Discipline, justice and mutual respect among SLMs are important to ensure integrity of SLA, stresses Balingian YB

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: Balingian State Legislative Assembly Member (SLM) Abdul Yakub Arbi stressed that discipline, justice and mutual respect among elected representatives must be given priority to ensure that the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) remains a legislative institution with integrity, credibility and the trust of the people.

Caption: Balingian SLM Yakub Arbi says every elected representative has the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the House entrusted by the people as a forum for discussing public interest

He said that these principles form the basis for his support for the motion to address misconduct and inappropriate behaviour in the legislative assembly, referring to Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen who was suspended from the service of SLA until the end of its session.


He said every elected representative has the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the House entrusted by the people as a forum for discussing public interests, formulating policies and fighting for the well-being of the state.

“Therefore, every Honorable Member is responsible for maintaining the credibility of the House through speech and actions that reflect maturity as a representative of the people.

“Differences of opinion are part of the democratic process. However, these differences must be conveyed responsibly and civilly, without personal attacks, insults, threats or actions that can disrupt the proceedings of the session,” he said in a media statement today.

Abdul Yakub stressed that freedom of speech in the House must always be balanced with responsibility and compliance with the Standing Orders regardless of political position or belief.

“Freedom of speech must go hand in hand with responsibility. No one can consider themselves above the rules of the House,” he said.

He explained that compliance with the rules was not intended to restrict freedom of speech, but rather to ensure that every elected representative could participate in the debate in a fair, mature and orderly manner.

“However, action against misconduct should not be seen as an effort to suppress legitimate criticism or limit differences of opinion in the session.

“On the contrary, rules are needed to ensure that all Honorable Members have a fair space to express their views in an orderly and respectful atmosphere,” he added.

He also stressed that strong debates and differences of opinion still have a place in democratic practice, as long as they are carried out prudently and respect the authority of the Speaker and the institution of the House.

In this regard, he said, any action against misconduct must be carried out consistently, fairly and equitably regardless of the political position or inclination of a representative.

“No Honourable Member should be above the rules, and at the same time, no one should be treated unfairly. The principles of accountability, justice and equality must apply to all,” he said.

At the same time, Abdul Yakub called on all elected representatives, whether from the government or the opposition, to continue to prioritise a culture of constructive debate and to put the interests of the people as a priority.

He added that differences in political stances should not affect the shared responsibility to defend the integrity of the Sarawak State Assembly as an institution that reflects the maturity of democracy and the aspirations of the people of this state. -

Yesterday, Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen was suspended from the SLA for the remainder of the current session after a motion citing an allegedly misleading statement about the State 2027 Budget document and
his conduct during thet debate.

The motion was moved by Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Lee Kim Shin and seconded by Minister in the Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman John
Sikie Tayai.

Sixty-two SLMs voted in favour of the motion, while DAP's Pending SLM Violet Yong voted against it and Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How abstained.


In tabling the motion, Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said Chong’s remarks on Oct 13 questioned the reliability of the budget document after highlighting a pagination issue.

He also referred Chong’s conduct during the Budget debate on Oct 14, including his remarks to the Speaker: “So, Tuan Speaker, you have wasted a lot of my time… I
know you are in control, but please be fair to me......"

Dayak community marginalised by GPS government? I disgree, says Tamin YB

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: Tamin State Legislative Member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang has expressed his disagreement with the "general allegation" that the Dayak community has been deliberately marginalised by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.

Caption: Tamin YB Christopher Gira speaking during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the State Legislative Assembly

Contrary to the allegation, he said allocations for infrastructure, education, healthcare, community facilities, small businesses and Native Customary Rights land directly benefit r predominantly Dayak constituency.

"The Sarawak government has established regional development agencies to accelerate rural development. These include Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Mid-Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA) and Highland Development Agency (HDA) that serve many areas where the Dayak community forms the majority and help ensure that our people are not left behind.," he said during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Gira, who is also PRS Youth chief, also expressed his concern about illegal online gambling reportedly facilitated through some convenience stores, or kedai serbaneka, including those in in his Tamin constituency.

He questioned the activity is allowed to continue.

He asked the state government, together with the police, to provide enforcement figures for 2025 and 2026, premises raided, and players, workers, operators, financiers and syndicate leaders arrested, charged or convicted.

"What action has been taken to trace the organisers, disrupt financial networks and stop misuse of business licences?" he asked.

He wanted enforcement to be taken against those who organise and profit from illegal gambling.

"Although online gambling is a federal responsibility, the state government can coordinate licensing enforcement and community prevention," Gira said.



