KUCHING, Sept 19: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) hopes the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government and the Barisan Nasional (BN) would honour their pledges to restore the rights of Sarawak, said Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
At the moment, he added, Sarawakians were interested in matters affecting the rights and development of the state.
“The GPS government is in the forefront in this move. Hopefully, both PH and BN, which included restoring Sarawak’s rights in their election manifestos, would honour their words.
“There is no room for flip-flops. Just walk the talk. It is the honourable thing to do,” said Talib at the 17th Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival (17KIMF) last night.
On the festival, he said the historical Carpenter Street had witnessed five “dynasties”, starting with the White Rajah, followed by the Japanese, a short stint under the British Military Administration, the British Colony, and now Malaysia.
“Ordinary people and the rulers have shopped, worked and walked in Carpenter Street. It has reinvented itself time and time again, being the host to countless types of businesses and celebrations.
“I’m sure a hundred years from now, Carpenter Street will still be around and as relevant and vibrant as it ever was,” he predicted.
Talib said the GPS government was committed to safeguarding Sarawak’s culture of working and living together harmoniously.
“So Carpenter Street and its festivals, such as Kuching InterCultural Mooncake Festival, will be given encouragement. I am sure the GPS government is giving the right support and leadership in this respect, too,” he said.
As the Ombudsman Minister, he promised to address maladministration and rights violation within Sarawak.
“‘Ombudsman’ means an official who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights.
“I will do this to the best of my abilities and assure you all that this government will be as transparent and vigilant against all forms of corruption. However, to do an effective job, I need your support and cooperation,” said Talib.
The Kuching InterCultural Mooncake Festival, the longest street festival, is being held from Sept 17-24, from 6.30pm to 11pm, at the renowned Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Steet. — DayakDaily
