By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 25: The late Tan Sri Hamdan Sirat was the first and also the last Sarawakian to be appointed Sarawak police commissioner. And that took place a long, long time ago.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong today asked Parliament why no Sarawakians have been appointed to head the state’s police force since then.
In addition, Ugak also highlighted that many other federal departments in Sarawak were head by West Malaysians.
“Are we (Sarawakians) not qualified enough to hold those posts? Why must it be West Malaysians instead of Sarawakians?” he asked.
Ugak also raised five other issues, including the rising prices of goods in the rural areas.
“Pakatan Harapan had promised before the general election that it would lower the prices of goods with the abolition of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
“However, in my ‘kawasan’ (constituency), the people are complaining that things are getting more and more expensive. A tray of Grade B eggs is now sold at more than RM13. This is very high cost of living,” Ugak told DayakDaily.
He said another issue was the need to upgrade Kapit Hospital and for dialysis centres to be set up in Song, Kapit, Belaga and Sungai Asap.
“I have also asked Works Minister Baru Bian to look into upgrading Bakun Road. The road is now full of big potholes as heavy trucks and lorries use it day and night.
“It really needs urgent repair and upgrading as the Sungai Asap people are suffering every day when using the road,” he shared.
Ugak said he also brought up the request of the people of Upper Balleh, who hoped that the federal government could build a road to link Nangka Mujong/Rumah Tungku/Sungai Gad.
“It is a 74km road. If it can be built, it will help the community of about 5,000 who live along the right bank of Balleh River,” said Ugak.
Lastly, he hoped the federal government could give an alternative cash crop instead of the “nonsensical” suggestion of bamboo when the rural people are suffering following the low price of palm oil.
“We hope the minister concerned can give us a sensible alternative instead of asking our people in the rural areas to plant bamboo.
“Palm oil price is so low now. Our rural people need a way out,” Ugak stressed.— DayakDaily
