SERIAN: By Samuel Aubrey. Leaders and the potential candidate from DAP have been moving around in Serian as they attempt to unseat Barisan Nasional (BN) in this predominantly Bidayuh constituency.
Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot said he was aware of the activities and ‘ceramah’ (talks) organised by the Peninsular Malaysia-based party although he remained optimistic of his chances to defend the seat.
He said even though most of the DAP ceramah were not well attended, he would not give room for complacency by explaining the transformation programmes implemented by the Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak-led BN government to counter their claims.
“DAP is the most likely opponent (against me). They moved around, but instigated the people. Their style of politics should be rejected because this could lead to instability, and their way of inciting hatred among the people is not suitable with the culture (of people) in Serian who are known to be kind and polite,” he told a gathering at Kampung Pasir here yesterday.
Earlier, the Deputy Foreign Minister declared open the multipurpose hall for Kampung Pasir/Stabun villages development and security committee (JKKK).
According to Riot, the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Najib ensured all races were given equal opportunities while the transformation programmes ensured both Sabah and Sarawak could finally catch up in terms of infrastructure development.
He cited the appointment of all the three Bidayuh MPs as an example of BN’s fairness.
“The Bidayuhs comprise only 0.41 per cent of the population in Malaysia. But under the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Najib, Mambong MP Datuk Dr James Dawos and I are deputy ministers, while Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe is the National Service chairman – All us have important roles,” he said.
As the election draws nearer and the parliament may be dissolved this week, he called on the people in Serian to continue supporting the BN government because the constituency has been enjoying the benefits such as roads and financial assistance while all the villages are expected to enjoy electricity by next year.
“The development in Serian is comparable to other places in Peninsula. As such, I would like to thank the “BiSerian’ for their continued support for me and the BN. With the support of the people and my good health, I am willing to represent Serian again,” he said.
“But be wary of tricks employed by others such as poison pen letters and other means which appear only during elections.”
Riot, who is also SUPP deputy president, is the five-term MP for Serian since 1990. He has been announced by SUPP to be the BN candidate to defend the seat.
Meanwhile, village headman Vincent Hammid Sawong called on the village folks to continue giving their solid support to Riot, and not take the risk of experimenting by voting for the opposition,
He said there was very strong chance that Riot would be elevated to be a full minister if BN was given the mandate to govern again.
The audience earlier observed a minute’s silence to honour the eight policemen and two servicemen who died defending our country during the intrusion in Sabah.
One of them who died was a Bidayuh policeman from Tebakang.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/03/18/serian-mp-expects-tough-challenge-from-dap/#ixzz2NtzE885K
Monday, March 18, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Wednesday February 27, 2013 Opposition can kiss Serian, Mambong and Mas Gading goodbye, says academician
KUCHING: The Opposition’s hope of winning the three Bidayuh majority seats of Serian, Mambong and Mas Gading looks to be nothing more than a dream, according to an academician here.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) senior lecturer Dr Ahi Sarok said without village level branches, it was impossible for DAP to reach out to the rural voters.
Ahi also voiced his doubts on the credibility of DAP and PKR’s potential candidates, saying Bidayuh voters would not vote for candidates they consider too young, inexperienced and without position in their party’s national bodies.
“In contrast, Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot is the deputy president of SUPP while Mambong MP Datuk Dr James Dawos is PBB vice-president. Besides, both are deputy ministers in the Federal Cabinet, therefore, they command the people’s respect,” he said.
DAP has made clear its intention of fielding party worker Mordi Bimol in Mas Gading and Edward Andrew Luwak, its Serian branch chairman, in Serian.
PKR, which is eyeing Mambong, is keen on fielding Willie Mongin.
Ahi, however, warned that if the previous parliamentary and state elections were used as a yardstick, opposition candidates were capable of giving Barisan Nasional a fight as they commanded “a good number of sympathy votes” in the Bidayuh-majority areas.
