Dennis cuts the ribbon to declare open the cement road to the village as Juk (third left), Dominic (second left) and others look on.
MARUDI: The Sarawak government has always given attention to development of rural areas.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Nagau said this has been the priority of the state government which is now under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
For that purpose, each assemblyman from the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is given a yearly allocation of RM5 million to carry out development projects like infrastructure and amenities in their respective constituencies, he added.
“One proof is the cement road to your longhouse which I officiated today,” Dennis told his constituents at an event in Long Tebangan yesterday. Long Tebangan is seven hours’ journey by road from Miri City.
On another note, he advised his constituents to seek clarification from the right authority to avoid being confused by self-interest individuals or groups who try to take advantage of the matter following the passing of the amendment to Land Code to give force of law to Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau which are now called Native Territorial Domain.
“It has been a tough road by the committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas entrusted by YAB CM Abang Johari Tun Openg to seek and find solutions to the longstanding issue among native Sarawakians.
Dennis (third right) receives a memento from Juk Emang as other villagers look on.
“The committee took into account all necessary views from all groups and ethnic leaders in the state before it was tabled in the State Legislature. So let us move on and make sure that the land that belongs to us will be properly documented,” he said.
Being an isolated settlement, Dennis suggested that the people in Long Tebangan get their NCR lands surveyed and use them for planting commercial crops that could generate income for them, which could also be a catalyst for more development projects.
Headman of Long Tebangan, Juk Emang, in his speech, conveyed his people’s appreciation and thanks to Dennis for having done so much for the village.
“We can really see and feel what he has done for our village and the people. He is a committed and hardworking leader and he mixes well with us. As a result, he understands our needs even if we did not put the request to him. He knows what we need and want. That’s unique about Dennis,” he said.
He urged his people to continue to support Dennis to ensure he can bring their needs to the top leaders in the state. Present were councillor Dominic Nyurang Ajang and members of the village security and development committee.