JOHOR BARU: Delays in approving Chinese school projects have led to rising construction costs, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee said a project at a primary school that initially required RM12mil now needed more than RM17mil following delays of more than three years.
"Back then, the government gave RM12mil, which was enough according to the original tender.
"However, because it was delayed for more than three years, construction costs have now increased to over RM17mil.
"This money should not have been wasted. If approvals had been accelerated, the problem could have been avoided," he said in his speech at the Pasir Gudang MCA 77th anniversary dinner in a restaurant at Taman Johor Jaya on Saturday (March 28) night.
Dr Wee also called for faster and more consistent approvals for such projects, noting that demand remained high in rapidly developing areas.
"There should not be double standards. If we truly want to help Chinese schools, decisions must be practical and approvals should not be dragged out," he added.
Dr Wee said the party also hopes its track record over the past few years will speak for itself in the next election.
"After 2018, we rebuilt ourselves step by step and continued to champion community issues.
"We now hope voters will give us another opportunity, based on our achievements over the past four years," he said.
He noted that the party’s two Johor state executive councillors, Ling Tian Soon and Lee Ting Han, were working closely with the Mentri Besar for the community's benefit.
"They work closely with the Mentri Besar every week, conveying community needs more efficiently. They deserve applause," he said.
Also present were party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, vice-presidents Tan Teik Cheng and Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, as well as Ling, who is also the party's youth chief.
