KUCHING, April 27 -- Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep has dismissed claims that several villages in Singai area would be transferred to Petra Jaya under the Greater Bau initiative.

The Deputy Transport Minister stressed that Singai will remain under the administration of the Bau district.

"The history, origins and civilisation of the Bidayuh Bisingai community are closely tied to Bau and cannot be separated," he said, adding that early developments in education and Christianity in the district began in the Singai area.

He noted that since Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie became an elected representative, and later himself, the size and boundaries of Bau District have remain unchanged.

"I will continue to defend the Singai area...