Nabawan folk attribute better life to BN govt
NABAWAN: Life in Kampung Labang Sapulut was hard for Billy Sapitai and his household and would have continued to be so had it not been for the government’s poverty eradication programmes such as the Mini Estet Sejahtera (MESEJ).
Fast forward, the 39-year-old, now a farmer under MESEJ and his family are out of the hardcore poverty bracket, earning a stable income and living a more comfortable existence.
“The government has provided us with a proper house. We have water and electricity. We have roads to enable us to run errands conveniently or go to the nearby clinic or hospital.
“That’s why I support the (BN) government. Only a caring government would bother about the welfare of people like us,” he told Bernama, citing eKasih and school aid as other government programmes he and his family had benefited from.
Another MESEJ participant Arini Tipoh, 36, was grateful to the government for building a school for children in the area.
“Hopefully, a mini hall would be built for us to hold activities and official functions,” he said.
Meanwhile, small-time trader Tarini Maraya, 36, said the government’s earnestness in wanting to develop the interior and rural areas of Sabah assured him of the BN’s ability to fulfill its pledges.
“The government has helped the rural community tremendously and always attended to our grouses. For me it’s better for BN to continue governing the state as we still need a lot of development,” he said.
Private sector worker Jaiddey Ansimin, 24, concurred with Tarini, saying the country’s stability must be maintained in order for the existing development to move to another level and envelop every part of the interior of Sabah.
“At this point we already have roads in many parts of the interior and rural area but probably because of the high cost involved, their completion is being done in stages.
“Hopefully when the election is over, greater attention will be accorded to rural development for more people in the area to enjoy the conveniences, and communications access,” he said.
Jaiddey is confident that BN would be able to carry such responsibility as it already had the experience and had shown commitment towards implementing transformations for the betterment of the local community.
“I have faith in BN. In the past, Nabawan has nothing to show but now we have paved roads and health clinics, among others. Maybe one day, other interior areas will also enjoy the same development,” he said.
Nabawan, together with Sook and Tulid (new) are state seats under the parliamentary constituency of Pensiangan.
In the last general election in 2013, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup of BN obtained 9,467 votes to secure Pensiangan with a 1,744 majority over PKR’s Dr Richard Gunting who obtained 7,723 votes and Star’s Martin Tommy who obtained 3,554 votes.