Longhouse chiefs assure Dr Leo, BN of support

by Gaing Kunding, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 16, 2012, Thursday

STRONG GRASSROOTS SUPPORT: Dr Leo (standing ninth right) raises his hand in a

photocall with some 25 Iban longhouse chiefs and folk in front of Rumah Belingking Sunang

MUKAH: Longhouse chiefs attending the leader-with-the-people gathering at Rumah Belingking Sunang in Mukah-Selangau road yesterday assured Mukah MP Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad and Barisan Nasional (BN) of their community’s strong support.

“We still need the capable leadership of Dr Leo as our MP and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as Balingian assemblyman to become our leader under BN to continue bringing more amenities, infrastructure and economic development to improve our income and well-being,” pledged former-Tuai Rumah Nyaring Jelian, 81, who said that he was first appointed as longhouse chief way back in 1957 and recently handed over the mantle to his daughter Ahmoi Nyaring.

Other Iban leaders present were from Bayan, Badengan, Tiris, Kemesu and other areas.

In his welcoming speech as the host, Tuai Rumah Belingking called on the top BN leadership to nominate Dr Leo to defend Mukah seat for BN to ensure that development in Mukah would not be interrupted.

“We want to see that all the current projects undertaken by the caring BN government are carried out smoothly, especially the main pipelines and electricity poles placed by the roadsides will be connected and reach our longhouses as soon as possible to improve our living condition,” said Belingking.

He also promised to work hard to ensure that Dr Leo and BN will achieve greater victory during the coming general elections.

In his speech as guest-of-honour, Dr Leo called on the Iban community in Mukah, especially those living along Jalan Mukah-Balingian and Mukah-Selangau road, to make full use of the good roads and connectivity to sell their agricultural produce and livestock to enjoy better income and livelihood.

He also told them to send their children to schools and universities so that they can gain qualifications needed by jobs and economic spin-offs brought about by Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Dr Leo also announced grants of about RM100,000 to some 20 village security and development committees (JKKKs) of Iban longhouses located along Simpang Matadeng up to Sungai Tiris area which were duly registered with Mukah District Office.

The function was also attended by an administrative officer from Mukah Resident’s Office Petrone Benedict, SAO Shafrie Saili, Cr Kenil Jeraiee, heads of government departments and community leaders.