For 2027, I request awareness programmes, youth activities, counselling and confidential reporting channels involving longhouse chiefs, schools and families.

What is there to stop unbonded FTES beneficiaries from going to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to work? asks Azizul Annuar

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: State Legislative Member (SLM) for Tanjong Datu Azizul Annuar Adenan has expressed his concern that beneficiaries  of Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) may work elsewhere, such as Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, after they have graduated, instead of working in Sarawak.

Caption: Tanjong Datu SLM Azzizul Annuar Adenan asks what is there to stop FTES beneficiaries from going to work in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur?

He said the looming specter of brain drain is most critical vulnerability. 

"We are investing roughly RM400 million a year of taxpayer money to produce world-class graduates. 

"Because the scheme carries no service bond, what stops Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Western multinationals from poaching our best engineering and tech minds the moment they graduate?" he asked during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the State Legislative Assembly today.

"If we fund their degrees only to watch them board flights abroad, we risk becoming a tuition-paying incubator for foreign economies," he stressed.

He urged the state government to address glaring vulnerabilities in the current framework.

"While this scheme brilliantly supports students in state-owned universities, it creates an unintended inequality. What of the Anak Sarawak studying the exact same engineering or medical degree at other Malaysian public institutions like UNIMAS, UiTM, or local TVET institutions? Are their families any less deserving of state support?" he asked.

He suggested that the state government mandates and incentivize state-linked giants like Petros and Sarawak Energy Berhad, alongside foreign investors in the green energy and hydrogen hubs, to partner directly with FTES institutions. 

"Every graduating cohort must have a guaranteed, high-wage local job track mapped out before they collect their scroll," he said.

He also suggested that rather than relying on restrictive legal bonds, which often breed resentment, the state government uses "carrots instead of sticks". 

"We should introduce state income tax rebates, housing assistance grants, or startup incubation funds specifically for FTES graduates who choose to build their careers right here in Sarawak for their first three years," Azzizul Annuar said.

He said FTES is not merely a social welfare payout; it is an equity investment in the sovereign wealth of the people. 

"If we refine its mechanics, plug the leakage of brain drain through robust local career ecosystems, and ensure fiscal equity across all institutions, Sarawak will not just educate its youth. We will empower them to build a global powerhouse right here on our own soil," he stressed.

"When our state leadership committed RM250 million under the 2026 Budget, followed by RM200 million for 2027, scaling toward an annual investment of RM400 million, it sent an unmistakable message to every family in Sarawak that their financial standing will never be a barrier to their child’s potential," he said.

He added by fully absorbing tuition fees for undergraduate degrees across the state-owned institutions—such as Swinburne, Curtin, UTS, i-CATS, and CENTEXS, the state government is opening doors that were once firmly shut for working-class families. 

He said the inclusion of over 64 future-focused disciplines, from STEM and Computer Science to Medicine, Law, and Green Technology, directly aligns with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). 

He said the provision of an RM15,000 annual living stipend for underprivileged B40 students ensures that they are not forced to choose between paying rent and pursuing an education, saying that unlike traditional state loans or rigid scholarship bonds, FTES is non-bonded. 

"It places trust in our youth, allowing them to thrive without being legally anchored by punitive debt," he added. 

We will continue to demand for matters related to MA63 regardless of which coalition or parties in power at the federal level, says deputy minister

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: Regardless of which coalition or parties will be in power at the federal level in future, the Sarawak government will continue to demand for matters related to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that have not been resolved at the meetings of the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63, Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali told State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.

Caption: Deputy Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali says that the Sarawak government will continue to pursue outstanding matters through negotiations with the federal government, utilising the existing discussion platform - the Implementation Action Council for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

She was answering questions from Tellian State Legislative Member (SLM) Royston Valeintine durig question and answer session.

On the Special Grant under Article 112D, Sharifah Hasidah said the Sarawak government appreciates the increase from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion.

"However, the RM1.5 billion remains an interim payment and does not constitute a final resolution to the review of the Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. 

"As a long-term solution, the Sarawak government has proposed the establishment of a clear and consistent formula to determine the rate of the Special Grant," she said, adding that this proposed formula is still under discussion between the Sarawak government and the federal government.

She added to date, no definitive formula has been agreed upon. 

On the demand for One-Third Parliamentary Representation, she said the Sarawak Government maintains its position that the representation of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament should reflect the spirit and foundational principles upon which Malaysia was formed in 1963. 

