By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Apr 17: State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian expresses disappointment that while the authorities are working hard on the ground combating Covid-19 pandemic, there are some politicians who are busy making videos of distributing rice for political stunt.
He said these politicians were normally not seen distributing food on the ground, but only in Youtube videos.
“It is extremely sad that at this time, when we are busy with Covid-19 on the ground, some people are so free, still have the time to play politics, and still be so free and have the chance to appear on Youtube carrying rice.
“I don’t see them carrying rice most of the time and it is the only time (on Youtube video that they are) carrying rice – just for show,” said Dr Sim at a SDMC daily press conference today.
He said SDMC has announced many time, anybody who needs the food aid under Sarawakku Sayang Special package announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg can call a hotline at 082-507111.
Dr Sim who is Batu Kawa assemblyman said the hotline has been installed in case there are elected representatives who failed to do their job or that they were unreachable.
“I hope anyone who doesn’t have food, call this number and the district office under the disaster committee will help to make sure that they get some food.”
Dr Sim who is also Local Government and Housing Minister stressed again that RM200,000 allocated for each constituency as funding for special food aid during the movement control order (MCO) time is not with the state elected representatives but is handled by the respective district offices throughout Sarawak.
“This is not playing politics. And the funding has been with the district offices. It is not given to the YBs (elected representatives).”
Dr Sim said this when asked by the media to respond to Democratic Action Party (DAP) State chairman Chong Chieng Jen who had accused the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition of being lopsided in sending out the special food aid.
Chong has more than once criticised both state and federal governments for “forgetting” to provide needy residents with food assistance in areas under the Opposition.
The Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman expressed regrets that both the Federal and State governments were still practising discrimination and persecution against the opposition and the people residing in Opposition-held areas even during MCO. — DayakDaily
