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IT was reported in various media a few days ago that the Sarawak government is planning on erecting a flagpole 99m tall, set to be the highest in Malaysia and costing RM30 million.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has the world’s tallest flagpole, measuring 171m, which was built at the cost of only RM21 million. Meanwhile, Pretoria, South Africa’s 100m flagpole cost only RM5.4 million.
In response to public flak, the Office of the Premier of Sarawak clarified that the RM30 million flagpole project is not funded by the Sarawak government.
Instead, it will be funded by an unidentified private entity as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sarawak joining the Malaysian Federation on September 16th, 1963.
The CSO Platform for Reform are of the opinion that the construction of this RM30 million flagpole is a waste of money and insensitive to the needs of many Sarawakians who face high inflation and rising costs of goods and services.
Additionally, many rural residents still lack basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, access to healthcare, and adequate network connectivity.
Hence, the CSO Platform for Reform calls on the Sarawak government to demonstrate good governance, especially in the approvals for such a project and the proper management of funds.
If indeed this is a CSR project, such funds should be used to improve citizens’ quality of life, and not be misused to construct overpriced flagpoles. The Sarawak government should encourage private companies to prioritise initiatives that align with the needs and interests of the public.
The CSO Platform for Reform also urges private companies and the state government to be mindful of public interests and align with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for responsible spending in the country. – The Vibes, January 30, 2023
The CSO Platform for Reform is a coalition of 100 CSOs based in Malaysia, working together on institutional reforms. This statement is issued by its Sarawak chapter.
The statement is endorsed by the Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat, Terabai Kenyalang Heritage Association of Sarawak, Purplelily Social Association Kuching, Sarawak AIDS Concern Society, Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak, SAVE Rivers, Lawyer Kamek for Change, and Persatuan Pemuliharaan dan Pemeliharaan Alam Sekitar Sarawak