SIBU: The United People’s Party (UPP) has pledged to help the people in Meradong improve their living standard.
UPP Meradong chairman Dato Paduka Dr Thomas Hii King Hiong said he was aware of the hardship faced by the folk, as well as the dire need of government assistance there.
On this, he assured them that he would seek help from UPP president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is the Local Government and Community Development Minister.
“I will also strive to engage the Resident’s Office and District Office of Merdong on this matter. We’ll explore all possible channels to see how people in Meradong can get help,” he spoke at the closing of Gawai Dayak at Rumah Sukin in Sungai Labas recently.
Meanwhile, Meradong UPP assistant secretary Lajun Seman said the ceremony signified the beginning of a new year, as well as a fresh start for the Dayaks.
“We’re looking forward to a better harvest this year.”
Politically, Lajun said UPP was already well accepted by longhouse folk.
“It is heartening to see people of various races being united under UPP,” he said, hailing Hii Ru Yee – who is Dr Thomas’ personal assistant – as having that leadership potential for higher calling.
Ru Yee, on the other hand, said he had identified the needs and problems of the people in Meradong that required immediate attention.
“The most obvious is the poor state of the infrastructure facilities here. They are really in need of repair or being replaced,” he said.