Lo gestures during the press conference, as other SUPP members look on. Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Padawan Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has today questioned if state Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s heart is still with Sarawak after he equated the 2020 state budget with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
The Sarawak United People’s Party lawmaker said being a Sarawakian and a deputy federal minister, Chong’s remark after the tabling of the budget yesterday was both mischievous and irresponsible.
“The least Chong, being a Sarawak, should do is to support the state budget, and not ridicule it. How can he (Chong) equate the budget to 1MDB which is a private entity,” Lo told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) media room.
Lo pointed out that it was the second consecutive year that the state had a surplus budget, adding that the 2020 budget was development-biased with RM6.5 billion out of the total RM 9.81 billion.
“Compared to the National Budget 2020, where only 18 per cent is for development purpose and a negative budget, ours is a surplus budget…so why has Chong ridiculed our budget?,” Lo asked.
“By the way Chong talked, I am wondering now if he is Sarawak as a person and a West Malaysian at heart,” he said.
Yesterday, Chong told journalists the “alternative financing” in the state budget tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would lead to another 1MDB scandal.
Explaining what he meant by “alternative financing”, the Kota Sentosa assemblyman said it was in essence off-budget financing based on a projected revenue and state sales tax for petroleum products.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been charged with corruption and power abuse in connection with the 1MDB scandal. The trial is currently ongoing.
Lo also urged Chong, who is Sarawak DAP chairman, to tell his political masters in Peninsular Malaysia to give the state its due, such as the 20 per cent oil loyalty and the autonomy in health and education.
He went on to point out that the revenue from the federal government in the state budget was only one per cent.
“With only one per cent revenue coming from the federal government, and Chong has ridiculed our chief minister.
“With this one per cent revenue, sometimes I wonder who is taking care of Sarawak and who is taking care of Malaya. I also wonder whether why should we remain with Malaysia,” he said.