KUCHING, Oct 19: It is a known fact that former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng did ask the Sarawak government to repay its loan to the Federal government before funds to repair dilapidated schools would be disbursed, says PBB information chief Dato Idris Buang.
Idris said Lim’s statement made back in 2019 was reported in many national and state newspapers as well as on television and various social media platforms.
“An article published in a newspaper dated July 23, 2019 titled ‘Lim: School repair money is yours, but first pay back’ clearly captured this ‘loan repayment demand’ statement made by Lim.
“There are also many reports and coverages in all the nation and state newspapers, TV and social media that carries this same statement by Lim, including videos of him issuing the demand,” said Idris in a statement today.
Idris who is Muara Tuang assemblyman also questioned Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) sincerity in caring for Sarawak, in view that it cancelled many approved projects in the State during its 22-month administration.
He was responding to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s allegation yesterday (Oct 18) that the Premier was “twisting facts” when commenting on the issue during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak townhall session in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had remarked that he was challenged by Lim four years ago to repay a RM1 billion loan from the Federal government in advance when he urged the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to continue developing schools in Sarawak which had been agreed to before PH came into power.
Meanwhile, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Miro Simuh also brought up a similar news article dated July 22, 2019 reporting Lim’s demand that Miro claimed had disappointed many Sarawakians.
Miro said all Sarawakians are witnesses to how Sarawak’s interests were sidelined by the then PH government including Lim’s claims that Sarawak would be bankrupt within three years.
“This begs the question to Chong, who exactly is twisting facts? Who is turning to gutter politics to save face?” he said in a another statement.
Rather than fighting for Sarawak’s interests, Miro opined that Chong is trying to wash his hands of this incident by pointing the finger at the Sarawak government and the Premier.
“We were all there to witness how Sarawak was treated by DAP and PH and no amount of deception can change this, as far as the people of Sarawak are concerned,” he added. — DayakDaily
