Give full support to make GPS stronger in Parliament – Lee
MIRI: Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has called on Mirians to give their full support to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Miri candidate Jeffery Phang so that GPS can be stronger in parliament when demanding Sarawak’s rights.
He also stressed the importance of the 15th General Election (GE15) in determining Sarawak’s future.
“It is also the first time we are using our own Sarawak symbol – GPS. All these while we were under BN, but this time it is different.
“Even all our candidates received nomination letter from the Premier, our GPS president. In the past, the nomination letters were from the Prime Minister.
“For Sarawak to be strong and to get back its rights that’s not been restored, we need the strength and that strength comes from the people. In order to have that strength and to make Sarawak strong, we as Sarawakians must be united,” he explained.
Lee made these remarks at the Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM) Pre-Christmas Dinner held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Pujut assemblyman and Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Phang, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak president Dato Dr Philip Raja and PWOUM chairlady Kijan Toynbee.
Lee also explained why GPS must win all 31 seats in this election to show that the people are united in fighting for the return of Sarawak’s rights.
“The federal government must obey us and the interests of Sarawak must be returned and restored.
“We can stand in parliament as one. Unity is strength, our strength comes from the unity of people. Our voices can only be heard loud and clear when our own people are strongly united. That is very important in this election,” he said.
He urged the people in Miri to vote for Phang and give the mandate to the GPS as well as its candidates.
The minister then commended PWOUM for being active in organising activities and celebrating racial diversity in Sarawak.
“I must say we are blessed to live in a multi racial community in Sarawak.
“We have so many celebrations. Even during my time in the Tourism Ministry, I met with some foreign tourists who told me that Sarawakians are very happy people with so many celebrations in a year.
“So let us all treasure and cherish what we have here in Sarawak. Let no one come into Sarawak and disrupt our racial harmony and unity. We should not, at anytime, be influenced by negative and unhealthy influences from outside Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ting, who also spoke at the dinner, congratulated PWOUM for organising the dinner which brought Orang Ulu ladies, family members and friends from other races together for a colourful pre-Christmas celebration.
He also announced a RM10,000 grant for PWOUM to hold its annual activities.