MP Willie takes federal leadership to task over failure to fulfill and fully implement MA63

KUCHING, Oct 16 2025: Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin has taken to task the federal leadership for its failure to fulfill and fully implemented the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) over the last 62 years. 

Datuk Willie Mongin: The implementation of MA63 needs to be translated into concrete actions and not just promises

He said the failure means that MA63 has been violated, tarnished and not respected by the leadership of Malaya and the statutory bodies of the federation.

“Because we all love this country, but do not use our love to deny our rights,” he said  during the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 in Parliament yesterday.

He also emphasised that balanced development between Peninsular Malaysia and the  two Borneo states must be a national priority.

He said issues of basic infrastructures such as roads, clean water supply, electricity and internet in Sabah and Sarawak are still far from being fulfilled.

“Therefore, the implementation of MA63 needs to be translated into concrete actions and not just promises,” he said, adding that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak cannot continue to be tarnished by  false promises of the Malayan leadership.

“Sabah and Sarawak's position on oil and gas rights is dignified and enshrined in the  Federal Constitution,” Willie stressed.

He also reminded that the strength of the Malaysian nation lies in its foundation as a federation of equal partners, saying that this foundation is now being tested when the laws enshrined in the Constitution, which have been the basis for Sarawak's accession to Malaysia, have been deliberately and systematically disregarded. 

He said that the root of this issue lies in the jurisdiction over Sarawak's resources, saying that its control over its land and resources was established through the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958) and the Land Code 1958.

“This is a law that predates the establishment of Malaysia and is enshrined under the terms of Sarawak's accession to the federation.

“The OMO 1958 gives the state absolute authority to issue licenses and leases for petroleum exploration and production.

“The subsequent federal law, namely the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974), had no constitutional power to abrogate these enshrined state rights,” he added, pointed out that Petronas, as an oil and gas company, was therefore legally bound to obtain all licences and permits from the Sarawak government under the OMO 1958 before it could prospect, explore or extract resources within the state’s boundaries.

“Petronas’ position as a national trustee does not give it immunity from the laws of the sovereign states within the federation,” Willie stressed.

He also said that Sarawak never intended to “kill” Petronas but “we want to join hands and move forward together.

“Is it excessive to demand our rights based on our laws and constitution?” he asked.

The MP argued that by the Borneo States [Legislative Powers] Order, 1963, Sarawak’s legislative powers were extended to include the fields of electricity and gas distribution.

He said this is in line with the recommendations in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, particularly in Article 11 (c) in Annex A, which states that legislative powers relating to electricity and gas charging should be devolved to Sarawak and Sabah.

“For this reason, Petronas must comply with and respect the constitution and MA63,” he said.

Sarawak public service to be revamped into "lean civil service", says premier

SINGAPORE, Oct 15 2025: The Sarawak government plans to revamp the structure of the public service by creating a 'lean civil service' that emphasises on the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery.  

Datuk Patinggi Johari Openg:  Services provided by the public service to be assigned to government-linked companies

 Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said this approach would see more services being assigned to self-reliant government-linked companies (GLCs) in the future.  

"The management of state assets and strategic investments will be entrusted to GLCs that will operate professionally as corporate bodies in order to be able to generate returns for the companies and also returns in the form of dividends to the Sarawak government," he said at the closing of the Sarawak Civil Service One Team Retreat (SCS OTR) 2025 programme here, today.

He said the GLCs would be vested with the power to generate revenue and establish its own service and salary schemes so that the government would no longer bear the cost of certain services.

The government, as the largest investor in these GLCs, would in return expect returns in the form of dividends, he stressed.

He told heads of departments at the retreat that this had been the model used in Singapore that resulted in  a public service and GLCs that are capable of  offering high salaries and world class services.

Describing the GLCs as “State-Owned Enterprises” (SOEs) the role of these enterprises is to complement the role of the private sector to drive economic transformation particularly in areas that would require high capital outlay.

