KUCHING – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob does not want the practice of appointing rescue contractors to persist, and has called for closer monitoring of government projects from the get-go to ensure they are completed according to schedule.
The prime minister said contractors who were late or failed to complete projects not only undermined the government and people’s aspirations, but also caused project costs to increase.
“The existing contractors should be monitored (closely) until the work is completed because if it involves such a delay, the hopes of people in this area and the government to get a hospital will be affected – and, worse still, the cost will rise,” he told a press conference after visiting the Petra Jaya Hospital (HPJ) project site here today.
For HPJ, the rescue contractor began work on the uncompleted portion of the abandoned works early this year and the hospital is expected to be in full operation in 2024.
HPJ was once categorised as a “sick project” after it fell behind its scheduled completion date of November 2016 due to delays in construction.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the Sarawak administration has made several requests to the federal government to facilitate development in the state, especially in rural areas.
He said the requests were made when he attended a development briefing by the state Economic Planning Unit this morning, in the presence of Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
“What was raised just now concerned development in rural areas, the need for water utilities and roads to be upgraded, and the important thing, I was told, is to upgrade dilapidated schools or build new ones throughout Sarawak,” he added.
Ismail Sabri said Implementation and Coordination Unit director-general Datuk Ruji Ubi had been directed to hold discussions with state secretary Datuk Jaul Samion on matters under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) involving the state.
“By the end of 12MP, I hope these matters can be resolved. I have given my commitment to the Sarawak government that we will help in terms of rural development,” he said.
Asked if there would be good news for Sarawak in Budget 2022, Ismail Sabri said: “God willing, if I announce it today, you won’t follow the (budget) announcement later… wait.”
On the Sarawak elections, he said the Election Commission has yet to table standard operating procedures for the polls, which are speculated to be held soon.
“Not yet... let’s not pre-empt the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The dissolution (of the state assembly), setting of dates and lifting of the emergency order are all under the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Let’s just wait,” he said.
During his inspection of the HPJ project site, the prime minister was accompanied by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian. – Bernama, October 23, 2021
