KUCHING: Claims by Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak that the Sarawak government did not prioritise dilapidated schools is an attempt at blaming others, manipulating facts and confusing the people.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Government Communication Unit), Abdullah Saidol, said this in response to remarks made recently by PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen. He recalled that even Chong himself acknowledged the Sarawak government’s readiness to take over and implement all state infrastructure projects that were either cancelled or suspended by the federal government.
In using the state’s own money, the government has proven the sincerity of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in providing various types of infrastructure needed by Sarawakians. He noted that conversely, it has shown that the PH federal government has been neglecting Sarawakians. Undeterred, the state government has even made an early repayment of the state’s loan to the federal government so that it would have the fund to finance the repair of dilapidated schools in Sarawak, he said.
So when Chong asked why the Sarawak government has not taken a similar step to take care of dilapidated schools in the state, Abdullah asked if Chong had forgotten that education (which includes schools) is the responsibility of the federal government. It should be noted by all Sarawakians that Chong’s arrogant statement glaringly showed certain things about PH Sarawak which seems to align with Chong’s political philosophy.
“Chong always defends and covers up the weaknesses of his political masters in Malaya, especially the Finance Minister who obviously has failed to manage our nation’s financial affairs which caused our economy to get worse,” said Abdullah. “PH promised us ‘Malaysia Baru’ (New Malaysia), but what is actually happening now is that PH is bringing this nation towards ‘Kerosakan Baru’ (New Destruction).”
He remembered the Finance Minister was the one who said that Sarawak would go bankrupt if it continues to spend a lot on development projects. “Please look at our state financial management track record and rating compared to the current federal administration,” he said.
“Chong’s statement also gave us a hint of the level of commitment and sincerity that Sarawak PH has in terms of pursuing the restoration of state rights and interests. “I don’t think they have the guts to even talk with their masters in Malaya about Sarawak’s needs. I also believe that Sarawak’s future will get worse if PH takes over the state administration. “In a nutshell and in conclusion, I say their political slogans about fighting for Sarawak are all fragile and fake.”
