By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 15: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has accused Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen of playing “gostan politics” by opposing Sarawak’s proposed new airport, Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and deep-sea port projects.
Debating the Sarawak Budget 2027 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today, Yap said concerns over government spending should not become an excuse to abandon strategic infrastructure projects needed to support the State’s future economic growth.
“Fiscal responsibility is important, but it must not become an excuse for abandoning strategic development. We must count every ringgit spent, but we must also consider the opportunities lost by refusing to invest,” he said.
Yap said Sarawak’s projected record revenue of RM15.091 billion for 2027 reflected the State’s economic ambitions, adding that the challenge was to manage public finances prudently while investing in long-term development.
On the proposed New Kuching International Airport, he said Sarawak needed to prepare for future demands in aviation connectivity, tourism, trade and investment rather than focus solely on upgrading the existing facility.
He also defended the ART system, arguing that opposing public transport development in favour of expanding road lanes could increase Kuching’s dependence on private vehicles.
“Kuching needs sustainable mobility solutions, not simply more roads,” he said.
On the proposed deep-sea port, Yap said Sarawak’s future industrial, maritime and export needs should be considered before dismissing the project on the grounds that Bintulu Port already existed.
He acknowledged that all major infrastructure projects must undergo proper feasibility studies, transparent financing and rigorous cost controls.
“But there is a fundamental difference between demanding accountability and opposing development altogether,” he said.
Yap added that critics of the projects should explain how Sarawak could achieve its economic ambitions without the infrastructure needed to support them.
“We must be financially disciplined, but never economically backward. Sarawak needs vision, courage and responsible investment — not ‘gostan’ politics or politics of going backwards,” he said.
On Oct 14, Chong urged the Sarawak government to shelve the proposed RM10 billion New Kuching International Airport, halt further development of the ART project and scrap the proposed deep-sea port, citing concerns over government spending and consecutive budget deficits.
Instead, he proposed upgrading the existing Kuching International Airport to double its capacity, converting completed or partially built ART infrastructure into additional traffic lanes, and expanding Bintulu Port Authority’s facilities if more port capacity was needed.
He also questioned the reliability of the State’s revenue projections and called for tighter spending controls. — DayakDaily
