By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 14: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has criticised the sluggish pace of several government projects, pointing out that some remain stalled despite funds already being allocated and announcements made at the highest level.
Abang Johari expressed frustration that implementation on the ground does not reflect the decisions made at Cabinet level.
“Sometimes, I announce a project, but the actual implementation on the ground doesn’t follow. I don’t know where the weakness is along the line.
“Allocations were given, but on the ground, they don’t seem to be implemented as quickly as possible.
“I ask that the agency coordinating the implementation go on the ground. As long as the project has been announced by me or my Cabinet colleagues and allocations have been provided, it must be implemented quickly,” he said during the Sarawak Premier Department’s Aidilfitri gathering at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here, which was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook page today.
The Premier cited the upcoming Borneo Convention Centre Kuching 2 (BCCK2) as an example, stating that it was decided today the project will begin implementation and is expected to be completed by April 2028, in time for an international water conference.
“Kalaunya lambat, sine nak engkah sidak tok. Malu juga kita. (If we’re late, where are we going to put these people? It would be embarrassing for us too). We’ve become a major conference destination—we’ve even beaten other countries.
“But if it’s completed on time, everything will fall into place. I’ve already decided that it should be expedited.
“That’s just one example, and I hope all projects for the people, announced by me and my Cabinet colleagues and already funded, will be implemented as soon as possible,” he said.
Abang Johari further said that the concern had prompted a slight restructuring within the Sarawak Cabinet, and he called for stronger cooperation between the public service and the State leadership to drive Sarawak’s continued progress.
He also urged departments and agencies to not only monitor progress but to be physically present at project sites to ensure proper implementation.
Acknowledging that the push for timely delivery may increase workloads, especially during festive periods, Abang Johari said it is necessary for meeting Sarawak’s Vision 2030 goals. — DayakDaily
