KUCHING: The RM1.5 million allocation from the state government to the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is specifically designated for improving infrastructure within the MPP’s jurisdiction.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin said this in response to the special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong’s comment regarding MPP chairman Tan Kai’s statement that the council only managed to secure RM1.5 million from the state for development purposes.
“For your information, I have only RM5 million in my Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) funding, and I simply cannot use only for Mile 7 even though the area is under my constituency.
“And Chong used to hold the position as Kota Sentosa assemblyman for three terms so what have he done for Kota Sentosa during his tenure.
“The constituency has faced the shortage for development funding. So instead of indulging in the blame game, he (Chong) should do something for the good of the people,” he said.
Yap said this when met by reporters after officiating at the Kota Sentosa Ramadan Bazaar here on today.
He added that Chong has also received huge allocation in RTP funding from the federal government.
“If he does not how to use it, here I am suggesting; repair the drainage problem here, school infrastructure among others.
“Not only that, the allocation can also be used to upgrade the recreational park and even the wet market that we have. Every infrastructure and buildings under my constituency for example, all need upgrade and improvement,” he said, adding that if the allocation was not enough, the MPs or assemblyman/woman should talk to the ministers for additional funding.
“Just like me, I do not have enough funding, and I decided to come to our state minister for additional funding.
“I urge MP from Sarawak, if they ever meet the federal minister, talk to them, let them know, the people in their constituency are suffering and need allocation for development purposes.
“Once they receive it, use it fully for the benefits of the people,” he added.
Earlier, Kong expressed how “baffled” he was with MPP proceeding with plans to spend RM60 million for the construction of a new office building, which he claimed was a case of “misplaced priority” rather than shortage of fund.
“As the MPP chairman, Tan Kai holds significant power and authority to enact significant change to rectify this misallocation of resources.
“It is incumbent upon him to prioritise urgent infrastructure works and halt the trend of extravagant spending,” he said.