Citing the methanol project in Bintulu as an example, he said the local private sector would not be able to take on large investment projects without the involvement of the government through its SOEs.

He said the state government would be taking stock of all its GLCs and assets to determine their value in order to be able to optimise their resources for the benefit of the state in line with what he described as a “State ownership policy”.

On civil service development, Abang Johari said that the role of public servants today is not merely as policy implementers, but as strategic partners of the government in realising a holistic and sustainable development agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

He stressed that public servants need to understand Sarawak's economic strategies, including aspects of the green economy, carbon trade, and investments in strategic industries like energy and gas.

"Sarawak is investing in training programmes and international exposure through cooperation with leading institutions such as Harvard and Oxford universities and the World Bank.

"We also provide special executive programmes for senior public service officials, so they are always updated on current issues and global trends.

"We want public servants who understand how future technology works. Nowadays, everything is controlled by technology, from chip design to smart device systems. All of this requires power supply, water, and most importantly, brain power," he explained.

He also expressed his aspiration to see Sarawak become a developed and high-income region on par with Nordic countries in Asia by 2030, even becoming the 'economic star of Asia'.

He also touched on future aspirations, including mastery in advanced technology and chip design, as well as involvement in high-impact industries by 2050.

"Sarawak can become a star in Asia with the support of quality public servants who have fresh ideas and are brave enough to bring forth new ideas," he added.

Among those present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Sri Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Transport Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Minister in the Premier's Department, Datuk Sri John Sikie Tayai.

 

Sarawak governor receives courtesy visit from Anglican interfaith commission delegation

KUCHING, Oct 14 2025: Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi today received a courtesy visit from the Anglican Interfaith Commission delegation at the Astana Negeri.

Sarawak governor and his wife posing for camera with delegation of the Anglican interfaith commission
 

The delegation was led by Anglican Bishop of Kuching Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute, together with representatives from several countries including Egypt, Bangladesh, India and Brazil.

This courtesy visit was held in conjunction with the Anglican Interfaith Commission meeting held in Kuching, starting from Oct 13-17, 2025.

In the meeting, discussions also focused on interfaith dialogue initiatives implemented at the state and international levels as well as strengthening good relations between religions throughout the world.

The governor also shared his experiences and views, especially the importance of the values of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect in a pluralistic society.

He expressed his appreciation to the Anglican Interfaith Commission for its continuous efforts in strengthening cooperation and understanding between communities of various religions, in addition to promoting a harmonious and peaceful life, especially in Sarawak.

The governor also expressed his hope that the good relations that have been established can continue to be strengthened through cooperation and interfaith dialogue programmes that benefit universal well-being and unity.

DAPSY Kuching against allowing the four students to sit for their SPM examinaion

KUCHING, Oct 13 2025: DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Kuching has disagreed with the Education Ministry in allowing the four male students, who were allegedly involved in gang-raping a female student, to sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Lesley Chong (picture): There should be no leniency shown to the four students who allegedly involved in gang-raping a female student 

Its secretary Lesley Chong said there should not be any leniency shown to them for allegedly committing the gang-rape on a female student in a school in Malacca last week.

She said by allowing them to sit for SPM examination is sending a dangerous message that justice and accountability are secondary to privilege and convenience.

“If the perpetrators are given a second chance so easily, who will safeguard the future of the young girl whose life has been irreversibly scarred?

“Has anyone ensured that she can continue her studies safely, or receive the psychological support she deserves to rebuild her life?” Lesley asked.

She also emphasised that, too often, young survivors of sexual assault are the ones who lose everything, such as their education, security, and trust in society.

“It is unacceptable that right now, in the year 2025, victims are still made to carry the burden of shame, while offenders are treated with sympathy and protection,” she said.

Lesley also highlighted the urgent need for a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to be implemented in schools, one that teaches students about accurate and age-appropriate information about sexual health, including consent, respect, and bodily autonomy.

She said without proper education, many youths will continue learning about sex and relationships through distorted and harmful online pornographic sources that glorify violence, objectification, and exploitation.

