Monday, 20 April 2026

Upset with Dr Sim's "kasi DAP telur" remarks, two DAP leaders say Sarawak needs elected opposition in the state assembly

KUCHING, April 20 2026:  Two state DAP leaders are upset with Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Kian who called on the Sarawakian voters to give an “egg” to the Opposition in the coming state election, just as in Sabah in last year’s election.

Caption: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii says not in Sarawak's interest to have no elected opposition member in the state legislative assembly 

 They said that the “kasi DAP telur” remark is an insult to the intelligence of the people, saying that it is in essence a direct affront to voters’ wisdom and their ability to make thoughtful, independent choices.

We always strongly believe that it is always for the interest of any government whether on the state or even federal governments  to have a credible and construction opposition that will act as a check and balance as well as add positive pressure to the government for them to perform better,” Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said in a statement.

So it is never in the interest of Sarawak to no opposition, no checks and balance as well as no accountability in a democratic process.

In fact it can be said that zero opposition is detrimental and against the interest of Sarawak,” Dr Yii said.

He said he strongly believes it is even more important that “we have a stronger opposition now that Sarawak is getting more resources from the federal government and taxes from our oil and gas resources.”

It is important all the additional funds are properly scruitinised to ensure it directly benefits the people of Sarawak and do not enrich just a small group of elites.

It is also important to keep the pressure against the government when they implement bad or unfair policies or even for good policies, we must also keep them accountable so that all those policies announced, are properly implemented, implemented on time and reach directly to the people,” Dr Yii said.

Pending State Legislative Member (SLM) Violet Yong described Dr Sim’s remark, especially from a deputy premier, as very low class.

“The office he holds demands a higher standard of leadership, maturity and respect for democratic values not cheap slogans meant to provoke and divide,” she said.

Violet reminded Dr Sim that in the last election, several SUPP victories did not come from overwhelming support but from split votes and at least one seat was won by a razor-thin margin. “These are not mandates that justify arrogance but reminders of how fragile electoral outcomes can be,” she added.

Caption: Pending SLM Violet Yong says the absence of a strong opposition in SLM weakens scrutiny and harms governance 

She said Dr Sim should also reflect on his own party’s history, saying that political arrogance has never ended well and history has shown that it often leads to decline and rejection by the people

She said elections exist to ensure accountability and checks and balances not to eliminate opposition voices simply because they are inconvenient.

“A government without opposition is not strength; it is unchecked power. History has repeatedly shown that absolute power corrupts absolutely, which is precisely why a functioning democracy must always have a strong opposition.

“The absence of a strong opposition weakens scrutiny, reduces transparency, and ultimately harms governance.

“More importantly, Sarawakians do not need to follow Sabah. The people here are fully capable of deciding who should represent them based on service, track record and credibility not by importing political narratives from elsewhere,” she said.

Sultan of Selangor suggests state postpones Malaysia Games

SHAH ALAM, April 20 2026:The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has suggested that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in the state be postponed until the crisis in West Asia comes to an end.

His Royal Highness said the event should also be postponed until the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is fully complete, Malay Mail reported today.

“Regarding the hosting of Sukma by the state of Selangor, I am informed that the allocation required is very high.

“In the current economic situation, I feel it is more appropriate for the event to be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and until the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed,” he said when opening the fourth session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly here today.

Previously, Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the biennial Games scheduled from August 15 to 24, would be held on a smaller scale to reduce organising costs without reducing the number of sports and events contested.

A total of 53 venues across nine districts in Selangor will be used for the competition which is expected to feature 474 events across 37 sports.


 

Why need to pay RM1.8 billion for the take-over of Bintulu Port? PBK Voon asks the state government

KUCHING, April 20 2026:  The state government should not have agreed to pay RM1.8 billion in compensation for the take-over of Bintulu Port from the federal government, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has argued.

PBK president Voon Lee Shan  says that the people deserve transparency. They deserve to know the legal basis, the historical facts, and why such a massive payment is necessary. 

Why should Sarawak pay RM1.8 billion to reclaim Bintulu Port when the land, the resources, and the wealth have always belonged to Sarawak?” he asked in a statement.

