Nogeh, Entri in jovial mood at meet-up
LUNDU: Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP) secretary general Datuk Anthony Nogeh and Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) deputy president Datuk Sylvester Entri exchanged pleasantries when they met at a function in Kampung Selampit here last Saturday evening, much to the surprise of those present.
Nogeh, who is also federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, was there to officiate the function, while Entri came as guest in his capacity as Sarawak Farmers Organisation ( SFO) chairman and board member of National Farmers Organisation ( Nafas).
While the function was not political in nature, the goodwill shown there was a good sign for Nogeh who is seeking his second term as Mas Gading MP in the coming 14th General Election (GE14).
Barisan Nasional ( BN) component PDP and BN-friendly Teras were often at loggerheads, but this animosity seems to be put aside for the looming GE14.
Teras comprises many former leaders and members of PDP, then known as Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).
Meanwhile, the function was a gathering of some 800 farmers under the Batang Kayan Zone.
It was jointly organised by Nafas, Sri Gading Farmers Organisation and the village security and development committees (JKKKs) of Kampung Selampit and Kampung Bitokan.
Nogeh, in his speech, said that the programme was one of the ministry’s ‘turun padang’ (go to the ground) activities to touch base with the local farming communities.
He called on the local communities to venture into commercial agriculture and consider farming as business ventures and help to reduce the country’s food import bill.