BETONG: Sarawakians have been urged to reject divisive racial politics and continue supporting the state government’s development-driven approach.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said opposition parties had begun reviving racial and land issues amid growing talk of an impending state election.
He said such tactics were nothing new, as similar issues had been raised during the 1987 state election.
“At that time, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leaders wisely chose to campaign on the politics of development because what Sarawak needed was development.
“We won the election, and PBB has continued to govern based on the politics of development until today.
“We reject racial politics. While others are in disarray and fighting among themselves, we continue to live together peacefully here,” he said.
He said this at the PBB Betong Zone Convention at Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here today (August 1).
The convention was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Uggah, who is also PBB deputy president, dismissed allegations that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government had failed to safeguard the interests of all communities.
He said the Premier had introduced policies and initiatives that benefited eligible Sarawakians regardless of race or religion.
This included RM650 million allocated through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) without favouring any community.
“The Premier is a leader for all races, and no one is left behind. The regional development agencies are for everyone, while UNIFOR assists churches, temples and other non-Islamic houses of worship,” he said.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman added that the free tertiary education initiative and Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) were similarly available to all eligible Sarawakians.
He said the state government had also provided land and funding to several Dayak organisations in Kuching and Miri.
These included the Dayak Cultural Foundation, Dayak Bidayuh National Association, and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
“These are clear proof that the Premier is a leader for all races in Sarawak. Do not divide the people,” he stressed.
