It is the right of every Sarawakian to question the government’s spending on any projects or infrastructure and not be merely dismissed as “politicking” or painted as merely an “opposition agenda” especially when it is of public interest and involves a significant amount of public funds.
This is in response to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recent statement that say the construction of the RM 30 million flagpole is a “non-issue” and “should have been something to be appreciated and not turned into an issue for political gain”.
The Sarawak Minister cannot simply expect the public to “appreciate it” and “dismiss” this issue and merely claim that the “Sarawak government has its reasons” when this involves public interest.
They cannot just build whatever they want, as even with additional funds, it must be vetted and scruitinised with utmost diligence and the Sarawak Government has the onus and greater responsibility to ensure its being spent prudently, without wastage, and more importantly benefiting the people of Sarawak.
Fact is, his statement has confirmed that it was the intention of Sarawak Government that wants to build this in the first place involving public funds, only for the private sector to only step in later.
This raise questions on priorities and questions need to be asked on why they feel this has to be built in the first place, over many other needs and burdens all around Sarawak, especially those directly impact normal Sarawakians.
Again, this is in my view, is a clear misplaced of priorities and a misplaced “obsession of optics over substance”.
On top of that, the Minister’s statement contradicts the official Statement released by the Sarawak Premiers office when he confirmed that the construction of the flag pole is to ” remind Sarawakians of how far the State has come especially when claiming back its rights”.
This is contrary to the official statement from the Premier’s office which clearly states that “the project has no relation ro the issue of MA63”.
This has to be properly clarified, if not it will give a perception that the Premier’s Office Clarification was merely an after-thought after the backlash it suffered from Sarawakians themselves.
Fact of the matter, it does not take a flagpole to remind us of the importance of our rights, or for us to be proud as a Sarawakian.
I reiterate that the best way to honour the return of our rights under MA63 is to ensure that such rights translate into direct benefit for the people of Sarawak, not by erecting a mere “monument” which has little significance to any ordinary Sarawakians.
That is why it is imperative imperative that the government is transparent and continue to be held accountable on this matter including justifying the cost of the project itself which is said to be RM 30million for a 99metres flagpole.
In comparison, the tallest flagpole in the world which is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to stands at 171 metres actually cost less and was built at cost of SAR18.7million which is equivalent to about USD4.9 million.(~RM21million)