SIBU: Delegates to the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Central Zone mini convention yesterday unanimously supported Chief Minister Datuk Patingg Abang Johari Tun Openg to lead the party in facing the 12th State election.
Abang Johari should also remain as chief minister of Sarawak should Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) wins in the election.
This was among four motions delivered at the one-day convention.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah who was deputy chairperson of the convention, said the other three motions focused on achieving balanced development, formulating policies on the rich natural resources in the Central Zone, and creating a Youth Innovation Hub in each constituency in the state.
“It is important to have balanced development agenda aspired by the establishment of Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) and Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada).
“Hence, the government must establish a Coastal Area Development Agency (Cada) to complement the development of Sarawak holistically and inclusively in the coastal areas,” she said.
She also explained that it was important to meet the needs of the people who were thirsting for quality social support system to enable them to enjoy a more comfortable and prosperous life.
“Hence, we want the government to expand the SPS and SPK Affordable Housing Schemes under the Village Expansion Scheme and Mass Resettlement Schemes in rural areas under the supervision of HDC with LCDA and the Land and Survey Department, including increasing the allocation for Longhouse Loans.
In calling for the setting up of a Youth Innovation Hub in each constituency, she said it would provide facilities to help them carry out economic activities, sports, culture, recreation and learning through digital applications creatively and innovatively.
“We propose that the Sarawak government provide RM300 – RM1,000 early education assistance to Sarawak children who are offered to further their studies at the certificate, diploma and degree levels at any Malaysian Institution of Higher Learning.”
Fatimah also called for an increase in women roles in fulfilling the Sarawak development agenda.
“The government must implement a gender equality policy so that women’s participation at the decision-making stage in politics, public service, GLC, Local Councils and as tribal and community leaders is further enhanced,” she explained.
