smk nabalu part 2

Puad ticks off Masidi

Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi Monday ticked off State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun for labelling him as "an outsider who made empty promises".

"I am a Federal Deputy Minister. And there are Sabahans who are appointed ministers and federal Feputy Ministers. Does that make them outsiders in the eyes of Masidi?

"He is a Minister and he knows the financial procedures but he thinks like a coloniser," he said during a visit to SK Pulau Gaya, Monday.

Puad's angry response stemmed from Masidi's criticism of the former as an outsider who can't fulfil promises following the delay in implementing the proposed SMK Nabalu project since two years ago.

Towards this end, Puad reiterated that the construction of SMK Nabalu will commence early next month.

"We could not implement the project as soon as we wanted to due to technical issues. In August 2009, Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin approved and allocated RM35 million for the project.

"However in December 2009, the consultant came up with a quotation of RM75.2million, which was rejected by the tender board because it exceeded the budget.

"In February 2010, another consultant came up with a RM66.6million quotation which again was rejected. Only in July 2010, we managed to get a consultant, which followed the estimated budget.

"I am very committed in closing the education gap between those living in the interior and the city. I have been very patient so far.

And I even got the RM35m approved and allocated for this project after discussing with my officers and the Deputy Prime Minister.

"When Masidi made this statement on June 24 this year, the Finance Ministry had already appointed a qualified successful consultant on May 24 the same year. Technical issues are out of my jurisdiction.

"So it is unfair for Masidi to accuse me of being an outsider who makes empty promises."

He said given that the Finance Ministry is the one that appoints the consultants it was almost as if Masidi was accusing the Prime Minister of being a liar because the Prime Minister is the Finance Minister.

"Again I want to say that I am very committed and serious in my work.

And it is very inappropriate for issues, which accuse me of making false promises, to arise. Technical issues are not my jurisdiction, he should know better because he has been a Minister longer than I have," he said.

A total of 18 classrooms, eight units of teachers quarters and hostel for 100 boys and 100 girls have been proposed for SMK Nabalu.

On another matter, Puad said he would bring up at the post Cabinet meeting, a recent statement made by the State Education Director Datuk Muhiddin Yusin, that the department is not empowered to manage any allocation for development even for projects costing below RM500,000, despite the regulations stating otherwise.

"His statement is inappropriate and it gives an impression that the Education Ministry is unfair," he said.

He, however, assured that they would look into this matter as soon as possible.

Story Arrangement By: Harry George

Sources: Daily Express

Picture:Google Image