Salang still the people’s choice for Julau — Tuai Rumah
SIBU: There is no need to rock the boat as Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing has twice publicly announced that Datuk Joseph Salang will be renominated to defend Julau seat this coming general election.
Saying this was a Salang’s staunch supporter, Tuai Rumah Jantan Uchong, from Genting Kopi in Pakan.
“To allege that he (Salang) does not understand the people’s needs and that a new candidate will be able to fight for funds to make the constituency more prosperous, are mere political rhetoric.
“The four-term incumbent, who is PRS secretary-general, has been doing very well all these while.”
Recently, three longhouse chiefs and a former councillor were reported in the press as saying Salang would be dropped this general election.
“They don’t represent the views of the majority. I hope they didn’t speak with mercenary motive,” Jantan said, adding that the four could have allowed themselves to be manipulated by some individuals with vested interest.
According to him, besides physical developments, Salang has been successful in changing the people’s mindset especially in getting them to have stable and good incomes.
“If the four persons care to look around, they will notice that there are more pepper gardens, more oil palm smallholdings and rubber gardens now, and new ones are mushrooming.
“People are far better off compared to previously. Salang has tirelessly campaigned for these private initiatives besides giving out his usual minor rural projects ( MRP) funds. Just before last Christmas he gave out almost RM1million at a function at Rh Jamu in Sungai Rusa,” he said.
Jantan also sees Salang as a keen advocate of academic excellence among local students.
“It is common knowledge that he has been giving his personal incentives to outstanding students for the past 19 years.
“Not many leaders in Julau have done this. At least, he inspires students to take their studies seriously and for parents to ensure that their children study seriously,” he added.
Jantan, who is PRS Pakan branch deputy chairman, said Salang had indicated in the past he was ready to step down, but Masing said he was the best candidate to defend the seat in the coming GE14.
“BN component party leaders have expressed their full support for Salang to continue serving as Julau MP.
“These endorsements by Masing and that of the local leaders, including many longhouse chiefs, speak volume of the confidence and respect they have for him,” Jantan said.
Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Desmond Sunok of Rh Sunok in Sungai Seberah, Julau said if indeed the four had been lobbying for a new candidate they should let the people know who they are.
“We want to know if they are endorsed by any PRS division.
“We’ve come to know that certain people are lobbying for an outsider who is a non-Iban in their attempt to replace Salang.
“This is political disaster in the making.
“Voters are now more discerning and educated. Do not take their intelligence for granted,” he said.
According to Sunok, Salang has his roots in Julau with his relatives and even properties around.
“I’ve had close association with Salang for over two decades, and I dare say the incumbent is still very popular among the people whom he regular visits.
“The majority are still with Salang. He has been very fair and disciplined in his responsibilities as our representative.
“On the issue of his successor, Salang too has been trying to groom one or two potential candidates from among the locals but they have not done much themselves to be ready for the calling.
“While we do not stop people from exercising their political rights to nominate a candidate of their choice, they should also not stop us from exercising ours.
“If in the end, the BN top leaderships still want Salang to continue leading the people we hope they will respect the decision for the good of all.”
Others who have voiced support for Salang include young leaders like TR Minggang, TR Genta, TR Morris Gersang and TR Michael Jantan in Julau and TR Papit Brandi from Sungai Rusa in Sarikei.