By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 9: Resolving flood problems and upgrading basic infrastructure including the telecommunication network will be the priorities of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Dato Sri Tiong King Sing if he wins the N52 Dudong constituency.
He emphasised that the GPS government has in fact allocated RM6 million to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak to undertake a study for Sungai Rajang and Sungai Igan before coming up with short- and long-term plans to resolve the flood issues in Dudong.
“I am very thankful to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the initiative.
“The study is expected to start next year. With the study, we can then plan on how to resolve the issue such as siltation on the river bed which would require dredging works to be done or else this problem cannot be solved,” he said in a post on a social media platform today.
Tiong, who is also the Bintulu MP, explained that when flooding occurs in Sibu, it will not affect Bintangor and Sarikei districts as water will not accumulate at the lower reaches of the Rajang River.
He also pledged to set up a Dudong Team to ensure the smooth running of services in the constituency.
Meanwhile, Tiong apologised in advance to all Dudong residents including people in urban areas as he will not be able to visit each and every village and longhouse due to restrictions on campaigning imposed by election standard operating procedures (SOP) to curb Covid-19 and ensure the safety and health of the people.
“I appeal to all not to be emotional about this but instead, we should come together and work as a team for the sake of the people.
“After the election, if we can win, there will be a lot of time, chances and opportunities for us to meet, have dialogues and sit down to discuss issues and find solutions for them, including in urban areas,” he promised.
A political party, he added, is just a platform and the most important thing is that the needs and issues faced by the people must be addressed and resolved.
“That’s the duty of politicians and not for their own benefit or to portray us as very powerful. Sometimes, you try to project yourself as very powerful but towards the end you become a bloody fool.
“We must be down to earth and have an open heart to hear people’s problems and issues and solve them together,” he added. — DayakDaily
