Ahmad Zahid tells urban folk to be thankful for what the government had done for them
Ahmad Zahid signing the UTC plaque while Wong (second right), Janet (far right), Tiong (third right) and others look on. — Photo by Othman Ishak
SIBU: Urban communities should change their mindset of opposing the government and appreciate the amenities and infrastructure the government had built to benefit them.
Making the call at the launching of the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pointed out urban folk enjoyed far better facilities and huge development allocations from the government compared to the rural people.
The Deputy Prime Minister then urged the people in Sibu to show their appreciation by rallying behind the three Barisan Nasional (BN) direct candidates – Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh for Bawang Assan, Kapitan Datuk Janet Lau for Pelawan and Datuk Tiong Thai King for Dudong.
Ahmad Zahid then requested the three to stand to be introduced to the crowd of about 5,000 at the open mall of Sibu Central Market, Bengkel Road here.
“These are the leaders whom we need to support. I urge Sibu folk and those in other towns irrespective whether there is UTC or otherwise.
“Now is the time for the urban community to change our attitude, to change our mentality and to change our support,” he said.
Wong, who is Minister of Local Government and Community, represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the function.
UTC Sibu is the 14th in the country and the third in Sarawak after Kuching and Miri.
The one-stop facility occupies an area of 91,432 square feet housing 14 government and private agencies serving the people.
Ahmad Zahid added that he was among the pioneers who adopted the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS).
He noted based on analysis be in state or general election, people in towns are represented by those, mostly not with the government.
“To me this is not fair as those representing folk in town, only voice out negative things and not work together in developing the town areas and give best services to voters.”
On this, he reminded them not to listen to the negative messages disseminated by certain quarters that emerged every five years.
He said the setting up of the UTC here is proof of the commitment of the government in serving the residents in Sibu and its outskirts.
Meanwhile the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem in his speech read out by Wong said the construction of UTC began Dec 9 last year and fully completed three months later.
Ahmad Zahid (third right) with Wong (fourth right), Rohani (fifth right), Joseph Entulu (second right) and the crowd from all walks of life waving to the media photographers. — Photos by Othman Ishak
Ahmad Zahid (fourth left) together with Wong (third left), Joseph Entulu (second left), Janet (far left), Tiong (second right) and the other VIPs’ jointly declaring open the UTC Sibu
“Since, becoming fully operation on Mar 21, UTC Sibu received a total of 32,292 visitors and the number is expected to increase daily.”
UTC Sibu is open daily except on public holiday, from 8am to 9pm.
Among those present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee and Sibu Muncipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong.