Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen wants Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure ministers, assistant ministers and top government officials in the state to declare their assets.

Chong said the move would be in line with the asset declaration policy implemented by the federal government in the effort to prevent corruption.

He said as Abang Johari had stated that the state government would be friendly to the Harapan federal government, the state government should also implement policies carried out by the government for transparency and good governance.

Commenting on several Sarawak ministers who had declared their assets earlier to the chief minister, Chong who is Sarawak DAP chairperson said the move was insufficient.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching, he said there should be a committee to monitor and evaluate the assets.

On another matter, Chong said the abolition of rice import monopoly by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) would enable Sarawakians to enjoy cheaper rice.

In this regard, he said the abolishing of the monopoly system would lighten the burden of the people.

According to Chong, the prices of rice in the market now especially fragrant rice and white rice imported from Thailand and Vietnam were influenced by profits based on the value of imports by Bernas.

- Bernama