Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who took over as head of the state government on Feb 28, has only been paying ‘lip service’ to his promises to change Sarawak for the better, says Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen.

“Adenan should implement some policy reforms before calling for a state election to show to the people that he is sincere and is resolved to change Sarawak for the better.

“I have listed a 10-point reform to help him improve the administration of the state government,” Chong ( left ), who is Kota Sentosa assemblyperson and MP for Bandar Kuching, told a press conference yesterday.

Not all of the 10-point policy reforms, Chong said, could be implemented over a short term, but Adenan should consider introducing first the implementation of open tender for all government projects.

The corrupt alienation of state lands for plantations and logging can also be halted quickly, as well as the introduction of a freedom of information law.

Adenan should also ensure annual fund allocations to Chinese and mission schools, revive English-medium mission schools through state funding and appoint an elected representative from the opposition to chair the State Public Accounts Committee.

“So far Adenan has only paid lip service to his promises to change Sarawak,” Chong added.

'Dinosaur politicians'

On the claim by the newly-formed United People’s Party that it was established to represent Chinese interests, Chong said politicians who talked only of representing the Chinese community are ‘dinosaur’ politicians who should be in the museum.

“Politicians who keep on harping on racial politics are not only having outdated mindsets, but they are just like ‘dinosaurs’ that should be kept in the museum.

“They do not have progressive thinking. They are only fighting for single-race politics,” said Chong.

“They should instead fight for the rakyat, regardless of language, race and religion,” he said, referring to a statement made by the UPP chairperson Wong Soon Koh ( left ).

Wong said last Saturday that UPP was formed to look after the interests of the Chinese community.