By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Feb 8: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is pressing for contractors, especially Bumiputera contractors, to deliver if awarded any Sarawak government projects.
He said Sarawak overall needs to deliver in terms of development projects especially when Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) is now recognised as a technical department by the federal government.
“I fought for it. And now JKR Sarawak is a technical department and the federal government has given Sarawak the authority to implement projects below RM50 million.
“I requested for it. Devolution of power, we got it. But now, I hope the implementation is there.
“Otherwise, (Prime Minister Dato Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) will say, ‘Abang Jo, we gave you the authority but how come there’s no implementation?’,” said Abang Johari.
He therefore strongly urged local contractors to be responsible and not abandon projects awarded to them when faced with problems.
“That’s why I need us all to work together especially the Bumiputera contractors who are given the job. Please do it.
“Try to simulate the project itself so that you know how to manage the project and implement the project.
“If you have to work with non-Bumiputera contractors, work together. Don’t just give up. (‘Jangan lepas tangan terus’). Work together with others,” said Abang Johari when officiating at the ‘New Initiatives to Enhance Sarawak’s Construction Industry’ seminar at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Deputy Premier-cum-Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Minister of Port Development Dato Majang Renggi, and JKR Sarawak director Richard Tajan were among those present. — DayakDaily