However, he added, PKR would be a better opposition compared to DAP, which many Bidayuh voters considered a Chinese-based party.
Besides, he said, DAP’s plan to amend the Land Code could backfire on the party as many Bidayuhs feared losing their NCR land to non-natives with money to splash around.
Of the three seats, however, Mas Gading can expect at least a three-cornered fight. That too if DAP and PKR can solve their overlapping interests. The reason being State Reform Party (STAR) only recently claimed to be the strongest of the opposition parties in the area.
> From PAGE S1 STAR vice-president Patrick Anek Uren said the party would focus all its resources there.
Anek, a former Mas Gading MP from 1974 to 1986 and Tasik Biru assemblyman from 1974 to 1983 under SNAP, said if DAP and PKR refused to give way, Mas Gading could expect a multi-cornered fight.
Charles Chonggat, the chief of Kampung Rukam which is in Mas Gading, however, said it did not matter which opposition party contested because the majority of the voters had decided on their preference — BN.
“Whether DAP, PKR or independent, they will all lose. SPDP’s candidate (Salcra deputy general manager Anthony Nogeh) is a far better person than Mordi and Anek put together,” Charles said.
Edward said that he had been moving on the ground in Serian since the branch was re-activated in 2011.
“We have organised many programmes and happily more and more rural voters now understand DAP’s struggle,” he said in a telephone interview.
Asked if PKR was not interested in the seat, Edward said: “Let the Pakatan leaders decide. I strongly believe which party has the better edge.”
A source who refused to be identified said PKR had not made any serious move in Serian.
“DAP is a big contender as of now,” he said.
The Star
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) senior lecturer Dr Ahi Sarok said without village level branches, it was impossible for DAP to reach out to the rural voters.
Ahi also voiced his doubts on the credibility of DAP and PKR’s potential candidates, saying Bidayuh voters would not vote for candidates they consider too young, inexperienced and without position in their party’s national bodies.
“In contrast, Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot is the deputy president of SUPP while Mambong MP Datuk Dr James Dawos is PBB vice-president. Besides, both are deputy ministers in the Federal Cabinet, therefore, they command the people’s respect,” he said.
DAP has made clear its intention of fielding party worker Mordi Bimol in Mas Gading and Edward Andrew Luwak, its Serian branch chairman, in Serian.
PKR, which is eyeing Mambong, is keen on fielding Willie Mongin.
Ahi, however, warned that if the previous parliamentary and state elections were used as a yardstick, opposition candidates were capable of giving Barisan Nasional a fight as they commanded “a good number of sympathy votes” in the Bidayuh-majority areas.
However, he added, PKR would be a better opposition compared to DAP, which many Bidayuh voters considered a Chinese-based party.
Besides, he said, DAP’s plan to amend the Land Code could backfire on the party as many Bidayuhs feared losing their NCR land to non-natives with money to splash around.
Of the three seats, however, Mas Gading can expect at least a three-cornered fight. That too if DAP and PKR can solve their overlapping interests. The reason being State Reform Party (STAR) only recently claimed to be the strongest of the opposition parties in the area.
> From PAGE S1 STAR vice-president Patrick Anek Uren said the party would focus all its resources there.
Anek, a former Mas Gading MP from 1974 to 1986 and Tasik Biru assemblyman from 1974 to 1983 under SNAP, said if DAP and PKR refused to give way, Mas Gading could expect a multi-cornered fight.
Charles Chonggat, the chief of Kampung Rukam which is in Mas Gading, however, said it did not matter which opposition party contested because the majority of the voters had decided on their preference — BN.
“Whether DAP, PKR or independent, they will all lose. SPDP’s candidate (Salcra deputy general manager Anthony Nogeh) is a far better person than Mordi and Anek put together,” Charles said.
Edward said that he had been moving on the ground in Serian since the branch was re-activated in 2011.
