KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang has challenged the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s claim to represent “checks and balances,” saying the party’s record in defending Sarawak’s core rights and economic interests has been inconsistent and unconvincing.
In responding to remarks made by Stampin assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, calling for greater opposition representation in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Lo said accountability is indeed important, but questioned whether DAP Sarawak has ever spoken “clearly, consistently, and decisively” for Sarawak when it mattered most.
“When Sarawak’s core rights were being tested, did DAP Sarawak speak up firmly for Sarawak? The record speaks for itself,” Lo said on Tuesday (Oct 28).
He recalled that Chong, during his tenure in Parliament and the State Assembly, repeatedly promised that Sarawak would receive 50 per cent of all taxes collected in the state and 20 per cent of oil royalties.
“These were his own words, stated publicly and repeatedly. Yet nothing came of those promises.
“Not a single sen of increased revenue reached Sarawak as a result of his efforts.”
Lo also pointed to 2019, when Sarawak introduced its 5 per cent State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products.
“Lim Guan Eng, who was the Finance Minister, had raised objections, as disclosed publicly by former Attorney General Tommy Thomas, which could have undermined Sarawak’s right to collect the tax.
“At this critical moment, DAP Sarawak did not stand up firmly for Sarawak.
“If defending Sarawak is truly their priority, this silence requires an honest explanation.”
Lo further questioned Chong’s calls for transparency and checks on federal bodies, saying that despite his long tenure as an MP, he had not demanded that Petronas to present its full financial accounts to Parliament.
“If the role of the opposition is to question, why was this not questioned? If the role is to scrutinise, why was this not scrutinised?
“These are not minor omissions; they go to the heart of Sarawak’s economic dignity and rightful share of national revenue.”
Lo contrasted DAP’s track record with that of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, whom he credited for achieving tangible progress in restoring Sarawak’s control over its oil and gas resources.
“The five per cent petroleum sales tax is being enforced. Petros is recognised as the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak.
“Operational control in the gas sector is steadily returning to Sarawakian hands. These are not slogans; these are results.”
Lo also noted that GPS has maintained political stability and unity, ensuring that Sarawak’s development is guided by local priorities rather than “party instructions issued from outside the state”.
He argued that DAP Sarawak’s alignment with its Peninsular-based national leadership limits its independence and often results in policies that fail to reflect Sarawak’s unique needs.
“DAP Sarawak is not an independent Sarawak-based party.
“Its policy direction and strategic decisions are aligned with the national DAP leadership.
“That is why its priorities often do not reflect Sarawak’s realities on the ground.”
Citing previous remarks by Lim Guan Eng in 2019 suggesting Sarawak would become bankrupt within three years, Lo said such statements have been proven false by the state’s strong financial standing.
“Sarawak’s financial resilience speaks for itself. Political debate is welcome, but political division that pits Sarawakians against one another in the service of external agendas is not.”
