KUCHING: PRS President Tan Sri Dr James Masing has advised people promoting their candidates for Hulu Rajang this coming general election to avoid stirring racial sentiments.

“Playing racial tune in Hulu Rajang is dangerous. I advise all the people who participate in propagating their candidates for Hulu Rajang to refrain from it.

“In the last 20 over years Hulu Rajang had been free of racial sentiments during elections.

“I hope to keep it that way,” said Masing when officiating a dialogue on NCR Land at Rumah Lugad, Sungai Majau, Kapit last Saturday.

On PRS candidate for Hulu Rajang, Masing reiterated that the party had nominated a new candidate to replace current MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo.

Hulu Rajang is a unique constituency as it is made up of two state seats of Belaga which is populated mostly by the Orang Ulu community and Baleh by the Iban community.

Masing explained that since Abit had been the MP of the area for the last 22 years, it was timely that an Iban should be given the opportunity to be the next MP.

“As I have said before this, I have sent the names of our six candidates to represent our six constituencies to the top BN leadership. And as far as Hulu Rajang is concerned, there will be a new candidate,” stressed Masing.

Masing, who is also the minister of land development, advised NCR landowners to cooperate with the relevant government agencies in order to speed up the perimeter survey of their lands.

“Please stop listening to rumours being put up by the opposition especially when it’s near election time,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the function, he also advised voters there to give their fullest support to the BN candidate in Hulu Rajang, widely tipped to be his private secretary Wilson Ugak Kumbong to replace Abit.

The function was also attended by Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot, Kapit district officer Elvis Didit, heads of departments and community leaders.

(Source:  The Borneo Post,  16 April 2012)