KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) assistant publicity and information secretary Lo Khere Chiang is puzzled over Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s remarks that Sarawak is not bankrupt anymore because it has abolished the light rail transit (LRT) project.
Lo said that previously national DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng had said that Sarawak would go bankrupt in three years after Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the election, and Chong went to defend the latter saying that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had abolished the LRT project and so Sarawak is not bankrupt anymore.
“First, I would like to make it clear here, Sarawak has a reserve of RM33bil and still has RM29bil even today, the biggest reserve in the whole of Malaysia. Penang, as far as I can remember, only has less than RM2bil.
“Penang’s undersea tunnel cost RM6.3bil, while our autonomous rapid transit (ART) project is estimated to cost RM6bil for Kuching.
“Based on that analogy, Penang should go bankrupt first and not Sarawak,” he said in a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Friday (May 20).
Lo went on to say that Lim should look after his backyard first before he picks on Sarawak and Chong should be smart enough to take care of Sarawak to defend Sarawak.
“So what is this? You say Sarawak is bankrupt and then not bankrupt?”
He then called upon Chong and Lim to apologise to Sarawak for being rude and boastful and looking down on Sarawak’s capabilities when PH just won the election.
“When PH won the election, they slashed three major bridge proposals in Sarawak costing hundreds of millions of ringgit. Who is the finance minister then? Lim Guan Eng. DAP lah.”
Commenting further on the state proposed ART project, he stressed that it was in the planning stage.
“The development of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project will be conducted in phases; Phase 1 will involve the development of two lines, namely, the Samarahan Line which covers a distance of about 28km from Rembus to the city centre; and secondly, the Serian Line (24km) from 12th Mile Kuching-Serian Expressway to the Isthmus.
“The project is in the infant stage and expected to be operational in stages around 2025.”
He added that Sarawak did not go ahead with the LRT project, but committed to carry out the ART project, of which was better than the original plan.
“Lim and his DAP obviously have no interest for Sarawak in mind. In the 22 months of PH rule, projects big and small were abolished in Sarawak.
“Promises made, including the recognition and the return of all rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). MA63 was conveniently brushed aside with the excuse that PH manifesto is not the bible!
“Such is the haughty attitude of PH and DAP. No credibility and zero sincerity. My advice to Chong, Lim and his Malaya DAPs, fulfil your empty promises that you made to the people of Sarawak first before you set foot in Sarawak ever again. Stay away from Sarawak,” said Lo.
