KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants firmer action against contractors, who delay infrastructure projects, to ensure that these projects are completed on schedule.
Speaking at the Works Ministry’s monthly assembly here on Monday (Dec 8), Anwar said the ministry must monitor projects from the beginning, including those managed by the states to ensure that they are on time.
“What the ministry must do is to list all the projects and record their progress. And if there are delays, do not wait for me to step in,” he added.
He said officers must go down to the field to inspect the situation.
“I have asked the secretaries-general to give opportunities to officers, including junior officers, to give feedback not only about the projects, but also their suggestions.
“For example when we plan a school project, but when they go down to the field, they see the roads are terrible and that was something not included in the original plan.
“So give junior officers the room to submit their views, even if they fall outside the existing processes and procedures. We will consider them. By doing this, we work as one team,” he added.
Touching on his recent visit to Sabah, Anwar said he understood the sentiments of the people who felt neglected as projects take a long time to complete.
“As a human being, I understand why people are angry. We hear it all the time: ministers keep changing, governments keep changing, prime ministers keep changing, but the water situation hasn’t changed. The electricity situation has not changed. The roads are still full of potholes.
“I do not blame them. Even though we have approved the largest financial allocation in history for overall development and operations in Sabah. But the work is still not finished.
“So I understand why they still feel neglected after so long. That is why I do not take the position of blaming those who do not support us. Instead, I try to understand. People who have gone through hardship and unpleasant struggles have more empathy for the suffering of others,” he added.
He said the government will monitor the implementation programmes in the state, adding that monthly meetings will be held in Kota Kinabalu to track the progress of the projects to resolve the problem.
