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KUCHING, June 21: State funds were not used in any way for Sarawak’s tallest flagpole project, as it is funded by the private sector through a corporate social responsibility (CRS) effort, a political secretary to Sarawak Premier reiterated today.
In response to Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak chief Peter Hee’s statement questioning the RM30 million tallest flagpole in Malaysia, Abdul Samat Gany said the statement reflected Hee’s “sheer ignorance” of the source of funding, as well as the purpose and benefits the project may bring to the people.
“Most would have read and understood pretty well that the erection of the said pole was a private-sector proposition and funded project on its CSR spirit and the State government is only involved in matters related to identifying the site for the project,” said Abdul Samat in a press statement today.
He held that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had clarified the issue back in Feb 2.
“It is pretty clear no funding was made by the State government on this project. So where is the wasting of the State fund and the wrong spending here?” Abdul Samat questioned Hee.
On Hee’s counter suggestion that the money would be better spent on more practical projects, education and poverty eradication programmes, Abdul Samat described it as “blatant ignorance”.
Abdul Samat stressed that the Sarawak government’s annual development budget has been a people-centric one focusing on rural development, including a long term poverty eradication programme such as Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 or PCDS 2030.
“Funding in the tune of billions of ringgit has so far been allocated and spent along these causes that comes from (the) State’s very own coffers particularly on its infrastructure development like bridges, road, water grid and telecommunications to bring the entire rakyat into the mainstream of its development.
“And more continues to be spent from year to year to embark on rigorous development in the State where everyone will eventually enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity and sustainable environment once it attains its status as a high income and developed State by 2030,” said Abdul Samat.
He said while Hee was still in the dark about PCDS 2030, some strategic planning and projects have already come to fruition.
“This full-fledged transformation programme is not mere rhetoric but in fact a reality if you care to read it,” said Abdul Samat, who urged Hee to be rational and be equipped with proper knowledge before making any statements.
Hee in his statement yesterday, said that instead of wasting money and spending RM30 million to build a flagpole that has no practical use, it is better to use the money to benefit the people.
While agreeing that the flagpole may be a symbol of Sarawak’s unity and pride, and a landmark that may attract tourists and investors, Hee deemed its RM30 million price tag was “exceedingly high”. — DayakDaily
