Uggah turns back to meet with victims after fire destroyed their Matop longhouse

BETONG, Nov 15 2026: Upon learning that Matop longhouse in Paku, Spaoh, which was almost completely destroyed in a fire, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah, who was en route to Kuching from Betong, turned back from Lachau to meet with the 28 families.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah (centre) at the scene of the fire at Matop longhouse, Paku, Spaoh

Upon receiving news of the fire, which occurred around 5pm yesterday, he rushed to the location to reach out to the victims and ensure that their immediate needs for assistance were addressed.

During his visit, Uggah received an update on the firefighting operations and assessed the extent of the damage to the 28-unit longhouse.

He also took the time to meet with the victims to offer moral support and express his concern for the families who have been left homeless.

Furthermore, he examined the coordination of immediate relief efforts through the Betong Division Social Welfare Department and the Betong Divisional Resident’s Office.

Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Gerald Rentap Jabu and Member of Parliament for Betong Dr Richard Rapu.

Meanwhile, Betong District Officer Laga Kueh, who also serves as Betong District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) chairman, there were no casualties reported in the incident.

Caption: The raging fire licking Matop longhouse

According to him, a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) has not been activated at this time, as all 28 affected families will be staying temporarily with family members and relatives in nearby longhouses. 

Coordination was also established with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, specifically the Betong and Saratok Fire and Rescue Stations, Betong Town Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), and the police to ensure the smooth execution of firefighting operations and maintain safety at the scene.

Meanwhile, the Betong Division Social Welfare Department will manage the registration of heads of households to facilitate the distribution of emergency aid, including food, beverages, and basic necessities, to the victims.

Further assessment and the coordination of assistance for the reconstruction of the longhouse will be considered once a comprehensive report from the Fire and Rescue Department and a census of the affected individuals are obtained.

Also present were Betong Division Resident Richard Michael Abunawas; Administrative Officer in charge of Spaoh Sub-district, Denny Lim; Betong Division Social Welfare Officer, Abang Ahmad Ibrahim; and Political Secretary to the Premier Roseline Mapong. 

Ill-timed for early dissolution of Parliament while 2027 Budget is still under parliamentary scrutiny and approval, Sarawak senator reminds

KUCHING, Nov 14 2026: A Sarawak senator has voiced his objection to calls for an early dissolution of Parliament, describing it as ill-timed while 2027 Budget is still undergoing parliamentary scrutiny and approval.

Caption: Senator Ahmad Ibrahim warns that if Parliament were dissolved before 2027 Budget completes its legislative process, the Supply Bill could lapse, requiring a new government and Parliament to reintroduce and approve the Budget.

Senator Ahmad Ibrahim said although everyone is entitled to their political opinions, the implications must be considered before making the demands.

"My concern is not about whether Parliament can be dissolved, but whether this is the appropriate time to do so," he said in a statement.

Ahmad, who is also the Senate Select Committee chairman on National Defence and Security, noted that 2027 Budget, involving hundreds of billions of ringgit in government expenditure, is still before Parliament.

The Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to complete its committee stage deliberations on November 26, while the Dewan Negara will begin its deliberations on November 30.

"The legislative process must be allowed to take its proper course," he said.

He acknowledged that under the Federal Constitution, the Prime Minister may request the dissolution of Parliament, subject to the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

However, he said this power does not mean its timing should be taken lightly.

He warned that if Parliament were dissolved before 2027 Budget completes its legislative process, the Supply Bill could lapse, requiring a new government and Parliament to reintroduce and approve the Budget.

This could delay the financial authorisations needed for government expenditure, development projects, infrastructure programmes and other commitments affecting millions of Malaysians, he said.

While constitutional mechanisms exist for temporary expenditure, he said, these arrangements would still require further legislative action.

He cited the precedent of October 2022, when Parliament was dissolved just three days after Budget 2023 was tabled.

In December 2022, Parliament then had to approve about RM107.7 billion in temporary operating expenditure to ensure continuity of government operations while awaiting approval of the full Budget.

"Why unnecessarily risk repeating such complications?" he asked.

Ahmad said Malaysia is already facing an increasingly uncertain global environment, from geopolitical tensions and economic instability to concerns over employment, food security and the rising cost of living.

"The last thing we need is additional uncertainty surrounding our national financial planning," he said.

As a senator, he said Parliament has an important responsibility to scrutinise government expenditure and ensure that public funds are allocated responsibly.

"An election can be held when the constitutional and political circumstances warrant it. But the nation's financial administration should not become an afterthought in the rush for political change," he said.

Questioning those pushing for immediate dissolution, Ahmad asked: "What is so urgent that we cannot first allow Parliament to complete the 2027 Budget7 process?"

He said an early dissolution may be constitutionally permissible, but that does not automatically make the timing prudent.

"Let us put the interests of the nation and the rakyat above political speculation. There is a time for politics, a time for elections, and a time to fulfil our responsibilities to the nation.

"Right now, Parliament has important unfinished business. Let us complete it responsibly," he said.

Among those who have called for an early dissolution of Parliament were Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other Umno and PAS leaders.

However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim scoffed at the idea of dissolving Parliament at this stage, saying the current of term of Parliament still has over a year left.

Sarawak State Election: The role of checks and balances is the choice of the voters, not for any political party to determine

KUCHING, Nov 14 2026: The role of checks and balances in a democratic system depends on the choice and mandate of voters, Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar said, pointing out that it is not determined by any political party having to make way for its opponents in an election.

Caption: Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar (left) believes that young professionals within GPS can serve as an internal checks and balances mechanism, particularly by voicing their views if there are matters in the administration that need to be improved.

He said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which is contesting all 82 DUN seats, naturally aims to win all of them, in line with the objective of every political party taking part in an election.

