By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, June 1: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has dismissed claims of discrimination in Sarawak as baseless, urging those making such allegations to instead contribute ideas towards the State’s development.
“The voice that is trying to paint a picture that there is discrimination in Sarawak has totally no basis at all. So, I appeal to them, don’t waste your time, (but instead) please come forward, help us to work together.
“Contribute ideas on how to build Sarawak, so that Sarawak will be the model State in Malaysia, if not Asean,” he said during a doorstep interview at his Gawai Dayak open house at the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Complex here today.
Uggah cited his contribution of 16 sacrificial cows in Spaoh during the recent Hari Raya Aidiladha, noting that some netizens had questioned why the State government did not make a similar contribution of pigs for Gawai Dayak, adding that he had given almost 200-300 pigs to be reared.
He went on to say that the Sarawak government’s focus is to assist everyone, following in the footsteps of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We have a role model, the Premier. So, we follow his way, his policy, his action, his programme, because that will benefit everyone,” he said.
Speaking at his Gawai Dayak open house, which the Premier also attended, he expressed happiness at seeing people from all walks of life coming together.
He also estimated that over 2,000 visitors attended his Gawai Dayak open house, which surpassed his target of 2,000.
When asked on what other programmes the Sarawak government has lined up for Gawai Dayak, he said that there will be a Niti Daun programme (Dayak cultural procession or parade) on June 20, followed by the State-level Gawai Dayak celebration on June 21 where Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as the Premier, are expected to attend. — DayakDaily
