The support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will remain strong in the Rajang area.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing said, this was because Najib understood the needs of the people there and his works were highly appreciated by the people.

Speaking at a press conference after he officiated the Soft Opening of Kanowit Bridge here today, Masing said, Najib who is the sixth Prime Minister had helped to connect Kapit, which was an island within the island of Borneo, with other areas.

Najib had made this possible by allowing the connectivity from Kanowit to Kapit to happen via the construction of the Kanowit-Kapit road.

"You can't tell us we cannot appreciate his work. He is the sixth Prime Minister and allow this to happen after 54 years (of the formation of Malaysia). We will support a leader who understands our needs and Najib understands that," he said.

He refuted claims by certain quarters that the support by the people towards the government and the Barisan Nasional had been reciprocated with empty promises.

On the Kanowit Bridge which was part of the Kanowit-Kapit road project, Masing said it was made possible because the people have elected the correct representatives, who have the means of persuasion and link with the authority.

The RM2 million 350 meter-long bridge was the first phase of opening Kapit to the outside area.

Another bridge, the Katibas Bridge, is expected to be completed in July and another link is the 14-kilometre Nanga Ngema-Nanga Temalat road.

"Once all these are completed, the linkage to Kapit will be final and from here you can get there in one and a half hour," he said.

The Kanowit Bridge which is undergoing the final touches will be opened for public usage on May 27, a few days before Gawai.

-- BERNAMA