MIRI – A member of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government has denied claims that the coalition’s leaders are engaging in project announcements, symbolic ground-breaking ceremonies and contract signings to put up a show for the 12th state election.
Datuk Julaihi Narawi, the caretaker state assistant minister for infrastructure development, went public to defend the flurry of activities of late, assuring that GPS plans to realise every project it promises to the people.
He said GPS will make good on all the projects being promised once it receives the mandate from the voters to form the next state government.
“I know there are criticisms being thrown at us alleging that we in GPS are announcing all sorts of grand projects now just because of the state election. These critics are wrong,” he said.
“I must admit the timing of the announcements of projects now is very close to the state election, but we (GPS) intend to fulfil these promises.
“The projects we are announcing are for the rakyat,” he said when inspecting a project site in Demak Laut near Kuching today.
Julaihi, who is incumbent assemblyman for Sebuyau, cited as an example a bridge and highway project at Sejingkat near Kuching city announced by caretaker chief minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg on Sunday.
He said critics were swift in criticising Abang Johari, accusing him of making another promise timed for the coming polls.
“This is not a gimmick for the state election. There are real plans for the project to commence,” he said.
He said the state government hired a contractor and allocated RM485 million for the project, which is targeted for completion in 2025.
Sarawak is heading towards the state polls following the dissolution of the state assembly on November 3. The Election Commission must set a polling date within 60 days from the dissolution. – The Vibes, November 23, 2021
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