Soon Koh slams Umno Youth chief for politically motivated attack against Tiong King Sing

 KUCHING, Oct 9 2025: Bawang Assan Sarawak State Legislative Member (SLM) Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh has slammed Umno Youth chief Datuk Akmal Salleh for persistently launching such deliberate, divisive, inflammatory, and politically motivated attacks against Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing. 

Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh asks Akmal Salleh:What have you done for Malaysia?

He said Akmal’s actions risk making the unity government, which includes Umno, look extreme and fundamentally intolerant on the global stage.

“While Tiong is delivering results and bringing in revenue for the nation, what exactly are you doing?” Wong asked Akmal, in a statement.

He said the Umno Youth chief may have picked the wrong person to attack.

“He (Tiong) is representing the mandate of Sarawak. He is not from peninsular Malaysia and neither is he the one to be easily bullied by your narrow and manipulative politics.

“When you attack him, you are not just attacking an individual, you are attacking a leader who carries the political weight of Sarawak,” Wong said.

Wong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice president, said that if Malaysia is divided racially and religiously “we will be slaughtered in the face of the changing global dynamics.”

He said he welcomes a positive and constructive policy debate, but not racial, religious, or personal attacks.

“Your persistent rhetoric and divisive actions have inflicted a great deal of harm on our nation which was built on the principles of moderation and inclusivity,” he added.

Wong also slammed Akmal for asking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to sack Tiong as the federal minister.

He said Tiong’s position is not for Akmal to decide, nor will he quit.

Wong said if Akmal cannot work with a multicultural government, then he is free to leave Umno, which is in the coalition government.

“There is no time for responsible leaders to dabble in rhetoric and slogan-shoutings,” Wong said, adding that Tiong has consistently worked to promote Malaysia as a united, inclusive and world-class destination, bringing together all races and faiths to drive country’s economy through tourism.

“All leaders should  therefore reject divisive rhetoric and focus instead on strengthening inter-communal trust.

“We should not allow reckless words to destroy mutual respect that we have long nurtured in our multi- cultural and multi-religious nation.

“We should not allow political theatrics to rear its ugly head,” he said.

 

Petros-Petronas issue: It is not just a brotherly fight, but an exercise of power under the law by Sarawak, asserts Doris

KUCHING, Oct 9, 2025: Sri Aman Member of Parliament Datuk Sri Doris Brodie explained that the issue between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) is not a fight, but an exercise of power by Sarawak. 

Caption: Sri Aman MP Datuk Sri Doris Brodie speaking on behalf of the other GPS Members at the lobby of Dewan Rakyat

“However, let me emphasize that the dispute in the Kuching High Court is not just a “brotherly fight.” This is a matter of the exercise of power under the law,” she told reporters in Parliament today.

Speaking on behalf of the Backbencher Club (BBC) of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Members of Parliament to rebut claims by Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim, she said “Sarawak does not demand more than it is entitled to, and will not demand less than what has been promised.”

She said Petronas operates under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), while Petros was established under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016, enacted by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly under its constitutional jurisdiction.

“We would like to stress that this is not a new claim. It stems from the Report of the Inter-Governmental Committee or ICG and the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, which clearly states that the power over the distribution of electricity and gas in Sarawak is under the jurisdiction of the State,” she said.

Doris said Sarawak has the right to assert its right to manage resources within its borders, in line with the Constitution and the spirit of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Therefore, I urge that this issue be seen not as a conflict, but as an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership between Petros and Petronas.

“In this way, we will not only safeguard the interests of the state and the people of Sarawak, but also strengthen Malaysia’s position as a stable and competitive energy producing nation,” she added.

She said Sarawak's position in Petros-Petronas issue is only related to downstream activities, namely gas distribution.

“This is a jurisdiction that has already been established under the Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016, a valid Sarawak law and approved by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

“This law is not inconsistent with the Federal Constitution.

“Through the Borneo States [Legislative Powers] Order, 1963, the legislative powers of Sarawak have been extended to include the fields of electricity and gas distribution.

“This is in line with the recommendations in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962,

particularly in item 11 (c) in Annex A, which stated that legislative powers relating to electricity and gas charging should be devolved to Sarawak and Sabah.

“To ensure that Sarawak has full legal and administrative control over the distribution of gas activities, and to avoid a situation where the oil industry in Sarawak would need to apply for two different licences under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and DGO 2016, an Exemption (Amendment) Notice 2021 was gazetted and signed by the Prime Minister at that time.

“Through this exemption, the marketing and distribution of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas in Sarawak are exempted from the requirements of Section 6(1) and (3) under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA).

“When the Federal law on gas distribution no longer applies in Sarawak, only the DGO 2016 will remain as the only law in force in Sarawak to regulate the supply and distribution of gas.

