tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61454661192857082502024-03-13T19:21:04.682+08:00Sematong ExpressA venue to express opinions and views on social issues, native customary rights land, cultures and traditions of the Dayak community as well as to voice out the problems and grievances of the indigenous and rural communities. Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.comBlogger963125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-45499915547570091192022-04-16T18:21:00.000+08:002022-04-16T18:21:12.681+08:00Following Kampung Mutap jetty controversy, Uggah now wants grassroots leaders to inform him if projects are improperly done<p> LUBOK ANTU, April 16 - After controversies surrounding the construction of a jetty in Kampung Mutap in Bekenu, Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah now wants grassroots leaders to inform him if any project for the people are not done based on their specifications.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iCDithjjMS7wXkomxI_8WY6EsdzQMXTnIENzYh0aLLxUfxNeqfvaY8_5hmHh3gLUKHunazjH1UUlPX6DlLY2N7Kha-PmPmVLGhWjlrKznaqx-dvTsde2uCNgRliW64QJ0A1a8lWUAq04SHW9LbutHjBcO5mkLP9FSvvvxCrUV14k05RgaHsP27l_/s1024/Uggahpbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iCDithjjMS7wXkomxI_8WY6EsdzQMXTnIENzYh0aLLxUfxNeqfvaY8_5hmHh3gLUKHunazjH1UUlPX6DlLY2N7Kha-PmPmVLGhWjlrKznaqx-dvTsde2uCNgRliW64QJ0A1a8lWUAq04SHW9LbutHjBcO5mkLP9FSvvvxCrUV14k05RgaHsP27l_/w400-h300/Uggahpbb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (standing, 2nd right) being welcomed by an Iban ajat on arrival for the opening of Balai Ringin TDM.</b><p>He said this when officiating at the Balai Ringin and Lubok Antu Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu(PBB ) branches triennial delegates meetings(TDM) today.</p><p>The Balai Ringin TDM was held at a hotel in Serian while the Lubok Antu TDM was held at the Lubok Antu Sports Complex in here.</p><p>"Please let me know of such matter especially if the projects involve the state JKR (Public Works Department).</p><p>"Any project under the Rural Transformation Project(RTP) , Minor Rural Projects (MRP) or from the federal government like the construction of bridges, roads and others approved for implementation, they must meet JKR specifications in terms of materials used, quality, quantity, size or length and other.</p><p>"These are details in the Bill of Quantities( BQ) to the contractors.</p><p>"So the issue of them being done not according to the specifications should not arise.</p><p>" It is very sad when we allocate the funds, things are not done properly. </p><p>"The projects are supposed to benefit the rakyat.</p><p>"They are certainly not to become a point of contention and dissatisfaction between them and the government," Uggah who is the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said.</p><p>Although he was not specific, he is believed to be referring to the construction of a jetty at Kampung Mutap in Bekenu, Miri, which has created controversy after it emerged that it cost RM50,000 to complete.</p><p>The JKR had said the jetty was built using belian, a contention which was disputed by the villagers who claimed that only the stilts and the ladders were of belian wood while the rest were other timber species.</p><p>The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had also conducted its own investigation and said that there was no element of corruption involved in the construction.</p><p>The MACC had said it had consulted an expert and found that all the wooden materials were from belian timber.</p><p>Uggah, who is also a PBB deputy president, said the party leaders at grassroots level should be the eyes, voices and ears of the government.</p><p>On the triennial delegates conference, he was glad to note that a number of branches had passed their respective resolutions for no contest for the president and the two posts of deputy president at the party coming conference in June soon.</p><p>He said this reflected their full confidence in the top leadership.</p><p>"This too will further solidify the party strength and unity so vital to allow it to overcome the many challenges expected to come in the future," he said.</p><p>Uggah was also glad that all the branch meetings had been held very smoothly and without any occurrence of dissatisfaction or anger.</p><p>On another matter raised at both meetings today, Uggah reassured members that PBB would continue to enjoy its quota of community leaders in areas where the party had no elected representatives. </p><p>He called on them to inform him and other top leaders if the service tenure of any of such leaders were about to end.</p><p>"Please inform us early so we can make our preparations to either reappoint or appoint new one," he said.</p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-64010348725791241312022-03-25T17:35:00.000+08:002022-03-25T17:35:20.712+08:00MTUC Sarawak says Sarawak Labour Ordinance is obsolete, needs to be amended<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 25, 2022 - The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has asked the government to amend the Sarawak Labour Ordinance 1958 to be at par with the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) in the next sitting of Parliament or otherwise extend the EA to the state.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yhJHzA_kndrjFLP9so_DQaj7ynjV8FjovAWIl873LIe985ahHmke0BUV1-bVMhOK-UD3d3my67_QVG8WlEMzThRHi_4vKF2eQUTjmGmWVar3Jfuh0R-R_S7Fyi1bnXYti85Z8qYiqVfTFTLLj3B0vAWKo5Qk5-TWV-TbUfKAwXVtapYa3bXHMGox/s800/Andrewlo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yhJHzA_kndrjFLP9so_DQaj7ynjV8FjovAWIl873LIe985ahHmke0BUV1-bVMhOK-UD3d3my67_QVG8WlEMzThRHi_4vKF2eQUTjmGmWVar3Jfuh0R-R_S7Fyi1bnXYti85Z8qYiqVfTFTLLj3B0vAWKo5Qk5-TWV-TbUfKAwXVtapYa3bXHMGox/s320/Andrewlo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Its secretary Andrew Lo <b>(picture)</b> said it has</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> proven time and again that having separate </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">laws</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> has resulted in workers in Sabah</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sarawak being left behind</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">While we are pleased that workers in West Malaysia will get the eagerly awaited better benefits, very regretfully workers in Sabah</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sarawak will be left out as the EA does not covered the two states</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> as they have their</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> own separated Labour Ordinanc</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">es,” Lo said in a statement.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was commenting on the passage of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">amendments to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Employment Act</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> in Parliament recently.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The Sarawak Labour Ordinance was last amended in Parliament in 2004.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">March 21</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">is to extend the application of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) to all employees regardless of salary earned</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Among others, tyhe amendments are to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">enable all workers in the country to receive the minimum benefits and protection prescribed under Act 265.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Lo said the SLOs of Sabah and Sarawak are</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> hopeless antiquated as the previous improvement to the Employment Act in 14 years ago in 2008 had yet to be incorporated. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">We don’t even have provisions for sexual harassment prevention and part time workers</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, but are already </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">in the existing EA</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Premier of Sarawak has proudly claim that he want Sarawak to lead the country in economic development</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, but he must also ensure that lead in the labour standards as well.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-57335055215332095632022-03-11T12:11:00.000+08:002022-03-11T12:11:14.278+08:00Peter John supports efforts for Sarawak to have control over issuance of citizenship to genuine natives<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Simon Peter</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">KUCHING, March 11</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, 2022</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> - A</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> well-known</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> human rights activist </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">expressed support for Sarawak to have control over the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> issuance of citizenship</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> by the state government</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> to stateless people born in Sarawa</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">k.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL4qlNkv4c4VKp0VFPNMnikq-JKHD26neue6Qve_RgV3ZBjQ3b6hvoXMJAlIzODVX__zcR2gaTUReeU3gmS2dmt_BDKVIAXnRBJZi2f0ZLjpkzMMPA-cTmw_ONxaWvpI2GSpply0_TpTdeDTa-ExzXgU221lMSUmGHnfgNp7L7p75geb9qwkxaB1Pj=s750" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="750" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL4qlNkv4c4VKp0VFPNMnikq-JKHD26neue6Qve_RgV3ZBjQ3b6hvoXMJAlIzODVX__zcR2gaTUReeU3gmS2dmt_BDKVIAXnRBJZi2f0ZLjpkzMMPA-cTmw_ONxaWvpI2GSpply0_TpTdeDTa-ExzXgU221lMSUmGHnfgNp7L7p75geb9qwkxaB1Pj=w400-h393" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Human rights activist Peter John supports effort for Sarawak to have control over issuance of citizenship to genuine natives</b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter John said there are thousands of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> genuine natives in the remote rural areas who </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">have remained stateless.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“This represents</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> a clear failure of the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">f</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ederal </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">uthorities to understand the specific context of the state and its individual history and indigenous culture</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Peter said in a statement.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He noted that</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah has</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> taken a step in urging</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Premier </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Patinggi</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Abang Johari Openg </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to take up the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> issue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak to have</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> control on the issuance of Malaysian citizenship</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said Sarawak should have control over the issuance of citizenship now it has regained its original status as an equal partner to Malaya and Sabah in the federation of Malaysia.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter, who has been assisting many stateless persons in Sarawak to apply for the Malaysian citizenship certificates, said he believes that the stateless issue can be solved if the state government is granted the control.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter, a committee member of the Global Human Rights Federation, said many parents in remote areas are also illiterate and ignorant on the urgency and importance of registering the births of their children.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the parents only realise the importance of birth certificate when they want to register their children to study in government schools or when their children apply for jobs in towns.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter said, without these documents, the children may not be admitted to government schools and they are denied free health services from the government clinics and hospitals.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said these children should be granted the citizenship on the basis of written testimonies of their village chiefs or community leaders, without the use of birthday certificates and identity cards, as this system is closer to their practice of customary law or Adat, which itself is law in Sarawak.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added there should not be a problem as the village chiefs or community leaders know everybody in their community.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the National Registration Department (NRD) should not insist that all applications for birth certificates and identity cards must provide written documents as proof that they are born in Sarawak.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Speaking at the International Women’s Day on </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">March 8, Fatimah urged for the state government to be granted control over the issuance of citizenship to stateless persons born in Sarawak, especially children.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">he said this was important because it would enable the affected children to have the same rights as children with Malaysian citizenship status, especially in education.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">She said since the setting up of the special committee on citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, a total of 969 applications for citizenship have been received from 2016 to October 22, 2021.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">She said only 253 applications have been approved as of today, while the remaining are still under consideration.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“What is most regrettable is that while waiting for the decision of the federal Home Affairs Ministry, these children are denied receiving or enjoying children’s rights, such as education, health, employment opportunities and receiving welfare aids,” Fatimah said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">She urged Abang Johari to bring up the issue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob so that as an autonomous region, the state should be given a special power to solve the stateless issue by itself.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-88464228335762474372022-03-11T11:41:00.002+08:002022-03-11T12:16:35.634+08:00SEB: Fire at Permyjaya commercial unit in Miri was caused by illegal electricity connection at cryptocurrency mining centre<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">By Mohamad Ahmad Sallehuddin</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">KUCHING, March 11, 2022 - An illegal electricity connection by a cryptocurrency mining centre is found to have started a recent fire at double-storey commercial unit at Permyjaya in Miri, said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) today.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCUfZlbbpnxZjfdZxwDCjylca2rNpKDPqp1Nvvt74xKZgFC9WQ0UYpP1NhU2q1Yq55XLXkjDRvxES5_mztzZB_HcRJFAhSL0aUBLYQ3a5Dneepj77kJhMBT5sFxt3tk2VH0LnvgY_auN35wG38hBFRuJRpsRslFxkiN4XyZJSjOEBEG6-5p5tS7TYk=s739" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="739" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCUfZlbbpnxZjfdZxwDCjylca2rNpKDPqp1Nvvt74xKZgFC9WQ0UYpP1NhU2q1Yq55XLXkjDRvxES5_mztzZB_HcRJFAhSL0aUBLYQ3a5Dneepj77kJhMBT5sFxt3tk2VH0LnvgY_auN35wG38hBFRuJRpsRslFxkiN4XyZJSjOEBEG6-5p5tS7TYk=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: The burnt illegal connection at the cryptocurrency mining centre in Miri</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">A statement issued by SEB said the fire not only caused extensive damaged to the premises but also 48 units of cryptocurrency mining servers.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“SEB</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> was alerted after the firefighters responded to a distress call. The fire was successfully put out after an emergency shutdown was performed to disconnect the electricity supply to the premises for safety purposes</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” the statement said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It added in a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> follow up investigation and site inspection, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SEB’s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> technical team found 48 units of burnt cryptocurrency mining servers and evidence of electricity supply connected illegally with direct tapping cables bypassing the electricity meter. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The statement said p</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">reliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by the unsafe illegal wiring connection</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, pointing out that c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ryptocurrency mining servers are energy-intensive machines operating 24 hours daily, often requiring cooling units to avoid them from overheating. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Non-standard fuses and illegal wiring connections commonly used in power theft can easily overload the electrical system capacity, increasing the risk of short circuits, appliance damage, fires and even loss of lives in addition to disrupting the stability of supply in the area</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” it said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The statement said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> estimated</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> losses</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> to have</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> been</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> incurred</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> more than RM13,000 per month in unregistered electricity consumption from this case and a police report has been lodged over this matter. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It said</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the premises owner and the tenant will be called to assist in the investigation.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SEB said s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ince 2021, there were nine fire cases linked to cryptocurrency mining recorded in Sarawak, with eight of them from Miri alone. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Even though there were no fatalities in all these incidents, building owners and neighbours have incurred significant losses and property damage</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” the statement said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The statement reminded</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> customers not to steal electricity as it is an illegal and a very dangerous act. Electricity theft is a criminal offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years jail if found guilty.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Together with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">p</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">olice, the utility </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">company </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">will continue to track down power thieves that steal electricity to maximise their profits at the expense of public safety.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">All S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">EB</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> customers are reminded not to trust service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity use or allow premises owner to enjoy unlimited usage of electricity through meter tampering. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Meter inspection teams are trained to detect various electricity theft methods, including tampered meters, fake electricity meter covers and underground direct tapping as part of Sarawak Energy's efforts to curb power theft</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” the statement said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-68880087973561455592022-03-09T20:27:00.000+08:002022-03-09T20:27:18.682+08:00Citrawarna programme in Kuching sparks Covid-19 cluster, public's fear confirmed<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 9, 2022 - The public’s fear that last month’s Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia programme at the waterfront could lead to an outbreak of Covid-19 infections has now been confirmed.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8OydsK7BJnPbHjqVL57gzL28Sgw98Qf3CqXy13dnJNpyM6eaD2cc8oNLgxh7e3LqmA-DSnq9QgwbaJIQTM0uX556yz8BCJQycmbchSg_bvQkIuZssSElwASn8VkwaoUnJX9e5zLmMXRwaN5gjZ4LFCyP71DXfrg71DW30vIX6tYBnXlFXPUIM5Obk=s800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8OydsK7BJnPbHjqVL57gzL28Sgw98Qf3CqXy13dnJNpyM6eaD2cc8oNLgxh7e3LqmA-DSnq9QgwbaJIQTM0uX556yz8BCJQycmbchSg_bvQkIuZssSElwASn8VkwaoUnJX9e5zLmMXRwaN5gjZ4LFCyP71DXfrg71DW30vIX6tYBnXlFXPUIM5Obk=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: More people could be infected with Covid-19 as an estimated 50,000 attended the Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia programme last month</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">According to Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in a statement, the programme has triggered a cluster, aptly named Citrawarna cluster, where 21 individuals were tested positive for Covid-19.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The number of positive cases could be more, and according to SDMC, an estimated 50,000 people attended and participated in the programme, who included federal and state ministers.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With such a large number of people, it is almost impossible to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs), where social distancing was not possible.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It is reported that a few VVIPs in Sarawak were already tested positive, but no details are available if they are infected while attending the programme.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The Citrawarna cluster was triggered by an index case, a 45-year old local man who was tested positive for Covid-19.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was screened on February 27 at a private hospital and was tested positive with Covid-19.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">According to SDMC, another 32 other individuals were tested negative while the outcome on six other individuals are still pending.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Another 24 individuals, who have a history of attending the programme, were also reported to be Covid-19 positive.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SDMC has made an urgent appeal to individuals who attended the programme to self-monitor their health conditions and do their own screening.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On another matter, Sarawak registered 1,727 Covid-19 cases today, with Kuching contributing 584 of the total cases, followed by Miri with 281, Sibu 193, Bintulu 115 and Samarahan, 100 cases.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SDMC said out of 1,727 cases, 663 were in Category One and 1,051 in Category Two, 12 in Category Four and one, Category Five.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It said two individuals, a 72-year old man from Kapit, and a 60-year old woman from Mukah have died from Covid-19 infection.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It said they both health-related issues such as diabetes, kidney problems and high blood pressure.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-68423082590273443912022-03-07T15:48:00.010+08:002022-03-07T19:29:54.574+08:00Panggau Dayak twin towers expected to be completed by end of this year, says Uggah<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, M</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">arch 7, 2022 - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Construction of the nine- storey high "Panggau Dayak" twin towers project is on course for completion by end of December this year.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR7vcRHZFv3CZlyp3xtQc381YXRLdsE8LgfPosv9kdEaPIeNlXjXFvGnev4HwrRa-nvoh3Y8iWo_mwW4WULZXvYU5j3sl2TZOETblZZdpFkx4a9zOIgoK3bV9ouCEaF9R6T8Y0PjRqC98Up_NvVtx9mfW4cTrGTJJmHWDPHey56EpMS7AR6FvVSBYt=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR7vcRHZFv3CZlyp3xtQc381YXRLdsE8LgfPosv9kdEaPIeNlXjXFvGnev4HwrRa-nvoh3Y8iWo_mwW4WULZXvYU5j3sl2TZOETblZZdpFkx4a9zOIgoK3bV9ouCEaF9R6T8Y0PjRqC98Up_NvVtx9mfW4cTrGTJJmHWDPHey56EpMS7AR6FvVSBYt=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Picture: Panggau Dayak twin towers are a joint venture projects between Dayak Culture Foundation and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry</b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Dayak Cultural Foundation Board of Trustee chairman and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said this after visiting the site at Ong Tiang Swee Road here today.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Joining him were DCF Board of Managing Trustee Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Tun Jugah and its member Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the projects, on a two hectare site, are a joint venture development between the foundation and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Each will have its own tower as their headquarter offices.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added the project including its residency components cost RM103million.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"On behalf of DCF and the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Dayak </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">community, I would like to again express our gratitude to the state government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Patinggi </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Abang Johari Tun Openg.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"Firstly, the state government had alienated a prime site in the city to us for this project.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"Then it had graciously allocated a sum of RM28million to support the construction.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"These had allowed us to carry out this project on time,"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> he explained.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was also very happy to note the project management had managed its con</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">truction to proceed on time despite the constraints brought by the Covid-19 situation in the last two years.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"This Panggau Dayak is a symbol of the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">D</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ayak community participation in the development of Kuching," he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Abang Johari had officiated at the towers launching ceremony on October 20, 2020.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Meanwhile according to the Panggau Dayak Sendrian Berhad general manager Allistar Hilton Smith, the project had its residency components known as the PD Residence.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It consists of the "Kapitan" for the apartment and "The Grange", for the condominiums blocks.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the "Kapitan" is a five-storey block of 30 units of apartment.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said its construction was expected to begin by the first quarter of next year.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">For the 80 units condominium, Allistar said its construction was targetted toward the end of 2023.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"We are looking at </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a 30-m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">onth construction period for the apartment and the condominium blocks." he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-35873055280187342022022-03-06T18:17:00.002+08:002022-03-06T18:17:40.289+08:00Sarawakians, generally, trust GPS leaders more than the local leaders of Malayan-based parties, says Uggah<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SPAOH, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 6, 2022 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Sarawakians, generally, trust Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders more than the local leaders of the Malayan-based Opposition parties, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah asserted today.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdKUwdPxupuKXrDnglE6qUREGdt92ujkwpstdov9WwWhX_REH9XbmGWb3o0dhvMtyLHJ7cVMKokg8SK08m5IiP3rFuVDDoCXECld8jCmzsXALqWuu3vJ3iXQVivWJMhukIWuNb1t3kp8gWt4O9sL1UxdlVqlt8e07tsCp15eRdLaKHAMnAhxHXI5fE=s553" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="553" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdKUwdPxupuKXrDnglE6qUREGdt92ujkwpstdov9WwWhX_REH9XbmGWb3o0dhvMtyLHJ7cVMKokg8SK08m5IiP3rFuVDDoCXECld8jCmzsXALqWuu3vJ3iXQVivWJMhukIWuNb1t3kp8gWt4O9sL1UxdlVqlt8e07tsCp15eRdLaKHAMnAhxHXI5fE=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah says Sarawakians appreciate the efforts of the GPS leaders</b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said he believed that Sarawakians are </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">now more confident and appreciative of the efforts by the state GPS government in fighting to restore the state eroded rights under the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA6</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">3</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Their full support of the GPS in the recent 12th </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">tate </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">e</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">lection had mirrored such appreciation and confidence.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said, pointing out that in the election, GPS won with a landslide victory by capturing 76 out of 82 State Assembly seats up for grabs.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Speaking at</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> joint opening of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> (</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">PBB) Babu, Banting and Suri sub- branches trienni</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">al</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> delegate</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> meeting</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> (TGM), he said:”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sarawakians are more confident in the ability of local political parties leaders under the chairmanship of Sarawak Premier </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Patinggi</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Abang Johari Tun Openg in fighting for our rights.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"They did not have such confidence in local leaders of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Malayan</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">-based </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Opposition </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">parties to shoulder the responsibility.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They, therefore, have</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> been less enthusiastic to vote for the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Opposition </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">candidates</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> in the state election,” he said, adding that the state government will continue to fight to reclaim the state’s rights from the federal government.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">We ha</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ve</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> made some great achievements like the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">State</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sale tax on petrol</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">eum</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and petroleum products.