Manyin: Continue supporting local-based parties in GPS

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Manyin (wearing hat) cuts the ribbon to symbolically launch the bailey bridge. On his right is John Ilus

SERIAN: Sarawakians should continue supporting the coalition of ruling local-based parties in the state now under the newly formed Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Minister for Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin said the GPS-helmed Sarawak government will work closely with the Pakatan Harapan-led (PH) federal government despite the state being an opposition at the federal level.

He pointed out that GPS, which was formed after the ruling coalition of local-based parties quit Barisan Nasional (BN) following the 14th general election (GE14), will continue its struggle under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to take back Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“We are now in the opposition, but we are a friendly opposition,” he said at a ceremony to launch a bailey bridge at Kampung Tebakang Melayu recently.

Manyin pointed out that among the early initiatives of the Sarawak government, following the outcome of the GE14, was to continue bearing the cost of allowances to be paid to all ketua kaum (village chiefs) in the state.

This decision was made following a circular issued by the federal Rural Development Ministry that payment of allowances and other related matters such as appointments are now temporarily deferred.

On another matter, Manyin said Serian, including the areas under Tebedu state constituency which he is the elected representative, is now all connected with tar-sealed roads and enjoying round-the-clock electricity supply.

He said efforts are now ongoing to improve supply of treated water to all villages there, which can materialise once the RM141 million Mantung Merau Rural Water Supply project is completed.

Meanwhile, the RM300,000 bailey bridge provided the second link to Kampung Tebakang Melayu and only passable by light vehicles.

Also present at the bridge launch were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, a political secretary to the chief minister John David Nyauh, Serian District Council secretary Constantine Jonas and local community leaders.