SIBU: Veteran politician and Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, has called on rural communities to remain united and continue supporting efforts to bring development to the constituency, saying sustained progress depends on strong cooperation between the people and their elected representatives.
Addressing residents during the ‘Ngiling Bidai’ celebration at Rumah Ukar Senin, West Bank here on Saturday, Wong said rural communities still face various development challenges, including the need for better roads, drainage systems, water supply, internet connectivity, public facilities and economic opportunities.
His text-of-speech, delivered by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) member, Sean Wong, stressed that development must remain an ongoing agenda to ensure that people in longhouses and rural settlements can enjoy a better quality of life and share in Sarawak’s growth.
“As we look towards the future, we want our children and grandchildren to have access to better education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities,” he said.
Wong noted that Ngiling Bidai, which marks the official conclusion of the Gawai Dayak festive season, is not merely a ceremonial event but an important cultural tradition that reflects the values of gratitude, unity and mutual respect.
He said the celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Dayak customs and heritage while continuing to foster harmony within the community.
“The spirit of Gawai and Ngiling Bidai teaches us gratitude, hard work, cooperation and resilience. These are values that have helped our people overcome challenges and improve their lives from one generation to another,” he said.
Reflecting on his years of service as the elected representative for Bawang Assan, Wong expressed appreciation for the trust and support given to him by the people, saying many development achievements in the constituency would not have been possible without their cooperation.
With the next Sarawak state election expected in the foreseeable future, Wong acknowledged that voters would soon have another opportunity to determine the future direction of the constituency.
He said that if entrusted by the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to once again contest the Bawang Assan seat, he hoped to receive the continued support of the people.
“With strong support from the community, I will continue working tirelessly to secure more development projects, improve public amenities, create economic opportunities and ensure the voice of Bawang Assan continues to be heard,” he said.
Wong also urged residents to maintain the spirit of unity and cooperation that has long been the foundation of strong rural communities, adding that collective effort is essential to ensuring that no community is left behind in Sarawak’s development journey.
Earlier, he congratulated the longhouse’s residents for successfully organising the ‘Ngiling Bidai’ celebration and wished the community continued peace, prosperity and good health.
