(UPDATED) Sarawak, Sabah will continue to play an important role in national's politics, PBB information chief says, dismissing Julau MP's view

KUCHING. Aug 2 2026: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has dismissed Julau Member of Parliament Larry Sng's suggestion that Sarawak and Sabah will no longer be playing a decisive role in the formation of the federal government after the next general election.

Caption: PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says "in this politics, we cannot say that Sarawak and Sabah do not play a role in national politics".

 Karim said he believes Sabah and Sarawak will continue to play an important role in the country's political landscape, regardless of the outcome of the next general election. 

He said that a statement by Julau Member of Parliament Larry Sng that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are no longer decisive in the formation of the federal government is his personal view.

"In this politics, we cannot say that Sarawak and Sabah do not play a role in national politics," he said when asked to respond to Sng’s statement posted on his Facebook early today.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the IIUM Alumni Unmatic Gathering today.

Karim said GPS's participation in the Unity Government was made based on considerations to support the country's political stability, while the strategic positions of Sabah and Sarawak continue to make the two regions have an important role in the national political landscape.

On the coming Sarawak state election, Karim said based on his observations, the state election is expected to be held this year as the State Legislative Assembly’s (SLA) term is approaching its end.

He said that elections are usually held before the end of the term to ensure that the administrative process and mandate transition can be implemented according to the provisions set.

“From my own observation, elections really need to be held this year,”

“Elections are usually held before the end of the term. We do not want SLA to be automatically dissolved if something unexpected happens,” he said.

He added that the implementation of elections before the end of the term is a common practice to ensure the continuity of state administration.

Early today, Sng, who is also Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, has said that BN-PN formula was expected to form the next federal governing based on the results of the Johore and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

He suggested that BN-PN only needed an additional 14 parliamentary seats to form the federal government, pointing out that based on the 2022 general elections, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional have a combined 112 seats, just enough to form the federal government without the support of GPS and GRS.

 

Afternoon blaze destroys 23-door longhouse in Samalaju

BINTULU, Aug 2 2026: A 23-door Rumah Padang longhouse at Batu 37, Jalan Bintulu-Miri, was completely razed to the ground in an afternoon fire today.

Caption: This is what left after the fire has been extinguished

Samalaju Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said there were casualties report in the incident.

The department said it received a call at 4.30pm, informing of the fire that was licking the longhouse.

Upon arrival at the location, the operation commander reported a fire involving a 23-door, non-permanent longhouse on fire.

The firefighters from Batu Niah, Kidurong and Bintulu stations also came to put off the fire.

Raw materials, small-scale production and access to a wider market among the challenges facing Sarawak's weaving industry, admits Uggah

SPAOH, Aug 2 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah said the supply of raw materials, small-scale production, productivity, and access to a wider market are among the challenges facing the local weaving industry in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah expresses hope that Bukit Saban will be able to become a supplier of raw materials

“The handicraft and weaving products of the Sarawak community have their own identity. What we need is expertise, branding, marketing networks and technological support so that local products can penetrate the global market,” he said,

He was speaking at the closing of the Borneo Interwoven programme here.

He said the Borneo Interwoven is an important platform in strengthening the heritage textile industry and expanding international cooperation networks to improve the economy of rural communities.

He said the international-class programme held at the Penom Longhouse, Ulu Paku not only successfully brought together traditional textile industry practitioners from various countries, but also opened up space for the local community to learn about new technologies, innovations and methods in the production of woven products and natural dyes.

“This programme has brought awareness to us that the Borneo forests hold very valuable treasures. The natural plants found in the forests have the potential to produce high-quality natural dyes and can become commercially valuable products in the future.

“We hope that one day Bukit Saban will be able to become a supplier of natural dyes to the world market, thus creating new economic opportunities for rural communities,” he said, referring to his state constituency.

 Uggah said that apart from the exchange of knowledge and skills, the collaborative network created through the participation of participants from various countries also opens up opportunities for local craft entrepreneurs to market their products internationally.

The five-day programme from 27 to 31 July brought together approximately 120 participants consisting of weavers, natural dye practitioners, designers, researchers and creative industry players from all over Borneo and the ASEAN region.

Be cautious as more entertainment programmes being held in rural areas, PBDS sec gen reminds

KUCHING, Aug 2 2026: The youth members of the Dayak community have been urged to be cautious as more concerts, entertainment programmes and youth events are being held in the rural areas ahead of the Sarawak state election.

Caption: PBDS secretary general Sanjan Daik says NCR land issue still unresolved

Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) secretary-general Sanjan Daik said the party was not against entertainment, but warned that Dayaks should not allow such events to distract them from the realities of daily life.

"The fun only lasts a few hours, but the prices of goods are still rising. Young people are still looking for jobs, business opportunities remain uneven, and road and internet problems in rural areas still exist," he said in a statement.

Sanjan also said that Native Customary Rights (NCR) land issues remain unresolved, while educational and economic opportunities continue to require attention.

"The concert may last one night, but the government rules for five years. So don't exchange five years of our future for a few hours of fun," he stressed.

He urged the Dayak community to look beyond the stage and focus on the issues that matter.

"Don't just look at the stage; look at the reality outside it. Don't just listen to the music, but also listen to the people's voices. Don't just listen to promises, but examine the track record. Don't think that Dayak youth can be persuaded by entertainment alone."

Sanjan said the Dayak community should recognise the power of its vote.

"We are not spectators; we are the decision-makers. Our votes are not a gift to any party. They are the power to determine who will shape our future," he said.