‘Construction work to start soon’
SERIAN: Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin has assured Serian folk that construction work on the Serian Division administration complex and conference centre will begin soon.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had conducted the earth breaking for the project last April.
“The projects were launched by the previous chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2016 and its earth breaking was performed by the present Chief Minister in April last year, but, so far, we have not yet seen much physical work done there.
“I always ask those involved in the project on its progress. I believe it will be implemented not long from now. All of us should remain patient. These projects are not ‘menipu rakyat’ (lip service), but these projects are guaranteed real and now being realised. Please inform everyone about this,” he said at the ‘Sanjungan Budi Lambaian Kasih’ dinner organised by Serian Division community leaders on Friday.
The projects were launched by the previous chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2016 and its earth breaking was performed by the present Chief Minister in April last year, but, so far, we have not yet seen much physical work done there. — Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research
Manyin, who had led the efforts to get Serian elevated to an administrative division, said the projects were not being implemented through the normal government budget but through build-operate-transfer basis by the private sector.
He pointed out the same concept had been successfully implemented to build administration complexes in Kapit, Betong and Mukah divisions.The new Serian administration complex, which is set to incorporate a traditional Bidayuh baruk or roundhouse in its design, is estimated to cost at least RM100 million.
The conference centre, estimated to cost at least RM58 million, will replace the present Serian Community Hall, which will be demolished.
Meanwhile, former community leaders, whose terms of office ended last year, received mementos of appreciation during the dinner. Several newlyappointed penghulu also received their appointment letters for fouryear terms effective Jan 1.
On another matter, Manyin called on the local community to prioritise English among the younger generation because mastering this global language will guarantee a better future.
He said the current drive to encourage students and teachers to communicate more in English in schools will be of great benefit and is the right step forward for Sarawak.
“We see other countries already improving their proficiency in English which improve their global standing. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Malaysians used to be known as very good in English but now it seems we are taking a step backwards,” he said.