Tun Mahathir impressed with Kuching International Airport

KUCHING: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was impressed with the new Kuching International Airport (KIA), after seeing it for the first time, on Saturday (14th April).
Upon his arrival here on a private jet with his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah at 10.35pm, Dr Mahathir was taken on a tour of the airport by Global Upline Sdn Bhd advisor Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing.

Global Upline was the contractor responsible for the upgrading work on KIA, which was re-opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on April 17, last year.
When met by reporters at the airport, Dr Mahathir, who appeared to be in a very jovial mood, said that Ting invited him to Kuching to see the airport for himself.
“I am invited by Ting to see the airport that he has built…he’s boasting a lot about it and I told him I don’t believe,” he said jokingly.
“I’m very impressed…very good job, to do it in 15 months (but) I hope no bocor-lah (leakages), like in Putrajaya.”
Dr Mahathir said that he would be in Kuching for two nights, and would return to Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
He hoped the weather would be fine during his time here and when he’s in Borneo Highlands, adding that he did not have any speaking engagements in Kuching.
His tour of KIA terminal building yesterday drew quite a crowd, with some taking the opportunity to take group photos with the former premier, while others were happy just to shake his hand.
Meanwhile, when asked on his views about the recent political development in Sabah, namely the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat from the state cabinet, Dr Mahathir said he did not want to comment on the matter.
“Well, he said he resigned on principle. I don’t know what principle. I have not met him so I cannot make any comment.”
Among those who welcomed Dr Mahathir and his wife at the airport were Puan Sri Wong Sui Chuo (Ting’s wife), Sebuyau assemblyman Julaihi Narawi and Planning and Resource Management Ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Wan Alwi Wan Hashim.
Tun Mahathir will be in Kuching till Monday.