Ensure Bukit Saban remain under GPS, PBB members told
BETONG: The members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in Bukit Saban must work hard to ensure that the constituency would remain under the state’s present ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
In making this call Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is the incumbent assemblyman of Bukit Saban, observes that several political parties have been showing interest in the seat, including Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“Besides these two political parties, there are perhaps others who want to try their luck.
“So your most important task is to ensure that the seat would remain with GPS,” he said in a gathering held in Spaoh near here on Sunday, which was attended by PBB members from the party’s four sub-branches in Spaoh.
Uggah, who is also PBB deputy president, regarded Sarawak as being ‘ politically stable’ under the good leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“A real ‘eager beaver’ who wants to see Sarawak developing and prospering, he (Abang Johari) regularly travels the length and breadth of the state to ascertain that all areas are given their share of progress and development. He has divided the state into three major development agencies as a strategy for everything to be developed systematically.
“Among his visions is to turn Sarawak into an agriculture powerhouse in the region – he wants it to be a key net exporter of food and food products by 2030.
“This would mean that the rural folk – the majority of whom are fishermen, breeders or farmers – could generate more incomes through their own land or efforts.
“As such, all should help the GPS to win (the next state election) convincingly for Abang Johari, who is already seen as an inclusive leader, to continue leading us,” he pointed out.
On Bukit Saban, Uggah noted that there was already a candidate going around, alleging that the only development going on in the constituency were those in Penom and Gensurai.
“This is a lie of monstrous proportion. Development projects have long been well spread out to benefit everyone. We know that there is going to be a RM108-million STOLport (short take-off and landing port) in Bebuling.
“This is to exploit and facilitate the great potential of the Betong/Sarikei Food Basket area here. It’s neither a mega nor a luxury project as painted (by certain quarters). All those in the agriculture fraternity will stand to gain,” he stressed, listing the new RM14-million Spaoh Sports Complex, the RM6.2-million Spaoh Waterfront, the new RM5-million market, and the new RM30-million Spaoh Bridge as among the projects being implemented in the area.
“The Spaoh Road is going to be upgraded, while SMK Spaoh will undergo renovations as well.
“Just last month, we witnessed the opening of the new RM3.5million Spaoh Agriculture Centre,” he said, adding that the majority of the 92 longhouses in Bukit Saban are well connected to the road network, as well as getting clean water and electricity supplies.
Nonetheless, Uggah warned everyone against resting on their laurels.
“The opposition will come up with all kinds of allegations and lies, solely to demonise me and the state government. I believe that the voters should be able to discern the truth from the lies.
“Moreover, our PBB members must be prepared to debunk all these baseless allegations.”
Meanwhile, Uggah said a mini PBB convention would be held here sometime next month.
“It is one of four planned to be held across the state, instead of just one central convention for all as what was done previously.
“We cannot do this now due to the current Covid-19 situation,” said, adding that Abang Johari is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony of the mini convention.
Political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu and PBB Bukit Saban deputy chairman Abg Suhordie Abg Zaini also attended the Sunday meeting.