KUCHING: Opposition parties must exercise responsibility and maturity instead of rejecting major development projects simply for the sake of opposing, says political observer Datuk Peter Minos.
He said constructive opposition should offer alternative ideas and policies that serve the public interest rather than obstruct initiatives aimed at advancing Sarawak.
“Of course, the opposition can oppose, but it must do so with a sense of responsibility, maturity and respectability,” he said when asked whether opposing everything had become part of political culture.
Minos cited the United Kingdom as an example, saying the opposition there was expected to play a responsible role by proposing alternative budgets, presenting fresh ideas and suggesting better ways to improve people’s lives.
He expressed concern that opposition parties in Sarawak appeared to oppose major development initiatives, including the ongoing Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project and the proposed new airport and deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang, Asajaya.
On the ART project, Minos said the transport system was necessary to address traffic congestion as Kuching continued to develop.
He argued that growing cities needed modern public transportation systems to keep pace with urban expansion and changing mobility needs.
“Every growing city in the world does it and needs it to reduce traffic jams and congestion. We cannot remain ancient and not move with the world or with modernisation,” he said.
Minos also supported the proposed new airport near Kuching, arguing that the existing facility might struggle to accommodate future passenger demand as air travel, business activities and tourism continued to expand.
He said Sarawak needed to plan ahead for its long-term aviation requirements rather than wait until the existing airport could no longer adequately serve the state.
On the proposed deep-sea port, Minos said Sarawak’s strategic location in ASEAN, coupled with the growth of new industries and expanding international business relationships, strengthened the case for additional port capacity.
He maintained that modern transport and logistics infrastructure would be important in supporting Sarawak’s economic development and connectivity.
Questioning the rationale for opposing the proposed airport and port, Minos said Sarawak could not afford to remain stagnant while other places continued to modernise.
“When you oppose the new good things for Sarawak, you are either not being positive about things, do not want Sarawak to progress and advance, or oppose just for the sake of opposing,” he said.
Minos praised the Sarawak government for planning major infrastructure projects and securing funding for development, saying the benefits could extend to future generations.
He also praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government for pursuing what he described as progressive and proactive development policies.
However, he stressed that opposition parties remained entitled to scrutinise government decisions, provided their criticism was constructive and accompanied by credible alternatives.
“Oppose as you like, but do not oppose the good new things that we and Sarawak need to catch up with modernisation and the world,” he said.