 He was responding to a disclosure by Premier Abang Johari Openg yesterday that the state government has agreed to pay RM1.8 billion compensation, plus goodwill, instead of RM4.8 billion as demanded by the federal government, for the take-over of the port.

Addressing the Gabungam Parti Sarawak (GPS) convention,  he said the asset value of the port was  RM1.1 billion.

Voon said that for decades, the federal government controlled Bintulu Port like it was a federal territory, collecting enormous revenue from one of the most strategic ports in the state.

He said the offshore fields off Bintulu have produced vast oil and gas riches for generations, asking:” 

Did Sarawak receive fair compensation? Did our people enjoy the full benefit of what was extracted from our own backyard?

Now we are told that Sarawak must pay RM1.8 billion as compensation to take back control of the port.

Compensation for what exactly?” he asked.

Voon also asked if compensation was paid to Sarawak when the federal government took control of the port.

Was rent paid for the use of Sarawak’s land? Was the people’s consent ever truly sought?

If no compensation was paid then, why must compensation be demanded now?” he asked.

For over 60 years, we have heard endless committees, endless negotiations, and endless promises. Yet when it comes to reclaiming strategic assets, Sarawak is still expected to pay for what should never have been taken without proper recognition in the first place.

The people deserve transparency. They deserve to know the legal basis, the historical facts, and why such a massive payment is necessary.

A government that truly puts Sarawak first must not negotiate from weakness. It must negotiate from principle,” Voon said.

Sunday, 19 April 2026

PBB will continue to introduce new faces in every election, says Abang Johari

KUCHING, April 19 2026: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersau ({PBB) will continue to introduce new faces in every election,” its president Abanhg Johari Openg (picture) told reporters at a press conference today.

He said this approach is important to ensure the stability of the party as well as to provide space for the younger generation to gain experience in politics.

“PBB and other GPS component parties  always open opportunities for young people to learn from experienced leaders.

"We all started from the bottom, including myself who came through the wing of the PBB Youth Movement and this process allows us to learn before taking on greater responsibilities," he said after the GPS convention.

Abang Johari also reminded that each individual has different abilities and needs to move according to their own suitability without rushing.

He stressed the importance of sincerity and patience in political struggle and reminded not to be easily discouraged if not given an opportunity.

H said it is clear that the leadership transition must be carried out in a balanced manner without affecting the role of existing leaders.

"In PBB, at least five or six new faces will be introduced every election to ensure continuity," he explained.

The same approach also involves the women's wing as an effort to strengthen the party's structure as a whole.

He stressed that any differences of opinion within the party should be resolved internally through discussions to maintain the family spirit within GPS.

Sarawak strengthening new energy strategy as long-term resilience bulwark

KUCHING, April 19 2026: Sarawak is strengthening its new energy strategy as a long-term resilience bulwark, thus increasing the state's preparedness in facing global uncertainties, especially involving fluctuations in fuel prices. 

Caption: Premier and GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg (second from right) at the opening of GPS convention on Sunday.

Premier Abang Johari Openg said that the dependence on conventional fuels such as diesel which is exposed to geopolitical pressures demands an immediate transition to alternative energy sources that are more stable and sustainable.

According to him, current technological advances are also accelerating the potential of hydrogen energy as a more competitive and viable option.

“With today's diesel prices, hydrogen production will be much cheaper than diesel.

“The electrolysis process will be much cheaper because of the new membrane in technology and this diesel with the current geopolitical pressures, I don't think it will end in this era. Problems will arise. I mean, alternative energy will be used and we are lucky. Sarawak is ready,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after the opening ceremony of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

He added that the readiness was also translated into the expansion of renewable energy use in rural areas, including the solar energy initiative in Baram which previously relied on diesel generators.

Clearly, the implementation of the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electricity Scheme (SARES) based on solar energy not only reduces dependence on diesel, but also helps protect rural communities from the effects of rising fuel prices, thus ensuring that the well-being of the people is maintained.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president John Sikie Tayai, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president Henry Harry Jinep and Parti Pesaka Bumi[utera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi.