Chong: Poor drainage at Stampin fault of ministry, not DAP

KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen has slammed SUPP leaders for using the lack of basic infrastructure at Stampin Resettlement Scheme area as a propaganda against the DAP.

Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman, pointed out that the problem with the lack of proper drainage at the resettlement scheme had been the failure of the Local Government Ministry, led by SUPP leaders.

“Although we are elected representatives, we do not collect a single cent of tax from the people. It is the government that taxes people, so it is their duty to bring development.

“The lack of proper drainage at Stampin Resettlement Scheme is a problem created by the lack of commitment from Kuching City South Council ( MBKS), which is under SUPP minister, with many councillors from SUPP also,” he told reporters yesterday.

Chong said that DAP submitted a report or a survey conducted from Lorong 1 to Lorong 47 of the Stampin Resettlement Scheme to gather the problems and issues faced by the people and submitted it to four agencies – Drainage and Irrigation Department ( DID), Public Works Department (JKR), MBKS and the Chief Minister’s Department.

He said only DID and JKR responded, telling him that the matter was under MBKS jurisdiction.

“In past elections, SUPP had the highest voters from Stampin Resettlement Scheme among all the polling districts in Kota Sentosa.

“It is ironic that SUPP is neglecting its own strong area, as all other areas under Kota Sentosa ( jurisdiction) have concrete drains.”

On a separate note, Chong believed that it is unfair for the Inland Revenue Board ( IRB) to impose 100 per cent penalty on those filling incorrect income tax returns starting next year.

“We do not condone tax evasion but sometimes, it could be due to honest mistakes when people file wrongly. We oppose such an unreasonable taxation scheme – penalising them 100 per cent is too oppressive,” he opined.

Chong spoke at a press conference yesterday, which was also attended by Stampin MP Julian Tan, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and Chong’s special assistant Dr Kelvin Yii.