Wee laments he could have done so much more for Padungan as elected rep

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By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 21: Dato Wee Hong Seng says that Padungan’s future would have been in good hands like seen in Batu Kawah if he was elected as its representative, but now without the upper hand, he would have to leave his plans as proposed in his manifesto to revive the area to the State government.
 
The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor, who was defeated in his first outing in the recently concluded Sarawak Election, admitted that there will be limitations to his capacity in the city council, compared to if he was an elected representative under the ruling government who could go into the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to fight and demand for development funding.
 
“We probably have to go to other channels to do it but I will try my best to fight as the project(s) involved a substantial amount of money. It will cost over RM20 to RM30 million easily.
 
“But we will continue to do our roles as city council. Even though there may be some limitations, we don’t give up on our duties. But if there are matters that need to be brought to the DUN, I won’t be able to speak out for anybody,” he told reporters during the presentation of food aid in conjunction with the festive seasons to KMC Flat residents at a multipurpose hall near Lingga Block here today.

Wee pointed out that the transformation and developments in Batu Kawah constituency within the last five years spoke a lot about the leadership and achievements of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) including its representative Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, which Padungan can only be envious about.
 
“They are much better than the town area. We admire the progress in Batu Kawah with property prices increased, wellbeing of people uplifted and people get to enjoy many facilities and amenities.
 
“I am sure for the next five years, Batu Kawah will see better things and would bring in a lot of revenue with all the developments Dr Sim has and intends to bring.
 
“Compared to Padungan. What to do since the voters have made up their mind, we respect their decisions whether they want people who work or people who shout,” he said.
 
However, Wee emphasised that he is open to working with anyone who is sincere, including Padungan’s new representative Chong Chieng Jen of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
 
He, however, reminded that the elected representative should be responsible and meet the expectations of constituents for the next five years.
 
“Life goes on and I will still be the Mayor until June 2022. We look forward as there are still a lot of things to be done and help the people. Let the actions speak for itself. We will continue to be there for the people,” he added.

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Despite not being able to win Padungan for GPS and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Wee however expressed elation that the people of Sarawak have made the right choice by giving a clear and strong mandate to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari and GPS.
 
“Only those experienced and in the government can actually assist the people. We have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic for two years, we need a strong and stable government which is able to steer Sarawak on the road to recovery and rise up stronger.
 
“Otherwise, it will be difficult to make real progress such as witnessed on the other side (Peninsular Malaysia) with the change of three prime ministers. This showed that the (federal) government is not strong enough with frogs jumping around,” he said.
 
With such impressive results from GPS, Wee is optimistic that Sarawak will recover fast in the next five years. — DayakDaily