DUN (Day Six): Sarawak economy set to grow by five pct this year

Sarawak economy set to grow by five pct this year

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The Sarawak economy is expected to grow by five per cent this year, Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, said today.

Wong said the economy continued to show strong growth, stimulated by both domestic and external demands.

“The growth is driven by continued expansion of domestic consumption and investment as well as sustained favourable commodity prices and exports,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here today.

DUN (Day Six): Sarawak has no plan for separate ordinace to tackle resettlement issue

Sarawak has no plan for separate ordinace to tackle resettlement issue

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING:  The Sarawak state government has no plan to enact a separate ordinance to deal with resettlement matters, State Minister of Special Functions, Tan Sri Adenan Satem said today.

“This is because the existing legislation can adequately address the various issues pertaining to resettlement,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here today.

Adenan said the State Planning Unit was specifically tasked to deal with all matters pertaining to resettlement of people affected by the various development projects.

DUN (Day Six): Promote awareness of NCR perimeter survey’ call

Promote awareness of NCR perimeter survey’ call

Posted on June 29, 2011, Wednesday

SECOND Planning and Resource Management Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan called on his BN colleagues to step up efforts in creating awareness of the government initiative in native customary rights (NCR) land perimeter survey.

“This is in order to encourage NCR land owners to identify their land and apply to the Land and Survey Department to their land surveyed.

“At the same time, landowners must cleared their boundary issues beforehand to ensure smooth operation of the perimeter surveying process,” he said in his winding up speech for the ministry yesterday.

DUN (Day Six): Bye-bye remoteness

Bye-bye remoteness

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

Works to connect Kapit to rest of state may start by June next year

KUCHING: Plans to connect Kapit with the whole of Sarawak via a proper road network could materialise as early as June next year.

This however would depend on when the design of the 45- kilometre Song-Kapit road currently undergoing survey and investigation works would be completed.

DUN (Day Six): Soon Koh blasts Ho Leng for ‘ignorance of Federal Constitution’

Soon Koh blasts Ho Leng for ‘ignorance of Federal Constitution’

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

MINISTER of Environment and Public Health Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday hit out at Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek) for being totally ignorant of Article 109 of the Federal Constitution.

“Does he know that the Malaysian Road Records Information System’s (Marris) road maintenance fund is automatically granted by the federal government?

“He claimed credit on the newly sealed road at Telok Bango in Sibu saying ‘My voice in Parliament has been heard’. What a cheap publicity,” Wong said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly.

DUN (Day Six): State govt returning excess land renewal premiums

State govt returning excess land renewal premiums

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

THE state government is refunding excess land renewal premiums to the people.

“The government has refunded to house owners in Kenyalang Park (621 lots) here, and Merbau Estate (23 lots) and Gilbert Estate (7 lots) in Miri. At the same time, we are considering applications for premium refund from other parts of the state,” said Second Planning and Resources Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan in his winding-up speech for the ministry yesterday.

According to Awang Tengah, the Land and Survey Department had received 857 applications as of May 31 this year.

DUN (Day Six): DOE mulls regulation for e-waste recycling

DOE mulls regulation for e-waste recycling

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: Department of Environment (DOE) plans to enact a special regulation to encourage manufacturers or importers of electronic and electrical goods to take back used products to be treated, recycled and disposed off.

Minister of Environment and Public Health Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said this was meant to minimize pollution from e-waste such as defunct electronic and electrical items like computers, washing machine, handphones, batteries and refrigerators.

“E-waste is classified as scheduled waste and they are hazardous and contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury,arsenic and chromium that are non-biodegradable and very harmful to human beings.

DUN (Day Six): Awang Tengah: Sama Jaya to enjoy round-the-clock water supply

Awang Tengah: Sama Jaya to enjoy round-the-clock water supply

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

THE Ministry of Industrial Development (MID) has completed the construction of three units of elevated water reservoirs at Sama Jaya Free Economic Zone in May this year with a federal grant of RM17 million.

These elevated water reservoirs will increase the availability of water from the current 12 hours to 24 hours for the hi-tech park, said Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on behalf of the Minister of Industrial Development during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN)yesterday.

He also revealed that MID was also implementing three projects under federal loans, namely Samarahan Industrial Estate (extension) phase one, Tebedu Industrial Estate phase one and Miri Biovalley Park.

DUN (Day Six): State to have 257 telecommunication towers soon, says Awang Tengah

State to have 257 telecommunication towers soon

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

IN an effort to improve telecommunication service in Sarawak, the government has to set up 257 telecommunication towers throughout the state, said Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

“To-date 64 towers have been completed since the implementation of the TIME 3 programme in 2009 whereas the remaining 193 are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012,” he said in his windingup speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.

He told the august house that so far about 83 per cent of the inhabited areas in the state had already been provided with the cellular network service.

DUN (Day Six): Ports register growth in cargo throughput in Q1

Ports register growth in cargo throughput in Q1

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

OPERATIONAL and business activities in Kuching, Tanjung Manis and Miri ports have registered healthy growth in cargo throughput from January to April this year.

Cargo volume handled by Kuching Port Authority during the said period increased by 6.8 per cent to 2.716 million tones compared to the corresponding period in 2010. In terms of containerised cargo, the total number of containers handled increased by 8.4 per cent to 64,302 TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) from 59,289 TEUs.

“Up to April this year, Miri Port Authority (MPA) registered an increase of 12 per cent in cargo throughput across MPA’s wharf compared to the same period last year. The increase in tonnage from 249,980 tonnes to 280,931 tonnes was primarily contributed by the increase in container traffic.

DUN (Day Six): Wong King Wei's claims unfounded, says Awang Tengah

Padungan rep’s claims unfounded – Minister

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The statement by Wong King Wei (DAPPadungan) that the government has failed to provide basic utilities to the people in rural areas in the state is unfounded, Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said yesterday.

He said his ministry is fully aware of the needs for electricity and water supply in rural areas and therefore, over the years, the government has implemented many projects to extend electricity and water supply to the various villages and longhouses under the Rural Electrification Scheme and Rural Water Supply (RES) programmes.

“From the beginning of 2010, the implementation of these projects was accelerated with the commencement of the National Key Result Area (NKRA) programme to improve the rural basic infrastructure in the state.

