Najib outdoes opposition on Sarawak’s rights

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Riot (seated) signs the visitors’ book as (from left) Raymond, Bong, Jee, Chai and others look on.

SERIAN: Human Resources Minister Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem believes the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has struck the right chord with Sarawakians by assuring them that he will return what rightly belongs to them as per Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

The six-term Serian MP, who is also deputy president of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), said Najib’s assurance put paid to the opposition’s many public pronouncements of outdoing BN on the return of Sarawak’s rights as contained in MA63.

“There is a great difference between the assurance given by the Prime Minister and the promise of the opposition. The Prime Minister is the man in power, he has given his assurance (to return our rights), therefore it will be done.

“Contrarily, the opposition is powerless, they know they cannot deliver, and need not deliver, which is why they will continue to promise things without any intentions to fulfil,” Riot said at a pre-Chinese New Year gathering at Kampung Muara Ahi near Mongkos about 35km from here, Saturday.

Riot was referring to Najib’s speech at the opening of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) Convention in Kuching earlier that day that he was willing to return the power and the rights of the people in Sarawak which were taken ‘by design or inadvertently’.

Riot also told the 500 diners that voters of P199 Serian parliamentary constituency must vote BN come the 14th General Election (GE14) to be seen as Najib’s staunchest supporters.

“I know P199 also has been vocal about the fulfilment of MA63 by the Federal Government. Clearly, the PM has not only answered your call but he has shown that he has been very accommodating.

“The PM has visited Serian six times so far and each time he brought with him major projects, some of which are now in progress.

“Serian must reciprocate. We will reciprocate. We will return P199 to the BN in a grand manner come GE14,” Riot declared to huge applause.

Riot went on to remind the Bidayuh that Najib had made the small community of just 200,000 proud when he made him minister of Human Resources three years ago.

“We know too well, the Bidayuh is hardly one percent of the 33 million Malaysians, but by making me, a Bidayuh full minister in his Cabinet, he has shown his respect for our community, a minority community,” he said.

To the voters of Serian, Riot said he must thank them because it was their support for him in the last six general elections that had brought P199 to the attention of the PM.

“Clearly, the PM is happy with the Serian voters. I believe if you return Serian to BN in the manner you did in all the past six general elections, Serian will be rewarded yet again in the new government after GE14.

“My call to you is, vote BN, greater development will be ours,” he said.

On the recent flood that hit several parts of Serian Division, Riot thanked and praised the government departments, community leaders and NGOs for their excellent team spirit and coordination.

Riot also announced minor rural project grants to three recipients, namely RM15,000 to Muara Ahi development and security committee (JKKK) led by Ketua Kaum Sylvester Bong and RM10,000 each to Premier Dance Group and the Serian Lion Dance Group.

Among those present were Tebedu district officer Raymond Achen, SAO Wee Chung Wee, Temenggong Jee Ah Chok and Pemanca Chai Min Lee.