Abdullah (fourth right) presenting the appointment letter to Paulus. Also seen are (from right) Dr Hazland, Majang and Aidel.
KUCHING: Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang has been appointed the new chairman of Sarawak Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) for the 2017-2021 term.
He takes over from Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol, who has held the position for more than five years, and has been promoted as Assistant Corporate Affairs Minister.
Paulus will be assisted by Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo as the deputy chairman while Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi is the secretary with Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu as his assistant.
Others in the new BNBBC exco line-up are treasurer Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang), assistant treasurer Shafiee Ahmad (Daro), organising secretary Mohd Razi Sitam (Saribas), deputy organising secretary Miro Simuh (Serembu) as well as committee members Dr Hazland Abang Hipni (Demak Laut), Martin Ben (Kedup), Wilson Nyabong Ijang (Pelagus) and Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing (Meradong).
In announcing the new committee, Abdullah pointed out that the new line-up was more organised and structured, essential to carry out the many initiatives proposed by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“All 43 backbenchers have to and can provide genuine, quality and critical feedback including constructive criticisms not only on issues of politics but also development, economy and other important issues to ensure check and balance,” he said.
“The opposition are not the only observer of check and balance. It seems that they are more vocal in raising issues, many of which are not new to the government. We are more quiet but we are doing our work in a proper manner because we don’t normally come out and raise our voice,” he added.
The Chief Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN), Abdullah added, were in fact very open and welcomed all kinds of suggestions and ideas to ensure policies and initiatives can be implemented smoothly.
“The Chief Minister even praised the BN YBs (elected representatives) for their boldness and courage in raising critical issues affecting the people especially on the state and federal government negotiations over autonomy and rights as well as on rural development,” he elaborated.
Meanwhile, Paulus pledged to work with all backbenchers in continuing the good work and momentum of BNBBC which Abdullah led for many years.
“A committee meeting will be called to strategise on how we can carry out our roles, duties and responsibilities in a better and more effective way,” he said.