KUCHING, Nov 8: Chong Chieng Jen’s (PH-DAP) call for Sarawakians to make Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) weak is as twisted and nonsensical as that by Voon Lee Shan (PSB-PBK), says Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He was referring to Chong’s statement during Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) GE15 Daily Press Conference today which called on voters to not give absolute power to GPS in order to strengthen Sarawak.
Dr Sim was also referring to a number of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon’s statements made in October where the latter reasoned that GPS had not been able to restore Sarawak to its original status despite being the kingmaker in the federal government.
“It simply does not make any sense.
“In fact, the opposite is true as events and our (GPS) track record since the formation of GPS in 2018 has proven that a strong bloc of MPs from GPS in the federal government has led to more benefits to Sarawak,” Dr Sim said in a statement today.
He also said that “it is common sense and understandable to all except to Chong and Voon” that a strong GPS is equivalent to stronger voice for Sarawak in the federal government.
“This is simple logic and common sense.
“A bigger number of MPs from GPS in the federal government has, can and will bring a stronger and more assertive voice in our demands for Sarawak and all Sarawakians,” he added.
Dr Sim also explained that in the previous government administration for the last two terms, Sarawak had recorded many achievements.
Among them included buying back and taking full ownership of the Bakun dam from the federal government which led to Sarawakians being able to enjoy the lowest electricity and water rates in the whole of Malaysia.
Secondly, he said Sarawak has become fully toll-free in 2016 and it had already started to enjoy a fully toll-free Pan Borneo Highway that will spur development and the economy for decades to come.
Thirdly, Sarawak was able to build up the biggest State reserves of more than RM30 billion which was what allowed the State government to provide the best and most comprehensive aid packages in Malaysia to help all Sarawakians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the same time, Dr Sim also listed out evidence that it does not benefit Sarawak even if DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH) win more seats here even when they win the federal government.
He said instances of this included how Chong and his Sarawak MPs suddenly became timid and voiceless when the PH government and DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng cancelling many development projects in Sarawak and demanded Sarawak pay RM1 billion first to the federal government prior to repairing dilapidated schools.
He also said the PH government did not honour its promise to give back 40 per cent of tax revenues and a 20 per cent share of petroleum royalties to Sarawak.
“Chong and his Sarawak MPs were also completely silent and became cowards when their boss Lim Guan Eng who was the then Finance Minister in 2019 had slandered and insulted all Sarawakians when he declared that Sarawak will go bankrupt within three years.
“Yes, there is no point in giving votes to DAP and PH. All Sarawakians must make sure that GPS is given maximum strength so that we can have maximum voice in the federal government to demand what is owed to Sarawak and all the rights that Sarawakians deserve,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
