By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 28: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen emphasised the importance of enhancing checks and balances in Sarawak’s governance, particularly in light of the increased revenue and responsibilities associated with the devolution of power over Bintulu Port Authority.
Chong also underscored the importance of ensuring that the devolved power and resources benefit all Sarawakians and are not exploited by a few.
“Take for example, the Bintulu Port Authority’s revenue for 2023 was more than RM800 million, which was manifold of the revenues of the other State ports in Sarawak.
“Therefore, with the devolution of power over Bintulu Port Authority to the State, the State government has more revenue and also greater responsibilities over the port management in Sarawak.
“There is thus a greater need for more checks and balances as more Sarawakians’ money is now at stake,” he said in a press statement issued today.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, also highlighted that the devolution of power over Bintulu Port Authority is progressing well.
“Prior to this, last year when Anthony (DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke) first brought the matter up with us, we at DAP Sarawak were in full support of the idea.
“Notwithstanding that DAP Sarawak is the opposition in the State, we are of the view that the devolution of power in Bintulu Port Authority to the State is the way forward and that it will be good for the development of Sarawak. What’s good for Sarawak, DAP Sarawak will surely support.
“In fact, it has always been the agenda of DAP Sarawak pushing for decentralisation and devolution of power,” he added.
Chong also noted the general policy of devolution of power, particularly in healthcare and education, was formally endorsed in the Sarawak DAP Convention in Bintulu on Oct 26, 2014, as the ‘Bintulu Declaration—Towards Equal Partners’. — DayakDaily