"When GPS contests all 82 seats, of course the aim is to win all of them. The responsibility of other political parties is to convince voters that they are capable of carrying out the checks and balances function," he explained to reporters after opening of Klinik Kitak Galacity today.

He said other political parties also have a responsibility to convince voters that they can offer a choice and carry out the checks and balances function if given the mandate.

The speaker said voters have the power to decide which representatives are given the mandate, while each political party must present its offer and convince the people of its capability.

He also opined that young professionals within GPS can serve as an internal checks and balances mechanism, particularly by voicing their views if there are matters in the administration that need to be improved.

He said such views and criticisms are important to ensure that the state's development direction continues to take into account economic performance, the cost of living and the people's standard of living.

On other matter, Asfia said the setting up of more private healthcare facilities is seen as able to help strengthen Sarawak's health services system, particularly in meeting the growing treatment needs of the population.

He said private clinics and hospitals are important in helping to ease pressure on the public healthcare system.

Hr added efforts to expand medical facilities, including by opening more private clinics and hospitals, are vital in reducing the strain on public health services.

"To reduce pressure on the public medical system, we need private clinics that can provide treatment to those who need it," he said, noting that Sarawak needs an additional 2,500 doctors to strengthen the state's health services, following population growth and a rising ageing population that is also increasing demand for medical facilities and manpower.

He said the demographic shift has also raised the government's expenditure needs in the health sector, in addition to allocations for education.

He also expressed appreciation to doctors, nurses and all medical professionals who continue to serve the people of Sarawak, including those who choose to remain in the state.

He stressed that the quality of medical services must continue to be maintained to meet the needs of local patients and support the growth of medical tourism in Sarawak.

Among those present at the function was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng.

Sarawak State Election: Exercise your constitutional right to vote with responsibility, Karim urges Sarawakians

ASAJAYA, Nov 14 2026: Caretaker Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged Sarawakians to exercise their constitutional and democratic right to vote with responsibility and wisdom in choosing their representatives, to ensure the democratic process and the formation of the state government proceed smoothly.

Caption: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reminds voters not to be easily swayed by the approaches or offers of contesting candidates, but to use their reasoning and good judgement in assessing every candidate and political party.

He said every voter must make a rational assessment, taking into account the background of political parties, the candidates contesting and their capabilities before making their choice.

He said the decision on choosing leaders should not be influenced by emotion, sentiment or any handouts by contesting candidates, but must instead be based on careful consideration and thorough evaluation.

Speaking at the opening of the 37th annual sports festival of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Rebak 2026 today, he said Sarawakians will soon go through the process of choosing their representatives and forming the state government, and every citizen must therefore understand the importance of carrying out their democratic responsibility to the fullest.

Karim, who is also PBB information chief, reminded voters not to be easily swayed by the approaches or offers of contesting candidates, but to use their reasoning and good judgement in assessing every candidate and political party.

He said the right to vote is a trust and a right of every citizen that must be exercised with full awareness in determining the direction of leadership and the future of the state.

He hoped the voters would play their respective roles in ensuring the democratic process in Sarawak and Malaysia is carried out in a sound, mature and responsible manner.

Sikie: Need to improve the understanding of status of customary laws within the legal system

BINTULU, Nov 14 2026: Minister in the Premier's Department John Sikie Tayai has stressed that there is a need to improve the understanding of the status of customary laws within the civil legal system, as well as their connection to the administration of customary land under the Sarawak Land Code.

Caption: Minister John Sikie Tayai says the task of preserving, developing, and disseminating customary laws does not rest solely with Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions

He said the 1993 Iban Customary Laws (Adat Iban) and the 1994 Kayan-Kenyah Customary Laws (Adet Kayan-Kenyah) requires attention to ensure that the customary heritage of Sarawak’s native communities remains preserved and relevant amidst evolving lifestyles and contemporary technological advancements.

Speaking at the closing of the Sarawak Council of Native Customs and Traditions (MAIS) engagement programme for the Central Zone (Sibu and Kapit), he said the initiative is crucial to ensure that these customs continue to be understood and practiced within an environment increasingly influenced by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

He emphasised that the task of preserving, developing, and disseminating customary laws does not rest solely with MAIS; rather, it requires ongoing collaboration from community leaders, government departments and agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

He noted that community leaders play a vital role in imparting knowledge about customary practices, guiding the community, and helping to identify issues related to these customs at the grassroots level.

He  encouraged community-based organisations, such as Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Sarawak Iban Dayak Association (SIDS),Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM), to join in expanding the dissemination of information and raising public awareness regarding the importance of these customary laws. 

The programme, organised by MAIS, brought together 145 participants—including community leaders from the Sibu and Kapit divisions, representatives from government agencies, and NGOs—to enhance their understanding of the functions and roles of MAIS, as well as the significance of "adat" (customary law/traditions) in contemporary society.

The programme included presentations on the status of "adat" within Sarawak’s legal system and the administration of customary land—based on the 2018 amendments to the State Land Code, along with updates on the ongoing reviews of the 1993 Iban *Adat* and 1994 Kayan-Kenyah *Adet*, and an introduction to the 2011 Penan "Adet".

MAIS research officers also shared insights into the culture, traditions, and history of Sarawak’s native communities, broadening the participants' understanding of the diverse customary heritage of these ethnic groups.

The programme featured a forum titled "Sharing Experiences in Adat Administration as a Member of MAIS" which brought together three members: Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, Temenggong Boniface Bada @ Bada Enjah, and Pemanca Umek Jeno.

In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, a mini-exhibition showcased the heritage of four major native ethnic groups in Sarawak—the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau—highlighting their respective lifestyles, traditional attire, handicrafts, and cultural legacies.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs), Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Felicia Tan Ya Hua; and head of MAIS Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat.