Kho Teck Wan criticises the Chairman of Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) YB Chong Chieng Jen for cheap publicity

suppadmin | August 28, 2023

Political Secretary to Premier, Kho Teck Wan scolded MP Stampin, Chong Chieng Jen for his dubious intentions regarding the issue of the new rate of land lease renewal for land in Batu Kawa area.

“In his previous press statement, he compared the land lease premium of 2006 with 2022, YB Chong blamed SUPP for the increased in the land lease premium. Chong should be well aware that the land in Batu Kawa area is classified as developed and urban land where land prices have significantly increased over the years. Despite having received a response during the DUN sitting held in May, YB Chong choses to exploit this matter through social media and news outlets. This suggested that his actions are aimed at diverting attention with the attempt to avoid many recent political issues happening in West Malaysia which are unfavourable to DAP, ” she said.

Kho pointed out that as early as May this year, during the same DUN sitting, Chong had raised these same inquiries about the reclassification of land and new premium rate and a verbal response was delivered by Sarawak Deputy Premier cum Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Chong praised Datuk Amar Awang for his accommodating decision in the DUN back then therefore I am puzzle as to why did Chong chose to remain silence on the land premium then but waited until now to make a big issue in the media outlets, she asked.

Kho said it is understood that land prices in the Batu Kawah area have increased from RM13 per square meter in 1993 to RM300 per square meter, an increase of 23 times. As reclassifying land is an essential part of urban planning, land value is determined by factors such as urban expansion, project development, building of industrial parks, distance from the city center, and implementation of high-impact projects. Chong selectively ignores the potential benefits of higher land value to land owners and purposely focuses on higher land lease premium for cheap publicity.

She accused Chong of using land owner’s issue as publicity stunt with no sincerity to actually solve issue. True sincerity means he should approach the Land and Survey Department with the land owner, instead of blaming and pushing the responsibility to SUPP.

Kho also asked the affected land owner, Mr. Tan to establish contact with her soon to provide detail information so proper assistance can be provided. The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has always adhered to prioritizing service to people. Therefore, Kho hoped that Mr. Tan can visit SUPP Batu Kawah Branch to contact her so she can help.