BA KELALAN assemblyman Baru Bian lost his cool and composure when Sarawak’s Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Julaihi Narawi accused him of being “afraid of his boss” for failing to defend the interests of the state in Putrajaya.

Julaihi, when answering a question on the state’s coastal road during question time today, also accused Baru – the federal works minister – of not fighting for development funds.

Baru, in an unusually loud voice, interjected to cite a standing order and to request speaker Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar to order Julaihi to retract the accusation “takut sama boss” (afraid of the boss) as it was imputing improper motive.

Julaihi was again harping on Pakatan Harapan’s failure to honour the decision of the previous Barisan Nasional government to bear part of the cost of the construction of three bridges – over Batang Lupar, Rambungan and Batang Igan – on the state’s coastal road.

“I have never been this disappointed.

“When you have imputed with improper motives, I have to stand up. It has to do with our integrity and credibility.

“There’s no such thing as being scared with the boss,” he told Julaihi and the assembly.

Baru, who holds both state and federal seats, said federal ministers discuss issues openly in cabinet meetings.

He denied that the withdrawal of funding of the three bridges meant he was not fighting for the rights of Sarawak.

Later, speaking to reporters, Baru reiterated that the decision was made because the coastal road is a state road and “therefore, the federal government does not have the purview to their construction” and the financial constraints faced by the country.

“We are really in a bad situation. It is not because we are not fighting for the rights of Sarawak,” he said.

Baru, who is also the Selangau MP and Sarawak PKR chief, said the financial constraint was “a legacy that we have inherited from BN”.

He said BN approved projects without looking at the financial standing.

“When we took over the government, we realised we are in bad shape and we can’t make it worse.”

Baru said the BN penchant of approving projects “just to be popular” was an irresponsible act. – November 6, 2019.