‘Funds for RTP, MRP spent prudently and with transparency’

KUCHING: The allocations for Rural Transformation Programmes ( RTP) and Minor Rural Projects ( MRP) are spent prudently and with transparency.

The allocations are also closely monitored by State Implementation and Monitoring Unit ( SIMU) in the Chief Minister’s Department, and following the guidelines set by state Treasury Department.

Thus, the question of abuse of the allocation by Barisan Nasional ( BN) elected representatives as claimed by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen does not arise.

Chief political secretary to chief minister Abdullah Saidol refuted Chong’s allegation at a press conference yesterday.

“His ( Chong) allegation to implicate BN elected

His (Chong) allegation to implicate BN elected representatives abusing the allocations (for RTP and MRP) is unscrupulous and wicked. Abdullah Saidol, Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs

representatives abusing the allocations ( for RTP and MRP) is unscrupulous and wicked,” Abdullah, who is also Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs, said.

Abdullah said the RM5 million allocation for RTP is not cash given to the elected representatives, but the total cost of projects in each constituency.

Chairman of Barisan Nasional Back Benchers Club ( BNBBC) Paulus Palu Ngumbang, who also spoke, said all the projects and money spent were done following procedures.

“We have a database of projects with the Resident office or district office, and before the projects are implemented we would have meetings, before the projects are awarded to the implementing agencies.

“Chong’ s accusation is just playing to the gallery and for his political game,” he said.

He added that the RTP was initiated by the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, and continued by the present Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to transform rural areas.

He urged Chong to go to the rural areas to see for himself what need to be done to help the rural people, and not make wild allegation.