DUN (Day Six): Preschoolers in state exceed national percentage

Preschoolers in state exceed national percentage

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The percentage of preschoolers in Sarawak is higher than the national figure, even though the state is the size of Peninsular Malaysia.

Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah yesterday said that in 2010, the number of children in government and private preschools stood at 94.5 per cent compared to the national figure of 72.42 per cent of the population.

“For 2011, the percentage has increased to 95.23 per cent compared to the national target of 80 per cent,” she said in her winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) .

DUN (Day Six): Kuching Outer Ring Road to be upgraded

Kuching Outer Ring Road to be upgraded

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The government plans to divert traffi c from Serian to Samajaya in its effort to ease traffi c congestion in the Mile 10 to Mile 15 stretches, Senari and Pending area through a Kuching Outer Ring Road project.

The planned project would by-pass the Mile 10, Mile 7 and Mile 3 of the Kuching-Serian Road, said Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong when delivering his winding-up speech yesterday.

Manyin was responding to questions raised by Wong King Wei (DAPPadungan) where he replied that the state would also be upgrading the Kuching Outer Ring Road into a dual carriageway.

DUN (Day Six): RM1.1 billion for school projects — Fatimah

RM1.1 billion for school projects — Fatimah

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: A total of RM1.1 billion has been allocated by the government for school projects.

These projects include building seven new schools, replacing and adding new buildings in 50 schools, a new hostel, replacing 18 existing schools, 175 preschools and 123 units of teachers’ quarters in 10 schools.

In her winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah said this effort by the Ministry of Education was to ensure that students and teachers have a comfortable learning environment conducive to studying and teaching.

DUN (Day Six): Score secures 13 projects worth RM26.36 bln

Score secures 13 projects worth RM26.36 bln

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) has secured 13 projects with a total approved investment of RM26.36 billion to date.

State Industrial Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said  the approved investments were predominantly in the energy intensive industries such as aluminium smelting and polycrystalline silicon, metallic silicon and ferroalloy projects which would be located in the Samalaju Industrial Park.

Another two projects, in biotechnology and agro-based industries, have also been approved in the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.

DUN (Day Six): Railway system not viable as public transport in state, Wong King Wei told

Railway system not viable as public transport in state

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

INFRASTRUCTURE Development and Communications Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong has stated that it is not viable to construct a railway system for public transport usage in the state at the moment, due to the low population of Sarawak.

Although a study on Railway Development Master Plan for Central Region of Sarawak was in its final draft stage and scheduled to complete by August this year, Manyin (BN-Tebedu) added that the cost was too expensive even if the tracks were to be used for the transportation of goods.

“In Europe for instance, the Copenhagen underground railway system cost a total of RM731 million per kilometer (km). The Madrid railway system in Spain cost some RM43 million per km to build.

DUN (Day Six): Sarawak registers 16 projects worth RM2.91 billion in Q1

Sarawak registers 16 projects worth RM2.91 billion in Q1

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING:  Sarawak registered 16 projects involving approved capital investments of RM2.91 billion for the first quarter of this year, State Industrial Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said today.

He said the investment amount, the second highest seen among the states after Johor (RM3.32 billion), included five projects with investment worth RM2.89 billion, approved by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Another 11 projects amounting to RM22.9 million in investments were approved by the State Industrial Coordination Committee.

DUN (Day Six): Sarawak govt plans to build up to 6,200MW additional installed power capacity

Sarawak govt plans to build up to 6,200MW additional installed power capacity

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The state government plans to build up to 6,200 megawatt (MW) of additional installed capacity of electricity generation by 2020 to meet rapid growth in power demand from energy intensive industries being established under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

State Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said about 80 per cent of the targeted amount is expected to be hydro power, including the 2,400MW Bakun Hydroelectric Power (HEP) and 944MW Murum HEP.

“Pending the outcome of the feasibility studies, which will comprehensively address technical, commercial, social and environmental issues, we anticipate that there will be at least five more hydropower plants and one or two coal-powered plants built by 2020 to meet the projected demand,” he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly today.

DUN (Day Six): Sarawak gov’t allows swiftlet nest harvesting at Niah Caves on seasonal basis

Sarawak gov’t allows swiftlet nest harvesting at Niah Caves on seasonal basis

Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: The Sarawak government still allows harvesting of swiftlet nests in the Niah Caves, through the issuing of licences on a seasonal basis, Sarawak Minister of Planning and Human Resource II Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said today.

He said the activity was monitored under the existing laws and control procedures in line with efforts to conserve the swiftlets in the caves.

“Harvesting is not allowed between April and August every year to enable the birds to breed and until the nestlings are able to fly,” he said in his winding-up speech for the ministry at the Sarawak State Assembly in Petra Jaya, here.

DUN (Day Five): Mitsubishi Corp Energy Group collaborates with SBC to expore algal biodiversity

Mitsubishi Corp Energy Group collaborates with SBC to expore algal biodiversity

Posted on June 27, 2011, Monday

KUCHING:  Mitsubishi Corp Energy Business Group, which is involved in the oil and gas industry in Bintulu, will collaborate with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to explore the algal biodiversity in Sarawak for biofuels as a source of renewable energy.

State Planning and Resource Management Minister II, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said such interest from renowned research institutions and pharmaceutical companies could be attributed to the state government’s efforts to ensure proper legislation under the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance and Regulations, processes and facilities for research and development were in place.

“Because of this, research organisations feel secure to explore and harness the potential of biodiversity in Sarawak through partnership with SBC,” he said in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here today.

Substantiate allegation, Daud told PBB Youth wing

Substantiate allegation, PBB Youth wing told

Posted on June 27, 2011, Monday

KUCHING: The Youth wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) should come up with evidence to support their claims of the presence of traitors within the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

The call was made on Saturday by PBB vice president Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, who is also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department and Tupong assemblyman.

“We don’t want baseless accusations that can undermine the party,” he said when responding to a call made by an exco member Radin Kadri Radin Budiman on all component parties of the state Barisan Nasional to be wary of the presence of traitors in their midst.

DUN (Day Four): DAP and PKR regarded Dayaks and Malays are stupid and 'lakia monkeys'???

