Reactions To Lim Guan Eng’s Demand For RM350 Mln Advance
KUCHING: Tasteless political statements are unnecessary when addressing critical public concerns such as education, says Abdullah Saidol.
The Corporate Affairs Assistant Minister responded to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng statement by saying Lim needed to remember that Sarawak’s education matters were the responsibility of the federal government as enshrined in the constitution.
Lim had asked Sarawak to pay RM350 million first before the federal government can channel the same amount for the repairs of dilapidated schools in the state, and this sparked an outrage.
“There is no need to rake up the past on money we have borrowed, but give more attention to ensure that the school repair works can be expedited,” Abdullah stressed.
He made it clear that Lim must not take the state’s rights lightly.
“This attitude of the federal minister causes Sarawakians to be suspicious of his honesty and sincerity,” he said.
Abdullah said if Sarawak were to be ruled by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, more rights and interests of the state would be eroded.
Back to the dilapidated schools issue, he said the Sarawak government was sincere and seriously care about improving the infrastructural conditions of the schools.
“The state government has all the intentions to fulfill and abide with all the agreed criteria because we don’t want to drag or delay this matter any longer.
“And for all intents and purposes, mutual understanding and cooperation between the relevant ministries and agencies must be cordial so that project implementation to improve dilapidated school in Sarawak can be expedited,” he pointed out.
Abdullah said while the state government was ready to disburse and pay back the loan as agreed, he was also made to understand that the Ministry of Education (MoE) might not have sufficient time to secure the funds from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and implement the project this year.
“Guan Eng wants to remind us about our RM2.352 billion loan. I also wish to remind him to look at the National Auditor-General Report, which shows that the state government never defaulted its loan repayment and is among the top performing states in terms of financial management thus getting high international ratings,” he said.
Abdullah also said Lim should also disclose that all states in Malaysia had loans with the federal government.
“Perhaps he being the Finance Minister should also put some extra effort chasing after the loan repayment from other states so that PH have enough funds to fulfill their promises.
“MoE are quite reasonable in their discussions and negotiations with Sarawak… not too sure about MoE communication and relationship with MoF.
“I can’t help but to assume that other federal ministries such as the Ministry of Work (JKR) are also having problems securing funding from MoF. No wonder JKR are not able to announce anything big for Sarawak,” Abdullah added.
