DAP demands full transparency of Sarawak’s annual debts, loans obligations

KUCHING (Dec 6): The Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) has urged the Sarawak government to disclose its annual debts obligations, including interest and loan repayment schedules.

State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration must be transparent in managing public funds.

“The GPS government has to be accountable to the public for the spending, similar to how a manager of a company manager is accountable to the shareholders―in this case, the people,” he said in a statement.

Chong, who is Padungan assemblyman, criticised the government for adopting what he described as ‘arrogant stance’ in refusing to reveal the total amount borrowed by the state, annual repayment obligations, and interest payments.

He pointed out that recent years have seen increases in land renewal premiums, assessment rates, water tariffs, and the introduction of new charges, making transparency on borrowing even more critical.

“The people have the right to know the total loans of the Sarawak government and what it owes annually,” he said.

Chong also addressed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s car-loan analogy, arguing it missed the point.

“Even for a family buying a car needs to know the interest payable and monthly instalments.

“Likewise, the state must disclose its total borrowing, annual repayments, and interest obligations,” he stressed.

Reiterating his call, Chong urged the state government to be forthcoming with full disclosure on Sarawak’s debts and financial commitments.