KUCHING: Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong are still taking flak for not supporting the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang likened it to failing the people of Sarawak.
The Bill which sought to increase the number of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 was passed at the special sitting of the assembly on Monday.
Lo today charged that their refusal to support the landmark Bill was a political misstep that disregarded Sarawak’s future.
“This is the largest expansion in Sarawak’s legislative history. And they said no; they had the chance to stand for Sarawak, and they chose to play politics instead,” he said.
He clarified that his criticism was not about the opposition to having more parliamentary seats in Sarawak, but about DAP’s rejection of the very Bill that would strengthen the state’s case for increased representation at the federal level.
“Chong cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens our case for it.
“That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,” he added.
Lo described the Bill as more than just a numbers game, stating that it represents vital institutional reform aligned with Sarawak’s expanding responsibilities and autonomy.
“With more ADUNs, we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability and enhance service delivery,” he said.
“How do we restore Sarawak’s one-third representation in Parliament if we don’t first increase our voice in our own Dewan?”
He also pointed out that Chong’s call for a parliamentary seat increment to be tabled in Parliament overlooked the reality of political control.
“But who controls Parliament? Not Sarawak. Not GPS. The federal government does. And DAP is part of it.
“If Chong and Yong are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission?” Lo questioned.
Lo also criticised the conduct of the Padungan assemblyman, who was ejected from the sitting for defying the Speaker and disrupting the debate.
“That behaviour is not the Sarawak Way. The Sarawak Way is respect, integrity, and unity in the face of historic injustice,” he said.
Lo challenged the constituents of Padungan and Pending (represented by Chong and Yong respectively) to reflect on their representatives’ actions.
“Are you proud that they stood against greater representation for Sarawak? Because I am not.
“And I believe history will remember this day as the day when some of us stood up for Sarawak and others sat down and shouted instead.
“Let us never again play politics with Sarawak’s future,” he added.
