CROSSING SUNGAI SARAWAK: Muhyiddin and Jabu (right) give the 1Malaysia sign as they arrive in a ‘perahu tambang’ to visit Kampung Gersik. — Photo by Kong Jun Liong
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hoped that Sarawakians would continue to support the Barisan Nasional (BN) and help it secure a bigger win than that recorded in the 2006 state election.
“Election is a very important moment for the people to ensure a more secured future. With the leadership of our beloved Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and
his huge transformation programme for the country, we do not want the people here to be left out.
“Sarawak, being a big state, must not be left out,” said Muhyiddin at the Kampung Boyan-Gersik-Sourabaya ‘Meet the
People’ session near here yesterday.
He stressed that the people should be grateful that the country, especially Sarawak, was very peaceful, harmonious, stable and well developed.
To ensure that this feel good environment continues to prevail in the future, voters in Sarawak must elect a government that could represent all communities in the state.
“I hope that when the time comes (to vote), all the people of Sarawak will give their full support to the BN.
“This is considered a good cause. Therefore, it is our obligation to ensure that the people of Sarawak are well taken care of.”
Muhyiddin also reminded those present to be on the lookout for ‘ghosts and demons’ which would appear whenever election comes around. They would offer sweet but empty promises, lies and deception.
“Some of them come from the peninsula, while some have been in existent in the state for quite some time already. We must end their struggles which are mostly for their own benefit and not for the benefit of the rakyat.”
The Deputy Prime Minister surprised many when he arrived at Kampung Gersik on board the traditional perahu tambang.
Crossing Sungai Sarawak from the Kuching Waterfront, his arrival could not have been more fitting as he followed the traditional footsteps of the locals in their daily commute to the city.
Joining him were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman and PBB secretary-general Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Also present were Demak Laut incumbent Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Pantai Damai incumbent Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Semariang incumbent Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
His first stop was at Kampung Gersik’s Surau Hidayatul Rahman, where he spent about 10 minutes painting a section of the mosque’s front wall as it is currently undergoing a facelift.
He then visited some of the village’s ‘kek lapis’ (layered cake) entrepreneurs, such as Dayang Salhah Kek Lapis House and Mira Cake House.
Muhyiddin also took the opportunity to sample some of the state’s famous products, including salted ‘ikan terubok’.
Muhyiddin also visited disabled Awang Ahmad Awang Bakri’s house and that of 86-year-old Dayang Jamillah Abang Lias.
He later pledged to provide assistance to both residents.
His last stop for the day was at the Boyan-Gersik-Sourabaya waterfront’s eating complex.
He took the time to mingle with the crowd there.
“My short visit today, although simple, is very important to get in touch with the grassroot supporters of the BN. In addition, I took this opportunity to discuss with the BN leaders on preparation updates and to know what to anticipate come the state election,” he told the crowd.
Muhyiddin also assured those present that the BN would never lie to the people.
He then left for the Kuching International Airport to fly back to Kuala Lumpur.