‘Journey isn’t over’: Engkilili rep eyes fifth term, pushes for full district status

KUCHING (Feb 26): Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa has announced his intention to defend the Engkilili seat for a fifth consecutive term in the next Sarawak election, citing unfinished development priorities in the constituency.

Rayong said his decision is driven by his commitment to see Engkilili upgraded from a sub-district to a full administrative district — a move he believes will accelerate development and improve public service delivery.

“My heart is still with the people of Engkilili. We have laid the groundwork over the last 20 years, but the journey isn’t over,” he said.

“Upgrading Engkilili to a full district is my priority as it will bring more government agencies, better facilities and more job opportunities for our youth,” he told The Borneo Post.

The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) vice president said being part of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has enabled him to expedite development initiatives in the largely rural constituency.

“I work on the ground and the work is not seasonal or only near the general election, but every weekend,” he said.

“I also work with government agencies to facilitate the people’s requests and resolve their problems.”

Rayong first won the Engkilili seat in 2006 under the Sarawak National Party (SNAP), ending Barisan Nasional’s (BN) hold on the constituency at the time.

He retained the seat in 2011 as a BN-Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) candidate with 71.8 per cent of the vote, and again in 2016 as a BN-direct candidate with a majority of more than 3,800 votes.

In 2021, he defended the seat under the Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) banner before joining PDP following PSB’s dissolution in 2024.

Since realigning with the GPS-led state government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Rayong said he has secured RM8 million in development allocations for Engkilili this year, covering more than 60 projects.

These include bridge repairs, longhouse upgrades, jetty modernisation, and works related to the Ulu Skrang road network.

He said upgrading Engkilili into a full district would streamline administration and enable more direct funding, particularly for rural infrastructure in remote longhouse areas.

“As someone who has served both in the government and in the opposition, I can say that Engkilili moves faster when we are aligned with GPS.

“I am offering myself to serve again to ensure our development agenda continues without disruption,” he said.

Earlier yesterday, Rayong attended the Engkilili Hakka Association’s Chinese New Year open house at the association’s premises.