Dr Jerip accuses opposition of jeopardising racial harmony

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

DR JERIP Susil (BN-Bengoh) has used his time slot in the august house accusing the opposition party of jeopardising racial harmony in the state.

He said the opposition had spread false propaganda in the just concluded state election which has successfully created mistrust for many urban voters, especially the Chinese, against Bumiputera Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.

He claimed that many Bumiputeras have been branded as ‘stupid’ by the Chinese supporters of Democratic Action Party (DAP) for not voting for the opposition.
 

DUN (Day Four): Naroden hints resettlement exercise is to be carried out at Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir will be

Naroden: ‘People Participation’ approach used in redevelopment plan

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE redevelopment master plan for Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir in Sibu, which was approved by the federal government on May 12 last year will use the ‘People Participation’ approach.

In revealing this, Planning and Resource Management Assistant Minister Naroden Majais said the government through its agencies such as Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Pelita and Land and Survey Department had conducted several dialogue sessions with the villagersí representatives.

“The sessions were aimed at gathering precise information, rising issues, problems and the needs of the people. All the input by the villagers will be considered to ensure a well-planned redevelopment for the villagers,” said Naroden.

DUN (Day Four): Chong says OK for DAP to interrupt to seek clarification but not OK for BN to do so

Chong wants govt to fulfil four tasks
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

AN opposition member yesterday told the august House that the Chinese community expects the Barisan Nasional government to fulfil four tasks, namely, clean and transparent governance, automatic renewal of land lease, systematic and annual allocation for Chinese schools, and fair economic opportunities.

Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa), in urging the state government to grant annual funds to Chinese primary schools, Chinese independent schools and Mission schools, the Bandar Kuching MP said Penang government had started allocating grants for Chinese schools there.

“The annual revenue collected by Sarawak government is six times that of the Penang government. I hereby urge the Sarawak government to allocate RM3 million for Chinese independent schools, and RM10 million each for Chinese primary school and Mission school every year,” he said in debating the speech of the Head of State’s opening address yesterday.

DUN (Day Four): 'Clean water for Kedup folk when extension to Slabi plant completed’

'Clean water for Kedup folk when extension to Slabi plant completed’
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

PEOPLE in Kedup area will get clean water supply once the Slabi water treatment expansion plant is completed.

Martin Ben (BN-Kedup) said the treatment plan which would supply clean water to the whole of Serian district was expected to be completed next year.

“I hope the government will speed up the construction of the treatment plant for the betterment of Kedup people,” he said when debating on the Head of State’s address at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday. He also urged the Ministry of Environment and Public Health and the local councils to assist in educating the public on the importance of domestic waste disposal.
 

DUN (Day Four): Ripin says Taman Tunku folks want flash floods solved

Taman Tunku folk want flash floods tackled
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE relevant authorities must take immediate action to see to it that flash floods that would inundate Taman Tunku in Miri each time it rains is a thing of the past.

Ripin Lamat (BN-Lambir) told the august House here yesterday that the problem lay in the poor drainage system coupled with clogged drains in the residential area. Taman Tunku, one of the major residential areas in Miri, is growing with many houses planned to be built in the very near future. With the drainage system still as it is the flash floods would be frequent and more intense each time it rains, even if it is for a short while.

“Do something fast before the problems get out of hand,” he said when debating the opening speech of the Head of State yesterday.
 

DUN (Day Four): Be wary of extremist elements from peninsula — Lagong

Be wary of extremist elements from peninsula — Lagong
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE only Independent assemblyman George Lagong (Pelagus) has called on the state government to be wary of extremist elements from Peninsular Malaysia.

He said that these elements were infiltrating the state “in various forms and through various means” including the mainstream media and the Internet.

“I am proud that the situation in Sarawak is different (from Peninsular Malaysia) and that we can still take pride in our inter-racial and religious tolerance and harmony,” he said when debating the speech of the Head of State here on Thursday.
 

DUN (Day Four): 'Acquired land belongs to government’

'Acquired land belongs to government’

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE government will not return any unused portion of land that has already been acquired to the previous owners.

“The owners would have been duly compensated,” said Minister with Special Functions in the Chief Minister’s Office Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem in response to a question from Wong King Wei (DAP-Padungan).

Wong also questioned how the government would solve the problem affecting landowners who have the land titles but the (physical) land cannot be traced.
 

DUN (Day Four): Have a masterplan to help the poor, Ho Leng urges government

Have a masterplan to help the poor, Ho Leng urges government
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE state government has been urged to immediately embark on a poverty eradication masterplan to alleviate the suffering of some 55,975 households in the state who are still living under the poverty line.

Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek) yesterday told the august house that the authorities must first ensure that all rural areas be provided with road, electricity and water – the basic necessities.

“I have repeatedly spoken to this august house that the natives are the poorest in Sarawak. When I said this on Wednesday (June 22), I was jeered at by some BN backbenchers. But the Deputy Chief Minister’s (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang) answer yesterday (June 23) confirmed my concern.
 

DUN (Day Four): Voilet happy with the solution for Sg Apong roundabout

Finally, U-turn provision at Sg Apong roundabout
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

VIOLET Yong Wui Wui (DAP-Pending) is gratified that the problem with traffic light junction at Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Sungai Apong has finally found a solution.

“The residents of Jalan Selangan Batu off Jalan Tun Razak have requested for a U-Turn provision at the Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Sungai Apong traffic light junction for many years. All these years, people have been making illegal U-turns which have resulted in them being summoned by the police,” she said.

Her question during the Q&A session on whether there would be a U-turn provision was responded to by Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Datuk Michael Manyin in the affirmative.
 

DUN (day Four): Simoi says women need not to publicly show their commitment to their hubbies

Mutual understanding vital to keep marriages, Simoi tells women

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

WOMEN do not need to come up with any club or organisation to show their commitment to their husbands, said Simoi Peri (BN-Lingga).

Debating on the Head of State’s address yesterday, she reminded women in the state not to be influenced by the recent assertions of the Obedient Wives Club.

“Setting up a body to tell people that you’re committed to your husband is not appropriate. If a husband wants to marry more women but incapable of doing so financially, is the wife going to give the green light anyhow?
 

DUN (Day Four): PKR says ok to be racist outside DUN but not inside

'DUN no place for racist sentiments’

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

SEE Chee How (PKR-Batu Lintang) strongly believes that racist sentiments should not be brought up in the august House.

He was referring to the incident on Thursday morning where Wong King Wei (DAP-Padungan) was delivering his maiden speech when he was interrupted with racist remarks, telling him to “go back to China”.

“The BN Backbenchers members loudly shouted at King Wei telling him to go back to China just because he praised the Beijing-Shanghai high speed railway project.
 

DUN (Day Four): State made remarkable progress in last 20 years – Dr Annuar

State made remarkable progress in last 20 years – Dr Annuar

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE state government had done tremendously well in terms of healthcare, and had made remarkable progress for the last 20 years.

Stating this during the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahudin’s speech debate at DUN sitting on Thursday, Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (BN-Nangka) said the number of infectious diseases had decreased over the years, compared to other states in Malaysia.

“For example, while our state is huge in terms of size, we were able to contain dengue, compared to Selangor that had the highest cases of dengue. We also seldom hear of cholera outbreaks compared to states like Kelantan,” said Dr Annuar.

DUN (Day Four): Batu Kawa will continue to get police presence

Batu Kawa will continue to get police presence

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE police will continue to deploy sufficient personnel to enforce the law and maintain their presence in Batu Kawa.

Minister with Special Functions at the Chief Minister’s Office Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem said this in response to Christina Chiew Wang See (DAP-Batu Kawah) who wanted to know how the authority would ensure peace and better security for the people in the constituency.

Replying to another question (why the police station at the old Batu Kawa bazaar) has stopped operating, Adenan said it was true that the station had stopped operating but the police would continue to patrol the area and do some policing and crime prevention works there on regular basis.
 

DUN (Day Four): Masing says PKR is sane while DAP not

BN receptive to constructive criticism — Masing
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

The BN is not unreasonable. After all that is what the Opposition are there for, to tell us the best way to work for the people of Sarawak.

Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Land Development MinisterTHE Barisan Nasional (BN) will take criticism from the opposition into account, if they are constructive and reasonable.

“The BN is not unreasonable. After all that is what the Opposition are there for, to tell us the best way to work for the people of Sarawak,” said Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing when asked by reporters on his opinion on the approaches of the Opposition members in the august House.

DUN (Day Four): BCF postponed due to lack of time, preparation — Talib

BCF postponed due to lack of time, preparation — Talib
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

BORNEO Cultural Festival (BCF) 2011 which was supposed to be held in Sibu last April had to be postponed as the organisers needed more time and thorough preparation for the event.

BCF is among the tourism attractions for Sibu in the last 10 years and is an international event showcasing local and world cultures. Assistant Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Talib Zulpilip told the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday the postponement was to ensure the high quality and image of the event be maintained.

Talib was answering a question by Wong Ho Leng (DAP- Bukit Assek) who wanted to know why it was postponed and not held at all this year.
 

DUN (Day Four): Penans used to smear govt’s image – Dennis

Penans used to smear govt’s image – Dennis
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THE Penan community has been used by certain parties as objects to tarnish the state’s and the government’s image, claimed Dennis Ngau (BN-Telang Usan).

Some parties, he said, had accused the government of not taking care of the Penan’s wellbeing leading to the rape of Penan girls.

“Such accusation is thrown at the government as though the Baram area does not exercise rights or has no leaders whatsoever,” Ngau said in his speech during the morning session of the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

US expert witnesses say man in sex video resembles Anwar???

US expert witnesses say man in sex video resembles Anwar

Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

KUALA LUMPUR: Two expert witnesses from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States confirmed the sex video screened by businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuib Lazim was original and had not been tampered with or super imposed, the magistrate’s court here heard yesterday.

The court was told Computer Science Professor Hany Farid and Assistant Professor Lorenzo Torresani, from the college, also confirmed that the man seen having sex with a woman in the video resembled Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The facts of the case were read out in open court.

Shazryl Eskay and Shuib, who were charged with screening the pornographic video, pleaded guilty.

Former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby who was charged in the same court with abetting the duo, also pleaded guilty.

The court fined Shazryl and Shuib RM3,000 each whereas Rahim was fined RM1,500.

According to the facts of the case, Shazryl met Shuib at Taman Sri Ukay, Ampang, Selangor with a pendrive containing a recording of a couple having sex, in which the man was believed to be Anwar.

After a discussion with Abdul Rahim, they invited a few reporters and screened the video at a room in Hotel Carcosa Seri Negara on March 21 at 10 am.

Shazryl and Abdul Rahim surrendered at the Federal police headquarters (Bukit Aman) on March 24 and handed over the pendrive while Shuib turned himself in on March 25.

The facts of the case also stated that the analysis done by the experts from Dartmouth College had confirmed the recording was an original from a DVR recorder taken from Shazryl.

Earlier, Datuk Seri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, counsel representing Abdul Rahim, said during mitigation that although the accused were dealing with an obscene video, their joint motive was not to corrupt or deprave public morals.

Magistrate Aizatul Akmal Maharani said the court had taken into consideration factors such as public interest, their guilty plea and backgrounds of the three accused in handing out punishment. — Bernama

DUN (Day Four): Mussen: Give fair compensation to folk affected by Batang Ai HEP

Mussen: Give fair compensation to folk affected by Batang Ai HEP
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

THOSE affected by the construction of the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam should be given fair compensation, said Malcom Mussen Lamoh (BN-Batang Ai) yesterday.

He stressed that residents of urban and suburban areas who directly benefited from the electricity generated by the dam should pay back the affected community adequately.

“The compensation is either in the form of royalty fees or a minimal stake in its ownership throughout the economic life of this project. An alternative solution is to set up Batang Ai Trust Fund which can be used to provide financial assistance for education, economic and social programmes for local people especially those residents directly affected by the Batang Ai HEP project,” he said.

DUN (Day Three): Wong not happy being told to go back to China

DAP rep upset over racist remarks made during his speech
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

WONG King Wei (DAP-Padungan) is upset over racist remarks made towards him during the delivery of his maiden speech at DUN yesterday.

He was speaking on the issue of statewide transportation system when he chose to cite example of China's advanced transportation system and questioned when the state will have our very own railway.

