Wong receives his letter of appointment to contest in Sibu under the BN ticket for GE14 from Abang Johari, witnessed by Uggah (centre), Awang Tengah (right) and Nanta (second left). — Photos by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING: Providing the younger generation in Sibu with jobs and other opportunities is one of the strategies adopted by Datuk Andrew Wong, the state Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Sibu.
According to him, he came up with this plan as part of his efforts to prevent the people of Sibu, particularly the younger generation, from moving to other towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We have many opportunities here much like what is available in other cities in Peninsular Malaysia.
“That is why I came up with a 2018-2022 plan called ‘Sibu 1’ in a bid to bridge the gap between Sibu and other cities in Peninsular Malaysia,” he told reporters when met after receiving his letter of appointment to contest in GE14 from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at PBB headquarters here yesterday.
The 42-year-old, who is one of the 15 new faces to be fielded by the state BN in the upcoming 14th general election (GE14), said his plan is in line with the state government’s mission for the state to embrace digital economy.
“We must provide sufficient job opportunities to the younger generation so that they are aware that in Sibu, they can have job options too and it is not that different compared to other cities in Peninsular Malaysia.”
Wong, who is contesting under the BN-SUPP ticket, is expected to face off with Sibu incumbent Oscar Ling, who is from DAP.
In the 13th general election, DAP successfully defended Sibu seat when Ling won with a majority of 2,841 votes, beating BN’s Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau and independent candidate Narawi Haron in a three-cornered fight.
Present to witness the handing over of the letter of appointment were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and BN Sarawak secretary general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Wong greets SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (second right) prior to meeting Abang Johari to receive his letter of appointment. At left is Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is Wong’s father.