BE ready for answers on the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), a PKR assemblyman has warned Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.

Batu Lintang rep See Chee How said since the state-owned bank’s establishment earlier this year and the appointment of its chief executive officer in August, there had been no public announcement on the bank’s roadmap, nor has Sim Kheng Boon appeared in public in his capacity as CEO.

See said he would grill Abang Johari on the matter at the state legislative assembly, which convenes next month.

“The deafening silence on DBOS is troubling.

“Sim has yet to make a public statement since his appointment, and there has not been any DBOS statement on its preparation or readiness for its scheduled operation on January 1.”

See, who is also state PKR vice-chairman, said there appeared to be a lack of transparency and the bank did not seem to be accountable to the people, despite being state-owned.

He said there had been announcements by Abang Johari that DBOS would finance many infrastructure projects, like the rebuilding and repairing of 260 dilapidated schools, the proposed light rail transit and improving the state’s ICT infrastructure.

“The chief minister must reveal in detail the plans for these projects.

“Have they recruited anyone? Have they built up their capital and funds, ready to finance the many crucial transformation programmes and projects?

“Enormous sums are required for these projects. I am particularly concerned about the chief minister’s announcement on repairing and rebuilding 260 dilapidated schools in two years.”

See asked how the bank would raise the necessary funds, and the way in which the projects would be carried out and delivered.

“Pledges and promises on the education of our children must not be made lightly. And once these pledges and promises are made, we must deliver them. But, where are the funds?”

He said Abang Johari must also reveal how the various strategic projects funded by DBOS would be implemented.

“There must be transparency and accountability. DBOS is owned and funded by the state, and it is our obligation to keep Sarawakians fully informed of the bank’s operations.” – October 9, 2017.