Irene Chang
{{Short description|Malaysian politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Irene Chang
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|3|10|df=y}}
| occupation = Politician
| alma_mater = University of London
| spouse = Wong Ho Leng
| citizenship = Malaysian
| birth_place = Bau, Kuching
| party = Democratic Action Party (DAP)
| office = Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for Bukit Assek
| majority = 4497 (2016)
| termstart = 7 June 2016
| termend = 3 November 2021
| predecessor = Wong Ho Leng
| constituency = Bukit Assek
| native_name = 郑爱鸰
| profession = Lawyer
| image = IreneChang.jpg
}}
Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling ({{zh|s=郑爱鸰|t=鄭愛鴒|p=Zhèng Àilíng}}, born 10 March 1965){{Cite web |title=N51 Bukit Assek |url=https://www.sarawakrose.org/bukit_assek |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=Rise of Social Efforts}} is a Malaysian politician. She served as the Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for Bukit Assek from June 2016 to November 2021.{{Cite web |last=Auto |first=Hermes |date=2021-11-05 |title=Sarawak state assembly dissolved: Chief Minister {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/sarawak-state-assembly-dissolved-chief-minister |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}} She is a member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.{{Cite web |title=Incumbent not losing sleep over multi-cornered fight in Bukit Assek |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/12/05/incumbent-not-losing-sleep-over-multi-cornered-fight-in-bukit-assek/ |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=5 December 2021 |language=en-US}}
Background
Born in Bau, Kuching, Chang is the daughter of former SNAP Treasurer-General, businessman Datuk Seri Paduka Denis Chang Foh Onn,{{Cite web |title=SNAP makes membership drive immediate task |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/01/16/snap-makes-membership-drive-immediate-task/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=16 January 2012 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=WONG |first=JACK |title=Dundang is new SNAP leader |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/05/19/dundang--is-new--snap--leader |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=The Star |language=en}} and the wife of Wong Ho Leng,{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2014-09-09 |title=Remembering my husband, Richard Wong Ho Leng |url=https://www.therocket.com.my/en/remembering-my-husband-richard-wong-ho-leng/ |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=The Rocket |language=en-US}} the latter was the former Member of Parliament for Sibu (2010–2013) and former Member of the State Legislative Assembly for Bukit Assek (1996-2001, 2006–2014).{{Cite web |title=Wong Ho Leng's life in politics |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2014/06/22/wong-ho-lengs-life-in-politics/ |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=22 June 2014 |language=en-US}}
Education
Chang started her primary school education in SK St. Rita, Sibu, and attended SMK St. Elizabeth, Sibu for her secondary education until she was 15 when she switched to St. Albany College, London for her O Levels and A Levels. In 1989, Chang was awarded with a Bachelor of Laws degree from University of London, graduating with Honors.
Political career
Before entering politics in the 2016 Sarawak State Election, Chang was already active in grassroots activities as she helped her late husband throughout his political journey. She was recognised as the woman behind the success of Wong Ho Leng.{{Cite web |title=Ho Leng architect of state DAP, his wife woman behind his success |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2014/06/25/ho-leng-architect-of-state-dap-his-wife-woman-behind-his-success/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=25 June 2014 |language=en-US}}
When Wong Ho Leng died from a brain tumor in 2014,{{Cite web |title=Sarawak DAP's Bukit Assek rep Wong Ho Leng dies |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/06/21/dap-assemblyman-sibu-mp-wong-ho-leng-dies |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=The Star |language=en}} Chang was fielded by the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as a candidate in the 11th Sarawak State Election for the state constituency Bukit Assek in hopes to continue her late husband's legacy and fighting for the betterment of the country.{{Cite web |title=Irene Chang to stand as DAP pick for Bukit Assek |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2016/04/10/irene-chang-to-stand-as-dap-pick-for-bukit-assek/ |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=10 April 2016 |language=en-US}}
= 2016 Sarawak State Election =
