‘Almost all devt projects implemented without embezzlement’
KUCHING: Nearly all development projects in Sarawak are implemented without any embezzlement, said Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office ( Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
“To my knowledge, all implemented in good faith; problems cannot be avoided but the amount is small. If the amount is big and implemented well, then it means the system and monitoring work are efficient,” he said after launching the Premier Walkabout Programme held in conjunction with the World Anti- Corruption Day 2018 yesterday.
Citing the Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) projects, Talib said every state constituency was allocated RM5 million but such fund was channelled through the respective Resident’s Offices ( RO).
He added that these RTP projects “are implemented and monitored by the RO”.
“And so they are not related to the ADUN (state assembly persons). But accusations still happen, asking where the money is, and saying that the money has gone into the pocket (of ADUN).
“This is an example of people making up odd stories, so we must believe in audit and SPRM ( Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission - MACC),” he said.
Talib, who is Jepak assemblyman, stressed that there was no way for state assembly persons and officers of the RO to benefit from the RTP fund.
“Projects are done through open tender, so elements of misappropriation will not be involved. But there are quarters who want to twist the story by saying that there are problems with it.
“Yet when we ask (the accusers) which projects have problems, they keep quiet,” he explained.
When a journalist sought confirmation on whether all state projects are ‘corruption free’, Talib said it was so to his knowledge.
As of yesterday, the minister said no one person had complained directly to him about state projects involved with any embezzlement.
“If someone complains, I will investigate with SPRM. To date, only odd ones (posts) on Facebook. If I hear, I will investigate. But when we ask which project, they don’t answer.”
He thus called upon individuals who came across problematic projects to provide him with the necessary information so that he could act on it.
He even revealed his personal contact number 012- 8983366 to encourage those with information to help the government fight corruption.
“If there are problematic projects, let me know. We will take action as long as the projects are involved in misappropriation.
“Let’s monitor together. Let’s fight any elements of corruption in any project implementation. I believe our people will support our efforts in fighting any misappropriation,” added Talib.
Among those present were MACC Sarawak director Razim Mohd Noor and Malaysian Anti- Corruption Foundation Sarawak chairman Mohd Faizal Aminuddin.