BETONG, March 1: It is not in Sarawak’s interest to support political parties like the Democratic Action Party (DAP) or Pakatan Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat said this was because when the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government comprising the two parties and others were in power, many development projects for the state were cancelled.
“This has been a bitter experience for us. While claiming that the PH government had no funds for the Sarawak projects which had already been approved, the Finance Ministry under Lim Guan Eng approved hundred of millions (of ringgit) for new projects in Penang and Kedah,” Chuat alleged.
He made these remarks at the launch of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Bukit Saban at Rumah Ambu in Suri Tengah and Rh Simon Benifis of Babu here yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman officiated at both functions.
“If PKR or DAP were still in power in the central government, then we can expect a lot more unpleasantness. The most glaring now is (in) the repair of dilapidated schools in the state.
“Despite the state government (re)paying (a federal loan) in advance to the central government last year, the Ministry of Finance has until now failed to allocate the amount for the repair as promised earlier on,” he asserted, adding there were other unfulfilled promises.
Meanwhile, regarding the ongoing political crisis in Kuala Lumpur, Chuat opined the people should leave any crucial decisions to GPS leaders led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“They will decide what is best for the state and let us not dwell too much on the problem in Kuala Lumpur as we are not directly affected,” Chuat opined.
At the same time, Chuat also called on voters in Bukit Saban to continue giving their strong support to Uggah during the coming state election.
“Uggah is effectively continuing the fine tradition of the past government leaders here. We have a good road network serving almost all longhouses and villages here.
“They all enjoy power and treated water supplies too and efforts are ongoing in many other development activities and programmes, and Uggah’s main focus now is to generate income through modern agriculture,” he said.
Chuat also gave away grants totaling RM99,000 to women’s bureaus of 33 longhouses.
Meanwhile, Uggah echoed Chuat’s advice that Sarawakians should not dwell on the current development in Malaya.
“Let us leave it to the wisdom of our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari to decide on what is best for the state. He will consult all the leaders in GPS,” Uggah revealed.
During his visit, more than 20 longhouse chiefs and community leaders from Bukit Saban constituency pledged their full support for Uggah to defend his Bukit Saban seat and similar pledge was also made to Chuat.
Despite acknowledging the confusion about the current political fiasco in Kuala Lumpur, the villagers believed that GPS leaders would make the best decision in the interest of the state and its people. — DayakDaily
