Bawang Assan Ibans want to be represented by an Iban from PBB
SIBU: About 1,200 Ibans from Bawang Assan here pulled the rug from under the feet of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh when they demanded to be represented by an Iban leader from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in the coming state election.
It is understood that the demand of the Ibans was the first open representation made against Wong, the Bawang Assan incumbent, whose party in recent days has been making news headlines with its own announcements of state election plans.
PSB has made public that it will put up Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, a former MP, in Tasik Biru, incumbent Datuk Ranum Mina to defend Opar, MP Masir Kujat in Balai Ringin.
Tasik Biru is held by GPS-PDP Datuk Henry Harry Jinep while Balai Ringin is held by GPS-PRS Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
On Friday, in what looked like a purposeful slap in the face, the Ibans in Bawang Assan sent a clear message to the PSB president — they want him out.
“I will convey your wish to the party leadership,” said PBB vice-president, Dr Annuar Rapaee, who was representing deputy president, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, at PBB Bawang Assan Solidarity Night held at a hotel here.
The event, themed ‘United, Sacrifice for the Success of N.53 Bawang Assan’ was held in conjunction with Christmas and New Year 2020 celebrations.
Dr Annuar, who is Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research, said Bawang Assan needed a change in leadership so that the Iban community would not be left behind.
“It is not impossible for Bawang Assan to be given to PBB based on its general demographic factors and to be represented by an Iban leader in the next state election as well,” he said.
He urged the Iban community in Bawang Assan to continue to give strong support to PBB and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, GPS.
During the function, Dr Annuar revealed that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved a special fund for residents of longhouses in the Bawang Assan area following a request from PBB Bawang Assan chief and political secretary to the chief minister Romeo Christopher Tegong.
Without disclosing the amount of the allocation, Dr Annuar said Romeo would distribute the fund in the form of minor rural project (MRP) grants to the various longhouses.
