Kuching: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has condemned State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar for rejecting Pending state assemblywoman Violet Yong’s question on ministers and deputy ministers overseas trip expenses, saying the move undermines transparency and deepens public distrust in the government.
“Asfia’s actions today only make things worse. The more the government refuses to disclose the expenses of these overseas trips, the more it shows that they have something to hide and are unwilling to face the people,” he said during a press conference at the DUN yesterday.
Chong, also the Padungan assemblyman, clarified that DAP does not oppose government officials’ overseas study tours, acknowledging that they can offer certain benefits.
However, he stressed that the real issue is whether the expenses are justified. “The key question is whether the spending is reasonable and necessary,” he said.
He urged the government to uphold transparency and accountability by proactively disclosing detailed costs of such trips, allowing the public to assess their legitimacy, rather than having the Speaker cover up the issue with a single remark.
Despite the Speaker’s rejection, Chong affirmed that both he and Violet Yong would continue to push for transparency, urging the state government to release the detailed expenses incurred by ministers and top officials on overseas trips over the years.
“The people have a right to know how public funds are used,” he said.
 Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen says the move undermines transparency and deepens public distrust in the government.){kind=link}