By Nancy Nais
GEDONG, Dec 12: Joy and elation were clearly etched on the faces of the elderly and village folks when Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officially announced Gedong as Sarawak’s newest district.
Their happiness knew no bounds because they knew that the change in status would pave the way for further development and better services for the people.
Abang Johari, who is the caretaker Chief Minister of Sarawak announce it this morning, on what some many perceived as a date of significance — 12.12.21 (Dec 12, 2021).
A large number of men, women and children gathered around the large community hall as early as 8am, eagerly waiting for the event to start.
Octogenarian, Sulaiman Sulong, 84, from Kampung Gedong was one of those who were so grateful that he rode his motorcycle-trishaw decorated with party flags, umbrella and logos of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Waving and smiling at everyone whom he passed by, Sulaiman was initially cheerful, rosy and full of stories to share.
As he spoke to DayakDaily, his tears began to flow freely, as a sign of gratefulness and happiness.
“Actually, I’ve been using my motorcycle-trishaw to carry farm produce and collect grass for my goats and food for my chickens for many years.
“I can also carry two passengers with me, whom most of the time are my wife and daughter. Most of the time, I also help my neighbours who needed to buy and bring their things back home,” Sulaiman said.
Sulaiman said when he heard that Gedong which is a potential hub for agriculture will be made a district under Samarahan division, this was a dream come true as this had been his hope for a long time.
As ‘a little late is better than none’, Sulaiman tearfully said ‘Alhamdullilah’ to be able to live this long to see his hometown transformed from a rural place with many villages not having road access, electricity and water, to what it is now.
With Gedong declared a district, he said the people’s standard of living will improve because of better infrastructure and administration.
Abang Johari, who was Satok assemblyman since 1981, is contesting in Gedong for the first time after incumbent Datuk Naroden Majais decided not to seek reelection.
To thank Abang Johari and Naroden, Sulaiman decided to spread the message on the street by festooning his trishaw in support of GPS.
“It is like doing an election campaign on Abang Johari’s behalf, and in accordance to State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC)’s standard operating procedure (SOP).
“I do not have much, but I sincerely want to thank him. Now that the election is getting closer even with these Covid-19 virus restrictions, I hope I can help Abang Johari,” Sulaiman said. — DayakDaily
