KUCHING: Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip has been picked to defend Jepak in the coming state election.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem made the announcement at Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)’s Integrity Day 2015 here yesterday.
Adenan remarked that Talib had been good as SEDC chairman, as a member of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), and as assistant tourism minister.
“I think he also wants to be the candidate. I have no problem with that,” he said, adding that the state must retain capable leaders like Talib.
With the endorsement, Talib thus join several others who had been given Adenan’s blessing, namely Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong (Tebedu), Datuk Roland Sagah (Tarat), Martin Ben (Kedup), Aidel Lariwoo (Sadong Jaya) and Dr Annuar Rapee (Nangka). All of them are from PBB, the backbone of the state BN.
Three others who had also been given the nod are Snowdan Lawan (PRS-Balai Ringin), Paulus Palu Gumbang (Teras-Batu Danau) and Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran (Teras-Marudi).
Talib, when met after the function, thanked Adenan for the endorsement and said he was happy to be allowed to continue to serve.
Earlier in his speech, he called on the people to support Adenan to enable him to lead the state for another five years.
“I hope Sarawakians will give the chief minister another five years so he can do more for Sarawak.”
On Adenan’s efforts to eradicate corruption, he opined that integrity level in the state had since increased.
Assuring full support for Adenan from SEDC to push his integrity initiative forward, Talib shared with those present some of the changes SEDC had implemented over the years to boost integrity.
“We have provided transparent processes, done away with receiving expensive gifts and hampers, work around the philosophy that emphasised punctuality, paying on time, and get projects done according to specifications.
“Even so, we are not perfect. There are bound to be ‘wrinkles’ here and there, but we will not be complacent. We will continue to nourish our Tree of Integrity because integrity is a never-ending journey.”
At the gathering yesterday, several officers who had done well and discharged their duties with integrity were given SEDC Integrity Award 2015.