I am disgusted over the hike in TNB's electricity charges. I understand that for those whose monthly consumption of more than RM43 a month, the hike will be 12 percent - up from 23 sen before to about 26 sen per kWh now. As a Sarawakian, I am extremely distressed.

Not out of sympathy for those consumers who have to fork out 12 percent more, but because I now know that we have to pay about 61 percent more compared to our west Malaysian compatriots. Based on my monthly bill, I have to pay about 43 sen per kWh.

Sarawak does not lack energy resources. Except for nuclear energy, just name one that we do not have. Oil and gas, we have plenty. We are also one of the largest producers of coal, and also have large coal reserves. We also have Southeast Asia's largest potential for hydro-electricity generation. We have plenty of sun for solar power. We could even harvest wind and wave power. We are already generating electricity from oil, gas and hydropower. We also have coal-fired power stations.

So why do we have to pay more? The power utility business is long-term and as a matter of fact a very long-term one especially if it is a government venture. Recouping of investment could be spread over a very long period and thus at a lower rate. I am not expecting a cheaper rate for Sarawak but I do expect the same rate.

Both the state and federal government owe the people of Sarawak a full explanation on what is happening with regards to this electricity tariff hike. I would not accept explanations based our 'sparse population', 'vast area' and 'expensive infrastructure'.

It is a known fact that consumer price discrepancy is not confined to electricity. When compared to West Malaysians, we are already paying about 10 percent more for just about everything. It is time that Sarawakians break out from under their coconut shells and open their eyes to see how impotent our state government is when it comes to fighting for our rights in Parliament.