KUCHING, Nov 8: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has urged Michael Kong to produce Sarawak Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) report card regarding projects and federal funding secured for the constituency to demonstrate their accountability and competency through tangible results rather than by merely making complaints, criticisms, rhetoric, or hopeful promises.
Yap said he agreed with Kong, the special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, that the reputation of political parties of elected representatives are based on genuine hard work and serving the interests of the people they represent.
“As such it would be more accountable, credible and transparent for Michael Kong to publish the number of projects and (breakdown of) federal government funding to resolve the infrastructure problems that has been secured by YB Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin MP) for the constituency of N12 Kota Sentosa using his own effort.
“When compiling the list, I hope Michael Kong is aware of the Malay saying ‘Lembu punya susu, sapi dapat nama’ (It’s the cow’s milk, but the bull gets the name, which means getting credit or recognition for something that someone else did),” he said in a statement today.
The two politicians have been bickering over the use of political logos on government aid for schools which Kong viewed as inappropriate, while Yap questioned the fuss highlighting that DAP has done it in Perak schools in which its vice chairman Nga Kor Ming also saw as “no issue so long as schools benefited”.
Asserting that Kong is fond in posting and issuing statements for publicity, Yap expressed his reluctance to be dragged into such ‘unhealthy childish arguments’ that served no purposes, especially when it cannot solve problems faced by the people.
“Follow up on the various problems raised with realistic and appropriate actions so as to solve the problems and most problems invariably require funding to resolve.
“In any event, I am more than happy and willing to share with YB Chong Chieng Jen the numerous problems in N12 Kota Sentosa that requires federal funding to resolve,” he said.
Yap encouraged Kong to move beyond mere rhetoric and contribute positively and constructively to effectively represent the constituents of Stampin, of which Kota Sentosa is part of.
He also urged Kong and Sarawak DAP to lobby for more Federal government development funds to resolve the numerous infrastructure problems by raising their concerns and engaging with the relevant Federal ministries and authorities.
“I’m not ‘taichi-ing’ (passing the buck) but will strive to secure more State development funds for Kota Sentosa and continue to highlight and try to resolve issues or problems of public interest affecting the people,” he added.
Yap reiterated his commitment to working effectively to ensure that people-centric projects under his approved Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation totalling RM10 million are delivered on time for the benefit of the public.
“I shall be fair in my assessment by understanding the problems and try to assist (instead of only criticising and complaining) to mitigate existing problems to ensure smooth implementation and completion of all government projects in Kota Sentosa. I will do my part as the elected representative for Kota Sentosa and I hope the MP for Stampin (Chong) will do likewise,” he said. — DayakDaily
