SPAOH, Jan 2: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has cautioned that Sarawak might lose its rights and wealth if Pakatan Harapan (PH) takes over the state in the state election that is due in 2021.
He believed the opposition would promise Sarawakians the “moon and the stars” even though “it is common knowledge now that the PH government had not been able to honour many of its election promises”.
“So, if the opposition takes over, Sarawak might lose not only its rights but its wealth as well,” he said at a Christmas cum New Year gathering here on Saturday (Dec 29).
Uggah, who is also a deputy chief minister, reckoned that PBB, the backbone of the state’s ruling coalition — Gabungan Parti Sarawak — would be facing many challenges this year.
“The opposition has declared war on us. They are out to topple the state government in the 2021 state election. We, in PBB especially, with the strong co-operation of other GPS member parties and supporters, must not allow this to happen.
“Let Sarawak remain in the hands of local leaders from local parties,” he emphasised.
In urging Sarawakians to continue standing solidly behind Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Uggah said, “His transformation programmes need our undivided support.”
He reminded PBB members from Bukit Saban state constituency to continue to strengthen the party and get those eligible to vote to register as voters.
Present at the dinner were his wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat, Betong Resident Friday Belik and more than 800 party members from Layar, Debak and Spaoh.
Saying 2019 is going to be “a busy year”, he said he himself, Robert Chuat, Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap and Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam would go to the ground more often than usual this year to ensure all approved rural transformation projects are implemented as scheduled.
He advised the people to report any shoddy work by the contractors to the Resident’s or District’s offices or to him directly before the opposition could play up the issue for political mileage.
In his speech, Robert Chuat advised PBB members to be wary of new political parties that were expected to be formed soon.
“They will try to persuade you to join them, but remember that in PBB, you have a very strong, solid and united party. It is the backbone of the state government, and its leaders are people and rural areas-oriented.
“Our GPS government has been able to serve and deliver its services to the people well. It will continue to serve and deliver well,” he assured.
At the function, Uggah presented study incentives to students in the area who had performed very well in their public examinations.
He also presented Bill of Quantities to longhouse chiefs to allow them to monitor the implementation progress of their minor development projects. He also handed over certificates to 53 participants of a `Baju Kebaya’ making course that was initiated by his wife. — DayakDaily