Wong then congratulated China for the upcoming launch of their Beijing-Shanghai high speed railway.

DUN (Day Three): Monitor so-called manipulators of rubber price

Monitor so-called manipulators of rubber price
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

A GOVERNMENT backbencher has called on the authorities concerned to step up efforts in monitoring the so-called manipulation of rubber price that is reported to be rampant in Kanowit.

Alexander Vincent (BN-Ngemah) said the unethical business practice had gone on for months and some farmers had been badly affected.

"This round of rubber price manipulation started last year. When rubber price was supposed to be RM10 per kg it was adjusted to RM6 or RM7 a kg to suit the dealers, which is manipulation.

DUN (Day Three): Fines for service contractors who neglect duty

Fines for service contractors who neglect duty
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Refuse collection service contractors that failed to carry out their duties as specified in their service contracts will be imposed a penalty of RM300 per day.

"In this regard, the contractor for the housing estates in Bintangor had been penalised a sum of RM1,200 for failure to collect the refuse on May 4, 5, 12 and 20," said Environment and Public Health (Rural District Council) Assistant Minister Datuk John Sikie Tayai yesterday.

In response to Meradong assemblywoman Ting Tze Fui's question on what measures the state government are taking to ensure and improve the overall environmental hygiene in her constituency, Sikie said the Meradong and Julau district councils will continue to enforce the relevant public health laws to ensure that the environment is in good health.

DUN (Day Three): RM11.1 million allocated for RES project in Tamin, says Rundi

Tamin constituency gets connected under Rural Electrification Scheme

Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: About 53 kampungs and longhouses are connected to the state electricity grid under the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) in the Tamin constituency.

Public Utilities Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said the figure included 33 kampungs and longhouses, most of which have been successfully supplied with electricity with some by the end of this year.

He was responding to a question posed by Tamin assemblyman Joseph Mauh Ikeh during the DUN sitting yesterday.

DUN (Day Three): Cooperate if want speedy survey of NCR land, says Adenan

Speedy NCR land perimeter survey with owners' cooperation
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

PERIMETER survey on native customary rights (NCR) land under the new initiative can be done very quickly with full cooperation from the land owners.

Minister with Special Functions in the Chief Minister's Office Tan Sri Adenan Satem stated this when replying to a supplementary question asked by Alexander Vincent (BN-Ngemah) during question and answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here.

"If everything is alright, I mean if there is no dispute among the landowners, the process can be very fast. In fact the perimeter survey can be done very quickly," he said.

DUN (Day Three): Mawan says assistance from the Welfare Department will stop once the children reach 18 years old

Welfare Department renders assistance to single mothers
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

STATE Welfare Department will assist any single mothers or abandoned women who have many children under their care, aged 18 years and below.

These also apply to sick and disabled children.

Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation, Tan Sri William Mawan said even though the special assistance was not really included, but the ministry will assist to its best to ensure those groups are well taken care of.

DUN (Day Three): Baru speaks up for mixed marriages' offspring, Berawans and Sabans

Baru speaks up for mixed marriages' offspring, Berawans and Sabans

Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

THE uncertainty over the racial status of children of mixed marriages between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera must be resolved as soon as possible as it affects the rights of the children.

Raising this issue during the motion to debate Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin speech, Baru Bian (PKR-Ba?Kelalan) in his maiden speech pointed out that such problems did not arise in Peninsular Malaysia.

"In the peninsula, there is an option to register children of mixed marriages as either Bumiputera or non-Bumiputera. It seems that our brothers and sisters there have it better than us here in East Malaysia," said Baru.

DUN (Day Three): Collaborators are traitors, says Sagah

Collaborators are traitors, says Sagah

Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

SARAWAKIANS found to be actively collaborating with foreigners to make outrageous and false allegations against the state government and its leaders should be strongly condemned, said Roland Sagah Wee Inn (BN-Tarat).

"There have been attempts by foreigners of late to interfere with the internal affairs of the state, destabilise the state government and undermine its leaders who are elected through the democratic process and carried out in accordance with the federal constitution and election laws," he said.

He was referring to foreign bodies like the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF), British reporter Claire Rewcastle and others, whom he said were self-appointed persons whose agenda was to damage the state and disrupt peace, stability and progress in the state.

DUN (Day Three): Asfia says no special privilege for sole independent

No special privilege for sole independent
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

DUN SPEAKER Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar stated that the only independent member of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) George Lagong (Pelagus) must abide by rules of the assembly and will be given the same treatment as any other member.

George had repeatedly request for more time to present his speech because he was the only independent member of the house.

"I know you are an independent member but being independent does not free you from any rules," Asfia said.

DUN (Day Three): Kill the crocs, says Rayong

"Issue licence to cull Skrang crocs"
Posted on June 25, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: Dr Johnical Rayong (BN-Engkilili) suggests that the wild crocodiles in Skrang Hilir and Batang Air Hilir be culled as they are posing great danger to the local people.

He said that crocodiles in these two areas were so numerous that they could be easily spotted at night.

"As such, I would like to call on the authority to take the necessary steps by giving the necessary licence to hunt these ferocious reptiles," Dr Rayong said when debating the opening speech of the Head of State here yesterday.

DUN (Day Three): Only 8 out of 50 rivers in Sarawak are polluted, says Nansian

Only 15 pct of Sarawak's rivers polluted
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Only 15 percent of the 50 rivers monitored by Sarawak's Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) are classified as polluted, 62 per cent slightly polluted and the remaining 23 per cent considered as clean, the state legislative assembly was told today.

State Environment and Public Health Assistant Minister Datuk Peter Nansian said based on the Water Quality Index (WQI), the water quality of major rivers in Sarawak was generally good and within acceptable levels.

"The NREB, Department of Environment Sarawak and other government agencies have been monitoring the water quality of our major rivers throughout the state and set the policy to maintain them to Class IIB of the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia," he said when replying to See Chee How (Parti Keadilan Rakyat-Batu Lintang).

DUN (Day Three): Adenan says Chinese women can't be denied entry based on complaints from unhappy wives

Chinese women can't be denied entry based on complaints from unhappy wives
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: The Sarawak government cannot deny entry of Chinese women based on complaints from unhappy wives, Minister with Special Functions Tan Sri Adenan Satem said today.

