KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang has disputed Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) defence of its project review policy when it helmed the federal governent, arguing that the exercise affected not only major infrastructure but also community facilities and routine maintenance in Sarawak.
In a statement on Tuesday (July 14), he said PH’s claim that it had only reviewed overpriced mega projects did not reflect the reality on the ground, citing several projects in his constituency whose allocations were reduced.
The affected projects included the proposed Kampung Haji Baki community hall, allocated RM1.5 million, the Haji Baki hawker centre, allocated RM750,000, and Haji Baki cemetery land filling works, allocated RM200,000.
“These are not mega projects. They are basic facilities that directly benefit local communities,” he said.
Lo also claimed funding cuts for grass cutting along the federal road from Kuching to Lawas left roadside vegetation overgrown, affecting both the area’s appearance and road safety.
He also rejected PH’s claim that the Batang Lupar Bridge was put on hold because its RM1 billion cost was too high, saying the figure represented a budget allocation rather than the final contract value, which would only be determined after the tender process.
According to Lo, comparing the bridge with projects such as the LRT3, MRT2 and East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) was misleading because those projects resumed after renegotiation with federal funding, while the Batang Lupar, Batang Rambungan and Batang Igan bridges remained stalled until the Sarawak government financed and implemented them using state funds.
He said this reflected the state government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure instead of waiting for federal funding.
“Whether PH calls it a review, a renegotiation or putting projects on hold, the outcome was the same.
“Projects were delayed, maintenance deteriorated and communities were deprived of much needed infrastructure,” he said.
