Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s latest accusations that the Sarawak government is relinquishing its oil and gas rights are misleading and irresponsible. His claims not only distort the truth but also highlight his failure to act meaningfully as a federal lawmaker.

“Instead of using his position in Parliament to challenge federal decisions or seek clarifications directly from the minister, Chong has taken the easier route—attacking the Sarawak government from the sidelines,” said Batu Kitang assemblyman, Dato IR Lo Khere Chiang.

Lo criticized Chong’s approach as political grandstanding, aimed at misleading the people, stirring up emotions, and scoring cheap political points without offering real solutions.

“If the Unity Government were a bag of rice, Chong would be the one poking holes in it, weakening the system just to maintain his relevance as an opposition figure in Sarawak,” Lo remarked.

Chong’s recent attack on GPS stemmed from a written parliamentary reply by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which he claimed signified a surrender of Sarawak’s oil and gas rights. Lo, however, questioned why Chong did not challenge the minister directly in Parliament or demand clarification on the spot.

“This inaction speaks volumes. True leaders fight where it matters most—Chong fights only where it benefits him politically,” Lo said.

Reaffirming Sarawak’s stance, Lo stressed that the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and Territorial Sea Act (TSA) were never passed in Sarawak’s DUN and remain contentious. He also reiterated that Sarawak’s Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 continues to govern its resources, with territorial boundaries that are non-negotiable.

“Under GPS’s leadership, Sarawak has established PETROS, ensuring greater control over our oil and gas. We have secured a greater share of revenue through negotiations and advanced the recognition of Sarawak’s rights under MA63,” he stated.

Lo also questioned the contributions of DAP’s 40-plus MPs in Parliament, pointing out that they have done little to support Sarawak’s claims.

“Why isn’t Chong demanding action from his own party? Why isn’t DAP using its federal influence to push for greater recognition of Sarawak’s rights?” he asked.

Instead, he noted, Chong chooses to attack Sarawak’s own leaders—the very people working to secure the state’s future.

“Chong should be fighting with GPS, not against GPS, to reaffirm Sarawak’s legal rights over our resources,” Lo asserted.

He further accused Chong of waiting for GPS to make progress before launching attacks, only to later take credit while avoiding any real responsibility.

“His history of attacking Sarawak’s leaders is well-documented, yet he never challenges his political masters in Putrajaya. Why? Because it’s easier to attack fellow Sarawakians than to stand up to Malaya,” Lo said.

Lo highlighted that Chong remained silent when PETROS secured sole gas aggregator rights but found his voice the moment an opportunity arose to criticize GPS.

“If he truly wanted to be a responsible opposition leader, he should take inspiration from YB Kelvin Yii—who, despite being in DAP, is respected for constructive engagement, not baseless attacks,” Lo remarked.

He concluded by urging Sarawakians to support leaders who genuinely work for Sarawak’s future.

“Chong has chosen to divide rather than build, to complain rather than contribute. But Sarawakians have a choice too—to reject his brand of politics and stand behind Premier Abang Jo, behind GPS, and behind the real leaders fighting for Sarawak,” Lo said.

“Sarawak’s future is too important to be left in the hands of those who only make noise after the fact and take no action,” he added.

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