By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Dec 1: Bintulu was chosen as the place of beginning for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to reflect the continuity of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership to bring industrialisation to the area during his first stint as prime minister.
Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof, who coordinated the setting up of Bersatu Sarawak, revealed that Bintulu was very close to his heart ever since his non-political involvement in the earth-breaking of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant years ago.
“I am attracted to Bintulu considering the development (that has taken place) when I worked here in the past.
“There is a symbol of (the starting of) industrialisation and with Pakatan Harapan government creating history (following GE14), we hope to create another history in the next state election in 2021,” he told reporters after the party launch at Bintulu Civic Centre on Saturday evening.
Hundreds of supporters including national party leaders attended the event.
“Then the people can see the continuity into the future to develop Bintulu, as Kuching (Sarawak state capital) is very developed,” he added.
Bersatu’s message to Bintulu, which majority of the population is non-Malay, was to tell the people that race or religion were not determining factors for the party to spread its wings to Sarawak, the Entrepreneur Development Minister pointed out.
“Most importantly, we focus on rural areas with many peribumi (natives) and Dayaks, and their fate must be defended,” he emphasised.
On the closed-door meeting with protem leaders of Bersatu Sarawak held earlier, Mohd Redzuan explained it was only to introduce Dr Mahathir to the party machinery and grassroots, as well as to talk about membership drive. — DayakDaily
