MPP denies project delay claims, says allegations misleading and politically motivated

KUCHING (Dec 29): Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai has strongly refuted allegations raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen over an alleged delay in project implementation, describing the claims as misleading, politically motivated and lacking factual basis.

In a press statement on Monday, Tan said the council had only received a letter referring to an application for the release of a grant, without any accompanying project details, specifications, bills of quantities or a clearly defined scope of works.

He further explained that without such fundamental information, no responsible implementing agency could proceed with a project or be held accountable for delays.

“This is not how public projects are implemented. One cannot bypass the implementing authority entirely, provide zero technical input, and later pretend to be surprised when the project does not move,” he said.

Tan further pointed out that Chong, who is also Sarawak DAP chairman, having previously served as a deputy minister at the federal level, should be well aware that any project intended for implementation by an agency must involve that agency from the planning stage.

According to him, early involvement is essential to ensure that the project’s design, scope, budget and standards are realistic, implementable and compliant with established government procedures.

“The irony is glaring. DAP leaders often lecture others on governance, yet in this instance, the basic principles of project management were not fully observed,” he added.

Tan also reminded the public that the matter raised by Chong had already been addressed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian during his ministerial winding-up speech at the most recent Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting.

Despite this clarification, he said Chong continued to raise the same issue through media statements, which appeared more aimed at gaining publicity than resolving the matter.

“This is not about serving the people; this is about headlines. Repeating a question that has already been answered and framing it inaccurately is more about publicity than substance,” he said.

Tan urged DAP leaders to refrain from politicising development issues and from making statements that could mislead the public, adding that constructive engagement would be more beneficial for the development of Padawan than seeking media attention.

It is understood that Chong, who is also Stampin MP, was referring to upgrading projects at SK St David’s, Kampung Bumbok, involving a school block and a football or sports field.

His complaint, reported in a local Chinese-language newspaper, included allegations that MPP had refused to implement the projects despite approved federal allocations for them.