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"Talks are ongoing on the other rights,"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> he added.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Uggah </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">explained</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the decision to change the title of the Chief Minister to Sarawak Premier was another significant move.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"This is to differentiate Sarawak from other states within Malaysia.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">" We are after</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">all the other </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">partner,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> besides Sabah</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> that </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">formed the Federation of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Malaysia.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">his is another good beginning for us in our fight "</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">joint TGM, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">he said it was to unearth more young and new leaders at grassroot</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> level.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">W</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">e want leaders who are in syn with situations, the people's aspirations and expectations in their respective areas.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"We want them to voice the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> aspirations and expectations </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to top party and government leaders to help them formulate relevant policies and plans</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-46029418172970130632022-03-05T21:31:00.001+08:002022-03-05T21:31:37.788+08:00Six-metre long monster crocodile caught at Batang Igan<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">SIBU, March 5, 2022 - Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) today said it will investigate into a case of a group of men who hunted two monster crocodiles at Batang Igan, after video of them with the reptiles being circulated on social media.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVVUFWwVGg7_TW-IOZLCrky_oQb6abGJVVa-3A_7hqaYjjGnI-CUN3w_OJL1SaOs2foA9BvoYKqSZ9JH18XjX5nXDG72EXymPMK_yfVn1S_ZHA6TC6sww97Sbvg8fBzLUj5_sbCL8Rh89R5iZXGgqH_lgRz7qabHc6EctC2Eo6BP0lqSpCpBAC5Tpn=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVVUFWwVGg7_TW-IOZLCrky_oQb6abGJVVa-3A_7hqaYjjGnI-CUN3w_OJL1SaOs2foA9BvoYKqSZ9JH18XjX5nXDG72EXymPMK_yfVn1S_ZHA6TC6sww97Sbvg8fBzLUj5_sbCL8Rh89R5iZXGgqH_lgRz7qabHc6EctC2Eo6BP0lqSpCpBAC5Tpn=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Two monster crocodiles being tied up by the men.</b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SFC spokesman, in a statement posted on Facebook, said the men had the permits to hunt crocodiles.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, he said SFC would still be conducting the investigation.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">One crocodile was almost six metres while another over four metres long.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, the spokesman did not state when the crocodiles were caught by the men.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“Following the circulation of a video on social media, the SFC enforcement officers came to the location to monitor and investigate into the incident,” the spokesman said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the men took the action to hunt the reptiles based on the reports from the villagers who live near Batang Igan.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“Batang Igan is one of the habitats of the crocodiles since years ago,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added the reptiles will only become aggressive if they feel that they are being threatened or when they are protecting their eggs or juvenile crocodiles,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-33678058276693895952022-03-05T18:41:00.000+08:002022-03-05T18:41:10.243+08:00As the number of Covid-19 cases surging in Sarawak, Uggah asks the people to take preventative measures<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">SPAOH, March 5, 2022 - With Sarawak currently experiencing a surge in positive Covid-19 cases, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah today asked everyone, especially those in rural areas, to take all the necessary precautions.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhwUZibM3WR-rxILYiapOr6Xs2A7wOcau1urmo3CJVaXV4HahXeJ1NJRQA4kf7ps9VWCasdanASOOXmHal40ThnywKWJSZ-k41zD5OcRIe4rk5Br7sDgvb_wAzyQrsv73UTfwQfFxrf0LTAZaHkS-EX60EBnFYJD_jusGpD3JCuzg0fH08RFxdiyD=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhwUZibM3WR-rxILYiapOr6Xs2A7wOcau1urmo3CJVaXV4HahXeJ1NJRQA4kf7ps9VWCasdanASOOXmHal40ThnywKWJSZ-k41zD5OcRIe4rk5Br7sDgvb_wAzyQrsv73UTfwQfFxrf0LTAZaHkS-EX60EBnFYJD_jusGpD3JCuzg0fH08RFxdiyD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b>Picture: Deputy Premier Uggah advises people suffering from sore throat, coughing and body pains to immediately seek medical treatment</b><br /><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He said they should immediately seek medical treatment if they have sore threat, coughing, fever and body pains.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“They must go to their nearest clinic or hospital for check-up. Do not wait until your sickness have become serious,” he said when officiating at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu( PBB) Rimbas Ulu sub-branch’s trienniel delegates meeting (TDM) at the Rimbas Tengah hall here today.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Uggah, who is also the state Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said it is wrong for those from rural areas or longhouses to rest at home and to sit out the pain and fever.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said early detection can save lives, adding that it is very critical for those older folks and those with underlying health conditions to seek early medical treatment.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He cited seven cases individuals brought in dead(BID), including a 10 years old girl from Sibu.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"They or their family members were probably ignorant of the symptoms to not seek any medical advice and treatment," Uggah said, adding that with the surge, it is very important all continue to observe the standard operating procedures( SOP) in place.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"The virus is evidently still with us.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"We must maintain physical distancing, wearing face masks and observing the highest personal hygiene when you attend any wedding or funeral gatherings,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak registered 1,455 Covid-19 positive cases today, up from 1,333 recorded yesterday.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">According to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), 1,448 of today’s cases are in categories one and two while the rest, in categories three to five.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SDMC said 479 of the cases are reported in Kuching, followed by Miri with 254 cases, Sibu with 213 and Bintulu 117.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The committee said one case of death was reported today, that of a 60-year old woman from Kapit.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">She was having high blood pressure and severe kidney problem.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-52349624834578403582022-03-05T18:02:00.000+08:002022-03-05T18:02:13.144+08:00Covid-19 infections have spread to all districts in Sarawak<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">K</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UCHING, March 5 - Covid-19 infections have spread to all the districts as Sarawak recorded 1,455 today, according to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee in its latest updates on the Covid-19 situation.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTy4Ap-63-KgLad1c3XqeKUE82oAQu1o1L4o01QFf-iwUFZS5oxNL4845X1LE4UMoGNfjFcbWVgePrVYD9fAQ3tGUNaoegiFrky07sZ-OmejMDVFRVSQaIhK0rhuIB_VIgd5vYta7BFmovF_kZmVRJIRPgV6eDBkXVNuoTz8BpFWHikqmrfd7xWdWH=s986" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="986" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTy4Ap-63-KgLad1c3XqeKUE82oAQu1o1L4o01QFf-iwUFZS5oxNL4845X1LE4UMoGNfjFcbWVgePrVYD9fAQ3tGUNaoegiFrky07sZ-OmejMDVFRVSQaIhK0rhuIB_VIgd5vYta7BFmovF_kZmVRJIRPgV6eDBkXVNuoTz8BpFWHikqmrfd7xWdWH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b>Picture: The latest figures of the Covid-19 cases reported in Sarawak today.</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Only Julau and Beluru districts do not any Covid-19 cases today.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, Julau recorded two cases yesterday and five two days ago.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Beluru last recorded one Covid-19 case on March 2.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Kuching district continues to record high number of Covid-19 cases, with 479 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">today, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">down from 548 registered yesterday.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Miri district comes second with 254 cases (198 yesterday), Sibu district registers 213 (184) and Bintulu 117 cases (76).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SDMC said 1,448 of the cases are in categories one and two, meaning patients do no display any symptoms or with mild symptoms.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Only seven of the cases are in categories three, four and five.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SDMC said to-date, Sarawak has recorded 266,411 Covid-19 cases.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak recorded one death today, that of a 60-year old woman from Kapit district.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">She was having a high blood pressure and suffering from chronic kidney failure.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-48955134879094609212022-03-04T23:20:00.001+08:002022-03-04T23:20:38.616+08:00Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019 enforced with effect from March 1, 2022<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 4, 2022 - The </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sarawak Heritage Ordinance, 2019</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, which was approved by the State Legislative Assembly in 2019, was</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> enforced with effective from March</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 1,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 2022</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Karim Rahman Hamzah said tonight.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipXExEcZBrQNttx2Tj2kYYVW5tqTiigZmxdL9LoqL5HhCooLMs0c8s-QPEtYARvB1KkdPv_v4UVuk1hFW_KtPSaz-A8n9i8Y2s_aGGuCfdLgZ0wOwLFExzUwTSt17D6jy6HYOKZ0k29gF-WqSabBCBxHOJoCMyF2GNsx2y7-DP73g6HG0knujA7Enz=s3695" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="3695" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipXExEcZBrQNttx2Tj2kYYVW5tqTiigZmxdL9LoqL5HhCooLMs0c8s-QPEtYARvB1KkdPv_v4UVuk1hFW_KtPSaz-A8n9i8Y2s_aGGuCfdLgZ0wOwLFExzUwTSt17D6jy6HYOKZ0k29gF-WqSabBCBxHOJoCMyF2GNsx2y7-DP73g6HG0knujA7Enz=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Datuk Sri Karim Rahman Hamzah says the new Sarawak Heritage Ordinance as a wider scope of coverage</b><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said compared to the previous Sarawak Heritage</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Ordinance 1993, th</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">e new </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ordinance widened the scope of heritage to include underwater heritage, intangible cultural heritage, establishment of the “Sarawak Heritage Council” to assist the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">g</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">overnment on matters of policy relating to heritage. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“Un</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">der this ordinance a fund known as “Sarawak Heritage Trust Fund” is set up for the purpose of preservation and conservation works of the State’s heritage</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said at the launch of the Borneo Cultures Museum by Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SHO 2019 will enable Sarawak to have a better and more comprehensive law to protect, preserve, conserve, and manage its heritage assets more efficiently. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Conservation and management of heritage are spelt out and made clear in this Ordinance</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said, adding that the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sarawak Museum Department will be able to make proper considerations on how to deal with heritage conservation matter</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Karim said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> setting of BCM is at an opportune time where tourism is becoming an important economic contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any country.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said BCM, s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ituated in the centre of Kuching City, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">w</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ill enhance the image of the city and it will be an instant catalysts of city revitalization. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It will become the focus and must-stop destination for tourists. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In addition, BCM with its rich and unique exhibition will definitely lengthen the stay of tourists together with other upcoming attractions in Sarawak</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said, expressing his confidence that BMC</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, beside the old Sarawak Museum</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> will be the pride of Sarawakians. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He explained BCM</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> has more than 6,000 sq</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">uare</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> metres of exhibition space over four floors which showcase objects on natural history, archaeology and the cultures we have in Sarawak in a thematic manner together with a children gallery and also arts and craft gallery. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added it</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> comes with an adjoining Annex building allocated for staff offices, collection storage area and laboratory. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> combined total floor space is approximately 31,000 square metres. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">BCM is also a modern, state-of-the-art museum with an impressive amount of effort put in to develop its digital content. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The application of digital advancements has increased the interaction between the exhibition and the visitors. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The use of technologies is to ensure the Sarawak Museum remains up-to-date and relevant amid evolving global dynamics</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The museum will finally be open to public on March</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 9,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 2022. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Visitors are</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">encouraged to pre-book their visit. