by Peter Sibon. Posted on April 8, 2011, Friday
SOLIDARITY: Manyin (fourth left) with some of the village chiefs raising their hands in unison to show their solidarity in defending Tebedu seat for the BN at his residence in Kampung Piching..
SERIAN: Sixty-eight village chiefs in Tebedu constituency have vehemently denied the allegation made by an opposition candidate that Tebedu incumbent Dato Sri Michael Manyin had grabbed 32,779 hectares of land in the district.
Kpg Krusen village chief KK Ajong Dawit said Manyin had in fact assisted his villagers to take back some 5,000 hectares of their land from a Peninsula-based private investor who had tried to acquire the land through dubious means. “Without the assistance of Dato Sri Manyin, we would have lost all our land, leaving nothing for us to farm and other agriculture activities,” Ajong told The Borneo Post at Manyin’s residence in Kampung Piching, some 15km from here, yesterday.
To reciprocate Manyin’s good deed, he said his village would support him (Manyin) to ensure that he retains the seat. Ajong revealed that Manyin had assured the villagers that their land would be properly developed by Salcra soon. “We strongly believe that whatever accusations made by the opposition member is done in bad faith. We strongly condemn such an act.”
Kpg Tepoi village chief KK Najag Nasew commented that Manyin had in fact improved the livelihood of his people in the last 15 years. “Before he was elected as our assemblyman, we have to walk for four hours to reach Tebedu town. But after the road was tar-sealed, it only takes 25 minutes by motorcycles.”
He said whatever land acquired over the years for development, such as the construction of roads, schools and clinics, were duly compensated.
“Not an inch of our land has been taken away by Manyin,” reiterated Najag. The accusation was so serious that village chief of Kpg Kehum Mawang, KK Dewa Bangan, has decided not to allow any opposition to enter his village. “We have put up banners in front of our village to tell the opposition that they are not welcomed,” said Dewa.
Meanwhile, Manyin, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications, said if the opposition were to continue accusing him of such misdemeanour, he would fight back strongly.
“How could I acquire such a large piece of land in Serian. Even Salcra, which has been operating in this district for the last 30 years, has only managed to develop 11,000 hectares for oil palm,” said Manyin.
An opposition candidate had posted in his Facebook page that Manyin had acquired the land to be sold to Taiwan National University for the cultivation of hill paddy. “That’s a total lie and there’s no truth to it. If he continues to do that and try to hit me below the belt, then he should be ready to face the consequences.”
On the state election, Manyin said the four-cornered fight in Tebedu was a good sign that democracy is healthy in the country.
“In any democratic country, anyone is free to contest and debate on issues that can improve the livelihood of the people. But don’t use personal attacks on your opponents. I have been a politician for the last 15 years, and I never hit my opponents below the belt.”
For the April 16 polls, Manyin is up against Dr Christopher Kiyui of PKR, Anthony Nais (SNAP) and Kipli Ale (Independent).
No comments:
Post a Comment