By Peter Sibon
BELAWAI, July 6: Kuala Rajang assemblyman Datu Len Talif Salleh has told his constituents to put their trust in the chief minister to continue spearheading Sarawak’s progress and development.
Len Talif described Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg as a man who keeps his promise and “never comes empty handed when visiting the kawasan (constituencies)”.
Abang Johari has contributed immensely towards the development of Tanjung Manis as an industrial hub in over three decades, he added.
“He (Abang Johari) has been instrumental in developing Tanjung Manis into what it is today, since he was the Minister of Industrial Development.
“After that, as Minister of Tourism and Minister of Housing, he too contributed in developing tourism infrastructure and housing in both Tanjung Manis and here in Belawai,” Len Talif at Karnival Pantai Belawai here today.
Abang Johari was Minister of Industrial Development from 1987-2000 and thereafter, as Minster of Housing and then as Minister of Tourism twice, from 2000 to 2004, and since 2011 (with additional portfolio of Arts and Culture in 2016), before he assume the role of chief minister in 2017.
Len Talif, who is also Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, claimed that other political parties notably from Pakatan Harapan only came to the area near election time.
“They are having their function next door because they know that election is near but we have been planning this function since last year and we have been having this festival annually. That’s why we are not scared of these people,” he said.
He envisioned Belawai Beach to become a “mini Hawaii”, as the annual festival has been successful in bringing tourists and local visitors. It has created a reputation that could spur economic activities in the area.
This year, some 160 stalls were set up in conjunction with the festival and some 8,000 people are expected throughout the four-day celebration.
Many activities and programmes have been lined up including performances by Dayang Nurfaizah and other well-known local artistes. — DayakDaily
