Dr Sim slams Chong for politicising the RM100 mln reimbursement promised by Anwar

KUCHING (July 24): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has criticised Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen for politicising the RM100 million intended as reimbursement for funds allocated by Sarawak to expedite the repair and upgrade of dilapidated schools and clinics.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, clarified that his recent comments on the matter were merely a response to reporters’ questions and devoid of any political undertones.

“When reporters asked me about the RM100 million, I simply stated the fact that we haven’t received anything, nothing more, nothing less. But it is being politicised.

“Since it’s been channelled to JKR (Public Works Department), good lor. Finally, he (Chong) is doing his job as an MP. Isn’t this a member of parliament’s job?

“I am an ADUN (state assemblyman),” he told reporters when met after launching his ministry’s Integrity Day at Wisma Sabati here today.

He was responding to Chong’s statement on Tuesday, noting that the Stampin MP had criticised him for addressing the matter through the press.

According to Chong, he made direct enquiry with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on the disbursement of the funds and spoke in Parliament on the matter.

Chong stated that the MoF had confirmed the funds had been paid into the account of Sarawak JKR, which would be the implementation agency.

In this regard, Dr Sim thanked Chong for finally doing his job.

“This was never a political issue. If you listen to the voice recording, is there a political issue? They had no issue, so they had to make up an issue to gain publicity.

“It shows that we are doing so well that he has to finally do his part and wake up, trying to make publicity. Since he is making publicity, also make publicity lor,” he said.

Dr Sim stressed that there are no existing issues with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting the strong working relationships between Sarawak’s leadership and the federal government.

For the record, Anwar had announced that he would instruct the MoF to release a sum of RM100 million immediately as part of the agreement between Sarawak and the federal government to expedite the repair and upgrade of dilapidated schools and clinics during the Sarawak Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on June 22.

On July 14, Dr Sim, when met by reporters after officiating at the Kuching Autistic Association’s Fundraising Food Fair at Association of Churches Hall, Jalan Stampin, mentioned that the Sarawak government had yet to receive the RM100 million as announced by Anwar.