THE Government should be prudent in its spending by slashing non-essential public projects and divert funds to help those affected by COVID-19.
“Every effort should be made to reduce ‘non-essential’ public projects so that more COVID-19 victims can be treated in hospitals and people can get the vaccines,” said Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, in a statement.
Recently, several quarters including allies, hurled brickbats on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to allocate RM35.43 mil to build a community hall in Pagoh, where the premier is the incumbent MP.
However, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) clarified that the sum was allocated to build three community halls; namely Dewan Gersik, Tangkak (RM13 mil); Dewan Masyarakat Bukit Pasir, Muar (RM16.66 mil); and the Bukit Kepong Community Centre, Muar (RM5.77 mil).
“This development allocation is not for the construction of one hall, as claimed by certain quarters.
“The construction of these three halls are to meet the needs of the local community,” the PMO was reported saying.
Unimpressed by PMO’s defence, Lim said that building community halls may not be the most productive way to utilise public funds, especially during a health emergency.
“It is not ‘malicious and irresponsible’ of anyone to question the Prime Minister’s spending habit, as the money comes from the public coffers.
“Besides, community halls are often left idle and only used occasionally. Many have raised questions about the procurement method of the three community halls,” he said.
Elaborating, Lim said that a recently completed mosque in Bandar Baru Kampar, by the Public Works Department (PWD), only cost RM1.9 mil, with the capacity to accommodate 500 congregants.
He added that a similar project in Kampung Semarang, Sarawak, on a 5-acre land tendered last November cost only RM2.5 mil.
“Even the cost of a new mosque in Kampung Seri Aman Puchong, Selangor, a prime area located in the Klang Valley, was valued at RM9.5 mil, with a seating capacity of 5,000 congregants.
“Therefore, I would also like to ask the relevant enforcement agencies to investigate and clear any doubt about the three projects mentioned,” Lim remarked. – Jan 18, 2021.
