Deputy Premier Dr Sim calls out Stampin MP for not taking responsibility of Federal road upgrades

Dr Sim Kui Hian (left) and Chong Chieng Jen.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Nov 28: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has criticised Stampin MP-cum-Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen for only ‘cakap saja’ (all talk, no action) and failing to assume responsibility for allocating Federal funding to upgrade Federal roads in the latter’s constituency to help ease traffic congestion.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, clarified to Chong that the Kuching-Samarahan Road, Penrissen Road, Mile 7, Mile 8, Mile 10, as well as lower Mile 3 to Mile 10, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Tun Jugah, and Batu Kawah Road are all either State or Federal roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.

“The statement from Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan that the said (abovementioned) roads are under my ministry is inaccurate and may be malicious in nature just to target me.

“I urged Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, don’t just ‘tembak saja’ without verifying your facts as false information is not justifiable, nor fair comment, nor qualified privilege in this august House.

“Don’t just cakap saja (talk). As an MP for Stampin and being part of the unity government, he should own up to his responsibility, allocating Federal funding to upgrade these Federal roads in his ‘kawasan’ (constituency) to help solve the traffic jam,” he said when presenting the ministerial winding-up speech during the Second Meeting for the Second Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which was held at the DUN complex here today.

Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, noted that the traffic management within the respective towns and cities in Sarawak are under the purview of not only the local councils, but also JKR Sarawak and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, which covers State roads, Federal roads, and farm roads.

He added that JKR Sarawak and relevant City and Municipal Councils will study all the traffic study proposals to address the traffic jam, taking into consideration their benefits to the people. — DayakDaily