Tamin rep vows to accelerate rural dev’t, hits out at Padungan rep over Bumiputera rights

Christopher when debating the Sarawak Supply Bill 2027 at the DUS sitting on Oct 16, 2026. Photo: Sarawak Info Dept (Japen)

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 16: Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang has declared his readiness to continue serving in the Premier’s Department, pledging to accelerate rural development and ensure the voices of Tamin’s communities are heard, while taking aim at Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen over its stance on Bumiputera participation in development projects.

He said his willingness to continue serving was subject to the decision of the party leadership, reaffirming his commitment to rural communities as Sarawak approaches the 13th State Election.

“Subject to the party leadership’s decision, I am ready to continue serving in the Premier’s team.

“My commitment remains clear: to serve faithfully, accelerate rural development and ensure that Tamin’s voice is heard,” he said when debating the Sarawak Supply Bill 2027 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Christopher also urged Sarawakians to support Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in continuing the State’s development agenda and defending the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

However, he criticised Chong’s statement for opposing the 30 per cent allocation of projects to Bumiputera contractors.

He said the allocation was designed to broaden Bumiputera participation in development projects, particularly among rural communities seeking to expand their businesses and economic opportunities.

Christopher further urged Bumiputera voters in urban areas to reject Democratic Action Party (DAP) in the next election, accusing the party of seeking their votes without supporting their socioeconomic advancement.

On constituency redelineation, he called on the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider the exclusion of Bukit Arip from its recommendations displayed in September 2026, despite the DUS approving an increase in the number of state constituencies from 82 to 99 on July 7, 2025.

He said Tamin and Kakus, which form part of the vast Selangau area covering approximately 9,193 square kilometres, had not received additional constituencies despite their extensive territories and scattered settlements.

He added Tamin has around 400 longhouses, while Kakus has approximately 350, highlighting the challenges of delivering services and ensuring adequate representation across the rural areas.

Christopher said voter numbers should not be the sole factor in constituency delineation, as rural areas with vast territories and scattered settlements faced different representation challenges. — DayakDaily