KUCHING: The construction of a RM30 million flagpole in Sarawak is a waste of money and insensitive to the needs of many Sarawakians who are grappling with the rising cost of goods and services.
The CSO Platform for Reform also said many rural residents in the state still lack basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, access to healthcare and adequate network connectivity.
“Thus, we urge the Sarawak government to demonstrate good governance, especially in the approval for such a project and the proper management of funds,” it said in a statement yesterday (Jan 30).
It was previously reported the state has planned to erect the 99m-tall flagpole, set to be the highest in Malaysia and costing RM30 million.
However, the Premier of Sarawak’s Office had clarified that the tallest flagpole project in the state will be funded by a private entity as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sarawak joining the Malaysian Federation on Sept 16, 1963.
However, the CSO Platform for Reform said, if indeed it is a CSR project, such funds should be used to improve citizens’ quality of life, and not to construct ‘overpriced’ flagpoles.
It added that the world’s tallest flagpole, measuring 171m, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was built at a cost of only RM21 million. Meanwhile in Pretoria, South Africa’s 100m flagpole cost only RM5.4 million.
“The Sarawak government should encourage private companies to prioritise initiatives that align with the needs and interests of the public and to be mindful of public interests and align with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for responsible spending in the country.”
The statement was also endorsed by Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat (PPDM), Terabai Kenyalang Heritage Association of Sarawak (TKHAS), Purplelily Social Association Kuching (Purplelily Kuching), Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS), Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (PERAIS), SAVE Rivers, Lawyer Kamek for Change (LK4C) as well as the Persatuan Pemuliharaan dan Pemeliharaan Alam Sekitar Sarawak (PELIHARA).