“We have organised many programmes and happily more and more rural voters now understand DAP’s struggle,” he said in a telephone interview.
Asked if PKR was not interested in the seat, Edward said: “Let the Pakatan leaders decide. I strongly believe which party has the better edge.”
A source who refused to be identified said PKR had not made any serious move in Serian.
“DAP is a big contender as of now,” he said.
The Star
Thursday, March 7, 2013
DSP Michael Padel given Heroes Burial
KUCHING: Words of comfort and support as well as prayers from the state government, friends and well-wishers have given the family members of a slain policeman much-needed strength during their bereavement.
ASP Michael Padel, 36, from Serian near here was one of six policemen killed in an attack by Sulu gunmen in Semporna, Sabah.
Uncle Maurice Budit said the family was very grateful to the state government for giving his nephew a state funeral at the Heroes Grave here.
“The family, parents, sisters and in-laws of the late Michael, as well as the people of Kampung Bidayuh Tebakang and our Bidayuh community, are truly and deeply grateful and appreciative of this recognition and acknowledgement of the sacrifice of the highest order of the late Michael,” he said at the burial service yesterday.
Maurice said they were also grateful to the police force and Royal Malaysian Air Force for bringing Michael’s remains home for burial and assisting in the funeral service.
They also thanked villagers who helped out in the wake and funeral mass in Serian.
Maurice said Michael’s death was not in vain as he died defending the sovereignty of the country.
“He died in great courage, as a warrior would. To be in the police has been his proud ambition, to serve and defend our country against our enemies, as his late father did.
“May his soul rest in peace with the Lord and God,” he said.
More than 1,000 people turned up to send Michael off in the sombre service. They included Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Infrastructure and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Third Infantry Brigade commander Brig-Gen Datuk Redzuan Baharuddin.
Michael’s remains arrived at the Heroes Grave at 10.35am from Serian and were laid into the ground at 11am moments after prayers led by Saint Teresa Church, Serian parish priest Father Joseph Chai.
Speaking to reporters after the funeral service, Khalid thanked the state government and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for honouring Michael.
“This would boost my men’s morale and spirit,” he said.
“We will look into taking care of his family’s welfare and I’ve told his wife that in case she needs any help, she can contact the police here. “
The Star
ASP Michael Padel, 36, from Serian near here was one of six policemen killed in an attack by Sulu gunmen in Semporna, Sabah.
Uncle Maurice Budit said the family was very grateful to the state government for giving his nephew a state funeral at the Heroes Grave here.
“The family, parents, sisters and in-laws of the late Michael, as well as the people of Kampung Bidayuh Tebakang and our Bidayuh community, are truly and deeply grateful and appreciative of this recognition and acknowledgement of the sacrifice of the highest order of the late Michael,” he said at the burial service yesterday.
Maurice said they were also grateful to the police force and Royal Malaysian Air Force for bringing Michael’s remains home for burial and assisting in the funeral service.
They also thanked villagers who helped out in the wake and funeral mass in Serian.
Maurice said Michael’s death was not in vain as he died defending the sovereignty of the country.
“He died in great courage, as a warrior would. To be in the police has been his proud ambition, to serve and defend our country against our enemies, as his late father did.
“May his soul rest in peace with the Lord and God,” he said.
More than 1,000 people turned up to send Michael off in the sombre service. They included Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Infrastructure and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Third Infantry Brigade commander Brig-Gen Datuk Redzuan Baharuddin.
Michael’s remains arrived at the Heroes Grave at 10.35am from Serian and were laid into the ground at 11am moments after prayers led by Saint Teresa Church, Serian parish priest Father Joseph Chai.
Speaking to reporters after the funeral service, Khalid thanked the state government and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for honouring Michael.
“This would boost my men’s morale and spirit,” he said.
“We will look into taking care of his family’s welfare and I’ve told his wife that in case she needs any help, she can contact the police here. “
The Star
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