SIBU (Sept 7): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong has criticised Sibu MP Oscar Ling for prioritising the construction of a new prison over pressing upgrades for Sibu Hospital, calling it a major disappointment to the people of Sibu.
This followed Ling's recent remarks at the 'Merdeka Photography Workshop' on the proposed RM300 million Sibu Prison project at Mile 15, Jalan Oya, as disclosed in Parliament by Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Wong said Ling had been actively promoting the federal government's allocation for the prison, but questioned whether such a move reflected the community's actual needs.
"Is the prison upgrade more important than the hospital upgrade? I believe the vast majority of Sibu folk do not share his excitement," Wong said in a statement.
He stressed that the RM300 million would be better spent on building a new hospital in Sibu, or at the very least, allocating half the funds to immediately and significantly upgrade the existing hospital.
Wong also questioned whether Ling, who had cited overcrowding in Sibu Prison when pressing for updates from the Home Minister, was equally aware of the critical conditions faced by Sibu Hospital, including overcrowded wards and insufficient facilities.
"Besides the severe shortage of beds, Sibu Hospital is in urgent need of more specialist departments such as cardiology and oncology.
"The lack of parking spaces also adds unnecessary stress to patients and their families. Are these pressing healthcare issues seen as secondary compared to the needs of prisoners in the eyes of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) MP?" he asked.
Wong added that the responsibility does not rest with Ling alone, but also with Lanang MP Alice Lau.
"Both are the only MPs representing Sibu in Parliament. They have each served for more than a decade, and Alice is even the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. They cannot shirk responsibility for the lack of progress in upgrading Sibu Hospital," he stressed.
While acknowledging problems caused by an old and overcrowded prison, Wong said limited government resources must be allocated based on clear priorities.
"When it comes to choosing between a prison and a hospital, the answer is obvious.
"A hospital upgrade is far more urgent and important," he said.
"Do we want to ensure patients receive proper treatment, or do we want to make sure prisoners serve their sentences more comfortably? I believe the people of Sibu share the same answer as I do," he added.
Earlier, SUPP Dudong and Sibu Jaya rolled out a mobile service session at a coffee shop here yesterday to assist residents with livelihood issues and community concerns.
Present were SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and SUPP Sibujaya chairman Kapitan Kong Sing Ping.