MIRI: Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, has voiced his thoughts on the recent establishment of the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Marudi branch and criticised a survey conducted by Datuk Dr Prof Jayum Jawan on ministerial performance by Dayak representatives.
Dr Penguang, speaking after the launch of the PRS Marudi branch in Miri on Sunday (Jan 5), thanked the PRS leadership for establishing a branch in his constituency.
“First of all, I would like to thank the president, deputy president, and the PRS leadership in Marudi for forming a branch here. The establishment of PRS in Marudi strengthens our position as a component party of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). We were already strong, but this move makes us even stronger. We are ready to face any challenger in the coming election, should there be one in Marudi,” he said.
Dr Penguang, who is the Marudi assemblyman and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Marudi chairman, reiterated GPS’s unity and readiness to work together to address the needs of the people, highlighting the coalition’s focus on development and service delivery.
Asked about the recent perception survey conducted by Prof Jayum Jawan, Dr Penguang strongly criticised both the methodology and its implications.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we must be careful with the implications of such statements, especially when targeting Dayak ministers. Why scrutinise only Dayak ministers and not others?” he questioned.
Dr Penguang took issue with the survey’s sample size of 183 respondents, calling it statistically insignificant.
“Any statistician knows that 183 samples are inadequate to draw a valid conclusion about ministerial performance,” he said, adding that the methodology and respondent demographics lacked transparency.
He also stressed that the best measure of a minister’s performance comes from their constituents.
“The people in our constituencies are the true judges of our work. They are the ones who benefit directly from our initiatives and projects,” he said.
Dr Penguang also questioned the motives behind Prof Jayum’s statements, suggesting they were more about seeking attention than offering constructive criticism.
“If someone believes I’m not doing my job, they should approach me directly and offer constructive feedback. Publicly criticising and ridiculing leaders is unproductive,” he said.
Referring to a previous symposium where Prof Jayum highlighted perceived weaknesses in Sarawak’s administration, Dr Penguang said: “He pointed out problems but failed to provide solutions. Being a professor doesn’t give anyone a free pass to make baseless criticisms without presenting facts, figures, or actionable solutions.”
Highlighting the progress in his constituency, Dr Penguang pointed to developments such as roads, bridges, and religious facilities.
“These achievements are the result of our work and dedication. If I hadn’t done my job, such projects wouldn’t exist,” he asserted.
Dr Penguang reaffirming his openness to feedback and his commitment to serve the people of Marudi.
“I welcome constructive suggestions from my constituents. It doesn’t matter who they are – Iban, Malay, Chinese, or Orang Ulu – I am here to serve them all,” he said.
