SIBU: Opposition DAP’s attempt to justify its role as a ‘check and balance’ in the implementation of Sarawak’s development projects has come under scrutiny.
In questioning the rationale put forward by Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling, the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Kevin Lau said the reality is that the state government is proactively investing substantial resources to resolve long-standing issues inherited over decades.
In doing so, it is simultaneously preparing Sarawak for future economic growth and rising water demand, he said.
According to him the Sarawak government has been aggressively expanding and upgrading the statewide water supply system under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 framework.
“More than RM1 billion has been allocated for the replacement of ageing water pipes involving over 2,700 kilometres of pipelines across Sarawak,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 26).
At the same time, Lau, said, major upgrading works such as the Salim Water Treatment Plant in Sibu and the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant in Kuching are already underway to significantly increase water production capacity and improve reserve margins statewide.
He explained that this clearly demonstrates that the Sarawak government is not hiding from infrastructure challenges.
In fact, he added, it was only recently in April this year that the implementation of 80 Rural Water Supply Projects (BALB) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), worth RM3.47 billion, was officially handed over to the Sarawak government in order to expedite implementation.
This, he pointed out, reflects the confidence placed in the Sarawak government’s capability to execute these projects more efficiently and ensure faster delivery of clean water supply to the people.
“However, if we apply the same arguments repeatedly used by DAP, then the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project itself serves as a clear example of political inconsistency.
“DAP leaders had once fiercely opposed the ECRL due to concerns over high project costs and fears of excessive national debt. The mega project was even suspended with intentions of cancellation.
“Yet today, after recognising its importance as a catalyst for economic growth and national connectivity, the federal government has proceeded with the project, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke himself continuing to oversee and promote its implementation despite the project being heavily financed through long-term loans.
“This exposes the inconsistency in DAP’s political narrative,” he said.
He said DAP cannot continue hiding behind the excuse of “check and balance” as though that is their only responsibility when they are now a major component of the federal government itself.
In this context, Lau asserted that DAP leaders in Sarawak should instead play a more constructive role by advocating for greater federal allocations and stronger federal support for Sarawak’s development agenda.
“Sarawak still has significant catching up to do in terms of infrastructure and basic development in order to build a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive economy within Malaysia.
“The people of Sarawak expect mature politics that prioritise solutions, implementation, delivery, and long-term development,” Lau added.