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Entry is limited to 500 p</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ersons</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> in the building at a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">time. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-61925896181236924232022-03-04T22:42:00.002+08:002022-03-05T09:54:10.149+08:00Sarawak Governor officially launching RM323 million Malaysia's biggest museum<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 4, 2022 - Malaysia’s biggest museum - the Borneo Cultures Museum - was officially launched tonight by Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg and other state and federal dignitaries.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiidTUh_FjgB5C_XVkzP_2leXzeEYypedQPkGyi6MxsoTd4fpTuVlu24LF8ijUbIWeNS2uKi-YIs5rHNjNXS8ZhD51IZ00uNpgX7b_QdyxbjCflxA_kkT_-OGEGq3WBVPXs6KShvaaqOUFbFvDI8TpPW6EyMRjho8EXxNTS3XjR8L4xD7qSXr5n4s7T=s5026" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2747" data-original-width="5026" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiidTUh_FjgB5C_XVkzP_2leXzeEYypedQPkGyi6MxsoTd4fpTuVlu24LF8ijUbIWeNS2uKi-YIs5rHNjNXS8ZhD51IZ00uNpgX7b_QdyxbjCflxA_kkT_-OGEGq3WBVPXs6KShvaaqOUFbFvDI8TpPW6EyMRjho8EXxNTS3XjR8L4xD7qSXr5n4s7T=w400-h219" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud (2nd right) officially launched Malaysia's biggest museum as Premier DatukPatinggi Abang Johari Openg (centre) and other dignitaries watch.</b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The RM323 million BCM</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is the biggest development</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> pr</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">oject in the history of the Sarawak Museum since it was established in 1891.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The BCM incorporates the elements of Green Building design for its interior, making </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">it the first museum in Malaysia to be certified as a Green Building under the Green </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Building Index (GBI).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The five-storey building consists of permanent exhibitions,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Children's Gallery, temporary exhibition, function room, VIP room, auditorium,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">restaurant, canteen, and a souvenir shop. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">There is also an Arts and Crafts Gallery</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">which includes special activity labs and a dance studio.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Speaking at the launch, Abang Johari said</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> the BCM can also play a forefront role in disseminating knowledge derived from data and research on the museum's extensive collections.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a world-class repository, the BCM is anticipated to serve as a centre of learning, attracting more academics and researchers from both local and international institutions in our effort to be enriched with more knowledge from Borneo's rich history, cultures, and nature.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe that this research-driving objective of the museum will augur well for the ability of our society to appreciate the importance of research and be imbibed with the “research culture'' in order to generate data, undeniably a priceless commodity in the digital economic environment. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is very much in line with our aim of developing an economy that is "data-driven" in which data "moves, operates, or controls" nearly our every action</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,” he added.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He said </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the Sarawak Museum Department can play a larger role in connecting culture with creativity, thereby promoting the growth of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ultural and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">reative </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">i</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ndustries (CCI)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said this</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, in turn, would contribute to the growth of Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by encouraging jobs and having other direct and indirect economic effects in the service sector. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The concept of using museums as a stimulus for the growth of the cultural economy is a proven concept, and has bred success thus becoming more popular in developed and developing countries.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, the famed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum in Spain, opened in 1997, has created a tremendous effect that has become a stimulating environment for the entire city's development.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearer to us in Asia, the National Museum of China in Beijing and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum received over 14.4 million visitors in 2018 and are undeniably strong pull factors in drawing tourists thus boosting the city's economic growth</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,” the premier said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He said these</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> are the kinds of positive outcomes that the Sarawak </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">g</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">overnment is aiming for when the Sarawak Museum Campus Initiative was approved in 2014. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He added the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> cost of setting up the campus at RM323 million should be seen as a long-term investment to boost </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the state’s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> economy, that of Kuching in particular, as a gateway to the southern part of Sarawak. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With its strategic location in the heart of Kuching, and increased accessibility with the forthcoming Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, I am confident that the BCM would create the spin-off effects that it is intended to bring about</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-64078349270098621502022-03-02T23:15:00.007+08:002022-03-03T13:20:54.057+08:00Not a hollow hope for Sarawak to be Asean powerhouse, says Abang Johari<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 2, 2022 - Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg tonight said the state's aim to be Asean powerhouse is not a hollow hope as BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East Asia Growth Area) is moving towards energy security in the sub-region.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDckY5ehU3w_RzVCKLNKhnH9M1QgBJBev9vGGEUmYdh261yZvGdUtFKx7ytAd9XSqIZkjHMEfF8IfBeoX5iyX4v_JGizG_0-U-eMInYHZ-ADaN5EZ05veTPw59R3O1ySsSbEVAHgjI_PLB0qEmxmyFN0gMw_E_EGiYDgynKPOudJ0LFRum_PFVIzr0=s1397" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDckY5ehU3w_RzVCKLNKhnH9M1QgBJBev9vGGEUmYdh261yZvGdUtFKx7ytAd9XSqIZkjHMEfF8IfBeoX5iyX4v_JGizG_0-U-eMInYHZ-ADaN5EZ05veTPw59R3O1ySsSbEVAHgjI_PLB0qEmxmyFN0gMw_E_EGiYDgynKPOudJ0LFRum_PFVIzr0=w304-h400" width="304" /></a></div><b>Picture: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg says Sarawak aims to achieve more than 15% income from foreign markets </b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak is pursuing interconnections within the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Asean region building upon the foundation of the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">successful interconnection with West Kalimantan,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Indonesia, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> first step towards materialising</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the Borneo Grid and the Asean Grid.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the state aims to achieve more than 15 percent income from foreign markers to position Sarawak as Southeast Asia’s renewable energy powerhouse.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">To fulfil these, the renewable energy sector will continue to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">implement various initiatives which will provide local</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">businesses with participation opportunities</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said at the Sarawak Energy Vendor Awards 2021.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The premier also said the state is</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> accelerating rural</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">electrification to reach a 100</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> percent</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> domestic electrification rate</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">for Sarawak by 2025.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak aspires to continue to achieve more sustainable</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">growth and prosperity through affordable, reliable and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">renewable energy and the Sarawak </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">g</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">overnment will provide</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">support and promote public-private collaborations in the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">renewable energy value chain.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This will ensure ample opportunities for our local vendors and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">contractors to engage with the energy industry</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Abang Johari said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Eleven vendors with outstanding performances in 2021 were recognised for excellence in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">contract delivery at the S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">EVA ceremony.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The awards recipients were evaluated for their performance in health, security, safety & </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">environmental excellence (HSSE), quality of works, delivery of services and integrity in the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">categories of ‘Best Works’; ‘Best Supplier’; ‘Best Service Provider’, ‘Best Local Consultant’,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Best International Consultant’, as well as ‘Best Bumiputera Vendor’ and ‘Promising </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bumiputera Vendor’.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">T</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">he recipients for ‘Best Works’ award categories were Ody Enterprise and Mega </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Electrical Engineering Services.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Shorefield Sdn Bhd received ‘Best Bumiputera Vendor’ award while Faizal Engineering (FBI)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trading Limbang and Geoimpact Resources received ‘Promising Bumiputera Vendor’ award.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">For ‘Best Service Provider’ awards, the recipients were Melbourne Business School in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Australia, Crest Business Solution Sdn Bhd and NIOSH Certification Sdn Bhd.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Pine Contract & Supplies received the ‘Best Supplier’ award, while Jurutera Azan Bersekutu </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">received the ‘Best Local Consultant’ award.</span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-80652729944234145692022-03-02T18:52:00.000+08:002022-03-02T18:52:37.741+08:00Take a cue from descendants of last Sultan Sulu, PBK Voon tells GPS government to sue federal government<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 2, 2022 - Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government should take a cue from the descendants of the last Sultan Sulu to sue the Malaysian government for breaching the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan said today.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYT0afJLsX2WOnyDjbR5iD31oNadB71TWxoM5MYKFbg10dq6MdkH9p2iWO8xfFRQ05qgkJVY4f4OfLoa0nvdDDlAhdZCYpAyeC48qdcSmgoU1tGOQEz57pKWEz_AYXnKg36XJS1IPG9CUSpu4MEg6D2VQYyi-iZa1G-WpgxnREyqc-IX0bfu1agu43=s1034" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYT0afJLsX2WOnyDjbR5iD31oNadB71TWxoM5MYKFbg10dq6MdkH9p2iWO8xfFRQ05qgkJVY4f4OfLoa0nvdDDlAhdZCYpAyeC48qdcSmgoU1tGOQEz57pKWEz_AYXnKg36XJS1IPG9CUSpu4MEg6D2VQYyi-iZa1G-WpgxnREyqc-IX0bfu1agu43=w349-h400" width="349" /></a></div><b>Picture: PBK president Voon Lee Shan urges GPS government not to wait further to take legal action against the federal government</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> GPS government should not wait further to take legal actions in court to sue the federal government or even the United Kingdom for breaches of terms and conditions in the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">MA63.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">A failure to do so should be seen by Sarawakians as inability by GPS government to protect Sarawak rights</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Voon, who is a practising lawyer, said in a statement when commenting on the award of RM62.59 billion (US$14.92b) to the descendants of the last Sultan Sulu.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">News reports had reported that the Malaysia government was</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> instructed to pay t</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">he amount by a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Spanish arbitrator, Gonzalo Stampa, in an arbitration court in Paris, France. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">C</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">iting Spanish news website La Información, the ruling was made following a violation of the 1878 agreement signed by Sultan Jamal Al Alam, Baron de Overbeck and the British North Borneo Company’s Alfred Dent. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">was reported that</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Malaysia had stopped paying Sultan Sulu’s heirs their annual RM5,300 cession money since 2013 as a result of the Lahad Datu armed incursion. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Voon urged GPS government to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> take a serious look at the claims by the descendants of the last Sulu Sultan for violation of the 1878 agreement</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He argued the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> fact that the federal and state governments of Sabah and Sarawak had formed steering committees to deliberate and overcome the breaches leading to recent amendments to the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">F</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ederal </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">C</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">onstitution is a clear admission or acknowledgement by the federal, Sarawak and Sabah governments of the breaches of the terms and conditions of MA63. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">arawak and Sabah were once colonies of United Kingdom and Malaya became the successor of United Kingdom after Sarawak and Sabah were handed to Malaya to enlarge her territories to form Malaysia.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This should be used by the Sarawak government to make the federal government of Malaysia liable for damages, loss of revenues, oil and gas and all other rights that Sarawak had suffered caused by the breaches</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The Sulu sultan’s descendants had initially wanted to claim US$32.2 bil (RM135.08 bil) from Malaysia to recover the unpaid cession money along with how much they believe should have been paid for the oil and gas found in the region. