PACAs need to fully understand election procedures, be prepared for any any eventually, Uggah reminds them

SPAOH, Oct 4 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah has reminded polling agents and counting agents (PACAs) that they should fully understand election procedures and be prepared to face any eventuality in the coming state election.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says that PACAs need to fully under their respective roles and responsibilities

He said this is to ensure that the voting process and vote counting in the state election runs smoothly and according to the regulations set.

He said that PACAs need to fully understand their respective roles and responsibilities, especially when monitoring the voting process and vote counting at each polling station.

Uggah said PACAs who are trained and prepared are able to carry out their duties more effectively, besides ensuring that the interests of their respective parties are safeguarded throughout the election process.

“PACAs are very important in the election because they look after the interests of the parties at each polling station,” he said at the closing of the PACA preparation and role briefing programme to face the coming state election today.

Uggah stressed that the vote counting process requires special attention from PACAs to ensure that each procedure is carried out correctly and complies with the regulations set.

He said they also need to be prepared to face any eventuality, including situations that require a recount of votes.

He hoped that all PACAs could carry out the mandate given to them in a transparent and disciplined manner, in addition to always complying with election regulations.

Former MBKS Mayor Song Swee Guan passes away at SGH

KUCHING, Oct 4 2026: Former Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Song Swee Guan has passed away at 3.30pm this afternoon, aged 84, current mayor Wee Hong Seng confirmed in his post on MBKS Facebook.

Caption: Former MBKS Mayor and Speaker Song Swee Guan passes away at the Sarawak General Hospital. He was 84.

He said he is deeply saddened by Song's passing at Sarawak General Hospital where he was receiving treatment.

"This is a very sad moment for me personally," Wee added.

He said he has known Song for many years, and he will always remember him as a kind, humble and sincere person. 

"He was someone who treated people with warmth and respect, and I was fortunate to have known him beyond his public positions and titles," he added.

He said Song holds a very special place in the history of Kuching South, adding that as the first mayor of Kuching South, he helped lay the foundation for the city that "we serve today."

"He later continued his service to Sarawak as Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

"But beyond his achievements and public service, what I will remember most is the person himself. He was a good man with a good heart, and his passing is a great loss to all of us who knew him," Wee said.

He said it is difficult to say goodbye to someone who has contributed so much and who has been part of the journey of Kuching South from its early days.

On behalf of Kuching South City Council, and from the bottom of his heart, Wee extended his deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

"Thank you, Datuk Song, for your service, your friendship and the memories you have left behind," Wee said

Sarawak Trade and Tourist Office in Pontianak to start operations middle of next year, says deputy -premier

KUCHING, Oct 4 2026: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, is targeted to begin operations by the middle of next year, following the completion of building renovations and the securing of relevant approvals.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says that the state government has identified the building in Pontianak

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that the building to house the office has already been identified but requires renovation work before it can be utilised.

“We have identified the building, and it requires renovations and other preparations.
“So, we hope to commence operations next year, possibly by the middle of the year,” he told reporters after the Welfare Micro-Entrepreneur Award ceremony 2026 at the Metrocity Event Centre here today.

He said the office's operations will also require approval from the Indonesian government through the relevant ministries.

He added that Sarawak would identify a chief executive officer (CEO) to manage the office and ensure that the company operations comply with the conditions stipulated by the Indonesian government.

However, he said that a building for the STATO office in Abu Dhabi has not yet been identified, and negotiations are ongoing to select a suitable location.

Tanah Berenyang shakes ACSJ final to take top spot, Mawat takes second place and three other titles

BETONG, Oct 4 2026: Band group Tanah Berenyang was crowned champion with the song Arissa,taking home a cash prize of RM10,000 and a trophy at the grand final of Anugerah Carta Sapa Juara 2026 (ACSJ 2026) last night.

Caption: The winners of ACSJ and officials after the grand final

Rising star Mawat secured second place with the song Dayang Bintang, winning RM8,000 and a trophy, while Phoebe Chloe took third place with Diempu Nuan Siku, receiving RM5,000 and a trophy.

Mawat also won three additional awards: Most Popular 9th ACSJ Finalist, Most Popular ACSJ Song, and Best Performance. 

In the individual categories, Winnie Albert won Best Vocals for the song Aku Ukai Lulung, Joannes Johnny Aman received the Best Lyrics award for Bisi Intan Dikembuan and Ramles Walter was named the Most Sporting ACSJ Artist.

The 9th ACSJ offered a total prize pool worth RM77,000 across nine categories, serving as a platform to showcase the talent and creativity of Iban music practitioners.

Deputy Premier and chief patron of ACSJ Douglas Uggah, in his speec, said he believes that thee Iban music industry holds the potential to create new economic opportunities for current and future generations, while also serving as a vital medium for preserving the artistic heritage and cultural identity of the Iban community.

Caption: Mawat takes second place and three other titles

He said efforts to empower the Iban music industry must be implemented comprehensively through the development of new talent, the marketing of high-quality works, and the creation of a progressive arts ecosystem.

He added the ACSJ serves as a crucial platform for recognizing the works and talents of Iban singers who have the potential to expand the local music industry.

Uggah's text of speech was read by through the Betong Division Resident Richard Michael Abunawas at the final of ACSJA held at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall.

The 9th ACSJ offered a total prize pool worth RM77,000 across nine categories, serving as a platform to showcase the talent and creativity of Iban music practitioners.

Also present were Sarawak Public Service Commission member ack Aman Luat, Betong District Officer Laga Kueh, Sarawak Broadcasting Department representative Razali Baba, and  University of Malaya Dayak Alumni Association presideng Coolplay Nyipa.

Abang Johari chairs a meeting with GPS MPs and Senators in federal capital

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 2026 – After officiating the 8th Series of the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme Tour in Mukah Division in the morning, Premier Abang Johari Openg flew to federal capital last night to continue his official agenda.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg and GPS MPs and Senators posing before the camera before the start of the meeting

He chaired a meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as part of his official itinerary in Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting discussed Sarawak's development progress, implementation of strategic projects, and matters concerning Sarawak's rights and interests at the federal level.

Discussions also covered current developments requiring attention and cooperation between the Sarawak government and its parliamentary representatives.

The meeting served as a platform to coordinate GPS's stance in advancing Sarawak's agenda at the national level.

The GPS MPs and Senators also shared their views on development issues and matters affecting the interests of the people of Sarawak.

This reflects GPS's commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Sarawak government and its parliamentary representatives, particularly in ensuring that the state's development agenda and the interests of the people of Sarawak continue to receive attention at the federal level.