BY NATASHA JEE & AMYRA VARKISA
SIBU: Party delegates at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sibu Zone Special Convention are expected to provide valuable input to enhance the socio-economy of Sarawakians.
PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that the input from the delegates are important so that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as the government and PBB, as one of the predominant partner in GPS led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, can develop more specific strategies for wealth distribution among the people.
“As we all know, the World Bank has recognised Sarawak as a high-income state and it is a good development.
“However, for the ordinary people and the population, what is there for us? So, it is important for representative delegates to voice their views,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when met after the convention’s full rehearsal at Kingwood Hotel here on Saturday (Nov 4).
The Kapit MP added the state government has many ongoing development programmes, among others through the establishment of the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA); Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA); Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).
“Thus, these development agencies are a sure way for the state to have a clear focus on developing the rural population, the less developed area so that they can have a fast track in terms of especially infrastructure development.
“At the same time, the focus must be on socio-economic development so that when people begin to have their infrastructure developed, they are going to enjoy the roads, the supplies of clean water and electricity. They must also have a good income.
“So, this is the socio-economic strategy that I’m talking about. And this focus is expected to be brought up by our debaters and delegates during the convention.
“Personally, I would like that to be the focus because as we enjoy a higher income status economy, the people must also enjoy the wealth,” he said.
He further stressed that the current population in the state must begin to enjoy the fruits of this development.
“We can look after the future generation but the present must also begin to enjoy,” he said.
Commenting on the rehearsal for the convention, Nanta said it went smoothly as planned.
The one-day PBB Sibu Zone Special Convention is the final convention for the year, and Abang Johari will be officiating at the convention’s opening ceremony.
