Come clean over new Astana building, Sarawak govt told

Come clean over new Astana building, Sarawak govt told

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii says the state must disclose the cost and if the contract was given out via a tender process.

The state government must justify the need for a new Astana Negeri building, says Sarawak DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii.
PETALING JAYA:
The Sarawak government needs to be transparent with its plan to construct a new Astana Negeri building, the official residence of the state governor, says Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

The state DAP leader told the state government to disclose the cost, the name of the company which had been awarded the project and if it was awarded via an open tender.

Yii added that the state government must also explain why the state needed a new Astana Negeri building.

Dr Kelvin Yii.

“If the state government can be transparent and justify properly the need for such a project, then maybe the people of Sarawak would give their support as it would be good for the state.

“If not, there are other priorities, especially when it comes to improving basic infrastructure and utilities,” he said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that the state government will build a new Astana Negeri, saying the current building, overlooking the Sarawak River, was 153 years old and slightly run-down.

Yii urged the state government to be prudent. He said the government should not be spending any of the state’s extra revenue or resources excessively to avoid long-term repercussions for Sarawakians.

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