By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Oct 6: In just over four years as Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil has managed to bring more than half-a-billion ringgit worth of projects into his constituency.
While not bragging about his achievements, he reiterated that they nevertheless have to be highlighted to rebut the opposition especially Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) which is attempting to discredit his efforts and that of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government.
“I don’t want to brag about my achievements because the people on the ground can judge for themselves. But suffice for me to say that there have been more projects coming into Marudi during my slightly over four years’ tenure compared to 20 years of my predecessor’s,” Penguang told DayakDaily today.
Among the projects which have been completed or are under implementation are the Miri-Marudi Road, the Marudi Bridge, Marudi Town Waterfront, Marudi embankment project, and various community halls, sports complexes, and administrative buildings.
“Most of the projects in Marudi constituency are road improvements from gravel roads to tar-sealed, and from abandoned logging roads to gravel roads.
“Additionally, we are also implementing greater electricity connectivity for all our major settlements which could be achieved in another two to three years. So too with water supply, we are aggressively pursuing it for all our 300 longhouses and villages in Marudi constituency,” he said.
Penguang, who is also the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing further revealed that RM1.3 billion has been approved by the state government under Highland Development Agency (HDA) to build the Miri-Marudi-Mulu Road which will be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The whole idea is to make Marudi as the nerve centre for the people living in the vast Baram basin. And in the very near future, it is our hope that Marudi would be elevated to a division,” he said.
On the recent visit by PSB leaders to Long Sepiling, Baram, Penguang, who is also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) vice-president said he was unperturbed as most of the attendees were outsiders and non-voters especially those from Miri.
“Only a few of those who attended the function were from the longhouse itself and most of them are disgruntled people, and most of the 42 vehicle-convoy (participants) were outsiders,” he said.
At the same time, he also hit back at the opposition for accusing him of not allowing village chiefs to attend the function.
“All I said to the tuai rumah was: “When my predecessor was in the government, he told the people not to support the opposition and not to attend any opposition political gathering”. So now he is tasting his own medicine,” said Penguang.
In the last state election, Penguang won a three-cornered fight with a majority of 1,387 votes. Marudi has seven polling districts and 58 polling stations.
Previously, from 1996-2016, the Marudi seat was held by Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran. Entri has since joined PSB. — DayakDaily
