Gerawat hails TR Michael’s achievement

MARUDI: Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Datuk Gerawat Gala has hailed TR Michael Selangkor Unting for his capable leadership in making his longhouse a smoke-free zone for the past seven years.

The longhouse received the outstanding recognition from the Ministry of Health.

The Mulu assemblyman also said the achievement should be an example for other longhouses to emulate.

Being the longhouse of a senior leader of the Iban community in Poyut area, Penghulu Randi Bundan, he added that it can be a model longhouse in terms of leadership, effectiveness of village development and security committee (JKKK) and general cleanliness.

Elaborating, he advised JKKKs to plan and organise development projects for their respective longhouses in close cooperation with their elected representatives, either state assemblyman or member of parliament and the district officer of their area.

He also reminded village heads to be strict with those who break the ‘adat’. Gerawat said this in his speech read by Marudi district officer Mackos Sibong at the 7th anniversary celebration of Rumah Michael Selangkor at Sg Brit.

Present were Gerawat’s private secretary Harry Harold, Marudi Information Department chief Joseph James and other local headmen.

On another matter, Mackos said he had been informed that Randi had told Gerawat about the need for a concrete path for students and teachers of the village school, adding he would get the cost estimate from Public Works Department and make sure it is done. Mackos also mentioned that Gerawat had given RM7,000 for the anniversary celebration and pledged RM8,000 from his MRP fund for the JKKK of Rumah Michael Selangkor.

At the same time, he urged members of the JKKK to be the ‘engine of growth’ for the longhouse through proper planning and administration.

Meanwhile, Randi, who was the former head of the longhouse, related the history of the longhouse, saying planning for the longhouse started in 1998 followed by clearing of the site and building of the longhouse on Feb 16, 2006.

He said it was officially declared open by former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu on April 25, 2010.

Michael Selangkor also gave a speech at the gathering.

Mackos (sixth right, first row) jointly cuts the cake with Michael, Harry and Randi as members of the JKKK of Rumah Micahel Selangkor look on.

Michael (third left) presents a memento to Mackos as others look on.

Mackos cuts the ribbon to launch the 7th anniversary celebration of Rumah Micahel Selangkor as from left Randi, Harry and Michael look on.