Chang won with a majority of 4,497 votes against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Chieng Buong Toon and State Reform Party (STAR) candidate Moh Hiong King.{{Cite web |title=LIVE RESULTS: 12th Sarawak Election Polling Day (Video) |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/12/18/live-updates-12th-sarawak-election-polling-day/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=18 December 2021 |language=en-US}} She garnered 11,392 votes as compared to Chieng Buong Toon's 6,895 votes and Moh Hiong King's 374 votes. She successfully retained Bukit Assek for DAP.{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2016 |title=11th Sarawak Election: Full official results |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/144292/11th-sarawak-election-full-official-results |website=New Straits Times}}
= Political Tenure: 2016-2021 =
== Sarawak Consultative Committee on MA63 ==
Despite being from the opposition party, Chang was among the committee members in the Sarawak Consultative Committee{{Cite web |last=editorJY |date=2018-11-26 |title=Abg Jo to pick Sarawak's delegate members for MA63 Steering Committee |url=https://dayakdaily.com/abg-jo-to-pick-sarawaks-delegate-members-for-ma63-steering-committee/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=DayakDaily |language=en-GB}} which was established to serve as a vehicle to assist Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari and to advise the August House on fighting for Sarawak's rights as enshrined in the MA63.{{Cite web |title=Sarawak firm on MA63 |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2018/11/27/sarawak-firm-on-ma63/ |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=27 November 2018 |language=en-US}} The establishment of this Committee was as a response to the formation of the MA63 Steering Committee chaired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on 5 September 2018.{{Cite news |date=15 November 2018 |title=S'wak Consultative Committee on MA63 to Hold First Meeting |work=The Borneo Post |url=https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-borneo-post/20181115/281767040253793}} The Consultative Committee was formed under Standing Order 89 of the Standing Orders of the DUN and Article 24(1) of the Sarawak State Constitution through a motion dated on 6 November 2018.{{Cite web |title=Sarawak leaders to attend MA63 meeting with Prime Minister |url=https://www.suppnewsportal.com/main/?p=23395 |access-date=2022-07-26 |language=en-US}}
== Oil Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2018 ==
In 2018, the State Legislative Assembly debated the Oil Mining (Amendment) Bill which enables the state stronger regulatory controls over the exploration and prospecting for petroleum on the land in Sarawak, both onshore and offshore in the Continental Shelf.{{Cite web |last=editorJY |date=2018-07-10 |title=Oil Mining (Amendment) Bill, 2018 passed |url=https://dayakdaily.com/oil-mining-amendment-bill-2018-passed/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=DayakDaily |language=en-GB}} Chang supported the Bill. However, she also raised her concerns and advised the State Government that they should declare at the court{{Cite book |title=Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Official Report and Debates |year=2018 |location=Kuching |pages=29 |language=en}} that the Petroleum Development Act (PDA), the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) and the Continental Shelf Act (CSA) are not relevant in Sarawak.{{Cite web |title=PDA, TSA not relevant in Sarawak – Abang Johari |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2018/03/08/pda-tsa-not-relevant-in-sarawak-abang-johari/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=8 March 2018 |language=en-US}}
== Natural Resources and Environment (Amendment) Ordinance 2019 ==
In 2019, the State Legislative Assembly had a heated debate on the amendment of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (NREO) which enables Sarawak to tackle environmental issues that are becoming more complex and diverse amid its developed state transformation agenda by 2030.{{Cite web |last=EditorGO |date=2019-11-05 |title=Awang Tengah: NREO amendment will empower state environmental laws, tackle complex issues |url=https://dayakdaily.com/awang-tengah-nreo-amendment-will-empower-state-environmental-laws-tackle-complex-issues/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=DayakDaily |language=en-GB}} Chang participated in the debate, raising the issue that the open landfill at Jalan Seng Ling, Sibu which was actually meant to be used to dump bulky waste only was apparently used to discard all sort of waste including liquid waste, solid rubbish, organic waste, recyclable waste and hazardous waste over the years, which has caused squatters to start a livelihood at the area. She brought up her concern in the august House if there was any public engagement of the people and if any feedback were collected from the public on the suitability of location, environmental social and economic impact which the open landfill would cause the communities staying around the area before the local government decided to use the place for open landfill 18 years ago.{{Cite book |title=Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Official Report and Debates |year=2019 |location=Kuching |pages=22 |language=en}} The question was raised referring to the underground burning that happened at Seng Ling dumpsite in October 2019.{{Cite web |title=Official Website Of Sibu Municipal Council |url=https://smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?lang=en&mod=news&sub=news_view&nid=457 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=smc.gov.my}}
