You have the right to ask for help from govt, Uggah tells villagers

LUNDU: Voters have the right to seek assistance from the government which they have elected, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas pointed out.

Uggah gave this assurance when speaking at a dialogue with Iban villagers from Kpg Sileng Dayak, near here, at their community hall Wednesday night.

“It’s the responsibility of the government which you have elected to assist you in your needs. Our door is always open for you to meet us,” Uggah said.

He also assured them that if they vote for the BN candidate in the Tanjong Datu by- election on Feb 18, continuous development could be achieved.

“This by- election is called due to the untimely passing of our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, so the BN has fielded his widow Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu so that she will continue the development agenda for Tanjong Datu which will benefit all of you,” he said to a thunderous applause from the crowd.

Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy, told them that the state’s main focus now was to assist the rural community to earn at least RM4,000 per month by 2020.

“So you must cultivate your land with crops such as pepper, rubber, oil palm and even coconut. There are various government agencies which can assist you if you need assistance so as to improve your income,” he advised.

At the same time, Uggah, who is PBB acting deputy president, assured the community of Kpg Sileng that the government would assist them to survey their land, including their individual lots.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said it is vital for the Dayak community to be close to the government and their leaders.

“This will create a two-way information channel in order for the rural people to be in the know of the government’s plans for them and they can also suggest counter proposal if they think it is not suitable for them,” he pointed out.

Dr Rundi, who is also PBB secretary- general, urged the people to be proactive and self- driven to take advantage of the government’s peoplecentric policies to develop the community.

“But you must be ready to change your mindset to move forward to improve your own income,” he said.

He urged them to vote for Jamilah so that Adenan’s legacy will be continued as it will benefit them.

Dr Rundi also told the community that his ministry would provide them with better telecommunication, especially internet coverage, and water supply.

Village chief Bong Bujang also spoke at the function which was attended by many assemblymen, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Dato Peter Minos and political secretaries to the Chief Minister.