Of course, Hj. Talip said while the new airport is smack in the middle of the Jepak constituency, the whole of Bintulu will benefit from this development.

Also the Deputy Organising Chairman for the 40th PBB Anniversary Bintulu division committe, he is responding to the BP question to name a few similar projects which aimed at bringing social and economic development oppoturnities for the people there.

He said, benefit come from the airport construction directly, and other associated activities and many other opportunities generated by the presence of a major infrastructure project.  

In fact, he said Jepak is part and parcel of a fast developing Bintulu town which at least 70 percent of people in the Jepak constituency live or work in the Bintulu town, thus, the airport is a valuable addition to the numerous projects big and small in Bintulu.

When asked about the concerning PAS and KEADILAN intention of putting up the canditate during next Sarawak general election, he said both party get encouragement from their recent success in Pennisular Malaysia.  

He said, it is a natural tendency to spread one's wings wide and far, adding that PAS is targeting on Malay or Muslim majority areas while ADIL appears to go to Bumiputra areas or where the Bumiputra votes can have influence on the outcome of the election.

`Their entry into the state definitely has a divisive effect particularly in the Muslim community.'

Whether PAS considers it a responsible act to divide the community they claim to save it is for PAS itself to judge, he stressed. 

`The same also goes with ADIL while some of those who have grudges might go for the opposition, but I sincerely believe the vast majority would opt for continued unity and stability.'

He said it is the unity and stability that have brought progress and uplifted the community all this while. 

Another question is whether an essentially regional party such as PAS ruling Muslim based states of Terengganu or Kelantan can rule a multi racial, multi religious Sarawak?  

All Sarawakians must consider this seriously, he said.

Similarly, he wondered ADIL's movement as a break away UMNO faction based on their anger of Anwar's dismissal can bring stability to Sarawak?

`Can their method of `demonstrasi' and disregard for civil law bring positive political value to Sarawak is a pertinent question for the people of Sarawak to ponder?'

No doubt, he said these parties can pose threat to the BN. However, whether it is a major threat or a not, it is up to fellow Sarawakians to determine.

If they love Sarawak and treasuring the present harmony, progress and peace and the quality of life as we know, they should reject parties who can destroy what we cherish now.

But more importantly these parties threaten the tradition of obedience to the law and a harmonious multi racial and multi religious society in Sarawak. 

When asked about the ex-defend minister Datuk Abang Abu Bakar's claims that UMNO  will not only spread its wings to Sarawak, but also will contest in the coming state election, Hj. Talip said such faction is another factor in the equation.

`I do have this uneasy feeling about party leaders who form another party on leaving a party they have been leading'

`Wheather it is Anwar, or Abang Abu it is the same, I trust some common sense will prevail at the end of the day'

He believed that it is a matter of honour, self respect and dignity, so he trusted these leaders should take a serious look at their actions.

He also call on party members who they have led all these while do not take it too kindly if they try to attack the party and this would be the situation with PBB members.

Touching on the changes of winning of PBB in coming election, Talip said in each election, opposition is expected except this time the opposition would the alliance of PAS and ADIL which would target mainly on Bumiputra, Muslim and Malay voters.

PBB would feel the full brunt of this, he commented and adding that judging from the mood of the people and the development that has taken place and how much people generally benefit from it many would opt for BN or PBB.

BN and PBB have proven their ability and the people normally go for proven achievement anad not for someone that they do not knowfor sure can deliver what they already have, he believed.

In conjunction with the 40th Anniversary on the 17, he said it was expected 2000 members will be directly to hear from their leader and meet other senior people as well.

There will `Pesta Pantai', to relive old traditions, without the superstitions of course, he said.

`In this event there would be a pantomime depicting the last battle with the pirates in Sarawak waters'

This simple and significant event saw the pirates (Lanun) beaten by the Bintulu people. 

There is another event organised to demonstrate and promote local food and delicacies while another seminar will be held on 16 this month...END/JACKY CHAN.