Think big in your planning, Bidayuh leaders told
SERIAN: Bidayuh community leaders are urged to think big in the planning of their respective villages instead of just seeking government allocation for merry-making.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin said that community leaders must stop asking government grants for petty issues including the purchase of new uniforms.
He called on them to instead ask for allocations that would benefit their villages in the long run such as improving public facilities like village roads, places of worship and community halls.
“Don’t just think of ‘ bigawai’ (merry making) only. This alone will not bring us forward. Instead, look at the bigger picture and plan for things which benefit and bring greater convenience to the people,” he said at the presentation of minor rural project ( MRP) grants at Kampung Pichin near here yesterday.
Manyin, who is also Tebedu assemblyman, said he had set a personal target to get all longhouses and churches in the constituency to have tiled floors within the next four years. He said community leaders could request funds for this purpose.
“Do the estimation before requesting for the funds.
“Within the next four years, I hope I can get all the longhouses and churches to have floors with tiles. This will not only make the place look clean and beautiful, but it will give a good impression on visitors,” he said.
On another matter, he said the Bidayuh community could be rest assured that Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg was also their ‘ friend’ much like his predecessor the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
He said this was because Abang Johari had pledged to continue with Adenan’s fair and just policies.
Manyin said Adenan was a friend of the Bidayuhs for he had always assisted the community.
He said Adenan had, among others, approved RM2 million to Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) and RM10 million to build roads to Kakas, Kiding and Sapit - three Bidayuh villages in upper Padawan still without proper road access.
“We feel the loss (Adenan’s death). Despite this, we have Datuk Amar Abang Johari who has the same thinking as the late Adenan, as our chief minister,” said Manyin.
About 30 villages in Tebedu constituency received MRP grants totalling RM1 million yesterday.
Tebedu District Officer Raymond Achen, Serian District Council deputy chairman Dr Simon Sinang and Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok were among those present at the function.