Minister wants approval of federal projects in the state to be documented
KUCHING: The Federal Government must put in writing approval of projects for the state instead of announcing them verbally as has been the case of several federal projects yet to be implemented in the state.
Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin said the state could not implement any of the projects announced verbally as it was impossible to proceed without any written approval.
“Therefore, when any project is approved we expect it to be in black and white. We want it to be put in writing so that we can call for tender and start implementing the project immediately,” he said.
Manyin, who is also Tebedu assemblyman, told reporters this at the launch of the world’s largest floating book fair on board MV Logos Hope at Sim Kheng Hong Port in Pending here, yesterday.
The minister disclosed that he had brought up this matter during his meeting with the Minister of Works Datuk Fadillah Yusof.
“I mentioned this to him when we met recently and hope that he will bring it up to the federal government,” he said.
Manyin added that the road linking Kapit to Song was one of the projects approved verbally but had yet to be implemented because there was no document confirming its approval.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on June 9 here the construction of the long awaited 42 km road would start soon.
Najib also said the federal government had already approved RM480 million to build the road but since the approval was only made verbally the state authorities could not call for tender for the said project.
“That is why when the federal government approved whatever infrastructure projects for the state we hope that the black and white will follow suit straight away,” he said.
On a related issue, said that the federal government should also expedite the implementation of the Pan Borneo trunk road between Kuching and Miri.
“Our dream is to have a dual carriageway from here right to Miri. This is what we Sarawakians have been hoping for and as the minister responsible for communication in the state I will continue to give a push and now it will be easier since the Minster of Works is also a Sarawakian,” he added.
Manyin added that there was a dire need for the federal government to expedite the construction of international standard dual carriage way road from Kuching right to Miri in view of frequent fatal accidents occurring on the trunk road.