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The descendants had filed the case in Spain as the 1878 agreement was signed in the country. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">It was initially heard in Madrid until the Madrid High Court (Tribunal Superior de Justica de Madrid) annulled Stampa’s appointment, citing that Malaysia was not properly informed about the case and was thus “defenceless”. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The case was later moved to the French capital. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">According to the arbitration news website Global Arbitration Review, Malaysia did not send a team in the Paris arbitration hearing. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Following Stampa’s annulment, Malaysia is now challenging his validity to hear the case in criminal court. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-54509472598383998372022-03-02T10:29:00.001+08:002022-03-02T10:29:22.065+08:00Three family members in Sibu burnt to death when their house was destroyed in a fire<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">SIBU, March 2, 2022 - Three members of a family were burnt to death when their house at Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Jalan Burung Beliris, here was destroyed in a fire last night.</span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0oMq7ye5AMk6i1-XHutCFRJ11hFjCULL6b5zXW-ScOrE_UY7ZhntuvoTWSwp2FbDEg_UfhPnQDVec0wOFngAMXyXmpArMZlG2h5FqLt7JfRYas6mwXuf3Q1_fyrEx1Gp-wfW5WLFzhuCbp5w_iPDPUJmbMrQVIwEsMceKhssN6wCSbDuytIHW7SD=s960" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="960" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0oMq7ye5AMk6i1-XHutCFRJ11hFjCULL6b5zXW-ScOrE_UY7ZhntuvoTWSwp2FbDEg_UfhPnQDVec0wOFngAMXyXmpArMZlG2h5FqLt7JfRYas6mwXuf3Q1_fyrEx1Gp-wfW5WLFzhuCbp5w_iPDPUJmbMrQVIwEsMceKhssN6wCSbDuytIHW7SD=w337-h285" width="337" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Picture: The firefighter putting off the fire that destroyed two houses at Kampung Bahagia, Sibu, last night</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) identified them as </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sima bte Abdullah</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 20</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, A</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">bdullah bin Bus</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">64</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Rasidah bte Suut</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, 80.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“Their charred remains have been handed over to the police for further action,” Sibu Bomba investigating officer Jackson Anyie said in a statement.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said six other family members managed to escape from the fire.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They are Nur Fazli bin Mahdi, 27, Taib bin Bus, 56, Mohd Zaini bin Taib, 25, Rafidah bin Bat, 44, NurHijrah binti Taib, 12, and Nur Damia binti Taib, 8.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Jackson said the Sibu station received an emergency call at 8.15pm last night, saying that a house was on fire at Kamung Bahagia and caller wanted the firefighter to come.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said 19 firemen equipped with firefighting equipment from Sungai Merah and Sibu stations were dispatched to the scene.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said one wooden was completely destroyed and another 90 per cent.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-55003963563697903262022-03-01T18:59:00.000+08:002022-03-01T18:59:13.779+08:00Taib takes oath of office as Sarawak Governor for third term<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 1, 2022 - Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud took his oath of office as the Sarawak Governor at the Dewan Lapau of the State Assembly here this afternoon, soon after arriving</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /> from the federal capital.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmkGCXm0goInYgwKqdOtbVSve7wY7wZ9ZB39arSWlnhUajE0BT-l9KEJRUaEjiW1wZD6rH5hUCQntYMJpRq0eSZLh3YQVmGBU1_ciOPwhEhSWFsa3c3wBs2J2-kjNfauZROiqvsgqDNqyFSOeMYX_RMpoq36ppSqPtifx5XK5_nSywN1h8NlOQRBM=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsmkGCXm0goInYgwKqdOtbVSve7wY7wZ9ZB39arSWlnhUajE0BT-l9KEJRUaEjiW1wZD6rH5hUCQntYMJpRq0eSZLh3YQVmGBU1_ciOPwhEhSWFsa3c3wBs2J2-kjNfauZROiqvsgqDNqyFSOeMYX_RMpoq36ppSqPtifx5XK5_nSywN1h8NlOQRBM=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Picture: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud taking is oath of office, witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg (standing, left) and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim (seated, right)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p>The oath taking ceremony was witnessed by Sarawak Premier <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The ceremony began with Abang Johari reading the letter of appointment of the head of state.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Among those present at the oath taking ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, state ministers, deputy ministers and Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib received his letter of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday to be Governor for the third term.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was appointed the Governor in February 2014 after stepping down as the chief minister, the post he had held since 1981.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-43429376875750517782022-03-01T12:34:00.002+08:002022-03-01T12:34:48.179+08:00With effect from today, the post of Chief Minister is now known as Premier of Sarawak<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Simon Peter</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 1, 2022 - Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg is now known as Premier of Sarawak in place of Chief Minister following the passage of an amendment to the State Constitution</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in the State Legislative Assembly on February 15 this year.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1iZh2EaLITRnB3pZCt_7W1HVV3SggPWtIM_NOgs-23oyWgvPVhtm8xiyrRyMLSKV5GFBrfkf0R0c3otSHszW7yDCab4fx91p47Y7-8Fy8cUIs6RhjbLcEGSVkXHw0uh_JEHhDzkCi8HArS1J463qEmrDPgdoy0hqFQr9WXcVchKWorJEVlO_IQfw=s591" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="472" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1iZh2EaLITRnB3pZCt_7W1HVV3SggPWtIM_NOgs-23oyWgvPVhtm8xiyrRyMLSKV5GFBrfkf0R0c3otSHszW7yDCab4fx91p47Y7-8Fy8cUIs6RhjbLcEGSVkXHw0uh_JEHhDzkCi8HArS1J463qEmrDPgdoy0hqFQr9WXcVchKWorJEVlO_IQfw=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><b>Picture: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg is Premier of Sarawak, effective today<br /></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> amendment is effective from today, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">March 1, 2022.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The Chief Minister of Sarawak after the date of coming into force of the amendment will be addressed in English as the “Premier of Sarawak" and in Bahasa Malaysia as “Premier Sarawak”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said in a statement.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Office of the Chief Minister will be referred to in English as the "Office of the Premier of Sarawak” and in Bahasa Malaysia as “Pejabat Premier Sarawak”. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In this connection, Deputy Chief Minister (Timbalan Ketua Menteri) will be referred to as Deputy Premier (Timbalan Premier) and Assistant Minister (Menteri Muda) as Deputy Minister (Timbalan Menteri) with effect from the same date</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">When tabling the Sarawak Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2022, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Karim Rahman Hamzah in the State Assembly said the restyling of the post of head of Sarawak government from “Chief Minister” to “Premier” was to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">give full effect to the amendment of the Federal Constitution</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> recent amendments to the Federal Constitution restores the spirit originally contemplated by the parties to the Malaysia Agreement, 1963 (MA63) and that is, when Sarawak agreed to be a party in the formation of Malaysia, it was intended that Sarawak retain its status as one of the three regions that formed the new Federation of Malaysia. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said this</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> put Sarawak as one of the three regions and is to be regarded not with the same status as the other component States in the Federation of Malaya. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He added the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> special status of Sarawak needs to be reflected in the manner different from other States in the Federation. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">As practised in other Commonwealth regions assuming similar set up with Malaysia including Australia and Canada, the Head of the Federation is styled as Prime Minister and Heads of Regions constituting the Federation is styled as Premier while the other sub-regions or states are headed by Chief Ministers. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Therefore, to correctly reflect the status of Sarawak as different from the other States in the Federation, it is proposed that the designation and style of Chief Minister be re-styled to Premier</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Karim said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">mendment </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">also to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> change the designation of “Assistant Minister” to “Deputy Minister” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In view of the responsibilities that they hold and exercise, it is therefore necessary to reflect the proper designation and style from that of “Assistant Minister” to “Deputy Minister”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” said.</span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-71582622226449344912022-03-01T09:45:00.000+08:002022-03-01T09:45:08.912+08:00Dr Sim tested positive for Covid-19, now undergoing self-isolation for seven days<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, March 1, 2022 - Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian today expressed shock that he is tested positive for Covid-19, although it is without displaying any symptom.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5IYVrFXVkBD5EuMCdOZYwKsOBpovCzAdmI_yWJcGzvr4UvkYeAWXJwY5JUvucQ5ffkgFtO8mfjoncYnsYXYw9Odc3fwXwvGz4mXKh9NF7tAqblaTWtZZpLUMlmJPMQAYFK3NZCUf5QNzRf_BAAwoT_jDwbCRwe6CnDje1L65gMYq4zbtFIFXYfLhr=s385" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5IYVrFXVkBD5EuMCdOZYwKsOBpovCzAdmI_yWJcGzvr4UvkYeAWXJwY5JUvucQ5ffkgFtO8mfjoncYnsYXYw9Odc3fwXwvGz4mXKh9NF7tAqblaTWtZZpLUMlmJPMQAYFK3NZCUf5QNzRf_BAAwoT_jDwbCRwe6CnDje1L65gMYq4zbtFIFXYfLhr=w325-h400" width="325" /></a></div><b>Picture: Datuk Sri Dr Sim says shock as he has always been following SOPs</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> positive result c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">me as a shock </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to him </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">as</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> he has</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> daily self testing, always</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> wearing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> double masks, washing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> hands and following standard operating procedures (SOPs).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> It shows how infectious and how hard to fight C</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ovid-19</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Omicron surge</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said on his Facebook.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">As part of living with </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the virus, I have</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> self reported thr</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ough</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> MySejahtera, will self isolate and self monitor for </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">seven </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">days as per latest M</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">inistry of Health (MoH) SOPs,” he added</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He tendered his apologies </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> those who c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">me into contact</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> with </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">him</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> over the last few days. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Pls follow the latest MOH SOP on close contact.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Let’s pray for my speedy recovery together</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Local Government and Housing Minister, said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said he has </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">PCR test</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> before going on an</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> official oversea</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s trip, and then tested positive after coming back.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“(It) looks</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> like I beat most of the people for "4th dose"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he added.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said he has no</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> symptoms and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">his </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">daily morning self testing for the last few days ha</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> been negative. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-703650431313023462022-02-28T21:33:00.002+08:002022-02-28T21:33:30.928+08:00Taib re-appointed as Sarawak's Governor for the third term<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, February 28, 2022 - Tun</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Abdul Taib Mahmud </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">was today re-appointed as Sarawak Governor by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Al Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for a third term, beginning March 1.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVzn0U0jcjTqDtqXAZ6O00LG1ciP2Ejm8fCNy3ZHzDQ9qHwfJzymFn5ozHtzwogvasaf-LvZxhDt9xoNp0ajvyJ8w5T40G4cxCnVAMvRgq8PERS9RARAq0Oj8D6x3JW-F9X0QV2r2Vdjao5QAajGFyQkfGFYRZgQ6ma1RsATb0po89vCM8wIrzPg1R=s972" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="739" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVzn0U0jcjTqDtqXAZ6O00LG1ciP2Ejm8fCNy3ZHzDQ9qHwfJzymFn5ozHtzwogvasaf-LvZxhDt9xoNp0ajvyJ8w5T40G4cxCnVAMvRgq8PERS9RARAq0Oj8D6x3JW-F9X0QV2r2Vdjao5QAajGFyQkfGFYRZgQ6ma1RsATb0po89vCM8wIrzPg1R=w304-h400" width="304" /></a></div><b>Picture: Tun Taib receiving his instrument of appointment from the King at Astana Negara<br /></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The former chief minister received</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the instrument of appointment </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">at the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Dewan Sri Setia Istana Negara.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Prime Minister,Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Chief Minister</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Patinggi </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Abang</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Johari Tun Openg</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Minister in attendance</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail were among those present to witness the handing over ceremony.