BINTULU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for the Jepak state by-election Iskandar Turkee, 54, has never been so clear in what he wants to achieve if elected as the representative of the constituency for the benefit of the people, especially the youth.
Affectionately known as Es, the former state director of the National Anti-Drug Agency is a Bintulu native from Kampung Sebiew in Jepak.
“When implementing outreach programmes, I would normally start with prevention programmes and tailor them according to the needs,” he told Bernama today.
GPS fielded Iskandar to defend the Jepak seat come Nov 4 after its incumbent assemblyman for nearly six terms Datuk Talib Zulpilip passed away on Sept 15. He is being challenged by Stevenson Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Phing of Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi).
He said the rapid development in Jepak, which is part of Bintulu, the heart of the country’s petrochemical and energy industry, must be balanced with sufficient recreational activities and facilities, adding that this is to ensure the young people in the constituency can fill their leisure time with beneficial activities thus reducing social problems.
“One of the ways is to increase the number of programmes to ensure their leisure time is filled with positive elements. We will try to create a protective factor in the environment of adolescents and young people,” he said.
Iskandar said he is also planning to create a database to collect input on the academic achievements of Jepak youths as part of the efforts to enable them to become suitable human capital that is in line with the needs of development.
“We will hold outreach (programmes)...gather them (youths) and match their skills with agencies that offer training so that they can receive qualifications,” he said adding that this matching process will allow the young people to undergo advanced training to enhance their marketability.
In the meantime, he said the Sarawak digital economy policy initiated by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2017 provides an opportunity for the young people in Jepak to explore new fields that do not require extensive physical facilities.
He said the younger generation is more adaptable to digital knowledge that can be utilised for software development, digital gaming applications, drop shipping businesses and more.
Iskandar said part of his agenda is also to further promote e-sports by inviting e-sport players to guide youths to become full-time game players that can create high income.
Subscribing to the belief that work is an act of worship, Iskandar said he hoped to see the young people in Jepak become globally competitive individuals who prioritise doing sincere work over monetary rewards.
“I would like Jepak to be known as not only where rapid development is happening but also as having human capital that can give an added value to unique products such as belacan (shrimp paste) or seafood that are marketable,” he added.
He also intends to establish a business centre much like the famous weekly market, Pasar Minggu Satok in Kuching to enable villagers and longhouse residents in Jepak to market their products, in addition to enhancing downstream industries based on marine products. - Bernama
