Adenan's autonomy call "like an empty can", claims Chong

By Doris Yoong

KUCHING, June 11, 2015 - Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said a call by Chief Minister  Tan Sri Adenan Satem that Sarawak wants more autonomy to the federal government is "like an empty can".

"He needs to elaborate on the areas that the autonomy needs to be reinstated to Sarawak," he said in a statement today.

Chong Chieng Jen

During a political gathering in support of an embattled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Perpadium Stadium on June 3, Adenan had called for more autonomy for Sarawak, but he did not specify the areas that should be returned to the state.

Chong, who is also Bandar Kuching MP, said many Sarawakians are disappointed that Adenan did not elaborate on the areas that autonomy needs to be reinstated to Sarawak.

"The mere call for autonomy without any clear agenda is nothing but slogan.  It sounds good and loud, but like empty can, is hollow inside," he said.

"Therefore, he must list out the areas in which he wishes Sarawak to have its autonomy.  If he is unsure of what autonomy he wants for Sarawak, we welcome him to read through the DAP’s “Bintulu Declaration – Towards Equal Partners” launched on 26-10-2014 in Bintulu," Chong said.

Under the  Bintulu Declaration, the DAP has called for the renegotiation and review of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution to devolve powers of education, health care and police matters to the State Government of Sarawak.

"Under this concept of autonomy, Sarawak government shall have the power to write the syllabus for schools in Sarawak, plan for the building of schools and hospitals in the State, bear all administration and development expenses in these three areas.

"To finance our autonomy in these areas, Sarawak must have sufficient revenue.  Otherwise, if finance is still controlled by the Federal Government, there is no point for us to claim “autonomy” when we cannot even afford to pay the teachers, medical staff and police officers.

"In any government institution, the person who controls the finance controls everything.  As such, it is thus our suggestion that 20% oil and gas royalty and 50% of all tax revenue generated and collected in Sarawak must be paid to the State Government of Sarawak.

"Therefore, it is imperative that we must first have the royalty paid to the State Government and not allow the Federal Government to sit on the matter indefinitely. 

"Any delay on the part of the Federal Government in realising the royalty demand is a show of disrespect and contempt on the Sarawak Dewan Undangan Negeri which has passed a unanimous resolution on such demand.

"If the State Government cannot even get the Federal Government to agree to royalty, how is Adenan going to proceed further on his call for autonomy," Chong asked.