KUCHING, Feb 8: The hallmark of a good government is not a grand building, but rather the quality of service provided to the people and its responsiveness to their needs, says Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong reminded Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang of this earlier today on Facebook Live while conducting checks in the MPP vicinity.
Chong asserted the proposed RM60 million new MPP building is completely unnecessary, as the current building is still sufficient for the council’s needs.
He also urged the Sarawak government to better spend the enormous sum of money on improving infrastructure in areas under MPP’s jurisdiction and on enhancing services for Padawan residents.
“I urge the Sarawak government to prioritise services to the people over a new grand building for MPP; leaving the existing structure for what purpose? (sic)
“The old one is still usable and sufficient for the council. Therefore, I believe this project should be shelved and the RM60 million of Sarawak taxpayers’ money should be used to improve infrastructure and services for the residents of the MPP area,” he added.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP, stated that the proposed new MPP building’s location at 15th Mile is not ideal, as the current location at 10th Mile is far better.
“The proposed new MPP building’s location at 15th Mile is not as good as the current location at 10th Mile in terms of accessibility for the people and accessibility of the office and services for the people.
“MPP’s jurisdiction extends from 5th Mile up to 17th Mile, with the 10th Mile being at the centre.
“What’s more, from the 5th to 10th Mile, where the areas are more densely populated, more people will find it easier to access MPP services,” he stressed.
Also present was Michael Kong Feng Nian, a special assistant to Chong. — DayakDaily
