CM: We will protect the State's constitutional safeguards

Text of Speech by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem when winding up the debate in the State Assembly on April 29, 2015

"With further success expected of the SCORE agenda and hydropower developments, it is timely that commercial and industrial consumers also benefit from the government initiatives. With this in mind, effective from 1st June this year, I wish to announce that the electricity tariff for commercial and industrial tariffs will be reduced.

This reduction will benefit all the current 85,200 commercial and industrial businesses or customers.  Out of this number, 50% or 46,000 commercial consumers will enjoy a reduction of about 15% to 50%. Another36% or 30,500 consumers will enjoy about 8% to 11% reduction.  The balance 9,000 consumers will enjoy a reduction of average 4%."

Development Focus

State Economy

1.            Economic development is fundamental to the prosperity of any country. All these years, the Government has put a lot of efforts to develop our economy to be where we are today.  In the case of Sarawak, our economy has developed and expanded. As a result, we now have a strong economy and is the third largest in the country after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.  The journey that we have taken over the years has resulted in our economy having good credit rating that remains positive with stable outlook from credible rating agencies.

2.            We have worked hard to transform our economy from agriculture based to an economy which is based on manufacturing and services. This is clearly reflected whereby in 2014, the manufacturing and services sectors had contributed significantly at 64.0% to the State economy. These achievements were made possible due toour far sighted development philosophy, policiesand development plans that we have formulated and implemented all these years. 

 

Join Pakatan Rakyat to change Federal Government, Chong tells Sarawak BN

  "Now that the nice and cordial approach as adopted by the State BN is getting us no way in this aspect, we need stronger and harsher measures to implement the resolution of this House."

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 27, 2015. - An Opposition state assemblyman has invited the State Barisan Nasional to join forces with national Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to change the federal government so to make good the State Assembly's resolution demanding for an increase in the oil and gas royalty from 5% to 20%.

"Join with national Pakatan Rakyat to change the Federal Government.  Sabah BN MPs will also join us together to get the 20% oil royalty," Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen said in the Sarawak State Assembly when debating the Sarawak Governor's opening address.

He said PR has 86 MPs, PSM 1 and Sarawak BN has 25, making the total 112 MPs, which is enough to form the federal government.

"Sabah BN, with 22 MPs, will follow suit," he said. 

DAP rep complains about ministers being late, 2015 a year of upheaval for Malaysia, country going in wrong direction

Pelawan State Assemblyman David Wong Kee Woan's speech at the Sarawak State Assembly sitting on April 24, 2015

 

Tuan Speaker, I would like to make an observation of the number of cabinet members and assistant minister in the House. Since 2.30pm this afternoon, I have seen only two ministers and three assistant ministers in this House.

It  shows how much they care about the people’s welfare. They should be present all the time and listen to the Members who speak out for the people. We only meet twice a year and yet they can’t find the time to make themselves present and they are here in force only when the Chief Minister is here. It’s a shame and I hope the the Chief Minister will look into this matter seriously.

David Wong Kee Woan

Beware of this scam tour agency, Sarawak PKR Youth warns

KUCHING, April 26, 2015. Was a tour to China a scam? That appeared to be so.

 Sarawak PKR Youth ,in  a statement today, said it has received a complaint that a reputable tour agency in Malaysia was alleged to have been involved in a scam together with a few companies in China.

Youth deputy chief Simon Siah revealed that a tour guide agency from Malaysia arranged for a tour in China with the itinerary for the places to be visited all properly stated.

Simon Siah

Apply now for minor rural projects, Chong tells rural people

KUCHING, April 26, 2015. - Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called on the rural people to apply for minor rural projects through their village headmen or district offices and their elected representatives, now that the State Legislative Assembly has just approved an allocation of RM500 million.

"The additional allocation of RM500 million is for minor rural projects and social programmes fund.  This is in additional to the previously approved RM1.2 billion in the 2015 Budget. 

"Therefore, with this additional RM500 million, the total allocation for minor rural project and social programmes fund is now RM1.7 billion for this year," Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa state assemblyman, said in a statement.

WWF: New Forests Ordinance is good for Sarawak

KUCHING, April 26, 2015. -   World Wide Fund for Nature – Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) welcomes the revision of the Forest Ordinance and the passing of the Forest Bill 2015, as the law has some positive changes that augur well in better protecting, conserving and managing Sarawak’s rich natural resources.

The organisation is glad that the Bill has incorporated some elements that take into account the changing environment and needs, and if fully implemented, can help  towards achieving sustainable forest management (SFM), and eventually certification. This  will address environmental concerns in the state, particularly unsustainable and illegal logging.

