SERIAN: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem has called on Sarawakians to reciprocate the good gesture made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak by giving another mandate to Barisan Nasional to rule Sarawak in the coming state election.
He said Najib, who is also BN chairman, is close to the hearts of Sarawakians, having visited Sarawak many times and pledged many projects for the state.
The Serian MP, who believed the state election could be five months away, also said a good result in that election for State BN would inject new spirit to the federal BN government which was currently facing many challenges including racial issues in the peninsula.
“I believe all of you will agree that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib is close to the hearts of Sarawakians including those in Serian. Since he became PM on April 9, 2009 he has visited Sarawak very often, and he has come to Serian three times including the first time to Kampung Pichin within two months after appointment.
“The projects from the government did not ‘datang bergolek’ (come easily). I sometimes asked myself what we Sarawakians or we in Serian can do to reciprocate his good gesture. The best way is voting BN candidates in the next state election, which perhaps could be in another five months or next March on a date that only our Chief Minister knows.
“Though it is state election, the results will have an impact on the federal government led by BN,” he said.
Riot made these remarks at the presentation of grants totalling RM680,000 to 63 recipients at Dewan Masyarakat Serian here on Sunday morning.
The recipients were the third batch to receive grants from Riot this year. The amount comprised RM640,000 from minor rural project allocation for Serian parliamentary constituency, and RM40,000 from Riot’s ministerial special allocation.
On a separate matter, Riot expressed his disappointment that a village along Jalan Mentung Merau had made headlines recently for wrong reasons after its water supply issue was politicised by certain quarters.
Though he did not mention the name of the village, he was clearly alluding to Kampung Sangai Empani where some 90 households are facing poor water supply.
“Just because of disunity among the people, the water problem becomes an issue until the whole world knows about it. This I say was because of ‘mainan politik’ (political games) at the village. Though it is an isolated case, it can affect the good name of Serian,” he said.
Among those present at the function were Serian Resident Dahim Nadot, political secretary to the Human Resources Minister Major (Rtd) Peter Runin and Bidayuh Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok.
Riot paid tribute to Dahim, saying his immense experience in the civil service makes him the best person to be the first Resident of newly created Serian Division.