Don’t ask me, ask MACC
Julaihi tells Chong, King Wei to wait for result of MACC probe on their allegations instead of demanding answers from him
KUCHING: Democratic Action Party ( DAP) leaders should wait for the outcome of an investigation by the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) on the Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road projects instead of demanding for answers from the state government.
Assistant Minister for Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi said DAP Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen was the one who recently lodged a report with MACC, making wild allegations against the projects.
He also wondered why DAP assemblyman for Padungan Wong King Wei challenged him to disclose all the details on those projects within a specified period.
“YB Wong needs to be reminded that they ( DAP) are the ones who made that wild allegation and lodged a report with MACC. Therefore, they should wait or ask MACC for the outcome of its report.
“Chong and Wong seem to know a lot of things about the projects, so what is there for us to disclose?” he said in a statement sent via WhatsApp yesterday when prompted for comments on Wong’s challenge.
Last Friday, Wong challenged him to disclose all the details in awarding contracts for two upcoming projects – the Coastal R oad and Second Trunk Road – believed to be valued at RM5 billion and RM6 billion, respectively. He demanded that Julaihi disclose the details in three days.
Recently, Chong alleged that the two projects were going to be awarded to two companies without open tender.
He lodged the report with MACC last Thursday, calling on the authorities to launch a probe into the projects which he alleged were grossly overpriced.
They (DAP) are the ones who made that wild allegation and lodged a report with MACC. Therefore, they should wait or ask MACC for the outcome of its report. Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister for Coastal Road
Julaihi said Chong and Wong should first disclose how they acquired the information on the two development projects.
“Perhaps Chong and Wong should disclose who gave them all those figures that they mentioned about the projects.”
Julai h i , who is Sebuyau assemblyman, pointed out that the two projects “are the initiatives of the current Sarawak state government with the sole intention to accelerate development in the rural especially the coastal areas.”
Julaihi claimed DAP Sarawak never showed any keenness to help the rural folk because most of the DAP supporters reside in the urban areas.
“All their efforts and hard work are always about playing politics and to secure political power at all cost.”
Julaihi added that the state DAP should focus on fulfi lling the Pakatan Harapan ( PH) 100- day manifesto and ensure Sarawak regain its rights and interest.
In a statement issued on Friday, Wong said the two projects would cost Sarawak RM11 billion in total, which is a very substantial amount equivalent to one-third of the state reserve fund.
He added that these projects should not be awarded by direct negotiation.