Alan Ling: Expensive rural airfares are bad for Sarawakians

 Speech by Piasau lawmaker Alan Ling Sing Kiong in the State Assembly, April 24, 2015

Expensive Airfares in Sarawak

I have received many complaints from the people of Sarawak, especially those coming from rural areas who are the most affected, and who felt ‘victimized’ by the costly rural airfares¬ charged by Maswings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS).

For example, the one-way 15-minute economy class airfare from Miri to Marudi ranges from RM70 to RM80.

Chee How: Be true to yourself, then you won't be false to anyone else

Batu Lintang State Assemblyman See Chee How's speech in the State Assembly, April 24, 2015

I must thank Datuk Amar Speaker for enlightening me to bring up the matter that I had brought up under Standing Order 15 to discuss the Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) proposed acquisition of Sacofa Sdn Bhd at this stage.

Indeed, it concerns administrative responsibilities of ministers and come within the scope of ministerial actions. And it is a matter of earnest public importance.

“Sarawak Leads The Way In Integrity”

Grandma's death brings sorrow to Sabah elephants

KOTA KINABALU, April 24 – If is a human being, she would tell us the cruelties that human beings have inflicted on her family members.

Ina's  Grandma had died of poisoning by humans, along with some of Ina’s cousins. 

Grandma was the leader of the Bornean elephants that roam the tropical rainforests of Sabah.

Chong Chieng Jen fails to amend Interpretartion Ordinance to define the term "Dayak".

Chong Chieng Jen's Private Member’s Bill under Standing Order 14.

Chong Chieng Jen: Ya, Standing Order 45. Thank you Tuan Speaker. My

motion read as follows:-

WHEREAS the majority group of the indigenous people of Sarawak have long been

locally and internationally called "Dayaks" and are included under the term "natives" of

Sarawak.

Baru's motion on hudud law rejected, Speaker says Adenan has made it very clear hudud will not be implemented in Sarawak

Baru Bian: Thank you, Tuan Speaker, my motion reads whereas: (1) The founding father, Bapa Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman stated it plainly in Parliament. I quote: “I would like to make it clear that this country is not an Islamic State as it is generally understood, we merely provided that the Islam shall be the official religion of the State”. [Hansard 1 st May 1958].

(2) Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution states: “This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”.

(3) The Supreme Court in the case of Che’ Omar Che’ Soh against Public Prosecutor [1988] 2MLJ 55 led by the then Lord President Tun Salleh Abas affirmed the supremacy of the Federal Constitution as stated under Article 4(1) and that Article 162 preserves the continuity of secular law in Malaysia which existed before the Federation of Malaysia.

SPDP names its six candidates for state elections

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 20, 2015 - Sarawak Progressive democratic Party (SPDP) has named six of its candidates for the state elections while another two will be announced later.

At a dinner Saturday night, SPDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing introduced the six to reporters.

They are lawyer Cila Nasu for Tasik Biru, lawyer Kilat Beriak (Krian), quantity surveyor Belayong Jampong (Meluan), businessman Brian Fung, lawyer Fabian Andrew Sigar (Ba'kelalan), a senior government officer for Marudi.

Sarawak PKR tells Adenan not to forget Betong

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 20, 2015: Sarawak  PKR welcomes an additional allocation of RM500 million for rural development in Sarawak, saying that  it is a very good step in advancing the  rural folks.

"I note that Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem specifically mentions that the money is for building of roads, piped water supply and electricity supply in the rural areas across the state.

Malayans have a lot to learn from Sarawakians, says Masing

KUCHING, April 14, 2015: Land Development Minister Tan Sri James Masing said Malayans have a lot to learn from Sarawakians on religious and racial harmony.

"In Sarawak, we live in harmony and we extend assistance to those who need our help, regardless of their religious and racial backgrounds," he said, adding that Sarawakians dislike religious bigots from Malaya from entering the state.

Wong says GST from Sarawak not enough to buy PM's luxury jet

KUCHING, April 14, 2015.- Padungan State Assemblyman Wong King Wei today claimed to have compiled a set of statistics to show that the total collection of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Sarawak is not enough to buy  a new private jet plane for use by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

He  calculated that in the nine months between April and December this year, Sarawakians could be paying an estimated RM 291 million in GST.

We come to Sungai Asap not to split, but to help people, says Chong

BELAGA, April 13, 2015:- Sarawak DAP made its presence felt in Sungai Asap Koyan with the opening of its service centre yesterday.

The centre was jointly officiated by Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen and deputy Leon Jimat Donald.