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">returned</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> to the State capital </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">this</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> evening. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> will take his oath of office during the swearing in </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">eremony at the State Legislative assembly tomorrow afternoon.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was appointed as the seventh Governor post-Malaysia in March 2014, replacing Tun Abang Salahuddin Abang Barieng, after stepping down as fourth chief minister, the post he had held since March 1981, on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> February </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">12, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">2014</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">His former brother-in-law, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Tan Sri </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Adenan Satem, succeeded him as Premier with effect from March</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 1,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 2014.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">At the same time, he received the official credentials as the 7th Sarawak Head of State from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara on February</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 28, 2014</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and officially took the oath of office on the following </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">day.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib has nine siblings namely Ibrahim, Onn, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Arip, Mohammad Tufail, Aisah Zainab, Roziah, Faridah Hanon and Zaleha. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Taib </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">studied at</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> at Andi Malay School and later St Joseph's Primary School in Miri. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> later won a Shell scholarship to study at St. Joseph's Secondary School in Kuching with the help of his uncle, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">aTun </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Abdul Rahman</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Yaakub</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> who was also a Probationary Native Officer in Miri.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In 1958, his excellent performance in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination earned him a Colombo Plan scholarship,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">allowing </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">him </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to further his studies at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He graduated with Bachelor of Laws from the university in 1960. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">After graduation, he was appointed as an associate to Justice Sir Herbert Mayo of the Supreme Court of South Australia.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> On returning to Sarawak, Taib worked </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">as a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Crown Coun</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">se</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">l from 1962 to 1963. He was then persuaded by his uncle to take part in the formation of Barisan Ra'ayat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA) party. Taib resigned </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">as the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Crown Coun</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">sel</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and assumed the post of vice-chairman of BARJASA in 1963. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In the 1963 local council elections, Taib's BARJASA party won only 44 out of 429 seats. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib's uncle was defeated in the election. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sarawak National Party (SNAP) became a majority party with </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Tan Sri </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the state's first chief minister. However, Taib was able to join the Council Negri of Sarawak on July</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 22,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">1963, where he was appointed state minister for Communication and Works from 1963 to 1966 although Taib did not contest in the election. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Although Taib was a minister in the Sarawak cabinet with a superior education background, he was frustrated when his BARJASA party was consulted last after expatriate, SNAP party, and Sarawak Chinese Association (SCA) were consulted in a cabinet decision making. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib's anger towards Ningkan's leadership intensified in 1965 when Ningkan decided to pass a land bill which would allow Chinese to purchase native land. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">BARJASA party later formed an alliance with Parti Negara Sarawak (PANAS), and Parti Pesaka Sarawak (PESAKA) in order to challenge Ningkan. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib and another BARJASA leader Awang Hipni was expelled from Sarawak cabinet by Ningkan. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In June 1966, Taib and his BARJASA partner was re-accepted into the cabinet in order to end the ruling coalition crisis. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, the crisis between SNAP and BARJASA worsened into a constitutional crisis and Ningkan was removed as chief minister in 1966.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib later became Minister of Development and Forestry in 1967 under the leadership of new Sarawak chief minister Tawi Sli.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On several occasions, Taib acted as Chief Minister. Taib later fall out with Tawi Sli. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib decided to shift his focus onto the Malaysian federal cabinet.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib was appointed Federal Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry from 1968 until 1970.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He represented Parti Bumiputera Sarawak, which was a component party of Sarawak Alliance, in 1969 Malaysian general election.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> During the 1970 parliamentary election for Sarawak, he was elected as the member of Malaysian parliament for Kota Samarahan seat.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was later appointed to numerous portfolios including Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (1970–1972) and Natural Resources Minister (1972–1974).</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In 1973, Taib was appointed deputy president of the newly formed PBB before subsequently becoming the president of the party.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Abdul Rahman Ya'kub was Taib's political mentor for 20 years.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In 1980, Taib was appointed as federal territory minister which would be the Taib's last portfolio before he returned to Sarawak. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib stepped down from federal cabinet post on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">March </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">9, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">1981.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In order to let Taib to become an elected representative in Sarawak state assembly, a PBB assembly woman vacated the Sebandi (now Asajaya) seat and a by-election was held in March 1981. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib won the seat unopposed. He was later appointed as Sarawak's Land and Mines Minister. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On March</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 26,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 1981, Abdul Rahman, who was the chief minister of Sarawak at that time, announced his retirement from politics by vacating his state constituency of Paloh and PBB presidency. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, the Malaysian federal government favoured the appointment of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Tan Sri </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sulaiman Daud as the next chief minister because Taib was away from Sarawak for 13 years. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Abdul Rahman was able to convince the federal leaders to appoint Taib as chief minister because </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sulaiman</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> was much more junior than Taib. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib retained entire cabinet line-up of his uncle except for Celestine Ujang who would vacate his ministerial post to become speaker in the Sarawak state assembly. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Taib held the Sebandi seat until 1987, when he was elected as state assemblyman for the Asajaya constituency. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In 2001 state election, he decided to contest in Balingian</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-11983026866841106252022-02-28T15:47:00.000+08:002022-02-28T15:47:10.284+08:00Sarawak human rights activist calls for overhaul of administration of citizenship approval<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, February 8, 2022 - </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Human </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">r</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ights </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">activist</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Peter John Jaban</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> who has been advocating statelessness issue</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for decades</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> is calling once again for an overhaul of the administration of citizenship approval in Sarawak following </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> case of Jeanny Lianna Ating, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">published in a local daily recently.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOi7YwAR8J0EM_XNJ7eHt2OwRqY5axiLKYfJhJbEJKcDkivK0I81TLDpY4QLvnZAMxAcuEOb7dq5JFxL_OIhuEmguyM2_b3gRrrMujSePMqBmMikOn_pATXROHjy0-B7nWV517lXu_Ty9cqme7CJB2GW4o9n0gQ5ClgWxdqXL3TcisQQtslb3DaO9u=s789" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="789" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOi7YwAR8J0EM_XNJ7eHt2OwRqY5axiLKYfJhJbEJKcDkivK0I81TLDpY4QLvnZAMxAcuEOb7dq5JFxL_OIhuEmguyM2_b3gRrrMujSePMqBmMikOn_pATXROHjy0-B7nWV517lXu_Ty9cqme7CJB2GW4o9n0gQ5ClgWxdqXL3TcisQQtslb3DaO9u=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> a member of the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">echoes the statement by</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Datuk </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Sri Fatimah Abdullah that detailed how the long wait for citizenship approval </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">has </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">cause</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">d </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">great suffering for applicants</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said he believes</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> that, with Sarawak</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> recently</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> regain</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ing its original</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> status in the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">f</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ederation, it is high time for the state to demand full autonomy over its administrative requirements for citizenship to better reflect the local context and to put an end to this misery once and for all. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5MPK5Jifb4JJP67kzh3zg_nqJtWgcDeQYYHmHV8YQ_wKjS0vxraPn0WDR_ctpLsaoUDjGgDri0lcIc08VH75ikoWZQphkFBf5q1sW3VgOxGE39GKUP9tnyCdse25amnjPELYtUj9W7lPVf6x2Izlg8jgV7EMo6Fxciq5_onr43jx1tHE-aREbzTK=s635" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="635" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS5MPK5Jifb4JJP67kzh3zg_nqJtWgcDeQYYHmHV8YQ_wKjS0vxraPn0WDR_ctpLsaoUDjGgDri0lcIc08VH75ikoWZQphkFBf5q1sW3VgOxGE39GKUP9tnyCdse25amnjPELYtUj9W7lPVf6x2Izlg8jgV7EMo6Fxciq5_onr43jx1tHE-aREbzTK=s320" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am deeply disappointed that this remains a problem in Sarawak or indeed in Malaysia. Personally, I have been campaigning on this particular issue for nearly a decade and many activists and civil society groups have been calling for change for many years</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,” he said in a statement.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">P<b>icture: Peter John Jaban says the federal government cannot continue to remain deaf and dumb on the stateless issue in Sarawak</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This is not to mention the efforts made by the Department for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">D</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">evelopment</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> in tackling the issue,” he added.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said yet </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">f</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ederal </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">g</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">overnment</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> has</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> remain</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ed</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> deaf and dumb to our demands</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, adding:”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> It is time the issue was taken out of their hands and into our own.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter said as the c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">itizenship is set by the Federal Constitution</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> guiding principle is that every person born within Malaysia of whose parents</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> one at least is at the time of birth either a citizen or a permanent resident</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> should be given citizenship and all the rights that this affords. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This is a statement of intent for our nation, for how we wish to include those born within our borders, and yet </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the state National Registration Department (NRD) insists</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> on doing everything in their power to exclude anyone who doesn’t quite fit their exact profile. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">arawak natives have been particularly hard hit by their administrative rigidity, particularly concerning registrations of marriage as a prerequisite, but this inflexibility or, frankly, lack of understanding of the local context has impacted on all Sarawak communities and many Sarawak citizens.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“We have had so many cases come across our desk of the effect of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">NRD</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">’s inappropriate policies. I recall the rainbow family, in which seven siblings have the full range of identity cards: blue, green and red. