Chong receives brickbats for saying talk on devolution of power off
KUCHING: Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has been slammed for declaring that the deal to restore the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is off because the state government did not sign PH’s New Deal Agreement offered before the recent election.
Many made their feelings known through postings and comments on Facebook, pointing out PH made “decentralisation of power to Sabah and Sarawak”  one of its 60 promises under its manifesto.
The Buku Harapan pledged that within the first 100 days of PH in government, it would fulfil 10 promises, including setting up a special cabinet committee to properly enforce MA63.
Many pointed out PH is now obliged to honour the promises instead of making Sarawak’s rights under MA63 a political tool.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman Robert Lau Hui Yew said he was flabbergasted by Chong’s stand.
“These rights are enshrined in an international agreement, MA63, and signed by sovereign countries, not by DAP (Democratic Action Party).
“Just because Sarawak CM (Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) did not play ball with you during your election campaign it does not give you any better claim of ownership of the rights for Sarawak under MA63 apart from an ordinary citizen of Sarawak. It is not a political goody to be dished out during the election.
“I can only conclude the MP for Stampin (Chong) has already sold his allegiance to his political master in Malaya,” wrote Robert.
Netizen ‘Juhiun Yu’ commented that Chong should do his job and fulfil the promises made by PH, stressing that now is the time for Chong and his PH comrades to fight for the rights of  Sarawak under MA63 since PH is the federal government.
Facebook user ‘Bradley John’ said Sarawak’s rights are not something which can be made as an offer between parties, while ‘Jasper Chong’ agreed that MA63 is an international treaty – not something PH can offer or take away.
‘Philip Makis’ urged Chong to rethink his actions since the PH manifesto already made promises on devolution and as such there was no need to sign any agreement.
‘Andy Sik Sern Yew’ also slammed Chong saying, “Remember it’s one of your campaign promises. You have explaining to do to the people of Sarawak not simply saying because the state government did not acknowledge and sign the deal.”
‘Kevin Lau’ urged Chong to ensure the federal government returns Sarawak’s rights under the MA63, pointing out Chong is now part of the PH government
“Do it for Sarawakians instead of making it a deal for bargaining,” he commented.
‘Elna Boka’ said it was unwise of Chong to keep pointing fingers at the state government and urged other PH elected representatives to stop such “nonsense”.
‘Riq Dharfizi’ commented since MA63 is beyond partisan politics, the rights enshrined within the agreement belong to people and the state.
Meanwhile, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Batu Kawah said in a press release that it received feedback from the grassroots, who were disappointed with Chong for having misled Sarawakians.
It cited Kampung Sinar Budi resident Hamidon Bustaman, who said Chong’s promise of autonomy for Sarawak in education and healthcare if PH formed the federal government was just a sweet promise made during the election.
“As a Stampin voter and a Sarawakian I am totally disgusted. Our rights under MA63 are not for anyone to deal with,” he said.
Hamzah Idi from Kampung Haji Baki said it seemed Chong wished to “hijack” negotiations between the federal and state governments regarding Sarawak’s rights under MA63.

My comments:
       Sarawak belongs to every Sarawakian.  Chong should learn his lesson for taking MA63 as a deal.  The way he behaved is just like those BN leaders to lure people to support BN with the promise of development.  So, no doubt, he has been condemned for his misbehaviour.