SPAOH: The unveiling of the new Nanga Pik longhouse marks a triumph of unity, leadership, and perseverance, said Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Determined to replace their aging wooden abode, the community's collective effort and financial discipline have borne fruit.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah celebrated this achievement during the vibrant housewarming ceremony, attended by local dignitaries and community leaders alike.
Its construction, initiated on August 20, 2012, culminated two years later into a modern, concrete longhouse - a symbol of resilience against adversity.
"Despite facing myriad challenges and obstacles, you all have managed to construct a modern and concrete longhouse.
“This is because you all have chosen to speak in only one voice. I am very proud of your achievement," said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at the new Nanga Pik longhouse house-warming ceremony on Friday.
He lauded the community's solidarity, underscoring their steadfast support for successive government policies aimed at rural development.
Acknowledging past challenges, he praised their newfound accessibility, thanks to infrastructure improvements like the Pan Borneo Highway, which has significantly shortened travel times.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy also commended the longhouse's commitment to education, boasting an impressive tally of graduates across various fields.
"You have a record to be proud of as the longhouse has produced 19 graduates, including two PhD holders and a medical doctor now undergoing specialist training.
“In addition, the longhouse has 11 diploma graduates in various fields and 10 other undergraduates," he said.
In addition to celebrating academic achievements, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced substantial government allocations for socio-economic initiatives and road upgrades, signaling ongoing commitment to rural prosperity.
He added, a sum of RM33 million had been allocated to carry out socio-economic activities to help the people of his Bukit Saban constituency to generate income.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman also said a sum of RM25 million had been allocated for the upgrading of the Ulu Rimbas road here to benefit 13 longhouses.
As the longhouse chief Unjie Guang expressed gratitude for governmental support, he reflected on the community's sacrifices, including the ceremonial burial of ancestral skulls, underscoring their dedication to progress and tradition.
Joining Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah were his wife, Dato Doreen Mayang, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu and wife, Datin Rosemarie Wong, Betong member of parliament Dr Richard Rapu, and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik. -UKASnews
