JULAU: Social projects implemented by the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) have brought changes and improved quality of life to many people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the projects benefitted not only Sarawakians but also the people throughout the country. He cited the projects included micro hydro, water supply, fire extinguishers, house repair, School Adoption Programme and many more.
“But sadly it was politicised by certain quarters despite its good objectives. Hopefully 1M Sarawak led by our Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders will prove that when we set up such a foundation, our aim is to champion the welfare of the people,” he said at a meet-the-people session held at Rumah Jawang Janting in Bukit Seri here yesterday.
Salang (second right) collects the water as Najib turns on the tap.
Najib said he was happy that 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council (1MSAC) led by its chairman Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum had implemented many social projects in the state through 1M Sarawak.
1M Sarawak had so far implemented 1,431 projects statewide that had benefitted many people, he said.
On a request by Salang to upgrade 8kms of logging road connecting SK Nanga Jambu and SK Nanga Kemalih here, he said he would refer it to Ministry of Defence for the army to construct the road under Projek Jiwa Murni.
Najib later called on the people to continue their support to BN in the coming state election.
“We can implement more projects here in the future if BN remains in power,” he assured.
Also present at the function were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and 1MSAC members Datuk Billy Abit Joo and Anthony Nogeh.
At the function, Najib declared open a treated water supply project for the 43-door longhouse.
Earlier in his speech, Salang hoped the projects implemented by 1MSAC could be upgraded and improved in terms of quality and handed over to relevant ministries.
He cited the micro hydro projects that could be handed over to Ministry of Rural and Regional Development where many longhouses in the state could not be connected to the state grid.
“And also fire extinguishers whereby almost all 5,000 longhouses in the state need fire extingushers. The Ministry of Education also can adopt the treated water supply system used by 1M Sarawak for rural schools,” he suggested.