KUCHING: In comparison to Putrajaya’s unsustainable fiscal practices, Sarawak’s borrowing practices are strategic, transparent and backed by real assets, says Kota Sentosa Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Yau Sin.
Responding to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s recent criticism, Yap said the opposition was deliberately misleading the public by comparing Sarawak’s Alternative Financing model with the federal government’s mounting debt burden.
“Let me be very clear: Sarawak’s use of Alternative Financing is not comparable to Putrajaya’s unsustainable borrowing practices,” he said in his recent statement.
He pointed out that Sarawak maintains strong fiscal health with over RM31 billion in reserves, and that borrowings through the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) are channelled into high-impact, revenue-generating infrastructure such as roads, water supply and digital connectivity.
“These borrowings, RM7.5 billion in 2023, RM7.05 billion in 2024, and RM7.46 billion in 2025, are fully backed by state reserves and assets, approved by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), and integrated into the state’s annual development budget,” he said.
Describing the model as “accountable and development-focused”, Yap stressed that the debt level is responsibly maintained at around 12 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) far below the federal government’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which exceeds 65 per cent.
He cited Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who previously stated that without such financing, more than two million rural Sarawakians would still lack basic infrastructure under the Second Trunk Road and Coastal Road programmes.
Yap also criticised the federal government’s recent RM100 cash handout as an example of financially irresponsible populism.
“Borrowing to give one-off cash without a clear fiscal roadmap is not fiscal prudence; it is a ticking time bomb that burdens the younger generation,” he said.
He argued that while helping the B40 is important, blanket giveaways that benefit even those who are not in need are inefficient and unsustainable.
“Programmes like STR and SARA are examples of targeted support. But a blanket RM100 for everyone, regardless of income level, fails to help those who truly need assistance,” he added.
Yap dismissed comparisons to Singapore’s cash handouts as misguided, noting that Singapore distributes aid from budget surpluses and investment income, not borrowed money.
“It is laughable for DAP to accuse me of double standards. Sarawak borrows with a repayment plan, backed by reserves, and aligned with long-term goals, not to buy short-term popularity,” he said.
He questioned whether DAP Sarawak was genuinely representing Sarawakians or merely echoing the voice of Putrajaya.
“This is not the behaviour of a responsible opposition. This is the behaviour of a political branch office answering to KL,” he said.
As the elected representative of Kota Sentosa, Yap pledged to continue playing his role as an effective check and balance.
“I will not be silenced for doing my job, which is to stand up for the interests of Kota Sentosa and the people of Sarawak,” he said.
