While Chong acknowledged that DAP was part of the federal unity government with GPS, he said the party remained in the opposition at the state level.

“Being in such a position is not easy, but we will continue to voice out if policies at the federal or state level are not favourable to the people,” he said in a Borneo Post report.

Chong had come under fire from GPS MPs recently after calling the coalition an “opportunist” when deciding to support Anwar Ibrahim as the prime minister.

The Stampin MP, who was debating Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat, also claimed that GPS had failed to fight for the state’s rights.

Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) said she was disappointed with Chong’s remarks and urged him to apologise to all Sarawakians, the GPS chairman as well as all GPS MPs.

Separately, Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) told Chong not to “rock the boat”, after he compared the federal government to a boat that was captained by Anwar, with GPS and other coalitions all rowing to ensure that it “reaches the finish line”.