Gira confirms defending Tamin for GPS in upcoming state polls

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Christopher Gira Sambang

SIBU (Dec 1): Tamin incumbent Christopher Gira Sambang has confirmed that he will defend the seat for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the 12th state election.

When contacted today, Gira said he has received an invitation to attend the GPS ‘watikah’ (credentials) handing over ceremony to candidates for the 12th Sarawak election scheduled to be held on Dec 3.

He said GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will present the credentials during the ceremony to be held at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) headquarters in Kuching.

When asked about his challengers for the seat, Gira, 51 said he was uncertain about candidates from other political parties that will be fielded in Tamin.

“From what I have heard, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) have voiced their intention to contest in Tamin.

“But I do not know the name of their candidates,” he said added.

Based on previous news reports, the other candidates who are expected to contest in Tamin are former Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun from PSB, Muda Prinching from PBK and also a candidate from PKR.

Gira won the 2016 state election with a 2,085 majority after polling 6,230 votes against independent candidate Dr Ali Puji, who obtained 4,145 votes and PKR candidate Simon Joseph Usau who garnered 954 votes.

On his election campaign, Gira assured the people that his team will adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Election Commission.

“The machinery will be mobilised and they will move in a small group,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gira said that a total of 1,802 projects costing around RM355.160 million have been implemented in Tamin between 2016 and  2021.

He said from the amount, 1,797 projects totalling RM131 million were funded by the state government while five projects costing RM224.160 million were funded by the federal government.

“From the state government, 10 were under people’s project with a cost of RM86 million, 226 under Rural Transformation Programme (RM30 million), 641 under minor rural project (RM11.5 million) and 920 under Sarawak Poor Housing Improvement Programme (PPRMS) (RM3.5 million).

“The five projects funded by the federal government were the upgrading of Stapang water filtration plant and pipe connection costing RM117 million, construction of new SMK Selangau (RM88 million), upgrading of SK Sungai Sepiring (RM11.16 million), construction of Selangau Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station (RM5 million) and Selangau health clinic haemodialysis centre with a cost of RM3 million,” he added.