Padungan rep seeks answers on jet deal, igniting war of words in Sarawak Assembly

A heated exchanged between (clock wise from top left) Idris, Yap and Chong in the DUNS Sitting on Oct 14, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 14: A heated exchange erupted in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) today over the procurement of a private jet for the State government, with Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap challenging Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen to report the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the Sarawak Ombudsman.

The exchange occurred during the debate on the Sarawak Budget 2027 after Chong questioned the procurement process, alleging a potential conflict of interest, the absence of an open tender and an unusually rushed transaction.

“If you are alleging that a criminal offence or an abuse of power situation has arisen, there is a proper avenue. And the avenue is you go to MACC, not to this House,” Yap said.

He also cited the Ombudsman Ordinance as an avenue to investigate possible abuse of power or maladministration in the preparation of project papers.

Chong, however, insisted that the matter should be scrutinised by elected representatives, saying the Assembly was the appropriate platform to seek answers from the government.

Citing a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on aircraft procurement options, Chong claimed that a pre-owned aircraft manufactured in 2016 had a market value of about US$14 million at the time.

He alleged that the company involved had been overcharged, with the cost ultimately borne by the Sarawak government through the lease arrangement.

“For the comfort and luxury of the Premier, Sarawak paid at least RM300 million on the lease of the plane. Furthermore, the whole transaction was shrouded in suspicion,” he alleged.

He questioned why the procurement had been expedited, including why payment was made within days and the agreement signed within weeks.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang repeatedly intervened, asking Chong to substantiate his claims and identify the relevant sections of the PwC report.

“I just need you to ascertain the verification of your information, which I am not satisfied with yet,” he said.

Chong said the report contained the company’s letter of offer, lease agreement, directors’ resolution and letter of acceptance.

Idris cautioned that the claims needed to be verified against the standards and procedures followed by government-linked companies, adding that the House should not be left with the impression that malpractice had occurred before the matter was properly examined.

Chong agreed that he was not alleging criminal wrongdoing but took a swipe at Yap, saying: “It’s only Kota Sentosa is hallucinating. He thought it also means something criminal.”

Yap subsequently raised a point of order under Standing Order 32(4), arguing that Chong had used unparliamentary language, particularly the word “fishy” to describe the transaction.

“If not fishy, I believe you’re suspicious. Come on! Suspicious also cannot use?” Chong retorted.

The exchange continued when Semop assemblyman Datuk Abdullah Saidol sought clarification on the PwC report, asking whether it was a financial or due diligence report and what its purpose was.

Chong replied that it was an “advisory services for aircraft procurement option evaluation” report commissioned after a company offered to sell a private jet.

Abdullah then asked whether PwC had explicitly identified improper management, wrongdoing or suspicious conduct in the report.

Chong cited a reported return on investment (ROI) of 188 per cent, describing it as abnormal in a commercial transaction conducted at arm’s length.

Idris subsequently remarked that the exchange had not established anything suspicious, reiterating that the issues raised required answers and verification.

Chong urged ministers to address the matter during their winding-up speeches, saying: “Sarawak Legislative Assembly is the best place for us elected representatives to raise this matter right.”

He also called on the government to review its standard operating procedures and procurement processes to determine whether the transaction complied with the necessary requirements.

Idris added that there were no finding of wrongdoing was established during the exchange, and the claims raised by Chong remained subject to verification. — DayakDaily