Lo slams Chong over misleading oil and gas claims
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.
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