KUCHING, May 5: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has urged Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen to focus on sourcing more funds for Sarawak’s development that would benefit the people, particularly those that fall under Federal purview, instead of picking unnecessary fights and blaming others.
While acknowledging and thanking Chong, who is also Stampin MP, for requesting funding in Parliament for the building of a new fire station in Stampin constituency, Lo however emphasised that more needed to be done as Sarawak requires at least 21 more fire stations.
“To be fair, we must also say thank you to Chong for successfully securing funds for one fire hydrant at Mile 3. But there are many more of these old fire hydrants buried beneath the roads in Kuching.
“And no, MPP (Padawan Municipal Council) did not bury these hydrants. Instead of blaming others as a result of his ignorance given that Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) is under Federal jurisdiction, Chong should get cracking and do his job as Stampin MP to upgrade these old fire hydrants,” he said in a statement today.
Lo added that Chong should not shun his responsibility and pass the buck around for issues surrounding the Mile 8 flyover and Mile 15 roundabout, which were built on federal roads.
He also went on to criticise Chong’s assistants for not understanding how the below RM50 million projects are implemented in Sarawak that made the DAP sounded like they were against development for the people in Sarawak.
“As I have reiterated again and again, Mile 8, Mile 15 and Bomba issues are under Federal purview. As such, the request for funds falls on the MP who has been elected by the people to do the job.
“Don’t push to our Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He is not a Stampin MP. He will get his Ministry to implement the projects once the funds have been approved in Parliament and the projects can be allocated to JKR for implementation. There is a correct procedure and protocol to these matters, something Chong as a five term MP should know about,” he added.
Lo also expressed disappointment when Chong ridiculed his proposal for a flood mitigation project for Kampung Quop that is estimated to cost RM400 million.
Highlighting that Sarawak contributes RM80 billion to Federal coffers every year, Lo questioned if it is too much for Sarawak to ask RM400 million from the Federal government to alleviate flash flooding problems in Kampung Quop.
“Additionally, DAP even tried to shoot down plans for a new council building and facilities for residents. Chong kicks up such a fuss over any spending on development for Sarawak but keeps quiet when Penang spends RM46 billion on the Penang Transport Master Plan when PH (Pakatan Harapan) came into power,” he pointed out. — DayakDaily
