By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 30: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is confident that Bukit Saban, Layar, Beting Maro and Saribas constituencies will remain strongholds of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the coming 12th Sarawak Election (PRN12).
Calling on communities in the four constituencies in Betong Division to continue supporting GPS, the Bukit Saban incumbent said together with the incumbents for the other three constituencies, they are committed to give their support to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We will go all out but not be over confident. These constituencies are the strongholds of GPS and will remain so.
“We will work hard to contribute the seats on Dec 18 because we want you (Abang Johari) to continue to become our leader,” he said when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bebuling airport which was officiated at by Abang Johari at a community hall in Spaoh, Betong today.
Likening the Chief Minister to a fruitful tree, Uggah emphasised that Abang Johari is the only leader who can lead Sarawak to a better future.
“Sarawak will face many challenges and without an experienced leader like our Chief Minister, it will not be easy. Many leaders give all kinds of promises but after winning, they forget the promises so there is no use,” he said.
With a total of 109 initiative implemented by the GPS government, Uggah pointed out that these development did not come by coincidence or fall from the sky, but were realised due to leadership of Abang Johari who is far-sighted, people-oriented and has ability to engineer funds in the billions to implement many projects in the State.
“He is the Chief Minister for all, and this is the kind of leader we need to support and give power for another five years because we want Sarawak to be stable and to see continuous development.
“Let’s support Abang Johari and GPS for a better future. He is the only one who can assure a better future, better development for present and future generations,” he added.
On the Bebuling STOLport (short take-off and landing airport), the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land And Regional Development said the project will have a huge impact not only on Spaoh but other food basket areas in Sarawak from Mukah to Betong including Bukit Sadok and Sadar.
“This is not a dream as the Chief Minister always has proper planning for the development of the agriculture and tourism sectors. This is one of the best decisions and a big present for the people.
“The objective of building the airport is to transport local produce in food basket areas to be marketed beyond our State, given that even gula apong is now exported to Singapore, Germany and Australia. So there is potential,” he added.
Meanwhile, construction on the RM108 million airport featuring a 790-metre runway, a 185-metre taxiway, two units of aircraft park spaces, a terminal building and a watch tower has commenced with completion scheduled for September 2023.
Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Betong MP Datuk Robert Chuat Lawson as well as incumbents Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar), Razaili Gapor (Beting Maro) and Mohd Razi Sitam (Saribas) were among those present. — DayakDaily
