THE new Kuching international airport and deep-sea port are critical to Sarawak’s economic transformation and long-term progress, says Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap.
He described Padungan Assemblyman, Chong Chieng Jen’s objections to the projects as a disservice to Sarawak’s aspirations, saying Chong’s criticisms reflected a narrow, short-term view.
“Chong’s criticism, citing lack of cost details, ignored the fact that the Premier had publicly outlined multi-billion ringgit development allocations with clear direction,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
He said the current Kuching International Airport was already operating near or beyond capacity, stressing the urgency for a new facility.
The proposed airport, he said, would support rising passenger and cargo volumes, boost tourism, and attract foreign direct investment into the state.
“As our economy grows and global connectivity expands, a new airport is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity.
“Does Chong expect Sarawak to stand still while Johor, Sabah and even Kalimantan continue to move ahead?” he questioned.
Yap also pointed out that a deep-sea port was essential to reduce dependence on external ports and strengthen Sarawak’s maritime economy.
He said the port would position Sarawak as a regional logistics hub instead of remaining a perpetual feeder to Port Klang or Singapore.
He also questioned Chong’s sudden concern over project cost, stating that the Sarawak Government has a track record of financial prudence.
He said the state continues to manage reserves responsibly and is committed to infrastructure development with long-term economic returns.
“His selective outrage is rich, especially since it was under Pakatan Harapan – when Democratic Action Party (DAP) held the Finance Ministry – that Sarawak saw budget cuts.”
He added that if Chong was genuinely concerned about finances, he should criticise the continued underfunding of Sarawak by the federal government.
“Rather than welcoming our efforts to break free from dependence on Putrajaya, he undermines them with baseless alarmism,” he asserted.
Yap said Chong’s silence during the years of underinvestment under a federal government led by his own coalition weakened his current position.
In contrast, Yap said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led Sarawak Government has remained consistent in pushing for autonomy and infrastructure advancement across the state.
“Ultimately, his objections are not about accountability. They are about political point-scoring,” said Yap.
He asserted that Sarawak will continue to move forward, with or without the approval of Peninsular-based political actors like Chong.
“The people of Sarawak deserve real progress – not tired political narratives that no longer serve our future,” Yap concluded.
