Chong urges S'wak govt to prioritise financial aid over mega projects
KUCHING (June 22):Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged the state government to prioritise easing the financial burden on low- and middle-income groups rather than allocating funds for mega projects.
The Padungan assemblyman and Stampin MP made this call after receiving feedback from the local community during a walkabout in Gala City and Premier 101 commercial centres here yesterday.
Chong said people are struggling financially amid the current economic situation.
'The Sarawak government should focus on how to improve our economy and increase the income sources for our low- and middle-income families.
'This is not the time to give priority to the development of mega projects that involve billions of ringgit,' he said after the event, which also saw him promoting DAP's official magazine, The Rocket.
Chong said the DAP is not against the state government implementing development projects, but many of those mega projects 'do not seem to directly benefit the people as in increasing their income'.
He cited these projects as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, the Second Trunk Road project, and the construction of a Deep-Sea Port and a new Kuching International Airport.
He said enormous funds are required to make these projects happen and this does not help the low- and middle-income groups, who are facing financial difficulties.
According to him, people worry more about whether these large-scale projects would benefit them directly.
'Not only are these projects going to use up tonnes of taxpayers' money, but they do not help increase the income of most people. Money is never enough as far as most people are concerned,' he said.
As such, Chong suggested that the state government shift its focus to developing the manufacturing sector in line with enhancing the state's productivity and increasing job opportunities for locals.
He believed that this would directly increase household income in the state as well as bring Sarawak's economic level to new heights.
Meanwhile, he thanked all those who had supported the DAP Sarawak by purchasing Rocket, hoping that more people would back the DAP to increase opposition voices in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
At present, he said there are only two DAP elected representatives in the august House.
'Given this scenario, the checks and balances mechanism is as good as none. The only way to see a healthy democracy is by having more opposition members, especially from the DAP, in the House.
'This helps ensure that the government of the day will not approve budgets and implement projects as they wish,' added Chong.
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