GPS seen as best fit for Sarawak – assemblyman

JULAU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) not only understands the needs and problems of Sarawakians, but also has the capability and experience to find solutions.

Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin believes that being a coalition of Sarawak-based political parties, GPS has the capability and experience to manage Sarawak's resources, to look after the people's well-being and also to reclaim the rights under Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) that have been eroded over the years.

“Sarawakians ought to accord their full trust to GPS to administer the state. Though yet to be officially registered, the coalition has set a clear vision and mission to put Sarawak in a position that she deserves to be in,” he spoke during a ‘Leader with People' gathering at Rumah Mambang, Nanga Lingah in Lasi near here last Saturday.

The assemblyman said unlike various quarters that claimed to champion the Sarawak cause, GPS has a clear blueprint or roadmap to realise its vision and mission.

“GPS has done a great job in claiming back Sarawak's rights under MA63, which have been eroded, where the Chief Minister led a delegation to London to gather facts and evidence to strengthen the case in reclaiming Sarawak's rights under MA63.

“The Sarawak government has also amended the Oil and Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 to strengthen the regulatory control over the exploration and prospecting for petroleum and minerals on land in Sarawak,” he added.

Duat said the quarters that claimed to champion the cause of the natives over land issues by ‘making a lot of noise on social media', had yet to provide any practical solution to the problems.

“The government, led by GPS, has already achieved a lot but they are still working on it; regarding the NCR (Native Customary Rights) land issues, the perimetersurveying initiatives under Sections 6 and 18 of the Sarawak Land Code have been implemented and they are still progressing.”

Nevertheless, the assemblyman acknowledged that the process had been time consuming as it was undertaken with limited funds allocated by the previous federal government.

“It's unfair for certain parties to question their (Sarawak government under GPS)'s commitment in looking after the welfare and interest of the Dayak community. It has always been their wish to get instant solutions to all problems, but they must do things in a diplomatic manner so as to not hurt the feelings of Sarawakians from other ethnic communities,” said Duat.

At the gathering, the assemblyman allocated parts of his Rural Transformation Project (RTP) funds for next year and 2020, for the construction of a bridge in the area. It is estimated that the cost would amount to RM1 million.

He would also submit an application for Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) fund for upgrading works on a 3km Pedanum/Lingah Road.

Later, he announced RM20,000 from his minor rural project (MRP) grant for Rumah Mambang security and development committee.