KUALA LUMPUR – Irene Wong Lee Ting isn’t your average political hopeful. At just 23 years old, the biotechnology graduate from Sibu is stepping into Sarawak’s complex political arena with a clear and uncompromising message: the youth must lead the charge for reform.
Born to a Chinese-Iban family and raised in the heart of Sarawak, Wong represents a growing generation of multiracial Sarawakians seeking a break from racial politics and entrenched party loyalties.
She is among the youngest new faces head-hunted by the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which has been active in Sarawak since the 1970s but remains the opposition under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’s long-standing dominance.
“I believe the youth are the driving force for meaningful reform in Sarawak,” she told Scoop.
“We have the energy, the ideas, and the courage to break old patterns – especially money politics that continues to plague rural constituencies.”
‘Let the opposition do its job’
Wong said that one of DAP’s key thrusts ahead of the next state election is to demand that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) be chaired by an opposition member – a standard practice in Westminster-style democracies including Malaysia’s Parliament.
“This is a best practice globally,” she pointed out. “If the government has nothing to hide, it should welcome scrutiny. Right now, those in power are auditing themselves.”
The Sarawak Legislative Assembly, with 82 elected members, currently allocates limited roles to opposition lawmakers in terms of oversight. PAC proceedings are rarely publicised, and unlike in the
Dewan Rakyat, there is no legal compulsion for ministers or state ministers to answer all questions posed during sittings.
“People are left guessing. And when we raise these issues in the Assembly, we often get no response. That’s unacceptable. Questions in the House are raised on behalf of the people. Ignoring them
defeats the purpose of democratic governance.”
Youth vote is priceless, not for sale
Wong believes Sarawak’s next political transformation will come from its young people – particularly the 18- to 30-year-old bloc, which now comprises nearly 40% of new registered voters in Malaysia under the Undi18 and automatic voter registration reforms.
“We tell them: your vote is priceless. It’s not for sale. It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s your voice, your future.”
She said DAP is actively engaging with this new bloc of voters to instill political awareness and critical thinking.
“We want them to vote with conscience, not cash. To grow with a democratic heart.”
Sarawak, with over two million registered voters, has a significant rural population where traditional patronage systems and election- time handouts still hold sway. Wong believes that mindset is slowly
changing, especially in semi-urban areas like Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.
Facing down GPS in Dayak-Heartland
While Wong acknowledges the dominance of GPS in rural and Dayak-majority areas – where parties like PBB and PRS have entrenched networks – she believes that DAP’s message of clean governance and youth empowerment is beginning to gain traction.
“Sarawak’s political culture is slowly shifting. Generation Z wants more than just promises – they want transformation. They want leaders with vision, not those clinging to old networks of power.”
She adds that DAP is committed to building a stronger presence in rural and semi-rural areas, where previous efforts have yielded limited wins.
On being a loyal opposition
Despite cooperation between GPS and Pakatan Harapan at the federal level, Wong is firm about DAP’s role in the state.
“In Sarawak, we are still the opposition – and we will continue to ask tough questions and hold the government accountable.”
She stressed that opposition members must be empowered to perform proper oversight. “We’re not here just to criticize we’re here to improve governance.”
Beyond race-based politics
Wong believes Sarawak must move past racial identity politics and instead choose leaders based on merit and values.
“Some people still vote for candidates based on race, thinking only someone from their background can understand their struggles.
But I believe leadership should be about capability, integrity, and vision.
If a leader can deliver results and fight for a better future, I’ll vote for them—regardless of race.”
‘We’re not here to warm opposition benches forever’
Wong made it clear that DAP has no intention of remaining in opposition indefinitely.
“We are committed to building a credible alternative to GPS. When Sarawakians are ready for change, we want them to see that a different kind of leadership is possible—one that is inclusive, transparent, and focused on real reform.”
Wong also reflected on what’s at stake: “Sarawakians deserve a new political culture. One that’s built on accountability, not secrecy. On unity, not division. And on hope—not
fear.”
At just 23, Irene Wong isn’t just joining the trending narratives. She’s determined to change it. – May 24, 2025