Bintulu MP questions exhaustion of grass-cutting fund
SIBU: Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing yesterday hit out at the alleged abuse of funds for grass- cutting at federal roads in Sarawak.
In a press statement, he said Pakatan Harapan ( PH) -led government claimed that the contractors had used up grasscutting funds before November and December last year.
“Why have they failed to bring this matter to the MACC ( Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission) for probe, instead of letting the matter pass – as if this is just a trivial matter? It seems now that they are playing the blame game by trying to brush their responsibility aside.”
Tiong singled out Democratic Action Party ( DAP) Sarawak assistant organising secretary Tonny Ung in his attack – he claimed that Ung indicated that they (contractors) had spent all the money before the year was up.
“It is the normal practice that the fund allocation is given out monthly, and when the contractors have completed the works, they must sign the document before it is submitted by the regional office to the headquarters in Kuching.”
Tiong said from there, the documents would be submitted to the federal office.
“How can the contractors use up the funds in advance? As the new government, are you trying to be dishonest – does this act show to the people the way they cheat and put the blame on others for their dishonesty?”
Tiong said DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen had, so far, not explained how the Public Works Department (JKR) in Kuching received order from the federal government to halt grass- cutting for the months of November and December.
“Is it the truth? Or are Chong and Ung play-acting?”
Tiong insisted that the matter be reported to MACC.
“Do what you need to do to show your capability in management for the government. Don’t play political game. You are no longer in the opposition camp, where you could throw irresponsible tantrums and play the blame game.”