By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 15: PBB Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah desires to see not just more women being fielded in the upcoming state election but also those with winnable qualities contesting to ensure the inaugural GPS ‘hornbill’ flag not only flies but soars high in victory.
“It is our struggle to see, our desire to see, our dream to see more women candidates in every election.
“But it is not only about women representation but more importantly, they must have qualities of a winning candidate,” the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leader told reporters after handing over a boat to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Community of Oya District in Mukah here today.
Fatimah, who is the Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, emphasised that the ultimate aim was to win gloriously in the state election.
“This time, we want to win gloriously as it will be the first time we (Gabungan Parti Sarawak or GPS) use the ‘hornbill’ logo.
“This is also the first time Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg leads us as the leader of GPS,” she said.
Fatimah stressed that victory at the polls was crucial for GPS in order to continue with all the development plans for Sarawak.
“So we are asking our people to vote for GPS for stability, peacefulness and harmony in the state, and for the continuity and to boost development throughout Sarawak both in urban and rural areas.
“We are talking about developments that are holistic, involving all aspects of the economy and social well-being including infrastructure so that we can achieve the mission and vision of becoming the most advanced state (in Malaysia) by 2030,” she added.
Meanwhile, Fatimah praised the Oya District Bomba Community for not only playing a significant role as the first responder during emergencies but for being a manifestation of the strong spirit of unity and values of the multiracial communities from eight riverine villages in Oya.
“They play a very crucial role as they will be the first responders in the event of fire emergencies before Bomba arrives. This is important because the nearest Bomba station is located about 40km from Oya which will take about half-an-hour’s drive.
“Time is of the essence in fire incidents whether it happened at homes, farms or forests. Without immediate and quick response, there could be risks of more damages,” she said.
The Oya Bomba Community, she shared, was set up in 2017, comprising 200 members serving communities in eight villages with a population 6,044.
The eight villages are Teh, Trus, Bakong, Kuala Hilir, Kuala Tengah, Bung, Sno, and Pasar Oya.
She added that their service for the communities also demonstrated high volunteerism spirit and community responsibilities.
“They come together not only in emergencies and eventualities including flooding but also weddings and other occasions.
“In Sarawak, we emphasise on ‘we take care of ourselves’ in all community affairs and matters. We hope this initiative or programme will inspire other communities and villagers in Sarawak,” she said.
The Oya Bomba Community received a boat with a 4-horsepower engine to be used for transportation, as well as other accessories including a pump engine and hose worth RM30,000 which Fatimah had approved the funds for. — DayakDaily
