KUCHING, June 21: A Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Supreme Council member has come to the defence of his party president, Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, and called on all quarters not to be too quick to judge.
As the state government was in the opposition, Sempurai Petrus Ngelai predicted that allocations from the federal government would decrease and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would thus need other means to finance infrastructure projects.
“Since Sarawak is in dire need of good infrastructure in the rural areas, it would be sensible and an obvious option that the state reserves be used to fund development in these areas,” said Sempurai in a statement today.
He said it was based on this context that Masing had, during the PRS Ngiling Tikai Dinner on June 17, called for Sarawak’s RM31 billion reserves to be used.
“However, Tan Sri’s speech was taken out of context. I was at the function on Sunday night where Tan Sri James Jemut Masing gave his speech. To me it is a suggestion worth pondering.
“What is so wrong with using our reserves now for infrastructure building in the rural areas when our rural areas really are in dire need of roads, water and electricity?” he asked.
Sempurai said Masing made a sensible suggestion for the good of the rural folk.
“I am so disappointed that such a good suggestion had been turned around to be used against him. At the end of the day, who would benefit if Sarawak’s RM31billion reserves are used to develop the rural areas?
“Now that his suggestion had been twisted and shot down, who will benefit and who are at the losing end?” — DayakDaily
