DOMPOK HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS IN PENAMPANG

COMPLETED ....The 84-metre long Pagansakan Bridge cost RM9.05 million and is funded by the Federal Government. Completed early last year, the bridge provides access across the river and is a real boon to around 2000 people.

By : SHALINA R

CANDIDATES representing the Barisan National coalition in Penampang district appear upbeat about the election, buoyed by what they see as strong support by the people in Penampang.

“The campaign has been running very smoothly and we feel confident that the people of Penampang have been enlightened and are able to see the changes brought about  by the government,” said Tan Sri Bernard Dompok at the launch of the much awaited Penampang Community College yesterday.

The UPKO (United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization) President said that within four years, NKRA (National Key Result Areas) projects have been completed in the district and that the federal government has also approved the construction of a dual carriageway road from Donggongon to Papar and all the way to Beaufort.

He added, “The electricity supply problem has also been solved in this area, particularly in remote areas like Togudon.”

In order to bring electricity to about 581 villagers and 83 homes in Togudon Village, RM22 million was spent on a power line installation project that stretches from Penampang to Tambunan.

RM15 million has also been allocated for the construction of a type 3 health clinic in Kampung Dambai recently. 132,390 people from 24 villages and seven mukims will benefit from this facility when it is completed.

The development of human capital has likewise  received close attention, such as is evidenced by the setting up of the Penampang Community College located on Jalan Ramaya. Approved in 2012 the college is expected to commence operation in July this year.

“Let me just express my gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education for having approved the establishment of this college. Not long ago we had a discussion on setting up of this facility, and today it has become reality,” said Dompok.

“We have told the people of our vision for this area and I feel good that they accepted and supported Datuk Philip Lasimbang, Datuk Edward Khoo and I,” said Dompok who is also caretaker minister of the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry.

The Penampang incumbent MP was also Ranau’s MP for two terms out of the 28 years that he has served his constituencies. He will be facing STAR Candidate Melanie Annol and PKR Candidate Darell Leiking in the race to win the Penampang Parliament seat.

Datuk Edward Khoo will be contesting against STAR Candidate Philip Among, DAP Candidate Dr Edwin @ Jack Bosi and SAPP Candidate Chong Pit Fah for the N19 Kapayan State Seat.

In N20 Moyog, Datuk Philip Lasimbang will be battling for the state seat against PKR’s Terrence Alon Siambun, STAR’s Bernard Lawrence Solibun and SAPP’s Danim @ Aloysius Siap. (Insight Sabah)