By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has clapped back at Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s protest over the Sarawak government’s Alternative Funding initiative but kept mum on similar initiative undertaken by the Federal government.
Responding to Chong’s claim that Sarawak’s financial reserves are at risk due to the government’s approach of funding future projects through debt, Uggah who is the Second Minister of Finance and New Economy, clarified that the statement is both incorrect and misleading.
He emphasised that Sarawak’s debt level is well-managed, currently at approximately 12 per cent of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In contrast, Malaysia’s national debt, as of June this year, stands significantly higher at 65.4 per cent of GDP.
“But you (Chong) never say anything in Parliament. I watched you. Every time you speak, we are watching you. You look like a small rat in there (Parliament),” he said during Chong’s interjection when the former was presenting his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
Uggah also expressed shock at Chong’s criticism of Sarawak’s funding mechanisms, questioning his understanding of government financial processes despite the latter’s experience as a parliamentarian.
He explained that no government, including the federal government, raises enough funds to finance all its projects directly, relying instead on mechanisms like Alternative Funding. He cited federal projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Second Penang Bridge as examples funded through similar means.
“Obviously, funding of these projects is not under the federal annual budget. If they are not, then why Honourable Member for Padungan, who is also a Member of Parliament (Stampin), did not raise this issue with the federal government? Why target Sarawak’s?” he questioned.
Uggah further recounted that in 2018, three critical bridge projects in Sarawak—Batang Lupar, Batang Igan, and Batang Rambungan—were canceled by the previous federal government despite being approved under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans (11MP and 12MP).
“You were part of that government; you were the deputy minister,” he said, pausing briefly before adding: “Kejam (cruel).”
He went on to say that given the importance of these projects to Sarawak, the State government had to step in and undertake these projects via the Alternative Funding initiative at a total cost of RM1.29 billion.
“So, I wonder if (Chong) is either just being ignorant or just deliberately trying to mislead the public by suggesting that we are spending future money.
“He has even gone so far as to claim that within these three to five years, the government’s debt has exceeded its reserves. Is he echoing what his boss (from Malaya), Lim Guan Eng, claimed back in 2019–that Sarawak would go bankrupt within three years?” he voiced out.
Chong attempted to interject for the second time but Uggah firmly declined: “I’m not giving way anymore. I’ve explained everything already. Tidak malu ka?”
After Uggah concluded his speech, Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang praised the former’s preparedness to face Chong’s interjections.
“I’m fully amazed at your candid and graceful way of rebutting and answering questions. It goes with experience, I believe. I hope YB Padungan (Chong) will take it with humility,” he remarked. – DayakDaily
