The statement came from the State Assistant Minister for Tourism, Peter Nyarok Anak Entri while giving his speech at Rumag Budol Anak Engga, at Nanga Entabai, Meluan in the Julau District yesterday.

Earlier on, on the same day Peter Nyarok also launched the SNAP's Annual General Meeting for N36 Meluan, which was held at the residence of Geman Anak Itam, a Legislative Assembly Member for N36 Meluan.

Without disclosing the total amount of the project, Nyarok, who is one of the SNAP Vice Presidents, said that such implementation of the projects by the government reflects its caring attitude and concern for the people at large, especially in Julau area, which had long been lagging behind other constituencies in term of such infrastructure and  socio-economic development all these while.

Touching on education, Nyarok advised the parents to send their children to school, adding that education is still the government's top priority in its effort to develop the nation.

Education, he said, is the key to success. As such every parent must play their role to ensure that their children must not only receive formal education at primary or secondary school but at the same time can reach a degree level.

At present, he said that the Ibans are still far behind other races in terms of the number of university graduates. Based to the statistics, out of a population of 600,000, there were only 7,000 Iban university graduates , compared to more than 27,000 for the Malays (out of 300,000 population) and more  40,000 for the Chinese (out of 500,000 population).

Also speaking during the occassion was Geman Anak Itam, a Legislative Assembly Member for N36 Meluan.

Others who were present during the occassion  were Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, Member of Parliament for Bintulu; Sylvester Enteri Anak Muran, a member of the Legislative Assembly for Marudi and Encik Stanely Jugol, a political Secretary to the Chief Minister Office and as well community leaders and SNAP representatives from various divisions and districts in Sarawak.

The result of the Snap Annual General Meeting for N36 Meluan were as follows:

Joseph Wong King Said was elected the Chairman, while the post of a deputy Chairman went to Leo Jana Anak Etan. The Secretary was Tutong  Anak Panting, while Gabriel Elop was elected as his deputy, while Moses Wong Mee Hung was elected as Treasurer.

The committee members were Runggai Anak Bedari, Blu Anak Laut, Meling Anak Imba, Eko Anak Aloh, Taman, Adis Anak Siting, Tuai Rumah Ngumbang Anak Keling, Engkok Anak Bungap, Seripah Anak Jol, Ujang Anak Kadom and Pik Anak Bangki.

On the sam day YB Peter Nyarok also launched another SNAP branch at Nanga nearby...END.