Dr Rundi asks rural folk to find ways to improve socio-economy
SEBAUH: People in the rural areas must actively find ways to improve their socioeconomy instead of cosying up to opposition parties, who may politicise all issues.
Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said it will be a waste of time if the people keep on talking about politics all the time.
“We must focus on our own socio- economy and how we can improve our livelihood but do not just focus on politics,” he said.
The Kemena assemblyman also reminded Sarawakians that they should not be easily inf luenced by the political culture in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We in Sarawak have been living in harmony and we shouldn’t worry about the issues being played in the Peninsula with their fighting culture as Sarawak can be an example of unity,” said Dr Rundi when speaking at a gathering with the people at RPR Segawan in Sebauh yesterday.
Earlier, he officiated at the opening of the RPR Segawan arch and later presented minor rural project grants worth RM334,000.
He said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS) government under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was constantly looking for new formulas to find new revenue stream and one of it is the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products from Jan 1 next year.
He said since the Pakatan Harapan ( PH) took over the federal government many development projects which had been approved to be implemented had been cancelled by the new federal government.
However, he said the state government realised that nothing much could be done if the federal government decided to cancel all projects in Sarawak.
“For 2019 state budget, the chief minister has announced a record budget of RM11.914 billion, the biggest in the history of the state,” said Dr Rundi, adding that it shows that only Sarawakians can look after their state.
The revenue expected from the imposition of sales tax on crude oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, chemical- based fertilisers and gas- to-liquid products is estimated to be RM3.897 billion next year.
During the event, Dr Rundi also announced a grant of RM50,000 for the village security and development committee of RPR Segawan, Sebauh.
Its chairperson Lenny Astuty Sulaiman thanked the minister for the grant.
“From our meeting, we will use this money to repair our houses and for me this assistance is very much needed especially for our RPR here,” she said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Lenny highlighted several issues that needed to be solved by the government such as upgrading of the basic facilities in the area.
She cited the poor telecommunication coverage in the area as one of the problems faced by them.
“I have been staying here since 2008, last time we had about 500 residents but now most families have moved out due to various factors,” said Lenny.