KUCHING: A government backbencher today pushed back against opposition criticism on Sarawak’s hydrogen initiatives, describing it as misplaced scepticism.
Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said the aspersions cast by Pending assemblywoman, Violet Yong, amount to a narrow and outdated perspective that fails to recognise the state’s strategic advantages.
He said by citing select international examples of hydrogen project failures, Yong ignores the unique resources and conditions that make Sarawak an ideal leader in this field.
“Instead of supporting the state’s vision for a cleaner and more self-sufficient future, her arguments risk undermining progress with incomplete comparisons and misplaced scepticism.
“Sarawak is not blindly investing in hydrogen, we are strategically leveraging our strengths.
“Under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership, Sarawak has earned global recognition as a leader in hydrogen energy.
“Unlike the failed projects Yong highlights, Sarawak benefits from a unique combination of hydroelectric power and natural gas resources, ensuring that hydrogen production here is cost-effective and sustainable in the long term,” he said in a statement.
While other nations struggle to secure clean energy sources, Lo said Sarawak is blessed with abundant rainfall and hydroelectric capabilities, giving it a competitive advantage that many countries simply do not have.
“The global energy sector is embracing hydrogen as a crucial part of the clean energy transition.
“Forbes Senior Editor, Alan Ohnsman, an expert in future mobility and energy, has highlighted the growing momentum behind green hydrogen, with major companies investing heavily in its development.
“If world leaders in energy and mobility recognise the potential of hydrogen, why is Violet Yong so intent on dismissing it?” he asked.
Lo added that Yong claims electric buses are a better solution while ignoring a critical reality: battery-powered vehicles are not suitable for heavy transport and industrial use.
“Many advanced nations, including Japan and Singapore, are investing in hydrogen because they recognise its potential for large-scale energy solutions.
“Japan, for example, must import LNG to generate electricity, while Sarawak already has this resource in Bintulu.
“This places us in a far better position to capitalise on hydrogen energy than many developed nations,” he said.
Lo said, before questioning GPS’ hydrogen strategy, Yong and her party should first address their un-kept commitments.
“They should explain why the promised 20 per cent oil royalty has not been delivered and why there has been no progress on securing autonomy over education and healthcare.
“DAP also pledged to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), yet federal approval remains stalled despite Sarawak’s swift action under the late Chief Minister, Tun Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“Additionally, what happened to the RM2,000 cash aid per Sarawakian as promised during the 2018 election?
“These are legitimate questions that deserve answers.
“If Yong and her party wish to criticise GPS for long-term investments, they should first address why their own short-term promises remain unfulfilled,” he added.
