KUCHING, Jan 31 — Erecting Malaysia’s tallest flagpole on the Petra Jaya side of the Kuching Waterfront should be something to be appreciated and not turned into an issue for political gain, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister chided the Opposition for being bankrupt of issues and making a fuss over the project, which is part of Kuching’s on-going beautification works.

He explained that the 99-metre structure is costly because it needs to be sturdy enough to carry the weight of the massive Sarawak flag, which could weigh around one tonne.

Abdul Karim added a private company will finance the project as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

"Let us be fair. There is a reason for everything. The erection of the tallest flagpole in Malaysia here coincides with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence,” he said.

He pointed out that the iconic structure will be another landmark and tourist attraction in Sarawak.

"Such a landmark should be our pride and tourist attraction. People will come over to the Kuching Waterfront and use it as a background for selfies and photographs,” he said.

Abdul Karim listed the Darul Hana Bridge and musical fountain as some of the Kuching Waterfront’s current attractions.

According to him, the Opposition also made an issue of the musical fountain project but have now accepted it as part of the city’s beautification project.

"Of course, I too, would disagree with the flagpole if we did not have the money. But we must know how to appreciate beauty too. Therefore, not all money is for schools and hospitals. So, when we have the excess, there should be no problem for beautification,” he said.

"If we are poor and people at large are in dire need of welfare, then priority and money should be on these.”

He stated that most including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed that the Sarawak government is a good administrator.

According to him, Sarawak would not be able to set up its sovereign wealth fund if it did not have excess funds.

Four days ago, The Borneo Post broke the news about the country’s tallest flagpole project to be erected near the Tea House or Fort Margherita in the vicinity of the State Legislative Assembly Complex.

A source revealed that the proposed flagpole would be 99 metres tall, four metres higher than the nation’s current tallest flagpole at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur.

The project is expected to cost about RM30 million. — Borneo Post Online