We lost because urban voters switched camp — Wong

SIBU: BarisanNasional (BN) lost Sibu and Lanang in the May 5 general election because of dwindling support from urban voters.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said support for the BN from rural folks in state constituencies like Bawang Assan and Dudong had remained strong.

“The BN government is very appreciative and grateful for this continuing strong support. Our defeats were due to urban voters and not from the Ibans, Malays or Melanaus,” he said at a ceremony to present Minor Rural Projects (MRP) grants totalling RM350,000 to 96 longhouses in Bawang Assan here yesterday.

Wong, who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman and Second Finance Minister, assured those present that he would do his best to ensure all promises pledged during the campaigning period were fulfilled.

“As we have been informed, several areas are enjoying infrastructure such as tar-sealed roads, water supply and electricity.

“My top priority now is to apply for allocations to upgrade Jalan Kampung Bungan Besar, Kampung Bungan Kecil, road to Bungan Besar, Jalan Ladang Rassau, and road to Jalan Kut Muara-Sg Pinang-Kpg Bungan Besar-Rassau.”

The grant presented yesterday was for the first half of this year. The next one would be presented by yearend.

Earlier, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Andrew Shilling, told the grant recipients that the money was meant for project implementation and maintenance, and as such they should use it properly.

For those longhouse

chieftains whose names have not been listed on the Community Leaders list or contained spelling errors, he told them to go to the District Office to convert their grants into cash.

On politics, Andrew said there was a need for BN supporters to be prepared for the next state election which was due by 2016 or earlier.

This is important, he said because the opposition, particularly the DAP, had announced its intention to

contest in more Dayak-majority areas.

However, Andrew opined that the opposition would not be able to penetrate Bumiputera majority areas.

“They have always been strong supporters of BN because they know only BN can help them to progress and prosper in life,” he said.- theborneopost