BINTANGOR: Busy elected representatives of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) have no time to entertain nonconstructive political rhetoric from the opposition.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, they are instead focused on work in managing and creatively planning development agendas in their respective areas.
He added that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reminded all representatives, particularly those serving rural communities, to adopt a more aggressive approach to ensure the development needs of rural communities receive prompt attention and action.
“Therefore, rural communities should feel proud and appreciated because RM6.8 billion out of the RM10.9 billion development expenditure has been allocated specifically for building rural infrastructure and basic amenities,” he said.
He said this at the presentation of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds as part of his six-day work visit to 10 settlements here Sunday (Dec 1).
Abdullah who is Semop assemblyman added that, overall, the Sarawak government has allocated 70 per cent of the RM15.8 billion in the 2025 Budget to implement various development initiatives across the state.
“This budget allocation, the largest in Sarawak’s history, indirectly places positive pressure, especially on us, the rural representatives. I also hope that implementing agencies will cooperate with greater efficiency and speed.
“In short, GPS representatives have no time to entertain the attacks of nonconstructive political rhetoric from the opposition,” he said.
Abdullah also stressed that, in many closed meetings with heads of government departments, especially agencies directly involved in implementing various projects in rural areas, Abang Johari warned that the culture and work methods of the public service must be more efficient, effective, and fast.
Meanwhile, during the programme, Abdullah had the opportunity to present MRP funds totaling RM1,160,620.
The recipients were four Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) from longhouses in the area, amounting to RM255,000; 13 Village JKKKs (RM770,620); two associations/clubs (RM8,000); one Mosque Committee (RM50,000); and the Bintangor Kampung Melayu Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK) (RM77,000).
“This fund contribution is to cover the cost of implementing new construction projects and upgrading public facilities such as jetties, village roads, vehicle parking lots, toilets, community halls, and several community programmes,” he added.
The visit also aimed to personally review several complaints and applications from the community in several settlements.
