Return roadworks money ‘hijacked’ to PN area, says Guan Eng

 

State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari (left) says the matter has been settled, but Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng is awaiting a final resolution.

BUTTERWORTH: 

Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has called for the return of RM1.4 million out of a RM5.6 million allocation for roadworks in his constituency which he said was 

hijacked

 to the opposition-held Tasek Gelugor seat.

Lim told FMT that it was the second time funds intended for Bagan had been channeled to Tasek Gelugor. He said the money should be returned to his constituency.

The people here deserve the funds allocated to them, and this is simply unfair. The funds have been hijacked,

 he said, calling for the full amount to be spent on Bagan. The allocation was meant for upgrading a federal road from Butterworth to Kepala Batas.

In response, state executive councillor for infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari told FMT that it was a 

small matter

 which had been resolved. However, Lim said he was waiting for a final resolution and was prepared to take the matter up to the works minister if necessary.

Last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim set aside RM1.1 million for infrastructure development in Bagan, only for RM500,000 to be later deducted and diverted to Tasek Gelugor, a constituency held by Perikatan Nasional.

Lim said recently he had learned from government sources that RM1.4 million out of RM5.6 million allotted to the constituency had again gone to Tasek Gelugor.

He said such practices were unacceptable and that the sum should be returned. 

This is not just about money being mysteriously diverted. It’s about defying the directives from the top leaders in government and undermining Bagan’s progress,

 he said. - FMT