KUCHING: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has called on Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen to direct his queries regarding the awarding of school security contracts to Peninsular Malaysia-based companies to the relevant federal ministries.
He also urged Chong, who is also the Stampin MP, to question the Ministry of Education (MoE) on why Sarawak companies were overlooked in favour of Peninsular firms for school security contracts.
He further asked Chong to raise concerns with the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) over the high rejection rate of security company licence applications in Sarawak.
Willie’s remarks followed Chong’s statement in The Borneo Post on Dec 17, where he alleged that Sarawak companies were marginalised and sidelined in the tendering process for school security contracts.
“I agree that Sarawak security companies are being marginalised and sidelined when it comes to the award of tenders and contracts for security services in the state’s public schools but this is nothing to do with the GPS government when the security companies licence and tender of security services in the state’s public schools are totally a federal matter.
“Therefore, Chong claimed that the Sarawak Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government should take full responsibility to ensure such tenders and contract works are awarded to local companies are act of ignorance on the procedures and political narrative to crafted the blame on GPS government,” Willie said.
Chong’s statement mentioned in order to make site visits to these schools, these non-Sarawak security companies and their directors would have to first obtain a work permit and working visa from the Sarawak Immigration (Department) before they can legally carry out their site visits.
“This is not true, it is embarrassing to note that Chong is a lawyer, current ADUN, Member of Parliament and former federal deputy minister doesn’t check his facts.
” How come a legislator like him doesn’t know under Section 66, Part VII of Immigration Act 1959/63, stated that a citizen shall not be entitled to enter an East Malaysia State without having obtained a permit or Pass is for work only, because Immigration Circular Vol. 1/2003 allows the use a Social Visit Pass for citizen (foreigner) whose entry into Malaysia for the purpose of 12 activities including site visit, business recce or business discussion.
“So, permit or visa are not required for this purpose. The above circular is also exercised by the State Authority of Sarawak as well,” Willie pointed out.
Thus, he said Chong should act as real government MP by helping more Sarawak security companies to obtain licence from KDN and guide them on how to participate in tendering process.
He added that Chong should know that most of the security companies that got the contact here are from peninsular are also lobbied by Sarawakian businessman to obtain the contract.
Willie said currently there are 14 security in Sarawak and most are run by non-Bumi businessmen, most of the Bumi directors are just nominees.
“So, my advice to Chong is to check his facts before he fire the salvo to GPS government and he should asked the Ministry of Education on why so many Peninsular companies being awarded the contract,” he added.
