(From left) Lau, Rolland, Tiong, Chiew, and others roll the mat to mark the closing of the Gawai. Teo stands at left.
SIBU: Folk of Rumah Monica Gelima in Sungai Durin near here erupted with joy when Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced an allocation of RM100,000 to build a car park at the 80-year-old longhouse.
“It is my personal contribution for the building of the much-needed parking bay at the longhouse,” he said in his speech at the Gawai closing and meet-the-people event yesterday.
Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, PDP senior vice president Senator Datuk Paul Igai, its Women chief Datuk Chiew Yen Chiu, a political secretary to chief minister Alexander Asing, PDP Central Zone chairman Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong, PDP Central Zone deputy vice treasurer Datuk Seri Lau Kueng Chai, organising chairman Cr Teo Boon Siew and Tuai Rumah Monica were also present. The programme was jointly organised by PDP central region and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“I am ready to assist all of you here under Dudong constituency, not only those from Rumah Monica but also people from other longhouses in the area,” Tiong said.
He added that he would also apply for another RM100,000 grant from the Sarawak government through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to upgrade the longhouse (Rumah Monica).
“I believe other longhouses under Dudong are also in need of upgrading so that the residents can live comfortably in a better environment.
“I have requested for help from Cr Teo Boon Siew to provide me with information about longhouses that need to be upgraded,” he added.
Tiong also announced an allocation of RM10,000 for the Women bureau of Rumah Monica to run their activities. Rolland also chipped in RM10,000 for the longhouse.
On another note, he reminded the people the importance of standing solidly behind GPS for a united and prosperous Sarawak.
“If all GPS component parties are united, the opposition parties will not dare to fight us, and we will be able to serve the people well,” he said.
The Gawai closing programme was made merrier with live performances by Iban singers namely Winnie Albert, Gilbert Gaong and Stanley Pua.