Rentap (centre) leads the GPS battle cry together with (from left) Jamit, Nyabong, Ugak and Snowdan.
(From right) Jamit, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden, Kapit District Council Walikota Datuk Philimon Nuing and community leader Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau pose after taking part in a ‘miring’ ceremony during the event.
KAPIT: Over a thousand supporters packed Rumah Edison Bugap at Jalan Melekun in Baleh for the Kapit leg of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Flag Rally programme on Monday evening.
GPS Youth chief Gerald Rentap who led the rally said the large turnout showed the strong support of the people for the state-based coalition in its fight to safeguard Sarawak’s interests as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“For over 50 years, Sarawak was ‘governed’ by political parties in Peninsular Malaysia which caused us to remain backward in terms of infrastructure development and having our resources such as oil and gas taken away.
“So now we have to think of our state and what is best for Sarawak. We have to think ‘Sarawak First’ and plan our own future,” stressed Rentap, who is also Layar assemblyman.
He said the Sarawak government recognises Kapit as a GPS bastion and is emphasising on infrastructure development in order for it to catch up with other more developed regions in the state.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has set up Urda (Upper Rajang Development Agency) to expedite the development of infrastructure and amenities.
“RM1.5 billion has been allocated for the purpose and we are confident that upon completion of these projects, Kapit will have a new look,” he said.
Rentap, however, pointed out that the people needed to be patient as such projects take time to complete – from planning to bidding for development funds, to implementation and completion.
He also said Abang Johari is committed to safeguarding the state’s rights and privileges such as immigration autonomy and oil and gas revenue.
“Sarawak only has about three million people compared to about 30 million in Peninsular Malaysia. Imagine if we were to lose our immigration autonomy, and those from the peninsula can come in and out freely – we would definitely suffer.
“As for oil and gas revenue, if we can exercise our rights on our own resources, we would have our own revenue and need not depend on the federal government for funds to develop the state.”
Among those who spoke at the event were Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit, and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
The GPS Flag Rally participants at Rumah Edison Bugap.