Joseph Mauh
SIBU: Support for Tamin incumbent Joseph Mauh is strong as the majority of voters there are said to be keen for him to defend the seat.
Mauh said voters had conveyed to him their sentiments as they feared losing the many development projects which are currently underway.
He claimed that voters had confidence in him as they saw the tremendous development taking place in the young constituency, such as the RM13 million project to provide treated water to Siong area.
He said, “Be it a straight fight, three-cornered or multi-cornered, I am not afraid to take them on.
“Voters these days are very smart as they are not prepared to go for a wager, knowing full well that only the Barisan Nasional (BN) can give them development.
“The track record of the BN speaks for itself as projects are delivered as promised.
“BN government engages a participative leadership where they listen to the problems of the people and help find solutions to them,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday when asked on the possibility of a three-cornered fight in Tamin constituency.
SNAP has announced that Munan John Andrew would carry its hope in Tamin.
But last month, PKR had also expressed keenness to field a candidate there. Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president Mengga Mikui might be their man.
Mengga was reported to have expressed confidence that PKR would give him the blessing to contest in this predominantly Iban seat.
Mauh said: “Our election machinery is going full throttle and we are well prepared. I am ready to face anybody from the opposition, be it from SNAP or PKR.”
He reiterated that voters were worried that the various development projects would stall if the opposition had a foothold.
“In fact, work on the RM13 million project has started and pipes have been laid. When completed, several longhouses, three primary schools and a clinic in Siong area would have treated water supply.”
He disclosed that the Selangau Water Board building was under construction and, upon completion, would provide treated water to various longhouses in Selangau and Tamin.
The incumbent assured that there were more projects proposed under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), including proposals for a secondary school in Selangau, a community college and a new building for Giat Mara.
On infrastructure, he revealed that Pakoh Road and Ulu Oya had been upgraded, while Sungai Dijih Road – some 2km long – had been tar-sealed.
He also revealed that Ulu Mukah Road, up to Rh Kon, would be upgraded to a gravel road soon.
Mauh said a stretch of about 3km Pelugau Road had been tar-sealed. While another 1.5km would be upgraded to a gravel one soon.
“That is why they (voters) have confided to me that they are afraid of losing all these developments should the opposition have the upper hand. For that, they have asked that I defend my seat as they want to see development to continue so that the constituency would progress further.”
Mauh also expressed his optimism that the voters would not listen to the propaganda of the opposition.
They stirred various issues to confuse the people about the development which the government had brought.
“But voters know their tricks and would not be hoodwinked. On the contrary, BN advocated the politics of reality and continuously roll out development projects for the benefit of the people.”