Amphitheatre proposed for Kpg Haji Baki recreational park, says JKKK
KUCHING: An amphitheatre has been proposed for the Kampung Haji Baki recreational park, according to the village security and development committee (JKKK).
Committee secretary Fadillah Sulaman says the plan seeks to make the once vibrant and popular park useful and beautiful again.
“We have proposed that it be converted to an amphitheatre. The proposal is still at an infancy stage, (it is still) being discussed,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“That area is no longer a playground. It has not been used as a playground for a long time.”
According to Fadillah, currently the park is used by some individuals to take a break, or to loiter.
He also said contractors had been engaged to clean the park from time to time.
Fadillah was reacting to a statement from Michael Kong, a special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who called for the park to be properly maintained for recreational activities.
According to Fadillah, Kong was merely using the poor condition of the park as a publicity stunt.
“The photos shown by Michael Kong were taken before the Covid-19 time. So, it’s not right to use them,” he pointed out.
Separately, Kong paid another visit to the park yesterday to substantiate his earlier claims.
“I’m here to show that I did not make up the story. The park really needs a makeover.
“Just look at the children’s facilities, broken and rusty. They can pose a danger or personal hazards to anyone.
“All I want to say is that such a nice place should always be maintained properly, and be made safe for all,” he said when met at the park.
In a statement issued later, Kong said the neglect of the park could not be justified by vague promises of future improvements.
He noted that following his statement about the matter issued on Monday, his report was being discredited instead of being acknowledged.
“I was dismayed to receive allegations from a member from the nearby residential area suggesting that I had manipulated pre-Covid-19 photos of the park to unfairly portray the local authorities in a negative light.
“Additionally, it is claimed that the playground no longer exists at the park, insinuating an attempt to shield the MPP (Padawan Municipal Council) from accountability after I attributed the responsibility the poor condition of the park to them (MPP).”
Kong regarded such accusations as a blatant effort to discredit not only him, but also the journalists from various media outlets who covered the issue.
“In response, I swiftly invited a reporter for a site visit, confirming that the described conditions, with the accompanying images accurately portraying the park’s current state,” he stressed.
Kong agreed that constructive criticism was crucial for progress, but he was disappointed in seeing attempts to evade responsibility through falsehoods.
“I remain committed to advocating for the welfare of the people and will continue to speak out against inefficiencies and wrongdoing.
“I call upon MPP to cease evading accountability and to take immediate action to address the issues plaguing the Kampung Haji Baki recreational Park.
“Maintenance of public facilities should not be contingent upon future upgrades, and there must be no conditions attached to their upkeep,” he pointed out.