New hospital pledge stinks of ‘political opportunism’
A new hospital with 108 beds which has been promised to Sri Aman voters is simply 'adding insult to injury' according to opposition candidate Leon Donald.
KUCHING: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s announcement of a RM200 million new hospital for Sri Aman has come under scathing attack from the opposition for being 15 years too late.Describing the announcement as a “despicable act of pure political opportunism”, DAP’s Simanggang candidate Leon Donald said Najib had simply brushed aside the “the suffering and needless loss of human live” over the past 15 years as a result of Barisan Nasional’s neglect.
“This is a clear proof that BN will not change the politics of corruption and vote-buying through election goodies. It’s what they have been practising for 40 years.
“The PM alongside Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai and SUPP candidate Francis Harden Hollis have further added insult to injury (with this announcement),” Donald said.
Najib announced yesterday that a new site had been identified and ground work would begin later this year.
“After being informed of the troubles faced by the people of Sri Aman, I am glad to announce a new RM200 million hospital that can accommodate 108 beds, which will start construction this year, ” he said. The new hospital is scheduled to be ready in 2013.
He also said that at least two specialists would be seconded to the current hospital. Presently serious cases are sent to the Sarawak General Hospital which is four hours away in Kuching.
Who’s handling contract?
Donald also challenged the BN government to declare the details of the site for the new hospital, on when exactly construction will begin and who the contractor was for project.
“Will this be another project that will benefit the cronies and proxy companies of (Chief Minister) Taib Mahmud and his minions?
“Without any specific plans laid out, what is the guarantee that the proposed project will not suffer cost overruns or bad management, as was the case in the past?” he asked.
He also slammed the PM and the Health Ministry for saying that it would station specialists at the hospital.
“This (secondment of specialists) is precisely the kind of move that has failed in the past 15 years.
“Local sources have stated that due to the dilapidated conditions and the lack of equipment at the hospital, specialist doctors have not been able to perform effectively.
Lack of basic equipment
He added that the only specialist who has served the hospital in the past was a foreign doctor who performed so badly that his services were discontinued.
“The PM does not understand that it is precisely because of lack of basic equipment, such as CT Scans, that is the cause of good specialist doctors not wanting to be stationed here.
“Can the PM guarantee all Sri Aman citizens that this proposal of placing one or two specialist doctors in the hospital ensure that all patients will receive safe and professional medical treatment, while waiting for the completion of the hospital in 2013, if the construction begins at all?” asked Donald.
Donald is among 213 candidates contesting in 71 constituencies across Sarawak in the 10th state election on April 16. In Simanggang, Donald will be facing incumbent Hollis in a straight fight.
FMT
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Leon is right. I am the origin of Sri Aman folk. And i already heard this recycle promise to Sri Aman folk in the last 2 Sarawak election. 2001 and 2006. And now PM himself recycle the promise originally by CM Taib. There are 2 reason why BN fail to construct the Hospital.
1. The Site is not suitable. ( The same place where PM announce to build it)
2. Lack of current Fund.
After the Sarawak Election, will we hear a new reason if the Hospital is fail to construct or the reason also will be recycle! We will hear it if Simanggang, Lingga and Bukit Bangunan people still in favour to BN.
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