“That is why it is important to emphasize here that the Gas Distribution Ordinance and the appointment of Petros as a gas aggregator do not conflict with the Petroleum Development Act

1974, because Sarawak has already been exempted from the relevant provisions.

“The Ordinance is a valid law, has never been struck down by any Court in Malaysia, and enjoys the presumption of constitutionality.

“We call on us to both respect the spirit of federalism and respect the constitution, which is clearly stated in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, which is a reference to the division of powers between the Federation and the States.

Item 8(j) of the Federal List provides —

“Subject to item 2(c) of the State List: Development of mineral resources;

mines, mining, minerals and mineral ores; oil and oil fields;

buying, selling, importing and exporting minerals and mineral ores;

petroleum products; regulation of labour and safety in mines and

oil fields.”

“While Item 2(c) of the State List states — Permits and licences to explore for mines; mining leases and mining certificates.”

These two provisions are complementary and must be understood in the context of the federal-state relations established by the Constitution.

“Item 8(j) of the Federal List, which states that the powers are subject to Item 2(c) of the State List, reflects a balancing arrangement of powers between the Federation and the States.

“It states that in matters relating to mineral and petroleum resources, the exercise of Federal power should be carried out taking into account the role and responsibilities of State legislation in relation to the granting of licenses and permits for such activities.

“Sarawak has always respected and complied with the Federal Constitution. All state laws, including the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016, are enacted within the scope of the powers provided by the Constitution.

“This Ordinance regulates all gas distribution activities within the boundaries of Sarawak through licensing requirements — just like any other regulatory law in the state.

“However, it must be noted — with all due respect — that there are still certain parties operating in this sector without complying with the licensing requirements as stipulated.

“This is not a matter of politics or controversy, but a matter of compliance with the constitutionally valid state laws.

“If all other companies, including international and local players, can comply with the requirements of Sarawak’s laws, then it is only right that state-owned companies should do so — especially when Sarawak implements its laws with full respect for the federal structure that we all uphold,” Doris said

She said the Federal Constitution is not a buffet menu where we can pick and choose clauses that we like and reject those that are not beneficial.

She said it must be read in its entirety, saying:”We cannot take Item 8(j) to legitimize the Federal’s full control over oil and gas resources, while turning a blind eye to Item 2(c) which grants the State the right to licenses and permits.”

“The two are intertwined — that is the balance of federalism that has been in place since 1963,” Doris said.

Doris stressed that it is very important for her to emphasise that Sarawak never intended to kill or destroy Petronas, saying that it is not its intention.

“Instead, Sarawak's aim is to work with Petronas in developing the oil and gas industry in Sarawak so that the results can be mutually beneficial to Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

“We believe that as Sarawak develops and its industry grows, Malaysia as a whole will also receive significant benefits in terms of investment, employment and economic outcomes.

“We do not want to be at odds, but want to ensure that the relationship between Petronas and Petros is built on a foundation of mutual respect and reinforcement,” she stressed.

 

 

 

“I read the news that the country’s national debt has surpassed RM1.30 trillion": Abang Johari

 SANTUBONG,Oct 8 2025: The state government must manage its finance to avoid raising bonds as it will lead to incurring debt, Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has assured.

The premier: Sarawak cannot afford to be trapped by the debts.

He said revenue and expenditure must be balanced “otherwise we will be in debt”.

“If the public sector does not have enough funds, the likelihood is that we will raise bonds. The moment your raise bonds, meaning you borrow money.

“That means there will be more debts,” he said at the Sarawak Corporate Leadership Summit 2025 here today.

He said the state government has to be careful not to incur debt, or else, the debt ratio to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) will not be balanced which means it will affect us badly.”

Abang Johari, who is also the state Minister of Finance and New Economy, said in terms of the fiscal management of the government’s funds, “we have to make some adjustments to ensure that it is balanced, with no large amount of debts.”

He said he has asked the state’s top civil servants to look into working with credible institutions, like the World Bank.

He said the bank is the one that monitors the global economic landscape, including Asia.

“Yesterday, I read the news that the country’s national debt has surpassed  RM1.30 trillion or about 60 per cent of the GDP.

“If it is 60 per cent of the GDP, then we will have only 40 per cent left.

“We also have to think of servicing the debt or paying the interests.

“So, you don’t have much money left for the public sector,” he said.

He said in such a case, the country will then continue to be trapped by the debt.

The premier said Sarawak cannot afford to be trapped by the debt.

“If we are trapped by the debt, then we don’t have much funds left, such as to build new schools or to repair dilapidated schools.

“That is why we want autonomy to strengthen our financial position,” he said.

