawak’s interests, they should use every opportunity to secure funds, not just comment on media statements,” he added.

During Chong’s speech, Deputy Speaker Alice Lau had reminded Chong twice that his remarks were off topic, but Chong persisted.

Hii noted that his behaviour prompts the public to ponder whether the DAP is genuinely representing the people’s interests or simply seizing opportunities to attack other parties.

Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, had previously spoken to reporters about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s promise of the RM100 million allocation, stating that they had yet to receive the funds and that the Sarawak government would continue to pursue it.

Hii added that Dr Sim’s comment aimed to inform the public of the situation and reassure them that Sarawak would continue to fight for their interests.

He questioned if there was anything wrong with this approach, describing it as people-centred, while the DAP seemed strategically focused on attacking other parties in Parliament.

“The Sarawak government is now striving to secure Sarawak’s rights, with the devolution of Bintulu Port management being a significant benefit for the people, demonstrating Sarawak’s commitment to asserting its rights.

The government continues to pursue educational and healthcare rights under the MA63 agreement, and we hope DAP will cooperate with the Sarawak government to secure more rights for Sarawak rather than pursuing other motives,” he added.