KUCHING, Feb 9: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has lambasted the federal government for their lack of intention in restoring Sarawak’s equal rights as one of the three founding members of the Malaysian Federation.
The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president claimed that Pakatan Harapan, after two years in federal power, have not made progress on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) discussion with the Sarawak government.
“Pakatan Harapan had repeatedly condemned the achievements of the previous government and downplay the significance of various projects.
“For two years at the helm of Putrajaya, no progress had been made on the MA63, only some officials feeding the public with empty statements when asked about the progress of amendments to the agreement
“Other than these, and bringing more divisiveness of Sarawak’s social fabric, what practical reasons has Pakatan done to instil confidence in Sarawakians,” he said in a statement.
The Bintulu MP believed that it is the Pakatan’s style to over-promise and then under-perform, and once they find that they cannot fulfil those promises made, they conveniently place the blame on the previous government.
“If Pakatan asserts that the previous government is truly corrupt, they will then need to craft their statements properly so that the people have reasonable expectations,” he said.
He also challenged Democratic Action Party (DAP) Tanjung Datu lawmaker Chiew Chiu Sing to explain to Sarawakians regarding the amendments promises to equalise the status of the three partners of the federation when it was tabled to Parliament last April.
Tiong claimed that as Pakatan coalition partner, DAP made many promises for Sarawak in the 14th general election.
“After coming to power and forming the new government, can Chiew really say anything has changed? How much more funding has actually been channelled to Sarawak over the past two years and how much resources have been invested to improve our local infrastructure?”
Tiong lamented that the national economy is challenged and facing uncertainties, and the people do not see a bright future based on vague and inconsistent policies.
“With the lifeline of the country in the hands of Pakatan, they need to prove their abilities to govern the country based on achievements, not on empty promises and mere talk,” he said. — DayakDaily