He noted that the state’s collection of revenue grew from RM6 billion in 2017 to over RM14 billion last year.

However, he said the revenue collection for this year will be slightly impacted by the import tariffs imposed by the United States on the exports from Sarawak.

“Hopefully, by the end of this year, the total of our revenue collection will be maintained or slightly improve,” he added.

The premier said he believes that there will be surplus revenue for Sarawak, adding that it will be invested to raise more revenue.

 

 

 

 

Zahid should focus on getting rid of corruption, not giving lecture on morality, says Sarawak activist

 

KUCHING, October 7 2025: Sarawak activist Peter John Jaban has reminded Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to stop giving lectures on morality with regards to the consumption of alcohol at a private sector dinner where Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was the guest of honour. 

 He said instead of giving lecture on morality,  Zahid should focus on getting rid of corruption, the real disease of Malaysia. 

“Why does a glass of beer at a private tourism dinner provoke national fury while corruption, abuse of power and bribery barely move the conscience of our leaders? 

“This is Malaysia’s greatest moral failure, we punish what’s visible and excuse what’s vile,” Peter said in a statement. 

He said Tiong, a Sarawakian Christian, attended a privately funded tourism gala that contributed RM420 million to Malaysia’s economy. 

“No taxpayers’ money was used, and no one was disrespected. Yet, Umno and PAS leaders turned a few glasses of beer into a “national insult”,” he said. 

Hed noted that Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and other leaders demanded Tiong’s sacking, while PAS leaders screamed betrayal. 

“A private-sector event became a political circus overnight. 

 “Why there is a hypocrisy and double standards?” Peter asked. 

He said as former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim once said that “condemning alcohol costs nothing, but condemning corruption costs careers.” 

Peter reminded that billions of ringgit are lost annually to leakages, abuse of power, and mismanagement while many high-profile corruption cases end in acquittals or DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal)  reinforcing the belief that Malaysia has two systems of law: one for the powerful, and another for the people. 

He said Malaysia’s moral crisis is not about alcohol, it is about corruption, hypocrisy, and misplaced priorities.

 

Promote needs of tourism industry, not entertain demands to sack Tiong, activist tells Anwar

 

KUCHING, October 7 2025: Sarawak activist Peter John Jaban (picture) is calling on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to promote the needs and profile of the tourism industry in Malaysia before even entertaining demands to sack Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over the serving of alcohol at a private sector dinner hosted by the global industry partners. 

He is reminding lawmakers that, despite the need to act with tolerance and mutual respect to all races and religions, government in Malaysia is and should remain secular and that alcohol is enjoyed freely by many of the international visitors as a feature of multi-cultural Malaysia’s tourism offering.

 “We live in a multicultural society. Alcohol is neither banned nor indeed considered immoral by a large proportion of Malaysians.

“In fact, the fermenting and distilling of alcohol is an important part of the culture of many of our indigenous groups, including for ritual purposes,” he said in a statement in response to Anwar’s warning to Tiong during the federal cabinet meeting.

“We must respect all the cultures and religions of Malaysia, of course. But, Tiong has already clarified that this was a private sector dinner.

“The Malaysian Muslim taxpayers have not been asked to pay for the alcohol in this case. So why is this an issue for consideration by Cabinet? Do they not have more important issues to discuss?” Peter asked.

He went on to say: “We routinely serve alcohol to our many visitors to Malaysia, creating huge profits for our tourism industry for the good of the country.

“Langkawi island even provides alcohol duty free. So why should serving alcohol at a dinner for international guests, at the expense of the private sector, be an issue?

“This is an expectation for the citizens of some countries,” he said.

Peter asked why should it even be an issue to have people drinking in the same room as a Muslim?

“If that is the case, we must either ban alcohol in all our international hotels and see the end of our tourism sector, or else ban all Muslims from working in these establishments,” he said.

“We must not normalise this kind of discourse in our parliament in which our lawmakers are using their Islamic values to increase their own profile.

“Even Sarawak is not immune. We have had a similar issue here over a locally-produced beer

brand named after one of our most recognisable natural features.

“Santubong is not a race, a religion or even a community.

“It is, instead, a peninsula and more importantly an iconic mountain, at the foot of which both Chinese and Hindu archaeological artefacts, dating back to the 7th Century, have been uncovered.

“It certainly does not belong to one single religious group in the state and nor should we allow it to,” he added.

“I call on our lawmakers to focus on the issues and to stop reverting to race and religion as their main talking points. If no offence was intended, then perhaps none should be taken.

“We must, as Malaysians, accept the views of the many cultures who visit our country and enjoy our hospitality if we expect to profit from their contribution to our economy.

“Anything else is just hypocrisy. And equally we must respect the multicultural basis of the country we all share,” he said.