KUCHING: The tallest flagpole in Malaysia which is set to be erected in Sarawak is to commemorate the state’s 60th anniversary of self-governance.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated that the project is undertaken by private sector entities that wanted to give back to the state. He already mentioned this last Saturday.
“We will help the private sector by identifying the place to put it up,” he said in response to questions from reporters in a press conference here today.
Earlier, Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii urged the state government to reconsider its plans to erect the country’s highest flagpole in Petra Jaya.
“I strongly believe that this is a case of misplaced priorities and a misplaced ‘obsession of optics over substance’.
“Such funds could be better used to invest in public infrastructure or even in our health or education,” he said last week.
Yii pointed out that there are greater needs that can be invested in Sarawak.
“The project shall include the development of the designated site as well as its vicinity and has no relation to the issue of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963),” the Premier’s Office said last Saturday.
It added that the project will become part of the tourism infrastructure in Kuching, as well as show loyalty to Sarawak.
“Hopefully, it will become an inspiration for all Sarawakians to serve Sarawak,” it said.
On Tuesday, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah chided the Opposition for being bankrupt of issues and making a fuss over the project, which is part of Kuching’s ongoing beautification works.
“Last time, there was opposition to the musical fountain. Not all funds are to build schools, hospitals, or roads – if we have leftover funds, it is not a problem to use them to build other infrastructure to beautify the city.
“If our people are suffering, of course, priority will be given to address this. However, we already have additional funds and we can set up a sovereign wealth fund,” he said.
