Dr Stephen William dismisses rumours of Machan candidacy, urges support for incumbent

KANOWIT (March 4): Unity Minister’s political secretary Dr Stephen William has dismissed rumours that he has been selected by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) top leaders as a candidate for the Machan seat in the coming state election.

He stressed that the incumbent assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong remains the candidate to support unless the party leadership decides otherwise.

“I tell you, do not listen to such things. For now, if the incumbent is chosen to retain the seat, then we must give him our full support to ensure he wins with a bigger majority.

“If GPS top leadership says otherwise, we will think about it later. As of now, the one we must support is the incumbent.

“I reiterate, do not listen to those saying that I will be the GPS candidate. That is not confirmed. Let’s wait for instructions from the top leaders,” he said during the presentation of appointment certificates to 94 community and village leaders (KMKK) under Machan here on Monday.

Allan presented the certificates to the KMKK.

On welfare matters, Stephen said that after working on the ground for the past three years, he observed that some individuals eligible for welfare assistance may have been overlooked.

He cited cases where some applicants were called for interviews and asked by doctors about their prescribed medication, frequency of hospitalisation and medical history — but some were unable to respond accurately as they could not recall the details.

“Therefore, KMKK must take proactive steps in identifying residents who may qualify for welfare assistance so that those genuinely eligible are not overlooked.

“Longhouse chiefs must also take the initiative to identify residents who are deemed eligible to be registered in the eKasih system,” he said.

He added that those facing such issues should seek assistance from the district office.

“If there are such cases and help is needed, meet the district officer. I believe our new district officer is more than willing to help,” he said.

On unity, Stephen emphasised that the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ spirit, in line with Malaysia Madani unity concept, must be translated into action rather than remain as rhetoric.

“Unity must be realised and not merely spoken about, because unity when translated into action means development.

“I want to see us in Kanowit truly make unity a reality and not just empty talk. In this way, I believe we can develop Kanowit more than other areas in Sarawak,” he said.

Also present were former Machan assemblyman Dato Sri Gramong Juna, Kanowit district officer Cerisologo Sabut and political secretary to Sarawak Premier Petrus Igat.