Kuching: “This is a clear failure of governance,” said Michael Kong Feng Nian, Special Assistant to ADUN for Padungan Chong Chieng Jen, following revelations that the entire land occupied by Kota Sentosa Police Station had been alienated by the Sarawak Government to a private company for development.
Kong said the Kota Sentosa Police Station has long served the people of Kota Sentosa and was supposed to house the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division for Padawan district.
“From our checks, the land was successfully alienated to the private company as early as July 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the Sarawak State Elections in December 2021.
“This shocking development raises very serious questions. How did a piece of land meant for public security end up in private hands? Why did Land and Survey approve this alienation?” he asked.
He added that GPS and SUPP had enjoyed near-total political power in Sarawak in recent years, raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the protection of public assets.
“With such dominance, public assets can be handed away without transparency, without accountability, and without regard for the people’s interests. This is yet another example of how powerful individuals and their associates benefit at the expense of the people.
“When there is no strong opposition, this is what happens: public land becomes private profit. Public trust becomes collateral damage.”
Kong stressed that Kota Sentosa Police Station served thousands of residents and that its land must remain public, protected and beyond exploitation.
He said the controversy demonstrated why effective checks and balances were essential to prevent the abuse of power and ensure that public assets were managed in the interests of the people.
“As long as we remain here, GPS and SUPP will not have a free hand to do as they please with the assets and rights of the people,” he said.
Kong pledged to pursue the matter until accountability was established and steps were taken to ensure that land intended for public use was protected in the public interest.
“We at DAP Sarawak will not stay silent. The police station serves thousands of residents and therefore its land must remain public, protected, and beyond exploitation.
“This incident proves why check and balance is a crucial safeguard against abuse of power,” he said.
He urged the relevant authorities to immediately explain the circumstances surrounding the land alienation and take corrective action.
“The people deserve transparency, justice, and governance that prioritises public interest, not private enrichment,” he said.
