Kuching South mayor slams ‘misleading' credit claim over Lrg Kedandi 2 drainage project
KUCHING (July 10): Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has strongly refuted recent remarks by Michael Kong, special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, over the handling of a drainage project at Lorong Kedandi 2.
During a press conference at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) today, Wee criticised Kong for allegedly misleading the public by claiming credit for federal funding that had, in fact, been applied for by the council through the proper channels.
'Every year, all councils apply for federal funds through a formal process known as Belanjawan Peruntukan, or Budget Allocation Request,' he said.
He explained that the Lorong Kedandi 2 project was submitted last year and again on Jan 3 this year.
'We submitted 41 projects amounting to over RM9 million. Out of that, we received RM1 million.'
Wee called Kong's claims 'disingenuous' and rejected the suggestion that the council had failed in its duties, noting the project had long been in the pipeline, well before Kong's alleged intervention.
He reaffirmed that MBKS had always followed proper procedures and prioritised projects based on urgency and available funding.
'How can someone outside the council claim credit when they have no access to the budget, no understanding of the scope, and no role in technical implementation?'
'If anyone can bypass the system and call a minister for funds, what's the point of having elected representatives or local councils?'
Wee emphasised that the Lorong Kedandi 2 project had been listed as a priority and approved as part of the council's funding submission.
'The documents are here, and the facts don't lie,' he said, while showing reporters the application records.
Wee also dismissed claims that MBKS had done nothing, stating that the council had conducted visits and follow-ups at the site.
'Cement was used as a temporary measure while awaiting full funding approval and it is unfair and inaccurate to suggest we were indifferent or inactive,' he noted.
Kong, in an earlier statement, had accused MBKS of 'continued inaction' despite public complaints, alleging that funding was only secured after direct appeals were made to the federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He also accused the Sarawak government of having misplaced priorities, citing its multi-billion-ringgit commitments to major projects such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and the new Kuching International Airport, while allegedly neglecting basic infrastructure needs.
In response, Wee criticised such remarks as 'politically motivated', stating that they undermine constructive cooperation between government bodies.
'If you have managed to help secure funding, that's good. But don't jump in after the fact and claim all the credit while blaming others. That is not responsible leadership.'
He also pointed out that MBKS had not received any project funding directly through the office of the local Member of Parliament, despite the area's ongoing infrastructure needs.
'Let's be honest with the public. MBKS has always been on the ground, doing its part with the resources available.
'If someone is unable to contribute meaningfully, then at the very least, they should not mislead the people,' he stated.
Wee concluded the press conference by urging all parties to focus on serving Sarawakians with integrity and collaboration.
He emphasised that true love for Sarawak is demonstrated through action and service, not through blame or pointing fingers at others. drainage projects lead Lorong Kedandi MBKS Michael Kong wee hong seng
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