DAP has criticised a proposal to build the country’s tallest flagpole on the north bank of Sungai Sarawak in Petra Jaya, said State Tourism, Creative Industry, Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Hamzah.

He said the opposition party had in the past also objected to the construction of a RM31.89 million musical fountain on the waterfront.

“Whatever we do is not right,” said Karim.

DAP is partner with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the federal unity government but is an opposition party in the state.

Its Pending assemblyman Violet Yong had objected to the fountain in front of the state legislative assembly building in 2018.

Her claims and the Auditor-General’s report on the project triggered an investigation into the project by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

However, the anti-graft agency later dropped the probe. The musical fountain is now a major attraction in Kuching.

Yong had said that the project contractor had not adhered to the terms of the contract.

Karim said DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii’s objection to the 99-m tall flagpole, which is four metres higher than the one at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, showed the opposition was running out of causes to champion.

Karim said the state governmnet had clarified that the project would be a private venture.

Last Saturday, the office of the Sarawak premier said the project would be funded by the private sector as “a CSR (corporate social responsibility) contribution in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak as party to the formation of Malaysia”.

It said the area surrounding the site would also be developed to serve as a tourist attraction.

It did not say who would be footing the bill.

Karim recently said the company undertaking the development is “one of the largest in the state”.

He said the flagpole would be the pride of Sarawak and provide photo opportunities on the popular waterfront.

Yii insisted it was a government funded project which gave Sarawak people the right to ask questions.

“They (the state government) cannot just build whatever they want even with additional (surplus) funds. It must be vetted and scruitinised with utmost diligence and the Sarawak government has the onus and greater responsibility to ensure (money is) spent prudently, without wastage, and more importantly (to benefit) the people of Sarawak,” the DAP lawmaker said.

Yii said the project raises the question of priorities.

“Questions need to be asked on why they feel this has to be built in the first place, over many other needs and burdens all around Sarawak, especially those directly impacting (everyday) Sarawakians.” – February 4, 2023.