KUCHING, Dec 16: Physical development alone may not ensure the livelihood of residents in Batu Kawah and of Sarawakians in general, asserted Democratic Action Party (DAP) candidate for N14 Batu Kawah Dr Kelvin Yii.
Dr Yii said social development must go hand-in-hand with physical development to create a more resilient society and ensure that no one falls through the cracks of vulnerability.
To address these challenges, Dr Yii said he has outlined his five main priorities for Batu Kawah and Sarawak: building up the local economy and livelihoods, encouraging a care economy, developing local talent, strengthening local communities, and enhancing livability.
“To address the increased cost of living in the short and medium-term, we will look at setting up our community movers within Batu Kawah to act as Food Banks for those poor families struggling with their daily goods needs as well as work with the private sector to provide food vouchers for those really in need.
“We will also promote greater emphasis on agriculture and promote “farm-to-table” initiatives to incentivise people to take (advantage of the) full potential of their land for self-consumption and even to earn additional income for families,” he said during a press conference at the DAP headquarters here today.
Dr.Yii who is also Bandar Kuching MP emphasised he is committed to ensuring religious harmony in Sarawak and will prevent any attempts to import extreme sentiments that can rip through the very fabric of society.
He said underlying all this is DAP’s commitment to institutional reforms that will uphold good governance, safeguarding the interest of Sarawak and its people.
He added there are sentiments on the ground, probably spread by political opponents, that all necessary developments, upgrades of drains, roads and basic facilities will not come if he, as an opposition candidate, is elected.
“I want to encourage the people of Batu Kawah and the people as a whole, to not allow ourselves to be threatened or be blackmailed by the government.
“It is the responsibility of the government of the day to bring development regardless of who the people vote for as it is from public funds, paid through our taxes and also State resources which belongs to all of us as Sarawakians,” he added.
Dr Yii said he will continue to fight for Sarawakians’ rights as well and ensure better people-friendly policies to ensure development will directly benefit the people of Batu Kawah and Sarawak as a whole.
“Good ideas, policies, and solutions will not only make a difference to the lives of Sarawakians in Batu Kawah, but also of their friends and families throughout the State,” he said. — DayakDaily
