KUCHING: Chong Chieng Jen is running away to contest in Stampin because he is afraid to face the BN woman candidate in Bandar Kuching, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said yesterday.
“SUPP put up a woman in Bandar Kuching. Someone is afraid of a woman and runs away to Stampin. It was already announced that he would be contesting in Bandar Kuching but then he changed his mind at the last minute. Actually he is afraid of woman.
“SUPP puts up a very brave woman. In fact she was expecting to face the leader of Pakatan Harapan in Bandar Kuching but he (Chong) runs away to Stampin instead to fight Dr Sim.
“Dr Sim, don’t worry, we will fight for you in Stampin. We will fight, because SUPP is a local party while the opposition party is a Semenanjung party,” said Abang Johari at the launching ceremony of Sarawak River Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) at Dataran MJC Batu Kawa Newtownship, Batu Kawa here, yesterday.
With the implementation of the project, it is estimated that 35,000 residents will be free from flood problems in Kuching city and Samarahan.
“Sarawak is moving towards the digital era in this election and the woman candidate for Bandar Kuching from SUPP is an ICT expert.
“I can give the assurance that it would be easier for BN people’s representatives to do the work and bring development to the people.
“I also assure you that Batu Kawa will be well developed. I had already approved RM5 million for developing the Batu Kawa waterfront.
“BN is ready for the future,” he said.
Johari explained that the Sarawak River Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) is a very important project to solve the flood woes in the city.
He expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for launching the massive drainage system in Sarawak, particularly in the area of Kuching and also greater Kuching which involved Batu Kawa.
“As you know we have a diversion channel from Matang and the water will go directly to Salak, giving way to mitigate flooding in Kuching.
“But at the same time, we are exploring a short term solution to our flood problem in Kuching by devising technology plus storm water management system where the water will not be stored in certain areas but will flow directly to underground or man created ponds for storage of water.
“This is a massive development exercise and we are fortunate that we have a joint effort between the state and federal government.
“Another issue is the planning of our township. We must have a mapping on our drainage system so that we know where the drains are so we don’t have to build buildings where they are right in the middle.
“The State Planning Authority is now working together with the DID for the mapping of our main drainage. Thus, we can plan our city properly,” said Johari.
