Former rep to push for outer-ring road for Pelawan if given mandate

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(From left) Chang, Paren, Yap, Ling, Wong and Chew pose for the camera after collecting their nomination forms.

(From left) Chang, Paren, Yap, Ling, Wong and Chew pose for the camera after collecting their nomination forms.

SIBU: Former Pelawan assemblyman David Wong of the DAP yesterday said his party’s vision for Pelawan was to push for an outer ring road to connect the constituency.

He said such a road was needed to resolve traffic congestion problems that had been plaguing Pelawan for years.

“We have already proposed to the state government to expedite allocation for the road, which is estimated to cost about RM70 million. We will continue to push for the project to be implemented if given a stronger mandate (in the coming state election),” he told reporters after getting his nomination form at the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) yesterday.

The DAP picked up 15 nomination forms for its candidates in the central region.

With him were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, former Dudong assemblyman Yap Hoi Liong and potential candidates Irene Chang (Bukit Assek), Stanley Chew (Bawang Assan), and Paren Nyawi (Katibas).

Wong said the DAP would also help ensure local councils get more funds from the state government, unlike the current practice of giving between RM2 and RM3 million to each local councils annually.

“We also want the state government to empower local councils to do more so that they will come up with more developments that will benefit the rakyat.”

Wong said these were among the changes they wanted to do to bring about a better tomorrow for Sibu.

“However, for that to materialise, we need a stronger mandate from the people.”

Wong claimed the strong presence of the opposition had resulted in the abolishment of tolls and recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of Chinese independent schools.

In the last state election in 2011, DAP secured 12 seats, mostly urban seats.

Meanwhile, Wong hit out at SUPP leaders for not developing Sibu when they were at the top.

“Despite being part of the government, they failed to achieve what we have achieved these past five years.”

On his performance as Pelawan assemblyman, Wong said he had brought up issues such as those relating to drainage, lighting and potholes.