The price difference of diesel sold in Malaya and the Borneo states is not a form of injustice, says PKR Hulu Rajang chairman

KUCHING, March 25 2026: PKR Hulu Rajang branch chairman Abun Sui Anyit has expressed his deepest appreciation to the Madani government for its efforts to maintain diesel subsidies in Sabah and Sarawak in order to safeguard the welfare of the people in both regions.

Abun Sui Anyit says the harmonisation of diesel prices throughout the country should only be considered when infrastructure facilities and public transport access are at an equivalent level 

He noted that the price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia is currently at RM5.52 per litre, while in Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo) it remains at a subsidised rate of around RM2.15 per litre.

He said it should be understood that this price difference is not a form of injustice to the people in the peninsular, but rather a policy measure aimed at balancing the cost of living and travel costs which are inherently higher in Sabah and Sarawak.

“In Borneo, the use of four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles is not a luxury, but a basic necessity, given that there are still many areas with unpaved and challenging roads when compared to the peninsular which has a more comprehensive road infrastructure and public facilities,” Abun said in a statement.

He stressed that  the harmonisation of diesel prices throughout the country should only be considered when infrastructure facilities and public transport access are at an equivalent level.

“In a situation where global oil prices are uncertain and tend to increase, the government's steps to control fuel prices are very important to ensure economic stability and the well-being of the people.

“However, it must be acknowledged that the price of RON95 in Malaysia is still among the lowest in Asia, except for Brunei.

“Therefore, thrift measures and prudent use of resources are highly encouraged in the face of the possibility of a prolonged global oil crisis.

“We also hope that the conflict in the Gulf countries will not continue for the sake of the stability of the world energy market,” Abun, a former senator, said.

Nanta clarifies that it is not for him to decide who should be his successor as Kapit MP

KUCHING, March 25 2026: Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi  clarified that it is not for him to decide who should be his successor when the time for him to step down as Kapit Member of Parliament.

Caption: Alexander Nanta Linggi says the prerogative lies with PBB leadership on nominating the party's candidates 

He said the sole prerogative lies with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leadership who makes the final decision.

He clarified that his political secretary Alvin Runggah Jimbun is among the potential candidates for GPS to stand in Kapit parliamentary seats, but the final decision lies with the party leadership.

He said his previous statement should not be interpreted as an early determination of candidates for any constituency because the final decision remains subject to the party's top leadership.

"The decision on nominating candidates for a constituency including the Kapit Parliament is indeed under the prerogative of the party's top leadership,” he said in his Facebook post.

“After six terms as an incumbent and Member of Parliament, I understand that the final decision remains in the hands of the GPS president and PBB president Abang Johari Openg," he said.

He said the practice was not new, but had long been part of the party's discipline and culture in ensuring that every decision was made in an orderly, prudent manner and taking into account the interests of the long-term struggle.

In his speech at a thanks giving ceremony in Kapit, Nanta said he would step down as Kapit MP when the “time comes”.

Based on his speech and his open support for Runggah, it is speculated that he might not be defending his parliamentary seat in the next general election.

Chong urges state government to disburse stipend to Sarawakian students studying at state-owned universities

KUCHING, March 25 2026: Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen (picture) has appealed to the state government to disburse the stipend assistance fund to Sarawakian students studying at four state-owned universities under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) without further delay.  

He said it is now more than a month into the first year of their studies, according to many students, they have yet to receive the stipend.

“While the payment of the tuition fees to the four universities can wait and will continue the courses without any payment, but the stipend assistance fund cannot wait because many of the students rely on the payment for their daily expenses,” he said in a statement.

“As such, I urge the state government to quickly disburse the stipend to those Sarawakian students,” Chong, who is also Stampin MP, said.

He also re-iterated his call for the state government not to forget Sarawakian students who are studying in public universities, such as Universiti Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and other private universities, should be left out of FTES.

“They are equally in need assistance from the state government under the FTES but sadly they are left out under the scheme,” he added.

Chong proposed that the state government review the FTES to include paying tuition fees of all Sarawakian students studying in public universities.  

He added most of these students only need to pay 10 per cent of their tuition fees while the 90 per cent is subsidised by the federal government.