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This case has been going on for so long that both the father, who was a former </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">order </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">cout, and the mother, have died in the interim. Even worse, one of the siblings passed away during the pandemic with no resolution to their status</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter sai</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">d NRD</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">) again has failed to provide citizenship </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">native Sarawakians including a former boarder scout who died recently despite defending the country during confrontation.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Peter reiterated it </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">is</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> time the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ountry help</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> stateless natives in Sarawak after 59 years of Independence.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He called on Sarawak’s </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Premier </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Datuk Patinggi Abang</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Johari Tun Openg to put his foot down</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, saying that it</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is time to bring the approval process back to the state. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This will ease the unbelievable delays involved, which see young children unable to attend education while they wait, but also allow</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> for more appropriate administrative requirements to be drafted. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In fact, with Sarawak’s newly regained status and the current unity government, our premier should be campaigning for amendments to the Constitution so that it becomes the Constitution for all regions of Malaysia, not just Malaya</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Another activist</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Bill Jugah , also the founder and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">hief </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">v</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">isionary </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">o</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">fficer for a newly-formed Independent Council Of Natives (ICON)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> said</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> reasons behind stateless also exemplify the roots of the problems in the procedure of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">NRD.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said NRD</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> needs to overhaul its policies in the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">tate in order to recognise the stateless situation of many natives</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the state should be given the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> full autonomy </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">over NRD, remarking that the current</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> role of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">state </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">NRD </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">director and staff is akin to an office boy or mail delivery service, where the process of approval for applications from Sarawak only comes fro</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Putrajaya.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Let us solve this issue of statelessness once and for all genuine Sarawakians without going through Putra Jaya. The solution cannot be on a case by case basis</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Jugah said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said rules</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> set in Putra Jaya, wh</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ich does not understand the issues</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> or the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">customary laws (Adat) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">cannot be allowed to continue as it has resulted in denial of Sarawak natives nationality,health care, education and even their rights to vote.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">We want the state gov</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ernment </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> to take control of the registration of stateless people o</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">r</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> even issue its own registration card. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"If the government lacks the fortitude to establish its own identity card, ICON is willing to initiate this move even if it is seen as a sign of being recalcitrant or even rebellious</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Jugah said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-12170445144145702482022-02-27T18:18:00.000+08:002022-02-27T18:18:02.024+08:00RM108 million Bebuling Airport project delayed by 19 per cent<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">B</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ETONG, Sun -- </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah today asked the state</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Public Works Department</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (JKR)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to closely monitor the ongoing construction of three big projects in Spaoh</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> district</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> near here.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8f5dfLSupB1OCXt9derj7BUW1wDW55Dw_b-l0thcUzCSZhpuu1jL5zeQyrjuq1j7o-cEukPcKyH75MjmT0afZxuuZjeY7Tt_kAmc14bmWlDUAir_Km5a1rD4EPqdVShxOMbOQi0o9iYbeu1r6izKcsvDYcRHH6nHVaE560TbXBrFMVCxJcK2Nau_5=s891" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="891" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8f5dfLSupB1OCXt9derj7BUW1wDW55Dw_b-l0thcUzCSZhpuu1jL5zeQyrjuq1j7o-cEukPcKyH75MjmT0afZxuuZjeY7Tt_kAmc14bmWlDUAir_Km5a1rD4EPqdVShxOMbOQi0o9iYbeu1r6izKcsvDYcRHH6nHVaE560TbXBrFMVCxJcK2Nau_5=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><b>Picture: DCM Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah being briefed on the construction of Sungai Paku bridge by a site engineer.</b></span></p>According to him, the three projects are the Bebuling Airport, Sungai Paku bridge and Debak-Tuie Road.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He was informed that ai</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">rport</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> project is delayed by</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 18.99 per cent in its construction schedule.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The RM108million project was scheduled to be completed on September </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">17 this year.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 5pt; text-indent: -5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> delay</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is said to be mainly caused by problems in constructing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> access road to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">transport</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">achiner</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">y </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">building </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">materials</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> as well as poor weather conditions.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> contractor ha</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> now resolved the issue and is catching up on the delay with sufficient machiner</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">y</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and manpower at the site.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On the Sungai Paku bridge at Tanjung Sebekut, it</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is delayed </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 6.71 per cent</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, mainly attributed to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">the slow performance by the contractor, delayed arrival of construction materials from </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Malaya</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and slow delivery of machiner</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">y</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and construction materials to the site </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The 100</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">-</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">meter</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">long steel arch bridge costing RM26.75million</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> is now scheduled to be completed by December 21, instead of the original date on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> November</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 5</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, 2023.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Its construction had commenced on 6th May, 2021 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Uggah said all contractors must take note of the steps taken by JKR to catch up on the delays.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"They too must comply with all terms and conditions of their contracts</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> he said.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-4380122127611134022022-02-27T17:53:00.001+08:002022-02-27T17:53:16.818+08:00Get yourselves vaccinated with booster dose, Uggah advises 250,000 Sarawakians<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BETONG, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">February 27, 2022 - Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah today urged some</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 249,000 people</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, who are</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> yet to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">get the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Covid-19 booster jabs</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, do so as it is very</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> importan</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">t </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to protect themselves</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> against Covid-19.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0E1pmArTjGc0p-7ALRU9C9jt5j1AYa28MBZl5bl0NGWox8bWxyv-YIxz8zADCfmUOUIXdXQOg5sp-drksoKAdIRKrvl20WqPceNO3ni_B52s09GPqG-TTEMY3pg_KWi139HcYiGkbU8RM5qWLt972KyA7hqZMDb5kBgHjEAzEbD9fv3h3lb8vSaGH=s865" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="865" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0E1pmArTjGc0p-7ALRU9C9jt5j1AYa28MBZl5bl0NGWox8bWxyv-YIxz8zADCfmUOUIXdXQOg5sp-drksoKAdIRKrvl20WqPceNO3ni_B52s09GPqG-TTEMY3pg_KWi139HcYiGkbU8RM5qWLt972KyA7hqZMDb5kBgHjEAzEbD9fv3h3lb8vSaGH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><b>Picture: DCM Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah exchanging greetings with PBB members before officiating at the Kpg Tengah Spaoh subbranch</b></span></p>He said they should make full use of the opportunities accorded to them by the government to get the booster dose.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"The booster dose is to strengthen your double vaccination doses,"</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">he </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">said</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">when officiating at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> (PBB)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> trienni</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">l delegate</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">s</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> conference of the Kampung Tengah Spaoh sub-branch at the community hall here</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Uggah who is also the chairman of the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">tate Disaster Management Committee( SDMC) said as of yesterday, the state health department said some 86.3 per cent of the state population h</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ave been vaccinated with</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> the booster dose</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> He again called on all to continue to observe all standard operating procedures.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the current Omicron variant was very transmissible.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> Sarawak had recorded 476 cases today and 483 yesterday.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Meanwhile Uggah also thanked voters here for their full support to him in the recent 12th state election.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said although two other candidates had challenged him, they had decided to support him as the GPS candidate from PBB.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said they</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> knew that the GPS had very good leader in the person of the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who had proven himself to be a people centric, caring and visionary leader for all Sarawakians.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">"They have wanted him to continue leading the state,"he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Earlier, Uggah who is Bukit Saban state assemblyman visited the RM6.2 million Spaoh waterfront park and the RM5 million Spaoh market which is under construction.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-73793318094089243862022-02-21T18:08:00.004+08:002022-02-21T18:18:12.364+08:00Elderly couple expressed shock when bank told them they still owe over RM80,000<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">KUCHING, February 21, 2022 - An elderly couple, who thought that they have settled their housing loan with a bank, was shocked to learn they still owed the bank of over RM80,000.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWXk_5TwBSrIc9dum7iOeSSKy3_ZIBUFMGJHXuJWIbW60AfF-AFpbBysxCuoifr7bfrBaC92aw8yeV_0N1SoS-CXHjMxKzaB93AhK7uXicLWne6HJmH_Ko7YGIQDVGtFu1Xf7PmEmeYYnapuYFcdzegCIW6CUaLd3fPIZyG7lLX5PXN_I9xmzTswd=s3524" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2445" data-original-width="3524" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWXk_5TwBSrIc9dum7iOeSSKy3_ZIBUFMGJHXuJWIbW60AfF-AFpbBysxCuoifr7bfrBaC92aw8yeV_0N1SoS-CXHjMxKzaB93AhK7uXicLWne6HJmH_Ko7YGIQDVGtFu1Xf7PmEmeYYnapuYFcdzegCIW6CUaLd3fPIZyG7lLX5PXN_I9xmzTswd=w400-h278" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen (right) talking to the couple outside the bank.</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">They took their case to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen after the bank insisted that they must settle the outstanding amount.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">According to Chong, the couple, identified as Mr and Mrs Jee, both retirees, had been paying their loan for 20 years and were shocked to learn that they have only settled one-third of the loan.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This is the distressing and shocking encounter of Mr and Mrs Jee when they found out that, after they have regularly made monthly repayment towards their housing loan for more than 20 years, there is still an outstanding of more than RM80,000 owed by them to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">an</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">k,” he said after meeting the couple.