KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee committed to fight on behalf of the people of Sibu to ensure that their wish for a hockey field is granted.
He claimed that he had previously brought up the issue of the need for a hockey field, and had even received a guarantee that one would be constructed in Sibu.
“At first, I was told that a piece of land would be available for the construction of a hockey field in Jalan Teku. It has been approved and is a part of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“However, it is regrettable to learn that the projected project has been scrapped. What’s the cause? I have no idea.
“So, I am currently working extremely hard to get the hockey players a field.
“This time, according to the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), a hockey field would be constructed in the Kemuyang area.
“Twice, promises were made to me. I do not want to receive a third guarantee that nothing will transpire. We don’t want to be lied to any longer,” he said.
He told this when officiating at the hockey competition organised by Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak State Hockey Association (PHNS) at the Bukit Lima Indoor Stadium here, yesterday.
Dr Annuar, who is also the Nangka assemblyman, added that fund has reportedly been made aside for the construction of the hockey field, and all that is left is for the state Land and Survey Department to give its approval.
“With that, I want to make sure that this becomes a reality — I want to officially announce that Sibu Town will have a hockey field in the coming weeks,” he said.
Without a hockey field, Dr Annuar claimed, players cannot develop their abilities and how can they become the greatest in Malaysia or the entire world?
“To ensure that Sibu has a hockey field, I will battle for you, and of course I need your support and collaboration,” the assemblyman pointed out.
Later, when met by reporters, he explained that because the proposed location (for the hockey field) is a green area, state Land and Survey Department consent is required.
“A request for the area’s conversion to a hockey field must be made to the Sarawak Land and Survey Department.
“The application is still being processed. Therefore, after approval, work will start as soon as feasible,” he pointed out.
