Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Joseph Salang has asked the people of Sarikei to give Sarikei Member of Parliament Ding Kuong Hing another chance.

He said this was because Ding had allegedly proven himself to be a hardworking and caring representative.     

"Another term given to him, he will be more experienced as a leader and this will benefit you as his voters," he said.     

Salang likened a rejection of BN candidates to the people burning their bridges with the government.    

He claimed this was because BN elected representatives had been an effective voices in Parliament in bringing out their needs and problems to the attention of the government.     

He said this before jointly declaring open a RM150,000 1Malaysia Futsal court at Km8 Kanowit, Julau/Durin Road, Bintangor today with Ding, which he said will benefit folks from 39 longhouses in the area.     

"When you have no representatives in Parliament, you will lose your voice there.     

"For this reason it is for your own benefit, progress and brighter future of your children that you continue to throw your support behind the BN government," he said.     

He alleged the opposition was only capable of shouting out loud or criticising the government and its leaders when they spoke.     

"Some do not even bother to listen to explanations or replies from the ministers or deputy ministers concerned.     

"They leave after speaking and thus do not know the response to their criticism or queries," he alleged.     

Meanwhile, yesterday, Salang also officiated at the opening of a RM200,000 micro hydro dam at Rh. Jawang Janting in Bukit Sri in the Julau interior. It will provide two hours of free power supply nightly to the people there.      

More goodies piled on

Meanwhile a total of 20 voluntary welfare related organisations in Sarawak received assistance grants involving an allocation of nearly RM426,000 for the fourth quarter of this year, said Sarawak Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah.      

She said the grants were provided to registered organisations that operated preventive, rehabilitation, care and protection and development of the target groups, under responsibilities and functions of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMNS).     

"The objective of offering these grants is to encourage public involvement in welfare services and programmes, so as to accommodate services provided by the government," she said at a "Majlis Jalinan Kasih" programme in conjunction with Christmas 2012 in Kuching, today.     

The event was also attended by the wife of Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri's wife Toh Puan Norkiah.       

At the same event, Fatimah presented the grants to representatives of the welfare organisations concerned.     

- Bernama