Sri Aman MP wants another term before stepping down
SERIAN: Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat says he is ready to defend his seat come the 14th General Election (GE14).
Speaking to about 150 armed forces veterans and wives of former soldiers here yesterday, Masir who is Deputy Home Minister, said all he wanted was just another term.
“I need another term because (as deputy minister) I am in a good position to help not just my constituents but all Sarawakians,” he said when officiating at the Warriors’ Fund Campaign by the Veterans Association of Malaysian Armed Forces (PVATM) Balai Ringin Branch at Dewan Masyarakat Serian.
Masir said he had discussed his readiness to contest in GE14 with Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing who agreed that it was to the party’s advantage if the Sri Aman MP defended his seat for the third consecutive term.
“Yes, all I need is another term, to continue my service to the rakyat as deputy minister. At the end of that term, I will be too happy to vacate Sri Aman for my successor,” added Masir who is also PRS vice-president.
Masir also said GE14 was likely to be next year, “most probably after Hari Raya”.
“Before April does not look too good because the time from now looks too tight and too short,” he said as he appealed for support from soldiers, former soldiers and veterans.
Earlier, Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw had called on veterans and spouses of former soldiers to work with government departments and agencies to realise their objectives of helping their members.
“In particular, work with your elected peoples’ representatives because, like the Deputy Home Minister, these elected peoples’ representatives can help you,” he advised.
He said while association members were discouraged from politicising their positions in their respective branches, it was perfectly alright for them to work with their elected peoples’ representatives.
He also advised members against using their positions in the branches to do business.
“PVATM is meant to help veterans, former soldiers and their spouses in the matter of welfare. It is not for you to create business opportunities for yourselves,” he advised.
The Balai Ringin chapter of PVATM is headed by Lawa Ganyoi.
Masir announced a grant of RM20,000 to the chapter, of which RM10,000 is for setting up the chapter’s office, RM7,000 for its activities and RM3,000 for Sri Kandi (association for wives of veterans).