Community leaders surprised to have their service extended

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Gramong (third left) presents the appointment certificate to Chia as (from left) Maurice, Aaron, Ling, Alexander and Jabang look on.

Gramong (third left) presents the appointment certificate to Chia as (from left) Maurice, Aaron, Ling, Alexander and Jabang look on.

KANOWIT: The extension of the term of service of two local Chinese community leaders is regarded as a bit uncommon and very special.

One of them, Pemanca Chia Chhau Fah, said it was uncommon because their reappointment did not involve their political affiliation.

“I am a bit surprise because I did not apply for service extension.

“In fact, I wanted to step down to give way to others,” he said during a thank-you gathering organised by Chinese community leaders here on Saturday.

Besides Chia, the service of Penghulu Thomas Ling Liong Hing is also extended.

The guests-of-honour at the gathering were Assistant Minister of Land Development Datuk Gramong Juna, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent.

A political secretary to the chief minister Maurice Giri, Gramong’s wife Datuk Catherine, Aaron’s wife Datin Ping Bungan, Alexander’s wife Susan Clement, Pemanca Spencer Kudang and Kanowit SAO Jabang Juntan were also present.

Chia, a member of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kanowit branch, thanked the state government, Gramong, Aaron, Alexander, Maurice and others for their trust in him.

“We promise we will try our best to carry out our duty and responsibility for the government and the people,” he said.

On another matter, Chia urged other Chinese leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, to work together to ensure
the victory of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming state election.

“Let us support all BN candidates so they can win handsomely,” he said.

Chia and Ling received their reappointment certificates from Gramong.