BETONG: It is no secret that whenever there is an election, candidates contesting for their respective seats will be busy going around the constituency to introduce themselves and convince voters through various approach.
For Bukit Saban Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas however, no such approach or introduction is needed to convince voters in Bukit Saban since his, is a familiar face among the people here, coupled with a track record spanning over a 30-year period as MP, there would be no necessity for such efforts.
The Betong Member of Parliament’s weekly visit to his constituency which includes Bukit Saban, Layar and Saribas, since becoming the Betong MP in 1986, will certainly give him a distinct edge over the others in the race for the seat.
Richard ak Bin, a voter in Bukit Saban feels Uggah need not ‘work hard’ to draw the attention of the people since his presence was always felt in Betong, and the people know him well.
“Despite being a Federal minister, almost every week Uggah is here. He tries to attend every programme organised by the people...if he cannot attend, he will send his officers. That is his routine over the years,” he told Bernama.
Uggah when met was however, modest in accepting praises heaped on him, claiming no stones must be left unturned in BN’s efforts to ensure victory in Bukit Saban which falls under the Betong Parliamentary seat, despite his impressive track record.
The Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities who continues to shuttle between his duties as a Federal minister and candidate for Bukit Saban, said he continues to attend programmes under the ministry although he has been given ‘leave’ by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to concentrate on his election campaign.
“Yes, I have been given leave by the Prime Minister but I am so used to attending programmes organised by the ministry. Furthermore, there are many programmes organised by agencies under the ministry in Sarawak during the campaigning period and I take it upon myself to attend as many programmes as possible and divide my time for campaigning as well,” he said.
Uggah said he takes such responsibilities in his stride and does not feel any pressure because such programmes are part of efforts to help the people of Sarawak who are involved in plantations and commodities.
“Kill two birds with one stone (Sambil menyelam minum air),” he said.
Uggah said he was also fortunate to have the strong support of former Bukit Saban state assemblyman Robert Lawson Chuat who is the election director to assist the BN election machinery in Bukit Saban.
Asked about the sentiments and ‘mood’ of the people of Bukit Saban over the past five days of campaigning, Uggah said support from the people, especially BN supporters, has been very encouraging.
“There is every indication that BN will win big here,” he said.
Uggah who was hand-picked by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem to contest the Bukit Saban state seat will give up his post as Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities if he were to win the seat at the May 7 polls.
He is expected to play an important role in the Sarawak cabinet.--BERNAMA