MIRI: The people have been advised not to be easily influenced by development propaganda promised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in its fight against the Barisan Nasional (BN).

FOR REMEMBRANCE: Jimmy (left) presents a memento to Manyin witnessed by Aidan (second left) and William (second right) during the closing of Gawai at Kampung Bidayuh.

Minister of Environment and Public Health Datuk Michael Manyin Jawong described PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s propaganda as empty promises.

He said Anwar was merely attracting the attention by saying that he wanted to bridge the development gap in Sarawak and look into the welfare of the state’s ethnic groups he claimed were ‘left out’ by the government.

“He (Anwar) promised development if we support him. But actually, all he wants is power,” said Manyin when officiating at ‘Gawai Merut Kirasah’ (closing of Gawai Dayak) at Kampung Bidayuh, Sungai Dalam, Lusut near here on Friday night.

The gathering was organised by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri.

Manyin went on to remind the people to always use the proper channel when voicing their needs and not to turn to the opposition that he claimed would take advantage of them.

He said if they had problems that they could not handle by themselves, the people should approach government representatives in their area or other proper authorities.

“We (government) will not entertain any appeal or request made through opposition parties! The government has well-planned development programmes that will benefit the people,” he said.

He urged the people to support the government which has developed the state for the past 45 years.

According to him, there is development gap in Sarawak because of the large number of rural people in places that are hard to reach due to geographical factors.

Other than the government’s development programmes, he said among the best means of bridging the development gap were knowledge and education.

“We need to further develop our human capital through education. Hence, I call on the people to place emphasis on their children’s education,” he said.

At the same function, Manyin also announced a grant of RM20,000 for the village.

Village chief Jimmy Nyahen, who spoke earlier, said there are 35 houses in the village with a population of around 270.

The village, which is also occupied by some Iban, Chinese, Orang Ulu and Kenyah families, was opened in 1997.

Established on government land, its status as a settlement is still pending government approval.

Thus Jimmy requested the government to give the approval as soon as possible so that facilities such as water and electricity can be extended to the area.

Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, Lubok Antu member of parliament William Nyallau and DBNA Miri chairman Captain Bernard Idit were also present at the Gawai.