Lau (front, sixth left) joins guests and residents of Rumah Thomas Palus, Ulu Sebedil for a group photo at the event.
SIBU (June 28): Every Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project can only be successfully implemented when all stakeholders play their respective roles, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Councillor Kevin Lau.
Lau said the recently completed road widening project at Rumah Thomas Palus in Ulu Sebedil demonstrates how close cooperation between residents, community leaders and the government can effectively address long-standing issues, particularly the shortage of parking space at the longhouse.
“Everyone has a role to play. Residents voice their needs, community leaders and councillors bring forward the proposals, while the government provides the funding,” he said.
“It is through this collective effort that RTP projects can be implemented smoothly and bring lasting benefits to the entire community,” he added.
He made the remarks when officiating at the launch of the road widening project and the Ngiling Tikai celebration at Rumah Thomas Palus, Ulu Sebedil, near here yesterday.
Lau explained that the RTP is a Sarawak government initiative, meant to address the needs of local communities by funding development projects based on residents’ priorities.
Touching on the Ngiling Tikai celebration, Lau called on the community to preserve the spirit of unity and strong family values that have long been synonymous with the Iban community, describing them as the foundation of Sarawak’s harmonious and multicultural society.
“Ngiling Tikai not only marks the end of the Gawai season but also symbolises the unity and togetherness that should be passed on to future generations,” he said.
He added that a united and stable society would further strengthen the Sarawak government’s efforts to safeguard the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), enabling greater state revenue to be channelled back to the people through development and welfare initiatives.
Also present were Councillor Johnny Sain, representing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bawang Assan branch chief Romeo Christopher Tegong, Sibu Rural District Council secretary Ng Siang Wei, longhouse chief Thomas Palus and other guests.