Don't be contented with RM2.1b,but also go for 20% royalties, Chong asks CM

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 12, 2015. - Sarawak State Assembly Opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen has told Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem not to be contented with the so-called intended awards of RM2.1 billion worth of contracts by PETRONAS to Sarawak contractors.

He alleged it is Adenan's attempt to divert the attention of the people from the initial demand for 20% oil and gas royalties for Sarawak.

POTA is an oppressive law, an attempt to resurrect ISA

KUCHING, April 11, 2015. -  Malaysian Bar, Sabah Law Association and Advocates’ Association of Sarawak vehemently oppose all forms of detention without trial, and view the passage into law of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (“POTA”)in the early hours of 7 April 2015 with grave concern.

POTA is clearly an attempt by the government to resurrect the Internal Security Act 1960 (“ISA”), Restricted Residence Act 1933, Banishment Act 1959, and Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969.

33 civil society groups want renegotiation of constitution if Kelantan insists of enforcing hudud law

"If Kelantan is given the power over criminal justice under Article 76A – whether through a Government Bill or Private Member’s Bill – it will be a constitutional coup against the 1963 Malaysia Agreement"

KUCHING, April 8, 2015 - Thirty-three civil society groups in Sabah and Sarawak have called for a thorough renegotiation of the Federal Constitution if Kelantan insists of enforcing its Syariah Criminal Code II (1993) 2015.

Despite our repeated reminders, cable thefts still occur, says SEB

Cable theft is a serious crime that can cause death or serious injury, in addition to power outage, equipment and financial loss. SEB has been working closely with the police to curb this societal menace and every theft case is reported and investigated.

KUCHING, April 7, 2015-  Sarawak Energy Berhad has expressed deep regret over the death of a man at a substation in Matang on Monday morning.

The unfortunate incident was caused when the individual was electrocuted in a suspected attempt to steal 11,000 volt power cable connected to a switchgear.

Auditor-General Report lacking details, says Chee How

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 7, 2015 - Sarawak PKR vice chairman See Chee How does not think that Auditor-General has done a good job based on the first series of his report 2014.

He said there should be more details in the reports.

"Comparing with the previous series, the findings in the AG Report 2014 series, it appears to be scanty and short of fulfilling its responsibilities," he told reporters today.

See Chee How holding a photostat copy of the AG Report 2014

Sarawak DAP condemns BN govt for tabling Sedition (Amendment) Bill

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2015 - Sarawak DAP today condemns the Barisan Nasional government for tabling the Sedition Act (amendment) Bill for the first reading in Parliament today.

Among others, it provides that any talk of a State seceding from Malaysia as seditious.

"This is a travesty to the terms in the formation of Malaysia," Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said in a statement.

Mawan: It is Mahathir's hobby to attack Najib

By Dayang Suhana

KUCHING, April 3, 2015. - Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) president Tan Sri William Mawan said it has become a hobby for former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to relentlessly attack incumbent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on social media.

"There is nothing we can do to stop the attack because we believe in democratic rights, though I may detest it," he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from BN members from Saratok at Teras headquarters here today.

Don't give up on hope, despite Malaysia facing numerous financial scandals, says Baru Bian

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 3, 2015: Sarawak PKR chairman Baru Bian has told Sarawakians not to give up hope for a better Malaysia, despite of the numerous financial scandals experienced presently.

In his Easter message today, he said:"It cannot be denied that Malaysians currently find themselves in really the most challenging times yet.

Baru Bian: Dont give up on hope for Malaysia

Jimat asks Sarawak PKR: Why oppose hudud law, but maintain ties with Pas?

KUCHING, April 2, 2015: The Sarawak DAP Southern Rural Committee said today that there is no point for Sarawak PKR to reject hudud law, but continues to maintain its relationship with the Islamist party, Pas.

"Such relationship will only give the Islamist party a foothold and grow in secular Sarawak," the committee chairman Leon Jimat Donald said after chairing its meeting here today.

State PKR Youth: It was the DAP which cut ties with PKR and Pas

By Simon Siah,

Sarawak PKR Deputy Youth chief and Bandar Kuching PKR chief

I refer to DAP Sarawak Chairman YB Chong Chieng Jen’s recent statement calling on PKR Sarawak, in particular YB Baru Bian, to sever its tie with PAS Sarawak.

PKR Sarawak reiterated its clear and consistent stand on PAS’ Hudud last week with regards to the Federal Constitution. We further stated that we would write to YAB Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem the Chief Minister of Sarawak to pass a motion in the State Assembly that hudud will never be allowed to be implemented in Sarawak, failing which PKR Sarawak itself will table such a motion in the House. We have done so and are now awaiting the Right Honourable Chief Minister’s response.

Simon Siah