Batu Kitang rep on ex-rival Abdul Aziz joining PBB: ‘Trust and sincerity matter most’
Dato Lo Khere Chiang
By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 13: “There are no permanent friends or foes in politics,” Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang remarked in response to former Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak member Abdul Aziz Isa Marindo’s decision to join Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
Lo and Abdul Aziz have a long history as political rivals, having contested against each other in Batu Kitang during the 2016 Sarawak Election.
At the time, Abdul Aziz, then a rising star in DAP, was known for his fiery speeches and strong criticisms of the then ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
However, Lo, representing the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), emerged victorious with a 1,840-vote majority. Lo retained the seat in the 2021 election under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) banner with an even larger majority of 4,163 votes, further solidifying his position in the constituency.
Despite their past clashes, Lo took a magnanimous stance on Abdul Aziz’s political shift, emphasising that sincerity and credibility are essential in building trusting relationships, both in politics and in life.
“From one Sarawakian to another, I bid Aziz well and pray for his success in whatever he does and wherever he goes,” he told DayakDaily when contacted today.
He also stressed the importance of grooming more capable leaders at both Sarawak and federal levels to ensure Sarawak’s continued political strength, particularly in the fight for its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
“Sarawak and Sabah need one-third representation in Parliament. Sarawak must continue grooming many more leaders to pursue and regain everything enshrined under MA63 and the IGC Report,” he added.
Quoting the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, Lo concluded with a reminder: “Jaga Sarawak baik-baik” (Take good care of Sarawak).
Federal Court’s 5pct tax ruling proves Sarawak’s rights—Chong should fight Putrajaya, not GPS
Dato Lo Khere Chiang
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 11: The Federal Court’s 2020 ruling upholding Sarawak’s authority to impose a five per cent sales tax on petroleum products under the Sarawak Sales Tax Ordinance and Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO58) reinforces the State’s fiscal control over its resources while ensuring stability in the oil and gas sector.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang highlighted this in response to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s recent remarks demanding transparency on deals between Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the matter.
“Let’s be clear. The issue is not GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) or Abang Johari—it is Putrajaya’s reluctance to acknowledge Sarawak’s rights over its resources. Sarawak has never sought to disrupt existing contracts with PETRONAS or international investors.
“The GPS government has consistently asserted that Sarawak’s authority over its oil and gas remains intact, despite the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74). We understand the need for PDA74 to coexist with OMO58 to ensure stability in existing contracts between PETRONAS and international companies,” he said in a statement today.
Criticising DAP Sarawak for its repeated accusations, Lo urged the party to stop blaming GPS leaders for decisions made during the Barisan Nasional (BN) era.
“How old were most of the present GPS leaders when PDA74 was passed? Some were young politicians, while others were just kids. What could they have done at the time?
“History cannot be changed, but the future can be fought for—and that is exactly what GPS is doing today. Abang Johari and GPS have remained steadfast in defending Sarawak’s rights,” he stressed.
If Chong believes Sarawak’s resources are at risk due to Putrajaya’s continued resistance to the State’s push for greater control, Lo reminded him that he holds a unique position to defend Sarawak’s interests with direct access to key decision-makers in Putrajaya.
“Chong is not just any politician—he is a federal MP, a senior member of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH), and part of the unity government. Yet, instead of using this platform to advocate for Sarawak’s rights, he seems more focused on criticising Abang Johari and GPS—the very leaders negotiating a stronger position for Sarawak.
“By taking this approach, Chong risks weakening Sarawak’s bargaining power. If he is truly committed to defending Sarawak’s interests, why not leverage his federal influence to advance Sarawak’s case? Why not push for meaningful dialogue to secure Sarawak’s rightful stake in its own resources, rather than undermining those actively working toward that goal?” Lo questioned.
He stressed that now, more than ever, Chong should stand with GPS and Abang Johari—not against them. As a lawyer and politician, Chong has the expertise and platform to advocate for Sarawak’s rights at the federal level.
Instead of deepening political divisions, Lo urged Chong to help strengthen Sarawak’s position, warning that continued criticism of GPS at this juncture risks giving Putrajaya an upper hand in negotiations.
He reiterated that Abang Johari has been firm on Sarawak’s role as the sole gas aggregator, with the Sarawak government issuing formal statements to reinforce this position. However, he noted that challenges remain.
While the path to securing greater control over Sarawak’s resources is complex, Lo emphasised that sustained unity among Sarawakian leaders is crucial.
“Now is the time for unity. Every Sarawakian leader, regardless of political affiliation, must set aside party politics and work together to protect Sarawak’s interests.
“This is bigger than political rivalry—this is about Sarawak’s future. Do the right thing—stand with GPS. Stand with Sarawak,” he urged. — DayakDaily
KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang has hit out at Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen for making misleading and irresponsible claims on Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
He criticised the opposition lawmaker for engaging in political grandstanding instead of taking action in parliament.
