By Marlynda Meraw and Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 25: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang launches a blistering attack on Padungan assemblyman, Chong Chieng Jen (Democratic Action Party – DAP), accusing him of glaring inconsistency and “Malaya style theatrics” following the latter’s opposition to the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Lo asserted that DAP Sarawak’s biggest problem is not the government, but its own contradictions, highlighting Chong’s direct flip-flop on the issue of ministerial workload.
“Not long ago, they (DAP) loudly insisted that ministers should not hold two or three portfolios. ‘Too much power in the hands of one individual!’ they declared,” said Lo during a press conference in the media room during the second day of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
“Yet suddenly, this week, the same people now claim: ‘No need for more ministers. Everyone is fine. Everyone is fine. No one is overworked.’ So which is it?”
Lo argued that if multiple portfolios were genuinely a problem, adding ministers is the only logical solution to delegate the workload and ensure better service delivery, otherwise to him, Chong’s prior outrage was nothing more than political theatre.
He countered Chong’s claim that increasing the number of ministers would be a waste of money, pointing out that Sarawak’s current structure is inadequate for its vast size and expanding responsibilities.
Lo noted that Sarawak has only 11 full ministers, the same number as Penang, while other states in the Peninsula also have around 10 to 11 full ministers, despite being far smaller in land area compared with Sarawak.
He argued that the Bill is essential to strengthen the leadership structure around Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who carries the heaviest load, thereby allowing him to focus on major strategic reforms.
“It doesn’t mean that the Premier wants to appoint four (full ministers). He can appoint when the time is right,” said Lo, emphasising that Abang Johari did not necessarily have to appoint four full ministers.
He further reminded that deputy ministers do not have the authority of full ministers: they do not lead federal negotiations, chair Cabinet committees, or sign off on decisions that shape Sarawak’s future.
Addressing Chong’s challenge yesterday: “if anyone feels overworked, stand up!”, Lo asserted that ministers do not come to the august House to proclaim that they are struggling.
“Silence is professionalism. Silence is discipline. Silence is respect for the offices we hold. But silence does not mean the workload is light,” he said.
To him, DAP Sarawak’s decision to object to a Bill that strengthens Sarawak and enhances governance was not based on substance but on ego.
“Why reject a Bill that strengthens Sarawak, simply because you cannot strengthen your own consistency?” he asked. — DayakDaily
