SERIAN: Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem dished out a total of RM70,000 when he officiated at a Gawai closing ceremony at Kampung Lanchang Sabai, some 12 kilometres from here.
The beneficiaries were St Mathew’s Church (RM30,000), Kampung Lanchang Sabai Development and Security Committee /JKKK (RM10,000), JKKK Kampung Lanchang Sijo (RM10,000) and the organisers of the Gawai-do, the Association of Serian Bidayuh Community Leaders (RM20,000).
Besides the cheques, Riot also announced that the Kampung Lanchang Sabai waterfront project was in the process of tendering and that the construction work was expected to begin after Raya.
He did not disclose the cost of the proposed development of the riverbank project, but it is expected to be more than RM100,000.
Riot also called on the Bidayuhs to continue giving their undivided support to the Barisan Nasional.
“Barisan Nasional at the federal and state levels respect the Bidayuhs.
“At the federal level, all three Bidayuh MPs are active members of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s government. I am a full Minister while Pucak Borneo MP, Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit and Mas Gading MP, Datuk Anthony Nogeh are Deputy Ministers.
“At the state level, the Bidayuhs have one full minister in Tebedu assemblyman, Datuk Seri Michael Manyin and two assistant ministers in Datuk Dr Jerip Susil (Mambong) and Datuk Roland Sagah (Tarat),” he said.
The Gawai-do featured nearly a dozen Bidayuh traditional dances performed by dancers from nine Bidayuh villages in Serian Division.
Among those present were Riot’s political secretary, Major Datuk Peter Runin, Serian Resident, Jonathan Lugoh, District Officer, Lim Hock Meng and community leaders including Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok,Pemanca Chai Min Lee, Pemanca Ahgim Katot and Pemanca Kane.
