Wong Ching Yong – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (May 1): Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong has criticised Sibu MP Oscar Ling, questioning what he described as a shift in the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker’s stance on airfare pricing after joining the federal government.
Wong was responding to Ling’s recent remarks suggesting that high airfares should not be addressed through price caps, but instead through increased flight frequency and greater market participation.
Ling had argued that excessive government intervention could discourage airlines and reduce overall market competitiveness.
However, Wong pointed out that matters related to air routes and ticket pricing fall under federal jurisdiction, and recalled that the MP had previously called for government intervention when he was in the opposition.
“It is baffling. Instead of using his position as a government backbencher to lobby for affordable airfares through federal channels, he is now condemning the voices of those dissatisfied with the high costs,” Wong said in a statement.
He added that while Ling had accused him of lacking understanding of aviation operations, the public was more concerned about what appeared to be Ling’s change in position.
“In the eyes of the people, what is truly disappointing is that he changed his principles the moment he changed his seat,” he said.
Wong also claimed that Ling had failed to uphold his original intentions after coming into power.
To support his argument, Wong cited reports from Nov 30, 2017 when Ling and two other DAP MPs held a press conference in Parliament calling for a ceiling price on flights between East and West Malaysia.
He also noted that in March 2018, Ling pressed the federal Transport Ministry for updates on measures to control airfares.
“Was he also making ‘unreasonable and erroneous’ accusations against the government back then because he didn’t understand aviation operations?
“This shows that Ling once firmly believed the federal government should intervene,” Wong said.
“It contradicts his current narrative that prices should be left entirely to free-market competition and floating rates.”
He expressed shock over Ling’s apparent acceptance of high fares, citing an example of a RM1,000 ticket for a 30-minute flight between Sibu and Kuching.
Wong stressed that while elected representatives may not be experts in aviation economics, they should remain sensitive to the financial burden faced by the public.
“If one only understands commercial profits and ignores the burden on the common folk, they are unworthy of the title ‘people’s representative’,” he said.
Wong also questioned whether Ling’s stance was influenced by the fact that his official travel is government-funded.
“Would he make such remarks if he had to pay for these tickets out of his own pocket?”
He pointed out that he had previously urged Transport Minister Anthony Loke to look into the rising airfares on the Sibu-Kuching route.
He questioned why the minister had not responded directly, instead allowing Ling to address public concerns.
Wong further claimed that the issue highlighted broader concern about the DAP’s approach.
He noted that firstly, it shows a difference in positions when in opposition versus in power.
“Secondly, it raises questions about whether local representatives are prioritizing federal party directives over the needs of Sarawakians.”
Wong further claimed that many in Sibu were disheartened as they had expected stronger advocacy for airfare caps after the DAP assumed power.
