LOBBY FOR NANTA: Wong Kie Ing (seated third left) seen here with the committee members of Women’s Wing Kapit Foochow Association.
FLASHBACK TO GE13 CAMPAIGNING: Nanta meeting women supporters who are ‘confident you can bring development to Kapit’.
KAPIT: Kapit women from all walks of lives have joined the growing chorus for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to include Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi in his new cabinet line-up to expedite Kapit’s development.
Following the growing legion of supporters, Wong Kie Ing, the chairperson of Kapit Division Women Association, Kapit Division Chinese Association chief, Wong Clan Kapit Liaison Committee and chairperson of Women’s Wing Kapit Foochow Association, said Nanta’s appointment as a cabinet minister will empower him to do more for Kapit.
“The last federal minister from Kapit was the late Tun Jugah Barieng, the grandfather of Alexander. That was 50 years ago, since then, no MP from Kapit was appointed to the federal cabinet. As we know, most of the funding for development projects come from the federal government. If only we have a cabinet minister, surely Kapit’s development will be accelerated,” she told The Borneo Post.
“Enough is enough, 50 years of Sarawak independence in Malaysia and yet Kapit is still a remote station like a ‘pulau’ only accessible by three hours’ boat ride. It’s Alexander who pushed real hard that finally the federal government approved the Kapit-Song-Kanowit road project.
“Previously, it was obvious lack of political will (but) Alexander was able to influence the Najib administration to allocate funds for the road. To ensure the smooth implementation of the completion of the some 66 km road from Kapit to Kanowit,” she added.
After polling on 5 May when the election winners were announced, the locals irrespective of race or religion have voiced their support and appeal to Najib to appoint their MP Datuk Alexander to his new cabinet.
Upfront for Nanta’s appointment were local politicians from BN component parties and even opposition supporters.
Among those who have spoken up from the Chinese community included Temenggong Lau Kah Kee, secretary SUPP Kapit Ling Thian Ing, Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Yong Hua Sying, who is also chairman of Foochow Association, Kwang Tung Association adviser Sia Shui Poh; from the Malay and Muslim community are Pemanca Badi Nuawi, chairman PBB Kampung Baru, Councillor Wasli Nor, deputy chairman PBB Pelagus Division, Councilor Jefferson Jamit, chairman Sadia (Sarawak Dayak Iban Association) Kapit, Edward Manggah, who is also chairman Kapit Hospital Visitors’ Board, and Kemas supervisor Kapit Ambrose Abong Bugek.
“Kapit is still lagging far behind. The people of have given their undivided support to Alexander as they’ve the trust and confidence he can bring in more basic infrastructure and amenities,” said Temenggong Lau.