I challenge Sarawak Assistant Minister for Coastal Road, YB Datuk Julaihi Narawi, to disclose all the details in awarding the two upcoming projects of “Coastal road” and “Second Trunk Road”.
The recent exposure of Chairman of DAP Sarawak Chong Chieng Jen that two major State projects, namely “Coastal Road” and “Second Trunk Road”, are going to be awarded to two companies respectively, without open tender.
Both projects are said to be RM 5 Billion and RM 6 Billion respectively.
Assistant Minister Julaihi had on yesterday denied the allegation and said the said two projects are still in finalizing stage. Julaihi disputed the contract sum are as per alleged.
From Julaihi’s statement, one thing for sure is that both the projects will not be awarded in open tender form as there was a non-denial by Julaihi on that.
YB Julaihi is evading to answer the main issue raised By YB Chong, that is the transparency in awarding contracts. Why there is no open tender for major projects of this kind?
I condemn State Barisan National Government for refusing to practice transparency in awarding government contacts.
The practice of cronyism and favourism is still continuing in Barisan National State Government administration despite the recent directive by New Pakatan Harapan Federal Government requires all the major Government contracts have to be awarded in Open Tender.
These two projects cost the State in total RM11 Billion which involve very substantial amount. It is equivalent to 1/3 of the State reserve fund. It should not be awarded by direct negotiation.
I demand Julaihi to disclose the all details of the projects in three days time, including but not limited to, the detail status in awarding the said projects and the identity of the companies which are in the shortlist of the State Government.