Masing speaking to reporters yesterday.
KUCHING: The people should refrain from making accusations on the awarding of contracts for the Pan Borneo Highway project.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said it was premature for people to jump to conclusion as at the moment the contracts have yet to be finalised.
“The one that has been finalised is Shin Yang, which I believe is a Chinese-based company,” he said yesterday when asked to comment on state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s recent statement claiming that the board of the main contractor – Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU) – was controlled by Peninsular Malaysians and there was not a single Dayak in the board of directors or shareholdings of LBU or its holding companies.
Masing said that Chong’s accusation was therefore unfounded.
“Until it is decided by Pan Borneo Highway authorities, I do not think we should pre-judge who have or have not been awarded the contracts.”
Nevertheless, he agreed to a point raised by Chong, who is Kota Sentosa assemblyman, that the contracts should not be given only to one race.
“I hope the contracts will be given to contractors of different races and I am sure it will be done along that line.”