She said during the meeting of the MA63 Implementation Action Council on Sept 11 2026, the federal government agreed in principle to increase the ratio of representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat from the current level. 

However, Sharifah Hasidah said the implementation mechanism, including the specific number of seats and the necessary amendments to the Federal Constitution, remains to be refined.

"The Sarawak government will continue to pursue outstanding matters through negotiations with the federal government, utilising the existing discussion platform - the Implementation Action Council for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)," she said. 

She stressed that the demand for one-third of the Parliamentary seats is intended to ensure adequate representation for Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament, adding that it is not merely about increasing the number of seats for Sarawak and Sabah. 

"More importantly, it is about ensuring that Sarawak and Sabah have adequate representation in Parliament, particularly regarding proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution that could affect the rights and interests of Sarawak and Sabah. 

"By holding at least one-third of the total seats in the Dewan Rakyat, Sabah and Sarawak collectively gain a more significant standing in the Constitutional amendment process, which requires a two-thirds majority support in Parliament. 

"This is also consistent with the situation at the time of the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when the seats allocated to Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore combined accounted for more than one-third of the total seats in the Dewan Rakyat. 

"Consequently, the Sarawak government views this issue not merely as a matter of numbers, but as a means to ensure that the status, rights, and interests of Sabah and Sarawak—as partners in the formation of Malaysia—continue to have meaningful protection within the Federal structure," Sharifah Hasidah said,

Kuching's ART project one of China's railway corporation overseas reference projects, says Kim Shin

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026 –The state Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project has become one of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation's (CRRC) key overseas reference projects, providing valuable experience and technical references for the company's efforts to promote ART technology in international markets.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says the delegation also highlighted the application and development of ART technology in several Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi'an, Harbin and Shanghai.

This was highlighted by CRRC delegation, led by Xiao Bingquan, General Manager of Hunan CRRC Zhixing Technology Co Ltd, when briefing Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin on the latest progress of the Kuching ART project and the growing international interest in ART technology.

The delegation described the Kuching ART project as an important overseas showcase, noting that the technical experience, specifications and requirements developed during its implementation have provided valuable references for similar projects being pursued in other countries and regions.

One such example is Hong Kong's proposed Kai Tak Smart and Green Mass Transit System. According to the delegation, the technical specifications developed for the Kuching ART project have served as a reference for CRRC's proposed ART solution for the Kai Tak project.

The delegation also highlighted the application and development of ART technology in several Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi'an, Harbin and Shanghai.

Internationally, ART technology has also been deployed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the vehicles have been specially adapted to operate under extreme temperatures. CRRC representatives informed the Minister that additional vehicles had been ordered for the Abu Dhabi project.

The delegation also briefed Lee on CRRC's efforts to expand into other international markets, including planned ART vehicle trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ljubljana, Slovenia, as well as ongoing market development initiatives in Brazil and Argentina.

The minister welcomed these developments, noting that it was encouraging to see the Kuching ART project not only contributing to the modernisation of Sarawak's public transport system but also providing valuable technical experience and references for similar projects beyond Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Chan Chee Kian, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mobilus Sdn Bhd, briefed the minister on the latest production, testing and delivery progress of the Kuching ART vehicles.

He said the ART vehicles had completed the required type tests at a specialised automotive testing facility in Chongqing, China, covering braking performance and other technical and safety requirements.

All required tests had been successfully completed, with the relevant test reports received this week. The testing programme was witnessed by representatives from Sarawak Metro and the project partners.

Chan said production had regained momentum, with the third and fourth ART vehicles expected to undergo pre-delivery inspections in December.

The project team is targeting the completion of six ART vehicles in total by the end of 2026, including the two units already delivered to Sarawak. Efforts are also underway to arrange for the shipment of the remaining four vehicles before year-end.

Lee emphasised that the manufacturer must maintain production momentum while ensuring strict compliance with all required technical, quality and safety standards before the vehicles are delivered.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the local completely knocked down (CKD) assembly programme in Kuching.

Lee expressed hope that the development of local assembly capabilities would create opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and greater participation by Sarawak's industries, while potentially positioning Kuching as a regional hub for ART vehicle assembly.

He reiterated that Sarawak's investment in ART is aimed at providing an efficient and sustainable public transport alternative, easing traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.

Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Wong Hee Sieng, Project Director of EPR Mobilus Global Rail JV Sdn Bhd (EMGJV)Mohd Asmadi bin Abdul Manaf and Head of the Land Transport and Logistics Division, Ministry of Transport Chong Chi Fam.