SIBU: The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) N53 Bawang Assan Branch has reinforced its grassroots network and strengthened leadership cohesion through two successful Leadership Get-Together Retreats, bringing together about 400 community leaders from across the constituency in a concerted effort to build a stronger and more united team ahead of the Sarawak polls.
The retreats, held at Eco-Green Farm along the 14th Mile Oya Road here recently, attracted approximately 200 Chinese community leaders during the first session and another 200 Bumiputera and Iban leaders during the second.
The participants comprised PDP branch leaders, Community Service Committee (CSC) members, Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members, Tuai Rumah, Tuai Kampung and other respected community leaders representing villages and longhouses throughout Bawang Assan.
Designed as more than a routine leadership gathering, the retreats sought to strengthen cooperation among grassroots leaders, foster closer relationships across different communities and create a stronger sense of shared purpose as one united leadership team.
Throughout the full-day programmes, participants engaged in interactive discussions, fellowship activities and networking sessions that encouraged open communication, mutual understanding and stronger personal bonds.
The retreats also featured two communal meals and a tea break, providing additional opportunities for informal exchanges among leaders from different backgrounds.
In both his opening address and closing remarks, Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh noted that although many of the participants had entered public service through different political parties over the years, they are now united by a common responsibility to serve the people of Bawang Assan under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.
He noted that some leaders had stood alongside him since the days of the United People’s Party (UPP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), while others had remained loyal to PDP since its establishment.
He added that many others had previously served under Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) or Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), but said their different political journeys should now be viewed as a collective strength rather than a point of division.
He said that regardless of their political backgrounds, they are now members of one united GPS family under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and should remain focused on serving the people instead of dwelling on past political affiliations.
With the Sarawak polls drawing closer, Wong reminded every grassroots leader that they have an important responsibility in ensuring the continued confidence of the people.
“The success of PDP and GPS in Bawang Assan would depend not only on election machinery but also on the commitment of grassroots leaders who interact with residents daily and understand the needs of their respective communities.
“I would like to urge PDP branch leaders, JKKK members, CSC members, Tuai Rumah, Tuai Kampung and community leaders to continue working closely together to defend the Bawang Assan seat for PDP and GPS while maintaining their commitment to serving the people wholeheartedly.
“Genuine service to the community remains the foundation of public trust and the key to sustainable development.”
Expressing confidence in the future of the constituency, Wong said he hoped to continue serving the people of Bawang Assan over the next five years with the confidence and support of Abang Johari.
He also announced that the N53 Bawang Assan Five-Year Development Plan for 2027 to 2031 would be launched soon as a comprehensive roadmap to guide the constituency’s next phase of development.
He said the blueprint would focus on improving infrastructure and public facilities, promoting value-added agriculture and agro-based industries, developing tourism while preserving local cultural heritage, strengthening education and skills development, expanding affordable housing opportunities and accelerating the digital economy together with e-commerce initiatives.
Wong expressed confidence that the combined strengths of the Chinese villages, Iban longhouses and Malay and Melanau communities, together with the abundant natural resources surrounding the Rajang and Igan river regions, would provide a strong foundation for transforming Bawang Assan into a more prosperous, inclusive and future-ready constituency.
In concluding both retreats, Wong quoted the well-known saying, “Getting together is a beginning. Staying together is progress. Working together is success,” and urged all leaders to preserve the unity that had been built regardless of their previous political affiliations.
“I would like to call upon everyone to continue walking hand in hand as one united family, supporting one another and working together for the betterment of Bawang Assan, and also encourage all leaders to embrace the spirit of ‘One Team, One Direction, One Goal’ as they prepare for the next chapter of the constituency’s development.”
