Abang Johari: State only identified site for nation's tallest flagpole, not building it

• Published date: 02 February 2023
• Publication title: Malay Mail Online

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today clarified that the state government's role in the hotly debated erection of Malaysia's tallest flagpole was to identify a suitable site for it, and is uninvolved in its construction.

He said the construction of the 99-metre flagpole at a cost of RM30 million was proposed by the private sector to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Malaysia's founding.

'We just helped them to identify the site. The flagpole is their proposal. That's all,' he told reporters after chairing the state Cabinet meeting here.

He added that the money for the project is not from the government.

The government had identified the site for the flagpole to be built next to Fort Margherita in Petra Jaya and across the Sarawak River in the city. Abang Johari said the flagpole project will go ahead despite objections raised. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Karim Rahman Hamzah claimed the Opposition politicians kicked up a fuss over the flagpole project because they were out of fresh ideas.

He said the flagpole would be a new city landmark...