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said that the couple told him that in the</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> year 2000, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">they</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> borrowed a housing loan of RM125,000 from to part-finance the purchase of their house. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Under the loan agreement, the repayment term is 240 months, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">that is</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> 20 years. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">From year 2000 till 2021, over a span of 21 years, the couple have dutifully repaid the bank the monthly instalments. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Though there were a few rare occasions of delayed payments over the years, they have made up for the delayed payments.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“However, i</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">n 2021, the retired couple approached the bank, with the intention to fully settle the outstanding loan to discharge their house from the bank. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They thought, given that they have been regularly paying their monthly instalments to the bank for more than 20 years and that there is no letter of demand from the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ank for any default on the repayment, the loan would have been substantially repaid. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They expected that the outstanding loan amount would, at most, be a few thousand </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">r</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">inggit. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They would use their retirement savings to clear the loan.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">However, that was not the case. They were informed that as at </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">December 31, 2020,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> there was still an outstanding amount of RM80,362.17 owed by them to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ank under the loan. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">They were shocked and totally devastated. Mr and Mrs Jee are now 68 years old and 63 years old respectively. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Having retired, they would have no income to continue paying their loans.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">As such, they approached me for help</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Chong said.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said he brought them to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> discuss the matter with the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ank</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and he</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> also helped to draft a letter addressed to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ank seeking explanation on why, for a loan the repayment tenure of which was 20 years, there is still an outstanding of about </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">tw-thirds </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">of the loan amount.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said in the course of the</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> discussion with the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">b</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">ank’s manager, it was disclosed that there had been some variation of interest by the Bank as a result of which, the main bulk of their repayment were mainly for the interest charged. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Even if such were the case, there could not have been such a great disparity in the outstanding amount</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Chong said he had</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> also sought the intervention of Bank Negara Malaysia to ensure that justice be done.to the couple.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">This is a battle between the ordinary helpless people against a giant corporation, in a battlefield where rules are set by the government in favour of the giant corporation</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">On a general note, all borrowers should regularly check their loan accounts to ensure that the interest rates charged by the banks are in accordance with the loan agreement and not unilaterally increased by banks</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 等线; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-70799330168198690142022-02-21T14:47:00.002+08:002022-02-21T14:49:30.976+08:00Sarawak CM praises Sarawak Energy for transforming itself into a global energy industry player<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KUCHING, February 21, 2022 - Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg today heaped praises on Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) for transforming itself into an international energy industry player, in the process carrying Sarawak’s flag at internationally and regionally energy industry platforms.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ZT2LCvyyrz5ajyvGIw0CROdO3o8SpIBFCjiv-P67gMwNcJQrMRACoUsgAG7-qmVAoByK_UCHr0uhbRM6rovXfZLNjOkF6dFg6kvQfjaID1uyZ7QVAuCWgdPWG2dnrD0H8YI1hVlfb1ZNKqrIpQeRU5V3F77LcE3-gKtE1M3tbwgCmDV2bQTqplQp=s3994" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2348" data-original-width="3994" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ZT2LCvyyrz5ajyvGIw0CROdO3o8SpIBFCjiv-P67gMwNcJQrMRACoUsgAG7-qmVAoByK_UCHr0uhbRM6rovXfZLNjOkF6dFg6kvQfjaID1uyZ7QVAuCWgdPWG2dnrD0H8YI1hVlfb1ZNKqrIpQeRU5V3F77LcE3-gKtE1M3tbwgCmDV2bQTqplQp=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg (centre) with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian (third from left), SEB group CEO Datuk Sarbini Suhaili (third from right) with other invited VVIPs at the centenary townhall.</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said for SEB to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> survive and thrive for 100 years is an exceptional feat, one which </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SEB</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> has managed to accomplish. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The longevity and achievements of your</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">organisation are something all of us are very proud of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said at SEB Centenary Townhall here.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">As Sarawak's primary power utility, your efforts and contributions have been</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">key in supporting the government's efforts to drive socioeconomic</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">development in Sarawak towards our ambition of becoming a high-income</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">state by 2030</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwX43C-UEl2vxm28-TY27PlUZsbbaWS1qPA3AE4Ioe1Mg8Xlm5DgPXt1a-VyIDdE4hWuAXN_A3HJ0bBrW-szkCagoyZdnMZ_0QrH7RnfRnbyskYnFWn-caSvn8EeIuFTczKhwsAbEi5ACJn0G_7-0_9GEdDi4EfWWXJBlV4LpxK647YxHs5aMEzZl0=s5613" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3147" data-original-width="5613" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwX43C-UEl2vxm28-TY27PlUZsbbaWS1qPA3AE4Ioe1Mg8Xlm5DgPXt1a-VyIDdE4hWuAXN_A3HJ0bBrW-szkCagoyZdnMZ_0QrH7RnfRnbyskYnFWn-caSvn8EeIuFTczKhwsAbEi5ACJn0G_7-0_9GEdDi4EfWWXJBlV4LpxK647YxHs5aMEzZl0=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b>Picture: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg launching the centenary townhall.</b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Our goal is to ensure all Sarawakians have equal opportunities to participate</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">in the state’s overall development and enjoy equitable distribution of wealth</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">through jobs and business opportunities.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Rural areas of Sarawak must be equipped with all the basic infrastructure and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">facilities to enable communities to participate in wealth creation activities,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">improving the standard of living in these areas</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he added.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">In comparison to 2009 when the rural electrification rate was only at 56%,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">today about 97% of our rural communities have access to 24/7 reliable,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">renewable and clean electricity via a suite of grid and off grid solutions</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">including solar and micro hydro power systems</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">SEB group chief executive officer Datuk Sarbini Suhaili said SEB has achieved remarkable milestones over the last 100 years.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“W</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">e can say with a strong measure of pride</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> that</span><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">we are now ahead</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">of the sustainable energy development curve, transitioning from a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">generation mix that was 100% fossil fuel when we began in the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">1920s to over 90% fossil fuel in 2010 to predominantly renewable</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">hydropower today.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">We are now Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">, we</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> have almost met our target of achieving full electrification of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sarawak by 2025.</span><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">From a customer base of just 84 in southern Sarawak in the 1920s,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">we now provide electricity to over 740,000 accounts, serving a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">population of almost 3 million people in Sarawak, with customers </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in Indonesia.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">We started with around 30 staff and today, we are among the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">largest employers of professional Sarawak talent with 5,400</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">purposeful and dedicated employees</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">n fact, our subject matter experts are sought after to share their</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">knowledge and technical expertise beyond our borders</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” Sarbini said.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said t</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">hese accomplishments were made possible by the support and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">strategic direction of the Sarawak </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">g</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">overnment, with much of</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">today’s major corporate achievements a direct result of SCORE</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">which was launched in 2008</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">,” he said.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> period 2010 to 2020 was an important decade for Sarawak Energy as</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">a direct result of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">its</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> investment in hydropower development and focus</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">on SCORE</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said it has allowed SEB</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> to support Sarawak’s economic growth and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">significantly transform Sarawak’s energy sector.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">any important milestones were achieved during this period</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">including the commissioning of the 944MW Murum Hydroelectric</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Plant as well as the delivery of Sarawak’s first interconnection to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">West Kalimantan, Indonesia.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said during the past decade, SEB increased its</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> installed generation capacity by 3.8 times to</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">5,233MW, with large hydropower contributing 3,452MW to the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">total capacity</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> and increased its</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> annual revenue by 3.6 times and reached the RM5</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">billion mark.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145466119285708250.post-39436506002528369612022-02-20T16:37:00.001+08:002022-02-20T16:37:28.916+08:00Bomba men stop Dayak woman from attempting to commit suicide<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">BINTULU, February 20, 2022 - A 29-year old mentally distressed Dayak woman was successfully persuaded by rescuers from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and police not to jump off a building here at lunch time today.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC__Ubp8T5y50yqvDVDazcLasnMa5cFcyACXSO_exji9RDjPgiIVhyvsJBAWVNRIAn3CL08EY_7Zd1BjI0s2EgIIOycxKnfVxxB-tu_F-GFzPfuThBqKSIsbVeHGI-pq1ADLy-Bqa0UA5fsinc-hqcXuEO28wvn3eqoT1lWolcLkfePcAB6IFd_WoE=s707" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="707" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC__Ubp8T5y50yqvDVDazcLasnMa5cFcyACXSO_exji9RDjPgiIVhyvsJBAWVNRIAn3CL08EY_7Zd1BjI0s2EgIIOycxKnfVxxB-tu_F-GFzPfuThBqKSIsbVeHGI-pq1ADLy-Bqa0UA5fsinc-hqcXuEO28wvn3eqoT1lWolcLkfePcAB6IFd_WoE=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><b>Picture: A 29-year mentally distressed Dayak woman attempted to end her life, rescued by Bomba men.</b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) spokesman said the woman, wearing an orange colour long-sleeved t-shirt and black trousers, was seen standing outside the window of the building, believed to be trying to commit suicide.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">He said the Bintulu station received a call at 12.42pm about a woman standing on the edge of the window of a building at Medan Sentral here.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">“We managed to coax and persuade her not to jump from the third floor of the building,” the spokesman said in a press statement.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVXHwxcnkcbE8YptAVqNDUa0bCai_v4DmOq4OzMv8JLDiz-PLToU-LoNKlWRTnbYiLbJGVrQaSUa2wIzuv_mXfscni_1pb45_kTSCUpNhid4LzcHUyv3dqRj96pTVVkqrxSG4NUmQijChsG-yxk-1UMO7wNdSXTOjgZHv5Tbl8YgmYK75D0vhFyJZT=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVXHwxcnkcbE8YptAVqNDUa0bCai_v4DmOq4OzMv8JLDiz-PLToU-LoNKlWRTnbYiLbJGVrQaSUa2wIzuv_mXfscni_1pb45_kTSCUpNhid4LzcHUyv3dqRj96pTVVkqrxSG4NUmQijChsG-yxk-1UMO7wNdSXTOjgZHv5Tbl8YgmYK75D0vhFyJZT=s320" width="240" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was later handed over to the police for further action.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The ambulance later took her to the Bintulu hospital.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';">The Bomba statement, however, did not provide any clue why the woman had wanted to commit suicide.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-spacerun: 'yes';"><b>Picture: The woman is seen standing outside the window of the third floor building.</b></span></p>Sematong Expresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03353088296956619318noreply@blogger.com0