KUCHING: The country’s proposed tallest flagpole project here will serve as another landmark to attract tourists.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the RM30 million 99-meter-tall flagpole will not be an issue despite some ongoing criticisms.
He revealed that a private sector firm has come forward to fund the state government project.
“The state government will not simply plan to build such an infrastructure without having its reason. I believe Sarawakians know that the state government is run properly, our revenue especially from the oil and gas has been good,” he said today (Jan 31).
Despite criticisms from certain quarters parties, Abdul Karim said the same thing also happened when news of the musical fountain at Kuching Waterfront leaked out several years ago.
“Last time, there was opposition to the musical fountain. Not all funds are to build schools, hospitals or roads – if we have leftover funds, it is not a problem to use them to build other infrastructure to beautify the city.
“If our people are suffering, of course priority will be given to address this. However, we already have additional funds and we are able to set up a sovereign wealth fund.
“If we did not have the money, we could not set it (the sovereign wealth fund) up,” he added.
For the record, the flagpole is being proposed to mark Sarawak’s achievements in regaining its eroded rights and privileges under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including renaming the position of chief minister as premier.
