KUCHING, Sept 30: Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said not all the projects approved by the federal government were listed in the budget book that is tabled in Parliament.
He said Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen was ignorant of how the government works when he remarked yesterday that projects announced by him (Wan Junaidi) were non-existing but mere empty promises by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“Chong does not know anything. He does not know how the government works. Not all the projects were listed in the budget book tabled in Parliament,” Wan Junaidi said in a statement.
Citing the flood mitigation project of RM250 million, Wan Junaidi said the project was approved in the 2015 budget.
“However, bad floods occurred in Kuching in January 2016. After consultation with the then chief minister, (the late) Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, I requested for RM150 million to be transferred for flood mitigation in Kuching.
“The Economic Planning Unit (of the federal government) approved the transfer,” said Wan Junaidi, adding that Chong should check with both federal and state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to verify this fact.
In terms of allocation for coastal erosion project, Wan Junaidi, who is formerly Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said there was a study done by the federal government on coastal erosion in Peninsular Malaysia.
“When I got to know of the project, I requested for the project to be extended to Sarawak and also requested for a special allocation for Sarawak to solve the issue of coastal erosion. It was approved,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said there was a list drawn up by the DID of Sarawak and Malaysia, which Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman and state Pakatan Harapan chief, should check first before making accusations and exposing his ignorance.
“Chong does not know that when a project is approved, it does not mean it will start immediately. There are feasibility studies to be carried out, land to be surveyed and others. It does not mean that when a project is approved, the money is instantly allocated.
“Chong needs to find out facts about these projects instead of making allegations. Go and find out about these projects with DID Sarawak and Malaysia before making statements showcasing his own ignorance,” said Wan Junaidi.
Wan Junaidi also advised Chong, who is also Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, to stop politicking and focus on ministerial work to improve the livelihood of the people and fight for Sarawak’s rights.
“Chong should look after his ministry rather than talking about things that he is not privy to. Furthermore, he should focus on fighting for Sarawak, instead of politicking,” said Wan Junaidi. — DayakDaily
