SPAOH, Dec 15: Bukit Saban voters have been urged to reject ‘seasonal politicians’ who only appear every five years but expect the people to support them.
Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Nancy Shukri reminded the electorate that Bukit Saban is very fortunate to have a dedicated and committed leader in Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“The whole of Bukit Saban is very well connected by roads now. Uggah has brought in a lot of other developments as well.
“Besides giving focus to modern agriculture, he has told me of his proposals to develop the tourism industry which has a lot of potential here,” she said, rallying support for Uggah when officiating at a community tourism empowerment course at Rh Enteri Lingkoi at Samu, Paku here today.
Uggah, the Deputy Chief Minister and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for N37 Bukit Saban, was also present at the function.
Nancy emphasised that Uggah has done much for Sarawakians and had fought for Sarawak’s interests throughout his many years in the Federal Cabinet.
“I consider him my mentor in both politics and in leadership qualities. I would certainly hate to lose him to those ‘seasonal politicians’.
“Let us all give him another opportunity to lead us and take Sarawak’s development and progress to greater heights. Give him the biggest majority,” she told the constituents.
Uggah, in his speech earlier, paid tribute to the women in his constituency whom he described as his and GPS’ staunchest supporters.
“They form 50 per cent of the 9,500 voters here. I can always rely on their support.
“So I hope the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) can assist them in areas which can help to generate income. These include traditional “Pua Kumbu” weaving, handicraft-making and traditional embroidery works,” he said to Nancy.
Uggah also requested for Nancy’s help to develop Bukit Saban’s tourism potential and proposed the setting up of a central tourism centre at the site of the former Bukit Saban national service training camp.
“The camp is in disarray and is dilapidated. It can be developed as a centre with ample accommodation for tourists from where they can embark on boating and nature walks and activities.
“We also have a number of traditional longhouses. I am also seeking the ministry’s assistance to develop Bukit Sadok where the fortress of the legendary Sarawak freedom fighter Rentap was located,” he said. — DayakDaily
