(Kuching, 26th) Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Yap Yau Sing criticized Pending Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen for opposing the new Kuching international airport and deep sea port projects, considering such a move "misleading" and "detrimental to Sarawak's long-term economic goals."
Yap Yau Sing responded to Chong Chieng Jen's remarks in the Sarawak State Assembly. Chong questioned the necessity and cost of these two multi-billion ringgit infrastructure projects announced by the Sarawak government.
Yap emphasized that the current Kuching International Airport (KIA) has reached or exceeded its capacity, and a new international airport is not a luxury but an urgent need to address the growing economic and global connectivity needs of Sarawak.
"The new airport will support the increasing demand for passenger and cargo transport, promote tourism, and attract foreign investment.
"Does Chong Chieng Jen want Sarawak to remain stagnant while Johor, Sabah, and even the Kalimantan region accelerate their development?" Yap questioned during a press conference held today at the DUN complex building.
Regarding the deep sea port project, Yap emphasized that it will reduce Sarawak's reliance on external ports such as Port Klang and the Port of Singapore, enabling Sarawak to become a competitive regional logistics hub.
"Is Chong Chieng Jen suggesting that we continue to be a perennial 'feeder economy' rather than position ourselves as a competitive trading center?" he added.
Addressing Chong Chieng Jen's concerns over project costs, Yap defended the Sarawak government's fiscal prudence, emphasizing its responsible management of state reserves and commitment to investments with long-term returns.
He also criticized Chong Chieng Jen's "selective outrage," pointing out that during the Pakatan Harapan's rule—when the Democratic Action Party (DAP) controlled the Finance Ministry—Sarawak's development budget was significantly cut.
"If Chong Chieng Jen truly cares about fiscal issues, he should direct his criticism towards the federal government's long-standing underfunding of Sarawak and unfair revenue-sharing arrangements that continue to put us at a disadvantage.
"Instead of welcoming Sarawak's efforts to reduce over-dependence on Putrajaya, he (Chong Chieng Jen) undermines these efforts with baseless alarmism," Yap pointed out.
Yap further stated that Chong Chieng Jen's sudden demand for transparency seems hollow, especially when compared to his silence during the federal government's long-term neglect and stagnation. Meanwhile, the GPS government consistently advocates for autonomy and infrastructure development.
He concluded that Chong Chieng Jen's criticisms were more about political showmanship than genuine concern for Sarawak's future.
"Sarawak is no longer waiting for handouts or approvals from peninsula politicians. The new international airport and deep sea port are key components of our economic transformation—these projects will create employment, attract investment, and empower the people of Sarawak.
"Chong Chieng Jen has the right to express his opinion, but what the people of Sarawak need is development, not political theatrics. Our future is being built, whether he approves or not," Yap asserted confidently.
Yap Yau Sing responded to Chong Chieng Jen's remarks in the Sarawak State Assembly. Chong questioned the necessity and cost of these two multi-billion ringgit infrastructure projects announced by the Sarawak government.
Yap emphasized that the current Kuching International Airport (KIA) has reached or exceeded its capacity, and a new international airport is not a luxury but an urgent need to address the growing economic and global connectivity needs of Sarawak.
"The new airport will support the increasing demand for passenger and cargo transport, promote tourism, and attract foreign investment.
"Does Chong Chieng Jen want Sarawak to remain stagnant while Johor, Sabah, and even the Kalimantan region accelerate their development?" Yap questioned during a press conference held today at the DUN complex building.
Regarding the deep sea port project, Yap emphasized that it will reduce Sarawak's reliance on external ports such as Port Klang and the Port of Singapore, enabling Sarawak to become a competitive regional logistics hub.
"Is Chong Chieng Jen suggesting that we continue to be a perennial 'feeder economy' rather than position ourselves as a competitive trading center?" he added.
Addressing Chong Chieng Jen's concerns over project costs, Yap defended the Sarawak government's fiscal prudence, emphasizing its responsible management of state reserves and commitment to investments with long-term returns.
He also criticized Chong Chieng Jen's "selective outrage," pointing out that during the Pakatan Harapan's rule—when the Democratic Action Party (DAP) controlled the Finance Ministry—Sarawak's development budget was significantly cut.
"If Chong Chieng Jen truly cares about fiscal issues, he should direct his criticism towards the federal government's long-standing underfunding of Sarawak and unfair revenue-sharing arrangements that continue to put us at a disadvantage.
"Instead of welcoming Sarawak's efforts to reduce over-dependence on Putrajaya, he (Chong Chieng Jen) undermines these efforts with baseless alarmism," Yap pointed out.
Yap further stated that Chong Chieng Jen's sudden demand for transparency seems hollow, especially when compared to his silence during the federal government's long-term neglect and stagnation. Meanwhile, the GPS government consistently advocates for autonomy and infrastructure development.
He concluded that Chong Chieng Jen's criticisms were more about political showmanship than genuine concern for Sarawak's future.
"Sarawak is no longer waiting for handouts or approvals from peninsula politicians. The new international airport and deep sea port are key components of our economic transformation—these projects will create employment, attract investment, and empower the people of Sarawak.
"Chong Chieng Jen has the right to express his opinion, but what the people of Sarawak need is development, not political theatrics. Our future is being built, whether he approves or not," Yap asserted confidently.