Adenan (right) showcases his singing skills during a segment of the event.
SIBU: The state Barisan nasional (BN), helmed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, has announced that Dr Annuar Rapa’ee will defend his Nangka seat in the next state election.
“So the (BN) candidate Nangka is none other than Dr Annuar. Give him your full support for him to carry on the development agenda for Sibu,” the chief minister said in his remarks during the divisional-level ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2015’ gathering at a hotel here on Friday.
Nangka is among the majority of predominantly-Bumiputera state constituencies represented by PBB – the backbone of the state BN.
Dr Annuar, a 52-year-old cardiologist, claimed Nangka for the first time in the last 2011 polls after defeating PKR candidate Norisham Mohamed Ali with a majority of 5,302 votes. The PBB man garnered 7, 710 votes, against Norisham’s 2,408.
At the function, Adenan reiterated his call for strong mandate from Sarawakians in the next state election, pointing out that this would enable him to perpetuate more development in the state for another five years.
“Give us your full support and mandate. It will be easier for us to speak up about the needs of the people. I will speak for the people of Sarawak and I’m sure they (federal government) will listen to our voice – if we stand strongly behind the BN government.
“Over the last one-and-half years, I have done a lot, but I understand Sarawak needs more development. So I seek a strong mandate to facilitate me in carrying (this agenda) on,” he said.
Adenan, in his capacity as chief minister, has reduced electricity tariffs, abolished tolls, launched the move against illegal logging and pursued for the 20-per cent hike in oil and gas royalty for Sarawak – the last of which is an ongoing exercise.
He has also stopped the issuance of timber licences or concessions so as to preserve the forests, as well as to prevent the depletion of the state’s rich natural resources.
Adenan has also discontinued the issuance of large tract of land for commercial plantations, but allowed government agencies such as Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) and Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) to open up native land – if the natives agreed to it.
Meanwhile in his address, Dr Annuar urged the local community to continue supporting BN candidates in the next state election.
He stated that upon his election as Nangka assemblyman, many things had been planned in the interests of the constituents.
“In my four years as your elected representative, I have always been focusing on three key things – improving public infrastructure, stressing on education and strengthening the economy of the people. All these are going on the right track,” he said, adding that throughout his current term, the roads in 33 longhouses had been tarred.
According to him, the state government has allocated RM7 million this year to pave all roads in villages across Nangka.
Adenan attended the Hari Raya event with his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip.