Kuching: DAP Sarawak Chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for historical injustices to be addressed through institutional reforms and fair policies, cautioning that promoting hatred or separatism will only divide the nation.
Speaking at a dinner organised by the St Bernadette Zone 2 Taman Samarindah Association, Chong highlighted that recent public discourse in Sarawak has veered towards “division,” with some voices pushing for separatism – an approach he described as “extremely dangerous.”
“There is no denying that certain policies have disadvantaged Sarawak and Sabah. But these are the result of historical burdens accumulated over the past 50 to 60 years.
“Ironically, some advocating separation today were among those who contributed to these past injustices,” Chong said.
The ADUN for Padungan stressed that fairness for Sarawak should come through systemic reforms and not by stoking hatred or dividing the country.
He cited the federal government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, noting increased development allocations and power-sharing with Sarawak and Sabah as evidence that reforms are underway, though gradual.
He further cautioned that if divisive rhetoric continues to ferment, ordinary families will ultimately be the victims.
“Almost every Sarawakian family has relatives working, living, or studying in Peninsular Malaysia. If separation were to occur, wouldn’t they overnight become ‘foreigners’ in West Malaysia?” he asked.
Therefore, Chong argued that those who constantly promote “separatism,” particularly those led by SUPP, are merely creating hostility and insecurity among Malaysians, and that such rhetoric is not the proper path to securing Sarawak’s rights.
“After all, SUPP has been part of the federal Cabinet for more than 50 of the past 60 years since the nation’s founding,” he said.
Chong also addressed ongoing oil and gas disputes, including the recent court case between Petronas and Sarawak’s petroleum company.
He advocated resolving such conflicts in the spirit of federalism, through “mutual empowerment and shared success.”
Pointing to historical figures, Chong said that during the 1970s, when oil prices were low, petroleum revenues contributed less to national finances than federal spending on Sarawak’s public services.
With current global oil prices high, he argued, Sarawak deserves fairer returns.
To address this, Chong has repeatedly proposed in Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly that the federal government grant Sarawak a 30% equity stake in Petronas, covering both global assets and dividends to the federal government.
“Equity participation offers a win-win solution, providing Sarawak with long-term, stable income while promoting shared economic success,” he said.
He urged the public not to be swayed by extremist or racially charged rhetoric, emphasising that such voices are a small minority. “The majority must safeguard societal goodwill and unity,” Chong said.
At the event, Chong announced a RM5,000 allocation for community activities, personally presenting the cheque to the association.
In a light-hearted moment, he joined residents in a “poco-poco” dance, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
