PBK president claims the increase in the number of SLA seats strengthens Bumiputera wing of PBB further

KUCHING, March 28 2026: The proposed increase of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA) seats from 82 to 99 will  further strengthen the Bumiputera wing of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), claimed Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBB) president Voon Lee Shan (picture) 

He said if information that he has gathered is confirmed, the Bumiputera wing will get seven seats, while the Pesaka wing, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) will each get three seats and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), just one seat.

“Such a distribution raises serious concerns about fairness and genuine partnership within the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“It suggests a consolidation of dominance by one faction while others are allocated seats in a manner that reflects political convenience rather than equality,” Voon stressed.

“This development is particularly alarming for the Dayak community,” he said, adding that despite being a significant demographic in Sarawak, their political influence continues to be constrained.

“If representation remains structurally limited, then leadership opportunities will remain equally out of reach. Participation without power is not empowerment—it is tokenism.” he complained.

Voon said democracy must offer real choices and fair competition, but when electoral boundaries are perceived to be engineered for predetermined outcomes, the very foundation of democracy is weakened.

“What remains is not a system of accountability, but one of control,” he charged.

“If such practices continue unchecked, we risk normalising a form of governance where democratic mechanisms exist only in form, but not in substance.

“This is a dangerous path—one where democracy, manipulated and diluted, can ultimately lead to authoritarianism,” he said.

He stressed that Sarawakians deserve better system where every vote carries equal weight, where representation is just, and where leadership is determined by the will of the people—not by the design of the system.

 

With Chong Chieng Jen's help, couple finally gets the full refund of RM52,000

KUCHING, March 28 2026: A couple, who was scammed by former bank officers into investing RM52,000 in the bank’s Makmur Investment scheme, has received the full refund after it has received a letter from Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen.

Chong Chieng Jen says the couple is among the more than 70 customers of the bank who have fallen victims to the scam of a few ex-employees of the bank.  

Chong said the couple initially received RM24,400 out of RM52,000 they put in the investment scheme.

“At their first attempt to claim for the refund, the bank refunded them RM24,400 leaving an outstanding of RM27,600 and citing suspicious source of fund as the reason for their decision.

“After my intervention two weeks ago, I was informed that finally that the bank has refunded the balance RM27,600 to the couple yesterday,” Chong, who is also Stampin MP, said in a statement.

“The wife came to my office today expressing her gratitude.  It is a pleasure to hear that our effort has borne some fruits and helped the couple to retrieve their hard-earned savings swindled from them,” he added.

Chong said the sum  RM27,600 is not a big amount to banks and big corporations, but to the couple and to many, it is substantial and hard-earned savings.

The couple is amongt the more than 70 customers of the bank who have fallen victims to the scam of a few ex-employees of the bank.

Chong said he exposed the scam sometime in late November, 2025.

In total the amount scammed was approximately RM11 million, and  among those who have sought assistance from him, more than 80 per cent of the scammed money has been returned to the victims.

While those who have received the full refund felt relieved, he said, adding that he will continue to assist those who have yet to receive their refund.

Premier to announce assistance to ease the burden of the people affected by the increase in prices of goods, says Alex Nanta

KUCHING, March 28 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg (picture) will announce “in the near future” the form of assistance that the state government will give out to ease the burden of the people who are affected by the increase in the prices of goods following global developments, especially the conflict in the Middle East.

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi quoted the premier as saying he has discussed the matter  with Deputy Premier  Douglas Ugah Embas who is also the Second Minister of Finance and New Economy.

“Further research is being done so that the assistance to be channeled will truly benefit the people,” Nanta said in  his facebook post, quoted the premier as saying at the Sarawak Premier’s Office Hari Raya gathering last night.

“He (Abang Johari) also touched on the world geopolitical situation which has a major impact on the global economy, including the conflict in the Middle East as well as countries such as Venezuela and Iran which are heavily dependent on oil resources,” Nanta said.

According to Nanta, the premier said this development clearly shows how dependence on fossil fuels can have a major impact on economic stability.

“However, Sarawak is now on the right track with the transition to alternative energy such as solar energy, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“The premier also announced that a meeting will be convened in the near future to accelerate the use of SAF, which he will chair himself, besides emphasizing the importance of all levels — from the top leadership to the grassroots — moving in tandem in making this agenda a success.

“In addition, public transport systems such as ART will also use hydrogen technology, in line with Sarawak’s commitment to no longer be completely dependent on oil resources.

“This approach is not only strategic, but also important in ensuring economic stability and the well-being of the people in the long term,” Nanta said, quoted the premier.

According to Nanga, the premier believes that the efforts and meticulous planning of the Sarawak government will continue to ensure that the state remains sustainable, resilient and always prioritizes the welfare of the people.

Penasu fires have devastated an area of over 10 hectares

DARO, March 28 2026: The area devastated by bushfires in Kampung Penasu has expanded to over 10 hectares as of this morning, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said in a statement.

Caption: Large area in Penasu has been devastated by the bushfires 

A report received by the department indicated that the wild fires started last night.

Daro Bomba has dispatched a team of firefighters to the scene to put out the fires.

The department said operation commander Hasman Bakar is aware that the area burned has increased to 10 hectares.

“Hot and windy weather conditions caused the fire to spread quickly,” it said.