Kuching: In response to the recent statement by the Batu Kawa SUPP Youth regarding the Batu Kawa riverfront project, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng, said that the response once again proves that DAP’s concerns are valid, as SUPP has yet to address the key question that matters most to the people: what should be the government’s development priorities when public resources are limited?
He stressed that DAP has never opposed development, nor has it denied the various development allocations and infrastructure projects that Batu Kawa has received over the years.
“Any initiative that improves the local environment, stimulates economic activity, and enhances the quality of life of residents deserves recognition. However, the questions raised by the public today are not because they oppose development. Rather, they stem from the fact that Batu Kawa and its surrounding areas continue to face longstanding issues such as traffic congestion, unstable water supply, flood risks, and inadequate public facilities.
“When the government has development budgets amounting to tens of millions of ringgit, the public naturally has the right to ask which projects should be prioritised and which can be implemented later,” he said in a statement.
He noted that SUPP has repeatedly highlighted that the overall riverfront project is worth RM31 million and has emphasised that the glass bridge itself accounts for only about RM1 million of the total cost.
“However, this does not address the issue of development priorities raised by the public.
“The real issue is not whether the glass bridge costs RM1 million or RM10 million. The real issue is whether the public has the right to discuss whether public resources are being allocated to the areas that need them most,” he said.
Sim said that in a democratic society, every development project should be open to public scrutiny and discussion.
“It is perfectly reasonable for the public to ask the government to explain the rationale, objectives and expected benefits of a project, and such questions should not be portrayed as opposition to development,” he said.
He added that if the project is being promoted as one that can boost tourism and generate economic growth, then the government should proactively provide details of its plans, including projected visitor numbers, anticipated economic returns, and how local residents will directly benefit from the project.
“If the project can genuinely create long-term economic value for Batu Kawa, the public will be more than willing to support it. However, that support must be built on transparency and proper explanation, not on dismissing every question as a political attack,” Sim said.
He emphasised that development should not be beyond discussion; on the contrary, it should be open to discussion.
“A responsible government is not one that expects the public to accept every decision without question, but one that is willing to listen to differing views and account for how every ringgit of public funds is spent.
“Public scrutiny does not mean opposition to development. On the contrary, it is precisely because people want development to succeed that they have a responsibility to ensure every public dollar is spent where it is needed most,” he said.