He said the Immigration Department could only take action unless the foreign women said to have created social problems, had infringed the entry conditions or were convicted for offences.

"Yes, I agree that there are complaints, especially from unhappy wives that they come here on pretext of being students using student or social passes," he told the state legislative aseembly at Petra Jaya here.

DUN (Day Three): Len proposes trust fund to narrow socio-economic gap

Rep proposes trust fund to narrow socio-economic gap
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Belawai assemblyman Datu Len Talif Salleh proposed the setting up of a Bumiputera Trust Fund to help narrow the socio-economic gap between Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras.

The fund, among others, will provide much-needed capital for Bumiputeras to venture into commerce and major industries.

The equitable distribution of wealth has as prerequisites, sustained harmony and prosperity in our country. The socio-economic divide between Bumis and non-Bumis in rural and urban population could be narrowed, Len Talif said yesterday when debating the Head of State's royal address at the opening of DUN on Monday.

DUN (Day Three): Abdullah appeals for basic infrastructure, amenities for Pulau Bruit

Abdullah appeals for basic infrastructure, amenities for Pulau Bruit
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

SEMOP assemblyman Abdullah Saidol has called on the government to look seriously into providing basic infrastructure and amenities like roads, electricity and water supply in Pulau Bruit.

Speaking at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday, Abdullah said development in his constituency could pick up tremendously if communication infrastructure and basic amenities were upgraded in the area.

“We can then attract investors, boost the economy, the income and uplift the standard of living in my area.”

DUN (Day Three): Cell No. 3 completed to end landfill pollution

Cell No. 3 completed to end landfill pollution
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

THE completion of Cell No. 3 at the Sibuti Sanitary Landfill site is set to end the landfill pollution that had contaminated rivers and emitted a putrid smell detected in nearby villages. 

 

Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Peter Nansian said this in response to a question raised by Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat during the question-and-answer session at the DUN sitting yesterday.

“Also, Miri City Council had obtained approval from the federal government through the Ministry of Housing and Local Authorities to implement a few proposed projects for the long-term.

DUN (Day Three): Liwan calls for enactment of Resettlement Ordinance

Liwan calls for enactment of Resettlement Ordinance
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday
 

BACKBENCHER Liwan Lagang (Belaga – BN) yesterday called for a Resettlement Ordinance to be enacted as soon as possible to overcome the problems of resettlement programmes in the state.

He said this was because the state was experiencing massive infrastructure and land development and many of these projects entailed the affected population to be resettled.

He pointed out that currently there was no specific agency responsible for resettlement programmes in the state.

DUN (Day Three): Refer to me over Standing Order — Speaker

Refer to me over Standing Order — Speaker
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

DUN Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar reminded all members of the august house that in the event a minister breached any Standing Order during the question and answer session, they are allowed to raise the matter to the Speaker.

“If a minister has breached a standing order, other members can talk to me instead of trying to shout him down,” he said.

He made the statement after members of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) members protested that the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang had gone over time in his answer to a question in the Q&A session yesterday.

DUN (Day Three): Some Sibu roads in appalling condition, says assemblyman

Some Sibu roads in appalling condition, says assemblyman
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

NEWLY elected assemblyman Yap Hoi Liong (DAP-Dudong) is calling on the government to look into the condition of roads in Sibu.

In debating the motion of thanks on the Head of State’s address, Yap named at least five roads including two protocol roads in Sibu that require immediate attention from the authorities.

They are Jalan Kong Yit Khim and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Jalan Wong King Huo and roads serving Sibu Jaya. Citing the protocol road Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman or New Airport Road, he said its poor condition was “a shame to Sibu”.

DUN (Day Three): State prosperous, thanks to timber industry

State prosperous, thanks to timber industry
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

SARAWAK has prospered well through the contribution of the forest industry. Datu Len Talif Salleh (BN-Belawai) said major corporations had contributed immensely to the state’s development to what it’s today.

“Having spent more than 32 years of my life as a civil servant dealing with the forest industry and as a teenager working in mangrove and peat swamp forests, sawmill, woodchip and plywood, I am proud to say that our forest has indeed contributed much to the growth of the state,” he said when debating the Head of State’s address yesterday. 

He said forest was a key contributor to the state’s socio-economic development and a major contributor to the state Gross Domestic Products (GDP). Len Talif acknowledged with pride that the first phase of capital accumulation derived from the timber industry had seen many successful private sector timber companies ploughing their investment to help in developing Sarawak.

DUN (Day Three): DAP wants election for local government

Reinstate local government elections — Ling
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

LING Sie Kiong (DAP-Piasau) is calling on the government to reinstate local government elections reasoning that “the people must have this political freedom”.

He felt that this was the best way to ensure that the local government was transparent and sensitive to local needs when spending tax payers’ money.

Quoting a survey conducted by Merdeka Centre, he said over 70 per cent of voters supported local government elections.

PBB Youth should lead in defending Taib, says Daud

PBB Youth should lead in defending Taib, says Daud
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth wing should be more vocal and be at the front line in defending Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud the party president, said Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman the party’s vice president, yesterday.

He added if the youth wing was subdued and less vocal than others in coming to the defence of the party president, it could be seen as ‘weak and ineffective’.

Referring to the recent disappointment expressed by several PBB Youth branch leaders over the youth chief Datuk Fadillah Yusuf’s reticence on allegations brought against Taib, he hoped that their grouses could be resolved amicably for the sake of the party.

DUN (Day Three): Proposed changes to improve effectiveness in controlling questions and ensure better answers

PROPOSING CURBS: Asfia gestures when responding to reporters’ questions.

Proposed changes to improve effectiveness in controlling questions and ensure better answers
Posted on June 24, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar will propose to amend the present DUN Standing Order to synchronise it with the National Parliament Standing Order.

The present DUN Standing Order does not prevent members from asking questions which contained more than 40 words and they were also allowed to ask more than two sets of different questions.

“I will convene a meeting with the House Committee to amend our present Standing Order so that it will be uniform with that of the National Parliament (Standing Order),” Asfia told the media after the adjournment of the DUN sitting here yesterday.

DUN (Day Two): Baru sees many loopholes in amended LCDA Bill

OPPOSITION MEMBERS: (seated left to right) Krian assemblyman Ali Biju, Baru and See Chee How (Batu Lintang) speaking to reporters at the State Legislative Complex yesterday.

