Sarawak DAP chairman: Nothing wrong with naming beer ‘Santubong’

Sarawak DAP chairman: Nothing wrong with naming beer ‘Santubong’



Chong Chieng Jen stressed that the bigger concern was not about a single product name, but about Sarawak gradually sliding into the same hypersensitive and overzealous political culture it has long prided itself on avoiding. — The Borneo Post pic

Friday, 19 Sep 2025 6:12 PM MYT


KUCHING, Sept 19 — Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen sees no issue with naming a beer ‘Santubong’, saying it should be viewed as a way to honour the place and promote Sarawak’s identity.

The Stampin MP said Sarawakians ought to embrace such initiatives as part of showcasing the state to the wider world.

“Just as we proudly market products like Borneo Fresh Pork to Singapore or our locally produced wine, Sarawak tuak.

“The naming of a beer inspired by ‘Santubong’ is simply part of showcasing Sarawak’s identity and heritage,” he said in a statement today.


Chong was responding to news that the locally brewed ‘Santubong’ beer had been withdrawn from the market by its distributor following protests from Santubong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and her constituents.

He questioned why Sarawakians had suddenly become so sensitive that even the naming of a beer could be deemed offensive.

He said he would expect such a thing to happen only in Peninsular Malaysia.


“But to see it happening here in Sarawak, and spearheaded by Nancy Shukri, is deeply disappointing. Her so-called ‘victory’ over the Santubong beer issue is in fact a setback and a loss of a small yet precious part of Sarawak’s values of tolerance and harmony,” he said.

Chong stressed that the bigger concern was not about a single product name, but about Sarawak gradually sliding into the same hypersensitive and overzealous political culture it has long prided itself on avoiding.

“Today, it’s a beer brand. What will it be tomorrow? How much more of Sarawak’s unique identity are we willing to give up just to pander to race, religion and political theatrics?” he asked. — The Borneo Post