“Chong’s latest accusation that the Sarawak government is relinquishing its oil and gas rights are misleading, irresponsible, and reveal his lack of initiative as a federal lawmaker.
“Instead of utilising his position in parliament to challenge federal decisions or seek clarifications directly from the minister, Chong has chosen the easier route — attacking the Sarawak government from the sidelines.
“His pattern of political grandstanding shows a deliberate attempt to mislead the people, stir up emotions, and score cheap political points — all while doing nothing substantial for Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
Lo then rebuked Chong for alleging that the Sarawak government is relinquishing its oil and gas rights.
“Chong’s latest attack on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is based on a written parliamentary reply by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which he interprets as a surrender of Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
“Yet, why didn’t he challenge the Minister directly in parliament and why didn’t he demand immediate clarification on the spot? Why did he remain silent when it mattered, only to hold a press conference back in Kuching?” he questioned.
He stressed that Sarawak has always maintained that the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) were never passed in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) and remain contentious.
Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, he said, continue to be governed under the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, with the state’s territorial boundaries, non-negotiable.
Lo also mentioned GPS’ efforts in securing greater control over Sarawak’s resources through the establishment of Petros, as well as negotiations that have increased the state’s share of oil and gas revenue.
“Meanwhile, why isn’t Chong demanding action from his own party and why isn’t DAP using its federal influence to push for greater recognition of Sarawak’s rights?
“Instead, Chong chooses to attack Sarawak’s own leaders — the very people working to secure our future,” he said.
He said Chong should be fighting with GPS, not against GPS to reaffirm Sarawak’s legal rights over the state’s resources.
“If he truly wanted to be a responsible opposition leader, he should take inspiration from Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii – who, despite being in DAP, is respected for constructive engagement, not baseless attacks,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians to stand behind Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and GPS, rather than divisive politics.
“Sarawak’s future is too important to be left in the hands of those who make noise but take no action,” said Lo.
GPS delivers progress in Sarawak’s O&G rights unlike Chong’s inaction, says Batu Kitang rep
Lo Khere Chiang
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 9: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has hit back at Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s accusations that the Sarawak government is giving up its oil and gas rights, completely negating the latter’s success in securing greater revenue and advancing the State’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said that under Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) leadership, Sarawak has established Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), ensuring greater control over the State’s oil and gas resources.
“We have secured a greater share of revenue through negotiations and advanced the recognition of Sarawak’s rights under MA63.
“Meanwhile, DAP’s 40-plus members of Parliament (MPs) have done absolutely nothing to support Sarawak’s claim.
“Why isn’t Chong demanding action from his own party, and why isn’t DAP using its federal influence to push for greater recognition of Sarawak’s rights?” Lo questioned in a statement today.
His remarks followed Chong’s recent claim that an agreement between the Sarawak and federal governments on Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (PETRONAS) operations in the State had rendered all the legal groundwork laid by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to assert Sarawak’s rights and fair share in oil and gas resources meaningless.
In contrast, Lo pointed out Chong’s inaction, questioning why he failed to use his position in Parliament to challenge the federal government directly or demand answers from the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“Chong’s latest attack on GPS is based on a written parliamentary reply by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which he interprets as a surrender of Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
“Yet, why didn’t he challenge the minister directly in Parliament and demand immediate clarification on the spot? Why did he remain silent when it mattered, only to hold a press conference back in Kuching?
“This inaction speaks volumes. True leaders fight where it matters most—Chong fights only where it benefits him politically,” Lo added.
Lo also reaffirmed Sarawak’s position on its oil and gas rights, emphasising that the Petroleum Development Act (PDA74) and the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) were never passed in Sarawak’s Legislative Assembly (DUN).
He reiterated that Sarawak continues to govern its resources under the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, with its territorial boundaries firmly intact.
“Chong should be fighting with GPS, not against GPS, to reaffirm Sarawak’s legal rights over our resources.
“Instead, he waits until GPS makes progress, then rushes to attack—hoping to take credit for any success while avoiding any real responsibility,” he highlighted. – DayakDaily
O&G rights: Chong misleading people to score political points, says Lo
Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING (Feb 9): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s claim that the Sarawak government may have surrendered its oil and gas rights to the federal government for the second time is both misleading and irresponsible, said Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
The Batu Kitang assemblyman accused the Sarawak DAP chairman as taking the “easier route” to criticise the state government instead of directly challenging federal decisions in Parliament.
“Instead of utilising his position in Parliament to demand answers or clarifications from the minister, Chong has chosen the easier route—stirring up emotions and misleading the people to score political points,” he said in a statement today.
He was responding to Chong’s remarks at a press conference on Saturday where the latter expressed concern over an alleged agreement reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a meeting on Jan 7 this year regarding the state’s oil and gas rights.
