SIBU: Sarawak’s best strength is political stability which is vital for development and provides an environment that is conducive to investments and entrepreneurship.
Pointing this out, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee said political stability had helped the state overcome unprecedented challenges during COVID-19 pandemic and helped it achieve one of the fastest vaccination rates in Malaysia.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government didn’t just stop at vaccinating our people to protect our people. It also stepped up its efforts in dealing with the pandemic by implementing nine Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Packages BKSS worth more than RM6.7 billion to enable Sarawakians to return to normal life.
“Well, again, the GPS government didn’t stop there. It went on to introduce and implement the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to accelerate the growth of a high income and developed economy,” he stressed in his address when officiating at the opening ceremony of a new Engkilo Shell petrol station owned by Sri Minyak Group Berhad (Sri Minyak) at Sg. Bidut on the West Bank of Sibu today.
The Pelawan assemblyman said he was very glad that during the 12th state election (PRN 12) last December, the people of Sibu decided to elect him, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee and Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing from GPS to represent Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Nangka and Dudong constituencies and bring these four areas in Sibu into the GPS blueprint of State Development.
According to Tiang, as a start, each of them is injecting at least RM10 million worth of development funds into their respective areas. These excluded some of the special projects they initiated.
He said the special projects included the construction of four new major roads in Sibu which required a budget of RM500 million.
“We believe these four roads are the missing links which will definitely unlock Sibu’s tremendous potential to become a vibrant central hub for economy, finance, education, medicare as well as culture tourism.
“We do not want the West Bank of Sibu or Bawang Assan area to be left behind. We want the whole Sibu to be included in the State Development agenda with a complete visionary team formed by GPS representatives.
“With GPS’ good governance track records, our local YBs and the full support of the state administrative resources, we can transform Sibu and we want to transform Bawang Assan to become Sibu’s future and new development zone for residential, commercial and industrial developments, schools and medicare facilities. GPS has the visions. GPS has the PCDS. GPS understands Sarawak,” he explained.
In this connection, he appealed Bawang Assan constituents to ‘come home’ to GPS.
“Make a right choice in this coming 15th general election (GE15). Choose GPS to transform Bawang Assan,” he implored.
Meanwhile, Tiang congratulated Sri Minyak for taking the lead in investing in Sg. Bidut, Bawang Assan.
“I know the heart of Sri Minyak owner Datuk William Tiu. He has confided in me that this petrol station may not be a profitable investment but he hopes that this investment in West Bank will further stimulate more other investments from the private sector to this region.
“I believe if there is a GPS MP in Bawang Assan, he will definitely help to promote Bawang Assan and bring in more investments to this region,” Tiang added.
Sri Minyak’s executive chairman Datuk William Tiu, Sri Minyak’s general manager, Amelia Tiu Siew Yian, chairman of Sibu Municpal Council Clarence Ting Ing Horth , Sibu District police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili and senior territory manager of Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Alex Pega were among those present.
