New generations urged to give back
MIRI: The new generations are urged to contribute back to their place of birth to ensure continuous development in a place where their journey of life started.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau stressed that once one has succeeded in life, it is one’s responsibility to go back and rediscover the precious values the church and their parents have nurtured in them as all reality hinges on moral and spiritual foundation.
He was speaking at the official opening of Long Aton village church extension, which cost about RM40,000 and was made possible through funds received from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Dennis himself and Baram MP Anyie Ngau.
Dennis added that a community with shared goals succeed in most things undertaken normally by longhouses on voluntary basis as their leader would share their vision.
“If you have a goal for your community, this will create sense of purpose that is often derived from team spirit among you who want continuous change for something better, a deep desire to solve problems be they social or community or wanting to prove to your surrounding neighbour that you can be successful in bringing development to your longhouse despite all the difficulties you face in your quest due to rural-urban migration.
“I see this spirit among all of you and I urge all village folks to chip in whenever there is the need to upgrade or extend old facilities or amenities in the longhouse,” he added.
Dennis also shared the state government’s decision to set up Ulu Baram Development Agency, a brainchild of the Chief Minister, to plan, direct and spur a specific development agenda for Ulu Baram including Tinjar.
“I urge all communities in Ulu Baram to readily accept this new initiative by the state government to enable the changes in the landscape of Baram for the benefit of our people,” he said, adding the government will always uphold the freedom of religion in the country and reminding the people to be aware of individuals or groups who use the church for their selfish political agendas.
Present at the launching were political secretary to the chief minister Charles Balan Seling, penghulu Joseph Belulok, councillor Jaraw Braim, headmaster Samuel Iwet and about 200 residents of the longhouse.
Long Aton is located at Ulu Tinjar, about six hours drive on timber track from Miri City.