Chong was first elected to the post after the 2018 general election.

He was elected during Sarawak PH’s annual meeting in Kuching at which leaders of the three component parties (PKR, DAP and Amanah) discussed strategies to face the state assembly elections expected in late 2026.

In a statement after the meeting, Sarawak PH said the coalition would continue to play its role of a constructive opposition party to provide checks and balances to the state government especially on its financial spending and expenditures.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak holds 79 of the 82 state assembly seats, a position Sarawak PH described as “overly strong”. The opposition comprises Chong and his party colleague Violet Yong, and independent assemblyman See Chee How, formerly with Parti Sarawak Bersatu.

Although Sarawak PH forms the opposition, the coalition is part of an alliance with Barisan Nasional, GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah that forms the federal government.

Sarawak PH leadership

Chairman: Chong Chien Jen; deputy chairmen: Roland Engan (PKR) and Abang Halil Naili (Amanah); secretary: Alan Ling (DAP); treasurer: Ahmad Nazib Johari (PKR).

Women’s wing chief: Violet Yong; Youth wing chief: Zairy Abdullah; information chief: Tay Wei Wei.

Committee members: Lanang MP Alice Lau, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Chiew Chiu Sing, Ibil Jaya, Daniel Jani, Tailend Munchi, Zen Peli, and Daud Eali.

Auditor: Sim Kiat Leng.