PH’s Justification of Project Delays Does Not Hold Up

suppadmin | July 14, 2026

Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang has rejected Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s defence of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, arguing that its explanation for reviewing development projects does not withstand scrutiny.

Lo said Chong’s claim that PH had only reviewed overpriced mega projects was inaccurate, pointing out that several smaller community projects in his constituency had also been affected.

He said these included allocations for the Kampung Haji Baki community hall (RM1.5 million), Haji Baki hawker centre (RM750,000) and land-filling works at the Haji Baki cemetery (RM200,000).

“These are not mega projects but basic community facilities that directly benefit local residents,” he said.

Lo added that routine maintenance was also affected, citing reduced allocations for grass-cutting along the federal road from Kuching to Lawas, which he said resulted in overgrown roadside vegetation and raised road safety concerns.

He also disputed Chong’s remarks on the Batang Lupar Bridge, saying the RM1 billion figure referred to the project’s budget allocation rather than its final contract value.

According to him, the final contract price would only be determined after the tender process, and any savings below the allocated budget would remain with the Government.

He further argued that comparisons between the Batang Lupar Bridge and projects such as LRT3, MRT2 and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) were misleading, as those projects resumed after renegotiations with federal funding.

In contrast, he said the Batang Lupar, Batang Rambungan and Batang Igan bridge projects remained stalled under the PH administration until the Sarawak Government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, financed and implemented them using state funds.

Lo said Sarawakians were more concerned about the delivery of development than political terminology.

“Whether PH describes it as a review, renegotiation or putting projects on hold, the outcome was the same. Projects were delayed, maintenance deteriorated and communities were deprived of much-needed infrastructure,” he said.