Opposition must Engage with Government Over Electricity Tariff Hike

11 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah veteran politician Datuk David Chong Ket Sui has urged the opposition to fulfil its role by bringing the people’s concerns directly to the government.

Chong criticised the opposition for being quick to issue statements merely for the sake of opposing policies, rather than engaging government departments or agencies through proper discussion.

He was responding to a statement by Warisan Vice President Datuk Wong Hong Jun, who demanded that the government explain the rationale behind the 15 per cent electricity tariff increase, which took effect on 1 February 2026.

While admitting that the hike was significant and would inevitably be passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods and services, Chong said the increase went ahead partly because there was no Chinese representation in the State Cabinet to raise concerns.

He noted that many in the Chinese community are involved in business and are directly affected by higher operating costs.

“A more gradual increase, starting from five per cent, could have been proposed if there had been Chinese representation in the Cabinet,” he said.

Chong also criticised Warisan for persuading Chinese voters to support the opposition, which he said led to Chinese candidates losing and left the community without Cabinet representation.

“The business community does not oppose the hike, but a 15 per cent increase at one go is indeed burdensome,” he said, adding that the higher tariffs would affect festive spending, including preparations for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya.

Chong urged opposition representatives to meet ministries and agencies directly rather than merely issuing statements in the newspapers.

“As elected representatives, paid and voted for by the people, they should engage the relevant authorities to discuss solutions and help reduce costs for the community,” he said.