KUCHING: RM40 million to build a rural primary school has got Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen restless.
Citing two schoos as examples, Chong has urged Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong and Education and Technology Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee to disclose the full specifications of building SK Ulu Segan, Bintulu and SK Meludam, Betong.
“SK Ulu Segan was budgeted to be built at the sum of RM40.1 million while SK Meludam was budgeted at the sum of RM48.2 million.
“These two projects are state projects and done by state government. This year, half of the amount for each school has been allocated in the budget,” Chong told pressmen at the DUN sitting yesterday.
Chong said the reply he received from Dr Annuar Rapaee on Wednesday was “different school, different amount”.
“By whatever standard one sets, RM40 million to build one school is way above their worth (may even be) double, or triple, or even quadruple the amount.
“If you talk about A Class school with 1,000 students, you (still) don’t need RM40 million to build (it),” he said.
Chong said SK Ulu Segan only had 235 students.
“This is clear abuse. Don’t treat development projects as ATM machines for cronies,” he said.
