CM announces Balai Ringin incumbent to defend his seat, sees no reason to replace him
Adenan arrives at SK Telagus/Jerok. Snowdan is on his right. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
SIMUNJAN: The Barisan Nasional (BN) has no reason to replace Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan as its candidate for the next state election.
State BN chairman Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said Snowdan is someone who knows and serves the constituency well.
“Snowdan knows all the little details of this constituency, so there are no reasons why we would want to replace him with somebody else.
“He is still the most suitable candidate for Balai Ringin. Depending on how hard-working he is, BN will win. There must be a continuity in the leadership of this area,” he said prior to launching SK Telagus/Jerok’s new building yesterday.
The assemblyman had been facing some complaints from some detractors in his own constituency.
A group of them recently made a police report against him for alleged misuse of government development grants.
The same group had also lodged a report with the MACC on the same issue.
Snowdan is currently in his second term as Balai Ringin assemblyman.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president and Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing had previously stated that from PRS’ point of view, there was no problem for Snowdan to be renominated to defend the seat.
In his speech, Adenan highlighted his intention to help the less fortunate in the state.
“With the rising costs of living, I have to think of ways to help the poor and the disabled, particularly those who are receiving welfare from the state. We are planning to raise the welfare payment to the less fortunate group to ease their burden.
“As a chief minister for all Sarawakians, there are many things I want to do for Sarawak. That is why I need another five years so that I can ask for more from the federal government,” he said.
Adenan stressed he will continue to fight for the rights of Sarawakians.
“For one thing, I do not want the Iban to be known as ‘Lain-Lain’ any more. Our state is not just made up of Malay people, but there are the Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and more. I don’t agree to the idea as if your people do not exist. No more Lain-Lain.
“Also, not all Bumiputeras in Sarawak are Muslims. We do not want others to tell you how to worship your God. Feel free to practise your religion how you want to. Be proud of what we are and what we have here,” he said.
In addition, Adenan stated he would continue to fight for the 20 per cent oil royalty.
“As long as I am the chief minister I will continue to ask for it. We need to be assertive of our rights.
“This includes asking for more roads, electricity supply and clean water supply to the rural areas, just like in Peninsular Malaysia. What they have over there, we must have it over here. We do not want to be treated like a stepchild any more,” he said.
Adenan later announced a grant of RM1 million to be allocated to 20 schools in the constituency for upgrading works and activities — double the amount Snowdan had requested.
Among those present were Deputy Home Minister and Sri Aman Member of Parliament Masir Kujat and Agriculture Assistant Minister (Research and Marketing) and Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang.