Let us be fair. There is a reason for everything. The erection of the tallest flagpole in Malaysia here coincides with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence.
– Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Tourism, Creative Industry And Performing Arts Minister
Certain quarters have kicked up a storm following the Sarawak government’s decision to erect a RM30-million flagpole in Petra Jaya, that will be home to the country’s tallest flagpole.
When a local paper and Malayan-based news portal first highlighted the plan, netizens unleashed a deluge of comments, especially on Twitter and WhatsApp, without first checking or waiting for the facts from the authorities – oh well, typical of them.
I do not wish to waste space here by reproducing their views except for one twitter user who got me all riled up. Going by the handle @selves19137058 the user twitted this comment smacked of sarcasm – “Maybe they want to harness lightning as an alternate source of energy.”
So, all the tallest flagpoles in the world, including the giant 95-metre flagpole at Merdeka Square – the world’s eleventh tallest – are meant to tap lightning power? At least that’s what @selves19137058 is implying! Eh come on lah!
The user was replying to human rights lawyer @sitikasim – “Why? Isn’t it better to use this money to improve the schools, road etc in Sarawak? Mind boggling!”
Opposition politicians have their reasons against the project; they were elected by the people and they are just playing their role. They may be genuinely concerned. Or they are just using the flagpole project for their political mileage, as stated by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Karim Rahman Hamzah.
As for the netizens – both here and across the South China Sea – most of them are not really serious. Many are just jumping on the bandwagon of their fellow online peers.
Some of their comments are preposterous and do not make any sense at all. Just empty vessels; they are not knowledgeable, talented or experienced as they may appear to be.
If only the critics had been patient and waited for the government’s official announcement.
The Premier’s Office clarified on January 28 that the project would not involve government funds and that the private sector would finance the project as a corporate social responsibility programme in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak as a party to the formation of Malaysia.
And a few days later Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that the flagpole project will include the development of the designated site as well as its vicinity. The flagpole will be erected next to Fort Margherita in Petra Jaya.
He also had to clarify that the project has no relation to the issue of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Netizens and dissatisfied groups can shout at the top of their voice but the government is firm in its stand and the project will go ahead.
Does anyone remember the initial opposition to the RM31-million Kuching Waterfront Darul Hana Musical Fountain project some five years ago? Opposition parties, non-governmental organisations and the general public were vehemently against it, arguing at that time that the money could be spent on projects to uplift the people’s living standard.
But they have now accepted it as part of the city’s beautification project. It will be the same for the flagpole project. People who are now against the flagpole project will come to terms with it later.
The 99-metre structure will be iconic and serve as another landmark and tourist attraction in Sarawak. In the words of Abdul Karim: “The landmark should be our pride and tourist attraction. People will come over to the Kuching Waterfront and use it as a background for selfies and photographs.”
Yes, it will be iconic and a structure of pride for Sarawakians — and all Malaysians.
I remember the US government announcing last April 2022 its US$1-billion Flagpole of Freedom project – the world’s tallest when completed – in Downeast Maine.
Just like Sarawak’s tallest flagpole project, it is not funded by the government but will be privately funded.
The Downeast Maine plan features a park too and a section will be set aside to honour all US veterans – 24 million of them – with remembrance walls. It will also have several restaurants that could generate revenue for the park owners.
Sarawak too can emulate the US plan. We can honour our Border Scout or Sarawak Ranger veterans, including the fallen heroes, who fought the communists. That would make the tallest flagpole project more meaningful, wouldn’t it?
Talking about private funding, I am sure the Sarawak government will ensure transparency in relation to the parties that will be involved in building the country’s tallest flagpole in Petra Jaya.
Name the company or consortium and also make it clear that whoever builds the project should also take the responsibility for its long-term maintenance. Building an iconic project is one thing and maintaining it is another matter. Don’t leave the task to the government. It involves money!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
