KUCHING: The convincing win by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Dr Richard Rapu in Betong in the 15th general election (GE15) is a sign Sarawakians will continue to reject racial or religious politics.
Deputy Premier Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the opposition candidates there had been creating and exploiting divisive issues to win votes.
“But in the end, they were rejected when Dr Richard won with a majority of 11,302 votes from the 26,713 votes cast,” he said.
He was speaking at an appreciation gathering in Spaoh recently for party workers from the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bukit Saban branch who had helped in the election.
Uggah admitted that he was initially worried with the opposition tactics then.
“Now that the people have decided, let us forget what had transpired. Let us focus on mending and restrengthening ties so that we can all move forward.
“Let us sit down and talk about what we want in the five years to come,” he said.
On Dr Richard’s victory, he said it was a very important victory as the latter can provide extra input in ensuring the newly formed Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) achieves its objectives.
“Its main objectives are to develop economic activities through the agriculture and agri-food industry, industrial, commercial, business and entrepreneurship and tourism sectors, enhancing infrastructure and utility development and cultivating education excellence in our students,” he said.
He stressed that all local leaders, civil servants, community leaders, business people and everyone else had heavy responsibilities to play in BDDA success.
Earlier, Dr Richard thanked Uggah for his critical role in helping to deliver the Betong parliamentary seat to GPS, pledging to play his part in helping him and other leaders to bring more development and progress to the division.
“I will also lend my voice in fighting for the return of more of the state’s eroded rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.
He also thanked former Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat for his efforts in the constituency.
