KUCHING, May 11: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) backbenchers blasted Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh for criticising the State government’s approach in managing its finances.
They believed Wong, who was Second Finance Minister for 15 years, should have fought harder to increase the State’s revenue instead of criticising the present administration which has successful raking in much more income than before.
“As Second Finance Minister for so long, he should know very well the State’s way of getting money for the people.
“One of those ways was through State Sales Tax (SST),” Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
Idris said it was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s idea to introduce SST on petroleum products to generate more revenues for Sarawak.
In comparison, the Muara Tuang assemblyman held that Wong did not do enough to seek more revenues for Sarawak during the latter’s tenure as Second Finance Minister.
As a result, Idris opined that Wong who is Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president has disappointed the people who have supported him and voted him in.
At the same press conference, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang expressed the same view as Idris and opined that Wong as Second Finance Minister should be aware of the financial position of Sarawak.
Lo who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang chief pointed out the fact that the state’s financial position remains healthy while Sarawak continues to be the State with the largest reserves in Malaysia.
Apart from Idris and Lo, Jemoreng assembly Datuk Juanda Jaya also joined the chorus and lambasted Wong. — DayakDaily