Baru sees loopholes in amended LCDA Bill

Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: State PKR liaison chief Baru Bian is perturbed by the passing of the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) (Amendment, Bill 2011) at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.

Baru (PKR-Ba’Kelalan), a lawyer specialising in native customary rights (NCR) land issue told reporters that there were still many loopholes in the bill.

“As it stands, I do not approve of the proposed bill. However, let me make it clear that we (Pakatan Rakyat) do not oppose development of NCR land. What we are very concerned about is the abuse of the proposed development and the exploitation of the people in power of the development of NCR land.

DUN (Day Two): Amendment LCDA Bill passed despite objections from the oppositions

Amendment Bill passed despite objections
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: The Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) (Amendment, Bill 2011) had been passed in the DUN despite strong objection from the opposition members.

The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting afternoon session yesterday saw 11 members of the August House – eight from BN, two from DAP and one from PKR, participating in the debate on the bill.

Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing (BN-Baleh) said in the winding up speech that the amended bill would help the state government in further developing the Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.

He pointed out that the state government had faced various challenges in their efforts to develop NCR land because of its huge size as well as the substantial capital needed.

DUN (Day Two): Chong says DAP saves taxpayers' money when YBs say no to uniform

Being thrifty is a virtue, says Kota Sentosa rep
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: The state DAP is glad that the State Legislative Assembly respected the wish of its 12 elected members to not wear the official uniform during the opening ceremony by the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Mohammad Salahuddin on Tuesday.

Its secretary Chong Chieng Jen, who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman and Bandar Kuching MP, said yesterday that the whole matter should not be blown out of proportion because being “thrifty is a virtue”.

“The DUN Speaker has already expressed his opinion that it is a choice. We make the choice. That’s all. It should not be a big issue. To be thrifty is a virtue,” he stressed.

DUN (Day Two): Kim Shin says not enough money to build 25km Jalan Basi

Not enough fund to build 25km Jalan Basi
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

THE construction of 24.6km Jalan Basi, which will link Brayun in Sri Aman to the Kuching-Sibu trunk road near Engkilili, will require an estimate RM75 million funding.

“Only RM15 million has been approved for the project under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) which is only sufficient for the construction of 3km of the road,” said Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

Responding to a query from Dr Johnichal Rayong (BN-Engkilili), Lee added that work would commence when the contract had been finalised.
 

DUN (Day Two): Mawan says NRD will expedite the registration process

Dept all out to make document registration easier

Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: The National Registration Department will continue to take steps to expedite the process of birth certificate registration for the rural folk.

Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation Tan Sri William Mawan said this in reply to a question from Snowdan Lawan (BN-Balai Ringin) about late registration of identification documents among his constituents.

He said that the department, with assistance of the district office, would get the name list of those who had no such documents to ensure that they (rural folk) would get their documents.
 

DUN (Day Two): Daud says many businesses in the state are putting up fake halal signs

Display of invalid halal signs on the rise — Daud
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Displaying photocopied halal certificates at food outlets and using halal signs not issued by Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak (Jais) is against the law, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.

He was responding to a question raised by Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on the usage of photocopied halal certificates by food outlets in Sarawak.

He added displaying photocopied halal certificates was very common in the state and his ministry had taken action against food outlets caught doing it.

DUN (Day Two): Snowdan says LCDA will be more effective after the amendment on the ordinance

LCDA Ordinance amendment will allay investors’ fears
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

THE Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Ordinance 2011 amendment will enable LCDA to be more effective in administering native land development and boost confidence of investors.

Debating on the LCDA Amendment Bill 2011, Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan said that the amendment would also reduce tedious court proceedings which could discourage investors.

“This proper and fair amendment to the present ordinance will result in LCDA functioning effectively to benefit the native landowners and at the same time offering conducive environment for investors to participate in the development of our state,” he said at the August house yesterday.

DUN (Day Two): Jabu accuses PKR speading lies on NCR land issue

Jabu denies land grab by state govt
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu denied that native customary rights (NCR) land was being unlawfully taken by the state BN government and accused PKR of spreading propaganda against the state BN government on this issue.

The Layar assemblyman also took shots at DAP for failing to support NCR joint venture programmes which was introduced in the 1990s as a tool for eradicating rural poverty, improve rural standards of living and create more job opportunities. He alleged the party was being “selfish”, citing an incident in 1996 at the Civic Centre in Kanowit when DAP members marched to show their objection to the programme.

“This is the reason why I dare say in this Dewan that DAP suppresses and oppresses the opportunity of NCR landowners from participating in the Sarawak State BN poverty eradication programme to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of the rakyat,” said Jabu, raising cries of protest from opposition assemblymen.
 

DUN (Day One) : Jabu says issuance of NCR land titles to Salcra participants on going process

Issuance of NCR land titles to Salcra participants ongoing process

Posted on June 22, 2011, Wednesday

KUCHING: The issuance of titles for native customary rights (NCR) land developed by the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) to eradicate rural poverty is an ongoing process, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said today.

Jabu, who is also state Rural Development and Modernisation of Agriculture Minister, said 50,028ha of NCR land had been developed by Salcra as at May 31, 2011 with the positive prospect of favourable dividends for this year.

“Salcra as a statutory body has been successful in eradicating poverty in the rural areas as reflected by the fact that NCR landowners, who are participants of Salcra projects, had up to December last year received dividends amounting to RM405,694,965, including RM74,262,125 paid in 2010,” he said at the state assembly sitting in Petra Jaya, here.

DUN (Day One): Abg Johari: PKR reps loyal opposition

Abg Johari: PKR reps loyal opposition
Posted on June 22, 2011, Wednesday

PBB DEPUTY president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg was certainly not short of praises for the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) elected representatives yesterday, labelling the trio as ‘loyal opposition’.
The accolades came about after the elected representatives showed up for the opening ceremony of the State Legislative Assembly sitting in full official dress code of the assembly.

Grateful for the gesture, Johari who is also Housing and Urban Development Minister said PKR had shownrespect to both the house and the Head of State.

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah were present to officiate at the opening ceremony where Salahuddin also delivered an opening address.

