Work together with BN to ensure progress, Kayans told
LONG ATIP, Baram: It is crucial for the Kayans in Apoh to work together with Barisan Nasional ( BN) to ensure continuous development in the area.
This includes them supporting the BN in the coming May 9 parliamentary polls.
Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is the BN candidate for Bintulu seat, acknowledges that Long Atip is in need of development.
“I heard about the NCR (Native Customary Rights) issues here, which have not been settled yet. Last week, I discussed with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on the ‘ pulau galau’ (communal reserves) and some NCR issues, where he told me that the state government was in the final step of preparing an act, aimed at resolving the NCR and ‘pulau galau’ issues,” he told reporters during a ‘meet-the-people’ session here yesterday.
According to Tiong, only around 20 per cent of NCR or ‘ temuda’ ( land that has been cleared, occupied and cultivated by native individuals) issues have yet to be settled in Bintulu, pointing out that he had settled most of the cases since becoming the MP in 1999.
“We must work together because only through that could issues like the NCR be resolved,” he said.
Tiong made his first visit here yesterday to show his support towards BN candidate for Baram parliamentary constituency Anyi Ngau.
It is learnt that there are 482 registered voters in Long Atip.
Meanwhile in his speech, Anyi pledged that he would work hard towards developing Baram, with the support from the constituents, over next five years.
He pointed out that although BN had been the ruling coalition for a long time, the people must understand that it would also take time to bring development to the rural areas, especially those within a huge constituency like Baram.
“Over the years, many longhouses in Apoh have been enjoying electricity from hybrid solar power generation, as well as clean water supply. I also understand that there are still longhouses that are in need of these basic infrastructures; this would be a responsibility upon my shoulders – one that I would work on should I be given the chance.”
Tiong and Anyi also went to Long Banyok and Long Lama for the meet- and- greet events there.