BAU: The general manager of Dewan Suarah Bau yesterday explained why the UPSR students’ excellent incentives for Serumbu Zone presentation ceremony attended by Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo Willie Mongin was not held at the civic centre on April 20.
Luke Piee Joheng explained, “The Dewan Suarah Bau is the property of the state government and it is the prerogative of the state government.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sport Sarawak, as the custodian of the property through its permanent secretary (SUT), has reminded us (standing order) to refer to him (ministry) and the chairman of Board of Management of any direct request from opposing politicians to use the hall.”
Luke was asked to reply to accusations by Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders and supporters that the management had refused requests from PH to hold its functions at the hall.
He said the management did not reject outright the request by the organiser to use the main hall for the function and had, in fact, blocked it on the date for him.
“But when I discussed the booking of the hall and other supporting facilities needed for the event with my staff, I was told the guest of honour would be the Puncak Borneo MP.
“I followed through by calling the headmaster who is the organising chairman of the event and he answered in the affirmative.
“I knew that all school heads needed a written permission within two months from the education director to invite any politicians (from both sides) to schools or any programmes involving students.
“I knew he was not aware of the ruling and that it would be unwise to collaborate with him, nonetheless I advised him through the phone to come and see me personally to iron things out,” said Luke.
He added that he did not say “yes” or “no” to the headmaster’s request but instead drafted an official letter for him to the ministry’s permanent secretary for his kind consideration regarding the request.
The headmaster said he would turn up the next afternoon to collect the letter but instead of turning up, he called to withdraw his request.
“Actually, I would willingly accompany him to see our SUT but instead, he withdrew his request and he sounded jovial and thanked me for my cooperation,” said Luke.
He added that on behalf of the civic centre, he apologised for any inconveniences caused.
The function was instead held at Krokong Multi-purpose Hall in Bau on April 20.
Meanwhile, a parent who did not want to be identified, said nowadays many schools had big halls which could be used for such functions.
