Flagpole project: State govt only identified site, says premier

KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s role in the tallest flagpole project is just to identify the site for it to be erected, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the project would be funded by the private sector in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th anniversary celebration.

“The flagpole (project) is a proposition from the private sector because they want to contribute as we are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year.

“We (Sarawak government) just identify the site for them to put up the flag,” he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly here yesterday.

Abang Johari, in a recent statement through his office, said the project would be funded by the private sector as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak as a party to the formation of Malaysia.

The statement said the project would include the development of the designated site as well as its vicinity and that it has no relation to the issue of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

It added that the project would become part of the tourism infrastructure in Kuching as well as to show loyalty to Sarawak.

The Borneo Post on Jan 27 reported that the proposed flagpole would be 99 metres tall, which is four metres higher than the nation’s current tallest flagpole at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur.

The project, which will be sited on the Petra Jaya side of the Kuching Waterfront, is expected to cost about RM30 million.

Since then, the Opposition has been up in arms over the project saying that the funds should be invested in public infrastructure or even in health or education.

Meanwhile, Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi when contacted said Abang Johari will personally announce the name of the company that will finance the proposed flagpole project “when the time comes”.

Dr Abdul Rahman, who is in charge of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) under whose jurisdiction the flagpole is to be erected, said DBKU is just the implementing agency.

He pointed out that the project will be borne by a private entity, and is scheduled for completion by year end.

Asked to name the private entity or company – whether it is a state government-linked company (GLC) or a private company, he told The Borneo Post: “Premier will announce”.