“One thing that I find strange today is the failure of DAP elected representatives to put on the DUN official uniform.

 

DUN (Day One) : TYT urges YBs to regularly visit their consituencies

TAKING THE SALUTE: The Head of State (left) inspecting the guard-of-honour before the opening of the State Legislative Assembly sitting.

Head of State urges elected representatives to visit their constituencies often
Posted on June 22, 2011, Wednesday

KUCHING: Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin has urged all DUN members to make regular visits to their respective constituencies and interact with the rakyat more.

“The people place high hopes on the commitment and capability of the representatives to advocate their rights and to ensure development in the future that has become more challenging,” he
said during the official opening ceremony of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here yesterday.

Salahuddin also reminded members of the august house to always maintain decorum and discipline during the sitting.

Sabah, Sarawak may lose oil, gas forever

Sabah, Sarawak may lose oil, gas forever
Luke Rintod | June 17, 2011

The two states have already experienced '100%' loss of their natural resources under the Umno-controlled Petronas, according to UBF.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak will lose their oil and gas resources “forever” if the Petroleum Act 1974 is not amended, United Borneo Front (UBF) leader, Jeffrey Kitingan, said.

He said that the two states have already experienced “100% losses” of their oil and gas resources under the Petroleum Act.

He added that unless MPs and party leaders in the two states compel the federal government to amend the Act now, the states will “lose forever” their reserves.

Not all can be a daddy ... Happy Father's Day

To All Our Readers,

Affendi, hands-off Dayak affair

Former Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) secretary-general Wilfred Gomez Malong said it was important that Dayaks be united under a one-party banner because policy makers (government of the day) need to be familiar with the sensitivity and peculiarity of the community.
 

PBDS Baru pro-tem chairman Louis Jaraw said: “Many had enquired if PBDS would ever be reinstated or would there be a new PBDS-like party. Surprisingly, there are still many old members who remain loyal and younger generations who are eager to continue the struggle of PBDS for the Dayaks.”

 

ARBS pro-tem chairman Affendi Jeman said : “PBDS is a splinter group of Sarawak National Party (SNAP). The group should have doubled its effort to gather their PBDS members into the original party (SNAP). SNAP was much bigger.”

'MAKAN MALAM GAWAI DAYAK' bersama Pemimpin PKR

Our facebook friend, Naga Tang, has invited Sebanaku Sarawak to attend the following event:

MAKAN MALAM GAWAI DAYAK'

bersama Pemimpin PKR

 

Date: June 24 (Friday)

Time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm

Location : Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club
Miri, Malaysia
 

More Info   

Kelab A-One tetap dengan pendirian pilih Jabu jadi KM

KUCHING: Satu kumpulan yang menggelar diri mereka sebagai Kelab A-One tetap dengan pendirian memilih Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang sebagai ketua menteri jika Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud berundur, meskipun Jabu sendiri tidak menghargainya.

Jurucakap kumpulan tersebut, Dr Elli Luhat berkata, ‘pemilihan’ itu dibuat berdasarkan analisis dan bukan spekulasi yang mengaitkan Timbalan Ketua Menteri bakal mengambil alih jawatan tertinggi badan eksekutif negeri.

PAS tolak Negara Islam dan Hukum Hudud atas sebab AGAMA atau UNDI/KUASA???

KEJATUHAN NEGARA ISLAM PAS
By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on June 10, 2011 2:40 PM

1. Saya tertarik dengan penjelasan Nik Aziz kenapa selepas 30 tahun mengguna "perjuangan untuk Negara Islam ala PAS" untuk mendapat sokongan orang Melayu, sekarang PAS menggugurkan Negara Islam dan hukum Hudud. Kononnya Nik Aziz berpandukan Al-Quran dan Hadith.

2. Apakah Nik Aziz baru saja baca Surah Al-Baqarah dan sedar yang Negara Islam PAS menimbul salah faham dan menakutkan pihak tertentu? Jikalau kerana kesedaran ini akan menakutkan pihak tertentu (orang bukan Islam - Karpal Singh) maka PAS menggugur Negara Islam PAS, maka benarlah yang pengguguran ini bertujuan untuk menghapuskan ketakutan mereka ini, supaya mereka akan sokong PAS dalam pilihanraya, dan bukan kerana agama membenarkan atau tidak.

3. Kerana UMNO tidak menyokong Negara Islam PAS dan hukum Hudud PAS, Nik Aziz tidak terima UMNO.

Pesta Benak Sri Aman 2011

Our facebook friend, Iswandy Isk, has invited Sebanaku Sarawak to attend the following event:

Pesta Benak Sri Aman 2011

Date: July 1 (Friday)

Time: 8:30am - July 4 at 6:00pm
Location : Sri Aman
Created By   

More Info   

Sorry folks! No flyover for Tupong / Petra Jaya !

Cadangan untuk laksana sistem Bus Rapid Transit di Kuching akan dikaji

KUCHING (Mei 28, 2011, Sabtu): Kementerian Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar akan menilai serta mengkaji cadangan untuk melaksanakan sistem Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) di bandaraya Kuching.

“Cadangan yang diusulkan oleh makmal pengangkutan bandaraya Kuching melihat ia dilakukan dengan bersungguh-sungguh agar terlaksana,” kata Menteri Muda Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar Abdul Wahab Aziz semalam.

Tambahnya BRT hanya dapat dilaksanakan sekiranya terdapat bas berkapasiti besar dengan rangkaian koridor yang luas.

Sesco S.U.C.K.S !!!

The government should do something to force Sesco to buck up. The quality of its service is nothing to shout about but it has the guts to be arrogant towards its customers.

MY CLAIM: Tchong (centre) files his claim accompanied by Chong.

Customer files claim against Sesco

Posted on June 1, 2011, Wednesday

KUCHING: A Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) customer filed a complaint against the company for alleged payment arrears with the Tribunal for Consumer Claims yesterday.

Tchong Soon Thian claimed to have received a bill from Sesco saying he was in arrears of RM4,032.10, which included a RM400 administrative fee and RM500 meter fee.

He is said to have paid the meter and administrative fees under duress and fear that the electricity supply to his house would be disconnected. However, after consulting some friends, Tchong believed Sesco had no basis to charge both fees.