Chong remarks were based on a written parliamentary reply by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which indicated that Sarawak had acknowledged the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 as the primary legislation governing petroleum operations—effectively sidelining state laws.
In his statement, Lo questioned why Chong did not seek immediate clarification from Azalina in Parliament—choosing instead to raise the issue in a press conference.
Accusing the MP of only fighting when it benefits him politically, Lo said Chong’s “inaction speaks volumes” and that “true leaders fight where it matters most”.
He stressed that Sarawak has always maintained its position that both the PDA and the Territorial Sea Act were never endorsed by the State Legislative Assembly, and remain a contentious issue.
He also insisted that the state’s Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 continues to govern Sarawak resources, and that the state’s territorial boundaries are non-negotiable.
“Under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the state government has taken significant steps to secure greater control over Sarawak’s oil and gas sector, including establishing state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros),” he said.
He also pointed out that through negotiations, Sarawak has secured a larger share of revenue and strengthened its legal rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“What has the DAP done in advocating for Sarawak’s rights at the federal level? DAP has over 40 MPs in Parliament, yet what have they done to support Sarawak’s claim?
“Instead of demanding action from his own party, Chong chooses to attack Sarawak’s own leaders—the very people working to secure our future.”
Lo also noted that Chong had remained silent when Petros was announced as Sarawak’s sole gas aggregator.
“However, he quickly speaks out whenever an opportunity to attack GPS arises. If he truly wants to be a responsible opposition leader, he should take inspiration from Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii, who despite being in the DAP is respected for his constructive engagements rather than baseless attacks,” he said.
Lo thus called on Sarawakians to stand behind Abang Johari and the GPS, whom he credited for bringing real progress in securing Sarawak’s future.
“Our future is too important to be left in the hands of those who only make noise after the fact and take no action,” he said.
High-level water tank to resolve low pressure in Batu Kitang by 2026, says rep
Lo (third left) tossing the ‘yee sang’ with Abang Johari (centre) and Dr Abdul Rahman (second left). – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (Jan 31): The longstanding issue of low water pressure in Kampung Bunga Rampai in Batu Kitang here is set to be resolved by 2026 with the proposed construction of a high-level water tank.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang confirmed that the Kuching Water Board (KWB) would oversee the project.
“The site has been identified, and KWB is prepared to purchase the land for the construction of the high-level water tank, with an estimated cost of RM5 million,” he told reporters during a Lunar New Year open house at his residence in Stapok here today.
He explained that the project is expected to be completed by 2026 and would address the water pressure issues not only in Kampung Bunga Rampai but also in surrounding areas.
Additionally, Lo announced plans for a major water supply improvement project in the Batu Kitang constituency.
He said KWB is set to construct a new water treatment plant in Landeh, Kampung Petong, which will enhance water supply across Kuching, including Petra Jaya.
“This new water treatment plant will help enhance the water supply across Kuching, including Petra Jaya,” he said.
Among the distinguished guests at his open house were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
When asked about his discussions with the Premier earlier, Lo shared that they had focused on policies implemented by the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“We also spoke about the positive developments taking place in Sarawak under the Premier’s leadership.
“As Sarawakians, we are proud and pleased with the state’s progress in the right direction, ensuring a bright future for us all,” he said.
Lo and Krishnao make their rounds distributing vegetarian nasi lemak to vendors at the 3rd Mile Wet Market today (Jan 26)
KUCHING: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) held its monthly “Free Food For Life” event here Sunday to coincide with the upcoming Chinese New Year.
The programme held at the 3rd Mile Wet Market aimed to foster unity and assist underprivileged individuals.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang commended ISKCON for their social welfare work.
“Every month, ISKCON members will go to different locations to give out vegetarian nasi lemak as a contribution to society.
“But their work goes beyond food distribution as they support students who need help with tuition and to assist families in need.
“Their dedication to help the community is commendable,” he said.
Lo emphasised that the event was a double celebration, combining the joy of Chinese New Year with a meaningful outreach to the community by sharing food and goodwill.
“This is a double celebration; we are marking Chinese New Year and, simultaneously, reaching out to the community with food and goodwill.
“I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, good health, and peace in their families,” he said.
Meanwhile, ISKCON’s chairman, S. Krishnarao @ Prabhu Kripa, highlighted the organisation’s broader mission.
“Every month, we distribute approximately 600 packets of vegetarian nasi lemak to various locations, including markets, homes for the elderly, and community centres,” he said.
Also, he noted ISKCON does its part during times of emergencies.
“Whenever a natural disaster occurs, like flooding, we will provide free meals to those affected.
“This is our way of sharing the blessings we have received,” he said.
Besides distributing food, ISKCON provides various services such as free tuition classes, Indian dance classes, yoga and meditation classes, and other cultural activities.
“Our goal is to create unity in diversity.
“We believe that by sharing what God has given us, we can uplift the community and receive more blessings in return,” Krishnarao said.
