Stephen Wong
SANDAKAN: Sandakan Member of Parliament Stephen Wong Tien Fatt upon returning here for the first time after the 14th general election, yesterday said that he is going to need some time to cope with his new position as the Minister of Health and Wellbeing, and then he will be ‘saving’ Sandakan.
“Give us time, and we will save Sandakan,” he said.
Wong shared that his ministry has very big responsibility as it not only involves the health sector such as hospitals and health care system in Sabah, but also the people’s wellbeing which he said has a very big scope.
“I have attended one briefing session at the new ministry. I find that this ministry involves such a big scope as it also involves the wellbeing of the people. Among them are the infrastructure and facilities in libraries, control of goods prices, drug abuse and more.
“It is the first time that I became part of the government. Since this ministry is new, it needs a lot of adjustment and discussion, which takes time. I am going to try my best to cope and do my best for my position as a minister and people’s representative to serve the people, but this is going to require some time. I am aware of all the problems that the people of Sandakan are facing, and I welcome more valuable opinions and suggestions from the public too. After we all settle down with everything, we will be saving Sandakan,” he said.
Wong said that he is aware of the issues in Sandakan including the ones that need immediate attention: the faulty crane in Karamunting jetty since May 2 which had resulted in a few ships failing to unload its containers; problems of sewage system throughout Sandakan district.
“For these problems which require immediate attention, I will personally meet up with the authority in charge of the port and Public Works Department next Monday. I will also meet with the Sandakan Municipal Council President (Datuk Ir James Wong) to have further discussion about maintenance problem in Sandakan. I do not know if he (James) will meet me, since he refused to meet me for the past five years,” he added.
Wong said this in a press conference held at his office here, yesterday. Also present were Tanjong Papat
Assemblyman cum Minister of Youth and Sports, Frankie Poon Ming Fung and Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong.
The three thanked the people of Sandakan for voting for them and said that they will keep all their promises that they made to the people before the election.