Each constituency could benefit RM86 million from proposed rail-link project

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 8, 2019:

Christopher Mandut today echoed Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai's words that the supposedly multi-billion allocation for the rail-link project would be well spent to help develop districts in Sabah.

Mathematically, the Parti Bersatu Sabah Youth Chief said each constituency could benefit some RM86 million from the RM5.2 billion allocation for the near-200km rail-link project from here to Kudat.

"If we divide RM5.2 billion to 60 state setas in Sabah, each would be getting some RM86 million to develop the much needed infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and probably build multipurpose halls.

"As such, this state government fund would be able to reach out to more people. I believe it is money well spent," he said.

He also noted that the allocation for the proposed rail-link project had actually exceeded the state revenue of some RM4 billion.

"The Warisan-led state administration had announced that the government has no money, so if the proposed rail-link project exceeds the state revenue, does that mean the state government would have to borrow money from somewhere? That is not prudent spending," Mandut stressed.

He, therefore, urged the Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony to review the project and put it on hold until they could find a better solution.

"I do not think the (rail-link) project is wrong, but I believe the money would be better spent to help develop our state, particularly in the rural areas, and benefit the rakyat as a whole," he said.