Abdullah Saidol talks to the press at the State Legislative Assembly’s building media room. Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol has described Sarawak Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s statement on the 2020 State budget yesterday as “malicious”.
Abdullah, who is in charge of corporate affairs and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), told a press conference today that Chong had tried to relate the people-centric initiatives of the state government with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
“It is an attempt to manipulate the transparent and sincere state budget by Abang Johari, and drawing comparison between 1MDB and the state budget (is) a bit too much,” he said, referring to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Yesterday, Chong told journalists the “alternative financing” in the state budget tabled by Abang Johari would lead to another 1MDB scandal.
Explaining what he meant by “alternative financing”, the federal Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister said it was in essence off-budget financing based on a projected revenue and state sales tax for petroleum products.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been charged with corruption and power abuse in connection with the 1MDB scandal. The trial is currently ongoing.
Abdullah said Chong’s comments clearly reflected the culture being propagated within the Democratic Action Party (DAP), where Chong is also the state chairman.
He said Chong would have the opportunity to clarify his doubts on the state budget during debate time in the ongoing State Legislative Assembly sitting and should not resort to making such allegations.
“I feel that such accusations has no basis and of malicious agenda,” said Abdullah at the assembly building’s media centre.
He said Chong’s reaction to the state budget were just to cover up the weaknesses of the federal budget and the shortcomings encountered by the PH government.
He added that action would be considered to be taken against Chong if such ‘malicious’ statements are made by him during the sitting.
Besides, Abdullah said Chong has been the one spreading fake news, though Chong accused Ukas of smearing PH coalition leaders in the state.
He felt that though Chong and Sarawak PKR chairman Baru Bian, who is the federal Works Minister, were both from the state, they appear to be slack in safeguarding Sarawak’s interest.
“I feel that they now lack the spirit to fight for the interests and rights of the state so we cannot rely on these people anymore,” he said.