No strings attached in abolition of bridge toll – Wong
SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh stressed yesterday the waiving of tolls for both Lanang and Igan Bridges were unconditional.
Speaking in a press conference yesterday here, Wong, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, said this was the decision of contractors Shin Yang and KTS Groups of Companies.
He assured there were no bargain between them and the State Government, adding the contractors had decided not to impose tolls out of their noble act in social responsibility,
Wong said: "I was there when the meeting was held recently between the contractor (Shin Yang) and the chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) to discuss on the toll waiving issue (Of Lanang Bridge). I even helped draft Shin Yang's letter on their decision to waive the bridge toll. The discussion came with no attachment of bargain or exchange of any sort."
He said following that, Adenan announced the decision in the State Assembly meeting, adding the whole process of the discussion and decision to waive the toll was transparent and sincere.
Wong said this yesterday because he was saddened the opposition had stirred an issue out of this to discredit the noble act of the State Government and the contractor for the sake of the people.
"I am saddened Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei has tried to mislead the people, hinting there was an "under table business" involved in the discussion and decision.
"If we allow such dishonesty of the opposition to brew, who will dare to contribute to the society in future?"
Soon Koh said the decision to waive the bridge toll had benefited people of the political divide, and therefore, it was unwise for the DAP to cook up a controversial issue for political gain.