Elected reps represent all people — Junaidi
by Antonia Chiam, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 11, 2012, Saturday
HELPING HAND: Wan Junaidi (second right) presents a cheque to a recipient. Also seen from right are Kuching District Officer Mahri Sarpawi and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) secretary-general Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.
KUCHING: Public perception that elected representatives only represent those from his or her race needs to change.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker and Santubong member of parliament Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this was not in the spirit of 1Malaysia.
“In the spirit of 1Malaysia, wakil rakyat should not just help his or her own race but people from every race and background.
“Public perception is that a Malay representative only helps the Malays and the Chinese only help the Chinese. That must be changed,” he stressed when presenting emergency and welfare aid yesterday.
A total of 22 recipients received aid for various reasons including education, emergency medical treatment and natural disasters, amounting to RM17,800.
“This is a regular thing we do for the people. It is usually done at houses of recipients, schools or our office, but due to the large number of recipients this time, we decided to do it all together at a different venue including breakfast for them on the Sarawak River cruise boat.
“Depending on feedback, we may do it again this way next time,” said Wan Junaidi.
In addition to the 22 emergency and welfare aid recipients, a total of 44 poor folk, mostly Rumah Seri Kenangan residents, and homeless from around the city, also received financial aid of RM100 per person.