= 2021 Sarawak State Election =
In the 2021 Sarawak State Election (12th Sarawak State Election), Chang contested to defend her Bukit Assek seat against five other candidates,{{Cite web |date=2021-12-06 |title=Candidates Nominated For The 12th State Election |url=https://sarawakvoice.com/2021/12/06/1101001101candidates-nominated-for-the-12th-state-election/ |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=Sarawakvoice.com |language=en-US}} Jess Lau from Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi), Chieng Jin Ek from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Ting Kee Nguan from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Priscilla Lau from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and independent candidate Hii Tiong Huat. She garnered 3,810 votes and was defeated by Chieng Jin Ek who won with a majority of 874 votes due to the overwhelming split votes by the local opposition parties.{{Cite web |last=Razak |first=Radzi |title=Three things we learned from: The 2021 Sarawak election {{!}} Malay Mail |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/19/three-things-we-learned-from-the-2021-sarawak-election/2029528 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=www.malaymail.com |date=19 December 2021 |language=en}}
Election results
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ Sarawak State Legislative Assembly{{Cite web |last=Harith |first=Farah |date=May 7, 2016 |title=2016 Sarawak Election – Results |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/05/07/2016-sarawak-election-results/ |website=Free Malaysia Today}}{{Cite web |date=Jan 13, 2022 |title=The Results of the 12th Sarawak Election Polled on Dec 18, 2021 |url=https://dayakdaily.com/the-results-of-the-12th-sarawak-election-polled-on-dec-18-2021/ |website=Dayak Daily}} !|Year !|Constituency ! colspan="2" |Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! colspan="2" |Opponent(s) !|Votes !|Pct !|Ballots Cast !|Majority !|Turnout |
| rowspan="2" |2016
| rowspan="7" |N51 Bukit Assek | rowspan="2" {{party shading/DAP}} | | rowspan="2" |Irene Chang (DAP) | rowspan="2" align=right|11,392 | rowspan="2" |61.05% |{{party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | |Chieng Buong Toon (SUPP) | align=right|6,895 |36.95% | rowspan="2" |18,881 | rowspan="2" |4,497 | rowspan="2" |66.62% |
| {{party shading/State Reform Party}} |
|Moh Hiong King (STAR) | align=right|374 | align=right|2.00% |
| rowspan="5" |2021
| rowspan="5" {{party shading/DAP}} | | rowspan="5" |Irene Chang (DAP) | rowspan="5" align=right|3,810 | rowspan="5" |28.42% |{{party shading/Gabungan Parti Sarawak}} | | align=right|4,684 |34.94% | rowspan="5" |13,404 | rowspan="5" |874 | rowspan="5" |48.50% |
| bgcolor={{Parti Bumi Kenyalang/meta/shading}} |
|Priscilla Lau (PBK) | align=right|2,598 |19.38% |
| bgcolor={{party color|Parti Sarawak Bersatu}} |
|Ting Kee Nguan (PSB) | align=right|1,790 |13.35% |
| {{party shading/Independent}} |
|Hii Tiong Huat (IND) | align=right|313 | align=right|2.34% |
| {{party shading/State Reform Party}} |
|Jess Lau (ASPIRASI) | align=right|209 | align=right|1.56% |
Current appointments
- State Political Education Bureau Director, Democratic Action Party Sarawak (2024-2027){{Cite web |title=Sarawak representatives |url=https://dapmalaysia.org/en/sarawak-representatives/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=DAP Malaysia |language=en-US}}
- Chairperson, Democratic Action Party Lanang Road Branch (2024-2025)
- Chief, Democratic Action Party Women's Wing Lanang Division (2024-2027)
Publication
File:IreneChang LastWritings.jpg
In 2021, Chang released Last Writings, a diary authored by her late husband, Wong Ho Leng. Last Writings, compiled by Chang with her five children was released on 21 June 2021, which was the 7th anniversary of her husband’s death. The book records Wong’s thoughts, fears, struggles and his determination to fight cancer as he walked on through his cancer journey. Last Writings is available in English and Mandarin version.{{Cite web |title='Last Writings' by late Bukit Assek rep up for pre-order today |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/06/21/last-writings-by-late-bukit-assek-rep-up-for-pre-order-today/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Borneo Post Online |date=21 June 2021 |language=en-US}}
- Last Writings (2021) {{ISBN|978-967-19903-0-8}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chang, Irene}}
Category:Democratic Action Party (Malaysia) politicians
Category:Members of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly
Category:Women MLAs in Sarawak
Category:21st-century Malaysian women politicians
Category:Alumni of the Dickson Poon School of Law