“The fact that the perpetrators even filmed the act and circulated it online reflects a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding of the gravity of their actions,” she stressed.

She strongly urged the Education Ministry and relevant authorities to take immediate and coordinated action to ensure justice for the victim and strengthen measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

She said this includes ensuring accountability in the handling of the case, providing continuous support and protection for survivors, and reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of sexual violence within schools and communities.

She emphasised that, rather than placing the burden of prevention on girls by telling them not to go out late or not to dress a certain way, society must start teaching boys from a young age about consent, respect, and the harmful consequences of sexual violence.

“Protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable must be our collective moral duty,” Lesley said.

According to media reports, quoting Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad today, the four Five students have been expelled.

The School Disciplinary Board expelled them following internal investigations into the serious misconduct, while the criminal case remains under police investigation.

However, they are allowed to sit for their SPM examination as it is their rights.

They will be asked to sit for the examination at a different school.

The four, aged 17, are being investigated by the police under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.

 

(Updated): PBDS supports calls to allow Sabahans residing in Malaya to vote through postal voting in coming state election

KUCHING: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) supported calls for Sabahans residing and working in Malaya be allowed to votes on the coming Sabah state elections through postal voting.

PBDS president Dr John Brian Anthony: Voting is not a privilege, but a right protected by the constitution.

Its president Dr John Brian Anthony said the voting rights of Sabahans in Malaya must respected.

He said PBDS acknowledges the recent public calls urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Election Commission (EC) to extend postal voting facilities to Sabahan voters currently residing or working in Malaya.

“We therefore urge the EC and federal government to explore and implement a mechanism for postal or remote voting for Sabahan voters in Malaya before the next state or general elections,” he said in a statement.

He said that voting is not a privilege, but a right protected by the constitution.

He added upholding that right for every Malaysian, regardless of where they are temporarily residing, is the true measure of our democratic maturity.

“PBDS stands with all efforts that advance the constitutional rights and democratic inclusion of every citizen, Sabahans, Sarawakians, and all Malaysians alike.

“Although PBDS is a Sarawak-based political party and does not operate in Sabah, we stand by the fundamental principle that voting is a constitutional right which must be accessible, fair, and inclusive for every Malaysian citizen, regardless of where they live or work within the federation,” he stressed.

He emphasised that it is a matter of constitutional equality for all eligible Malaysians to cast votes in every election and a right to choose the government.

He added that Article 119 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the rights of every eligible citizen to vote in the constituency where they are registered.

“The spirit of this Article is clear that no citizen should be effectively disenfranchised due to geography or economic circumstance.

“If a Sabahan is working in Malaya but remains a registered voter in Sabah, the system should provide a reasonable and secure mechanism, such as postal voting, for them to exercise that right,” John stressed.

Saying that it is a practical step to strengthening democracy, he said that PBDS views this not as a partisan issue but as a democratic housekeeping matter.

He said allowing postal voting for Sabahans in Malaya would strengthen the legitimacy of election outcomes, increase voter participation, and uphold Malaysia’s constitutional promise of equal access to the ballot box.

John believed that the EC already possesses the regulatory framework for various postal voting categories, adding that extending it to cover domestic inter-state voters is therefore not a constitutional leap, but an administrative refinement in the spirit of fairness.

He said PBDS recognises that Sabah’s electoral administration falls within its own state and federal jurisdiction, stating that the party does not seek to interfere or comment on the political affairs of Sabah.

“However, as a Sarawak party that values the integrity of democratic participation across all Bornean states, we echo the calls for the federal and election authorities to act swiftly and judiciously,” he said.

“From a broader Bornean standpoint, this issue reminds us that the unity of Malaysia is strengthened when rights are applied fairly to all regions.

“When Sabahans or Sarawakians living in Malaya can participate fully in elections back home, it reinforces not only democracy but also the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.

John stressed that PBDS supports any policy that strengthens access to democratic rights, transparency, and fairness in electoral participation.