MIRI: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central Vice-Chairman, Kelvin Hii, has defended the state’s infrastructure expansion following criticism from Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) Chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, who claimed that rapid development could lead to mounting debt.
Hii dismissed Chong’s concerns, arguing that large-scale development inevitably requires substantial funding.
“Sarawak has lagged behind in infrastructure for decades.
“Now that progress is accelerating, does DAP not want to see the state develop quickly?” he questioned.
Chong had likened Sarawak’s financial approach to the policies of former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, suggesting that increased borrowing could burden the State.
However, Hii countered by highlighting Sarawak’s economic performance under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Sarawak’s revenue has grown year after year, reaching RM14.2 billion last year.
“The State did not go bankrupt, as DAP once claimed, but instead ranked among Malaysia’s top five best-performing economies,” he said, citing recognition from the World Bank.
Hii also pointed to the national debt, which now stands at RM1.6 trillion, an increase of nearly RM100 billion since 2023.
He urged DAP’s federal lawmakers to prioritise addressing Malaysia’s financial challenges instead of making “politically motivated” claims about Sarawak’s fiscal policies.
He further criticised DAP’s shifting stance on Dr Mahathir, noting that the party had supported him in 2018 but now invokes his policies as a warning.
“This contradiction raises questions about whether their concerns are genuine or simply political rhetoric,” he said.
Hii emphasised that Sarawak’s major projects, such as the Pan Borneo Highway, have been largely funded through state revenue rather than debt.
He blamed Pakatan Harapan’s previous administration for delaying the highway’s completion, arguing that without the State Government’s intervention, Sarawakians would still be facing poor road conditions.
Calling for a more constructive approach, Hii urged Sarawak DAP to collaborate in securing greater resources for the State rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
“Stop nitpicking just for publicity,” he said.
