By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s question over the substantial additional travel expenses requested by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, led to a lively exchange with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
Uggah, in defending the extra funding requests, responded by displaying photos of Chong’s past overseas trips during his tenure as a federal deputy minister, which drew laughter from the august House.
Chong who is the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman, had raised concerns about specific items in the Second Supplementary Estimates of Ordinary Expenditure for 2024, presented by Uggah as the Second Minister of Finance and New Economy.
Chong highlighted two travel expense items under the ministry, one initially estimated at RM487,500 but now requiring an additional RM888,000, and another with an original estimate of RM161,400, now requesting an extra RM1.16 million—a seven- to eightfold increase.
Calling it poor budgeting, Chong requested a breakdown of itemised spending.
He also pointed out that this was the second time this year the ministry sought additional funds for travel, with an earlier request for RM2.7 million for overseas trips during the May sitting.
“We are seeking clarification as the Ministry seems to have a tendency for unplanned and unbudgeted overseas trips. This year alone, they are asking for an additional RM3.8 million. The rakyat and we deserve to know where you went, who accompanied you, and what reforms or benefits these trips have brought back to Sarawak,” he told the House.
Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar cited Standing Order 66(4), which restricts discussion to the service provided rather than detailed expenditure.
He ruled that Uggah needs only address the policy governing the allocation.
Uggah then retorted, pointing out that Chong seemed unfamiliar with the rules.
“This is the committee stage. That’s your first mistake,” he remarked.
“I went through a website where I saw you smiling in Shenzhen and Shanghai when you were the Deputy Minister. Who paid for this? DAP kah?,” he asked, holding up a collage of photos of Chong on various trips, which sparked further laughter in the Chamber.
The Speaker intervened, advising Uggah to stick to policy matters, noting that discussing the specifics of trips would lead to endless debate.
After restoring order, Uggah assured that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government follows clear guidelines for overseas travel, requiring Cabinet approval and financial scrutiny.
“Unlike DAP, we adhere to strict policies. All proposed expenses are vetted by the State financial secretary,” he said.
Following the exchange, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill, allowing for an additional RM68,746,470 in expenditure. — DayakDaily
