Salang all for re-nomination as BN candidate for Julau
SIBU: Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang says he has consented to be re-nominated to defend his seat as he feels that a lot more needs to be done in bringing greater development and progress to the constituency.
“A lot has been achieved or done, but a lot more needs to be done. This can be done through continuous and strong support from the people toward the BN (Barisan Nasional) government,” he said in officiating at a ‘Family Day’ gathering, hosted by the Women and Family Development Council at Rumah Inting in Nanga Lasi, Pakan on Sunday.
Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing and political secretary to chief minister Maurice Giri also attended the event.
Salang, who is also chairman of 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council, said there is this common perception that development and progress comprise only tangible physical developments like roads, health centres, schools, treated water and power supply as well as more telecommunications towers.
“But there is one aspect that is just as important – this is the social aspect. I have been told that parents in Julau have over the years become very supportive of their respective schools. In fact, according to Julau District Education Office, local parents’ involvement in education is the highest in the state,” he highlighted.
A lot has been achieved or done, but a lot more needs to be done. This can be done through continuous and strong support from the people toward the BN government
Salang said this had contributed to better academic as well as sports performance among the students.
“I am tremendously happy with these achievements. I am happy that I have also contributed to this as I have, without fail, advocated the importance of parents’ involvement during my routine visits to longhouses in Pakan,” he said.
On physical development, Salang said compared to 18 years ago when he was first elected as MP, Julau and Pakan had achieved much. On another subject, he said he had sought funding from Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, for building a bridge across Julau River at Balut.
“This is an important bridge, which if materialised would open up huge tracts of land. We cannot do this immediately but do not assume it is not coming just because it is not there yet,” he said.
On the family day, Salang said it offered opportunities for the longhouse folk to undergo health screening, including pap smear.
Meanwhile, Ding called on the people in the area to continue supporting Salang, whom he described as a very dedicated and caring people’s representative.
“I would want you to reject all other candidates so that you all can enjoy uninterrupted development for another five years,” he added.
Datuk Joseph Salang, Julau MP