Chong’s claim on Sarawak’s debt misleading, politically motivated, says Kota Sentosa rep

KUCHING (Dec 7): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s recent accusation against the state government over its debt obligations is misleading and shows disregard for the legislative process, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.

Yap noted that the information Chong is seeking is already publicly available and formally tabled in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

“These are contained in the Command Papers and Detailed Estimates that accompany the State Budget each year. They provide full disclosure of the state’s revenue, detailed operating and development expenditure, statements of financial obligations, fiscal position, economic outlook and policy justifications.

“These documents are officially laid before the DUN, debated openly, and accessible to all elected representatives, including Chong himself. If he has failed to read or understand the documents provided, it is not the government’s fault,” he said in a statement.

According to Yap, the Sarawak government has consistently demonstrated transparency through its budgeting process, annual financial statements, and auditor-general’s reports. All facts and figures are part of the official legislative record and openly accessible to every House member.

“Given this, it is irresponsible for Chong to claim secretiveness when the information has been available to him during every budget sitting.

“Furthermore, his repeated attempts to politicise normal fiscal measures, such as land premium adjustments, assessment rates, water tariffs and regulatory fees, ignore the reality that these are part of long-term financial sustainability and development planning.

“GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) remains committed to ensuring that Sarawakians continue to enjoy strong reserves, steady growth, and responsible budgeting,” he added.

On Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s analogy on borrowing, Yap said it was meant to explain fiscal concepts in a way the public can relate to.

“For Chong to twist this into an accusation of sidestepping is unnecessary and shows a lack of sincerity in engaging on real policy matters,” he pointed out.

Yap emphasised that under Abang Johari’s leadership and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the GPS government has always been accountable to the people.

“What GPS will not do is entertain sensationalised statements that ignore the facts and undermine public confidence.

“Instead of creating confusion outside the House, Chong should first read the Command Papers and Budget documents already provided to him. The information he seeks is there unless his real intention is not transparency but political theatre,” he said.