By Roslan Mutu
SERIAN: Nov 5: Serian’s seven-term incumbent MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem has described the presence of a large crowd of supporters and three assemblymen under P199 Serian rallying behind him as giving him the moral support to retain the seat in a four-cornered fight.
“I’m smiling. I have fought in seven (general) elections. Today’s outing so far is the best and I believe that it (big crowd of supporters) will turn into votes. However, in politics I cannot be overconfident. As I have said, I’m confident that I can win but I cannot be over-confident,” Riot told the media after the nomination procedure was closed at 12.23pm.
The three assemblymen under Serian parliamentary constituency who were seen with Riot were Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus and Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sindang.
Riot, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy president, is facing three other candidates namely retired former Sabah deputy customs director Dr Alim Impira who is running as an independent candidate, Elsiy Tingang of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), and Learry Jabol of Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Riot, who arrived at the nomination centre at Serian Division’s Government Administration Centre at around 8.25am, was accompanied by his proposer Martin and seconder John, along with a large crowd of supporters.
On matters arising, Riot highlighted the urgent need to upgrade the Tebedu Immigration, Customs and Quarantine Complex (ICQ) to international status to link it with Kalimantan.
“Tebedu ICQ Centre is the only international entry point between Malaysia and Indonesia by land through Tebedu. And I would want the current one not only to be upgraded, but I want a totally new (ICQ) complex,” he said, adding that there a need for people, community leaders and enforcement agencies to safeguard border security between Sarawak and Kalimantan, which involves a large part of Tebedu district.
He also highlighted other needs, including building more schools and amenities in Serian to cater to the growing population.
“We need to build SMK Serian No 2 and SK Sri Sadong. Besides that, we need to upgrade Internet speed, and to expand the current single-lane Serian-Tebedu Road into a four-lane highway to cater for the growing needs in Serian,” said Riot. — DayakDaily
