Sarawak DAP urges state government to recognise third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese origin as natives

BINTULU, Oct 26 2025: Sarawak DAP has urged the state government to consider include the third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese, Indian or any other origins not mentioned in the Schedule of the Interpretation Ordinance as natives of the state.

Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen being welcomed on arrival for the party's annual convention 

This is one of the resolutions adopted at the party’s annual convention here today.

Another resolution called upon the state government to achieve more racially balanced civil service proportionate to the racial composition of Sarawak by having equal and fair opportunity of promotion to all races.

The party calls upon the state government to effectively resolve the flooding problem in the state as well as to promptly pay out compensation to the flood victims, including the victims of Bintulu flood in early 2025.

Other resolutions are:

1. Calling for an independent and transparent investigation into the integrity and accuracy of the smart metres deployed by Sesco as the general public has felt a sudden increase in the electricity bills after the installation of the smart meters to their premises;

2. Calling on the state government to reveal the details of the RM30 billion loans taken by its companies, including the interest terms, loan repayment conditions, and the specific purposes for which the loans were obtained;

3. Calling on the state government to increase the efficiency and accountability of the local governments so that the issues affecting the people can be resolved in a more effective and responsive manners for better living conditions;

4. Calling on the state government to proactively address the issue of delayed completion of housing projects and issuance of individual titles in order to effectively help the stranded and innocent house purchasers;

5. Calling on the state government to review the re-categorization of land in Sarawak which has tremendously increased the land lease renewal premium of vast area of land;

6. Calling on the state government to implement reforms in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, particularly by appointing an opposition member as the Public Account Committee (PAC) chairman;

7. Calling on the state government to stop relying on off-balance sheet expenditures through alternative funding initiatives which distorts and conceal the actual government spending in the annual budget document.

8. Calling on the state government to review its plan to implement hydrogen powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project due to lack of viability, sustainability and cost effectiveness;

9. Calling on all local councils to put on hold any attempt to increase assessment rates, particularly in view of the increase in state revenue, which should be distributed and enjoyed by the people;

10. Calling on the state government and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd to resolve all water supply issues including taking steps to immediately upgrade all the existing water pipes which are susceptible to leakages (and thus Non-Revenue Water which costs millions of ringgit to all taxpayers on a yearly basis) which in turn also leads to numerous water cuts that affects the livelihood of the public.

 

Peter John tells Anwar not to fall into the trap set up by Pas

KUCHING, Oct 26 2025: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has cautioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against falling into the trap set up by the Islamist party Pas over the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims.

Peter John Jaban: Malaysia is not an Islamic country. It is a secular state, although Islam is the official religion. 

He said the prime minister, instead, should stand firm against any attempt to impose Islamic values on multicultural Malaysia, especially in light of multiple recent ‘controversies’ drummed up by Pas.

He noted that Pas members of parliament have raised in quick succession the issue of alcohol consumption in the national airline, in private-sector tourism events and now, apparently, on school premises.

“Malaysia is not an Islamic country. It is a secular state, although Islam is the official religion,” he said in a statement.

Peter said the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to a large proportion of its population who are non-Muslims, notably many of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.

“These constant attacks by Pas on the consumption of alcohol should be seen for what they are - an attempt to normalise Islamic practice within everyday life for all Malaysians, regardless of their religious background. As such, the party should be resisted,” he said.

He said a recent string of questions seems to be a coordinated campaign by Pas to demonise drinkers in Malaysia.

“Where will it end?” he asked, adding that he believed Pas will not be satisfied until there is no public consumption of alcohol allowed in Malaysia.

“In fact, as an Islamic party, I believe Pas would like to see a complete ban.

“Alcohol is enjoyed responsibly by many Malaysians for whom it is not against their religion. In fact, fermentation of alcohol is an important custom for the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak, used to welcome visitors and in traditional rituals.

“It is now also a valuable product and a key part of our tourism offering,” he said, asking if the party succeeds in banning alcohol, what other freedoms will they go after next.

Peter urged the prime minister to stop pandering to this string of complaints by Pas representatives. He said Anwar needs to make clear that the nation’s educational rules and philosophy’ revolve around religious and racial tolerance, not around Islamic objections to alcohol.

 

 

Peter John asks PMX if alcohol ban also applies to rural schools in Sarawak

KUCHING, Oct 26 2025: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clarify whether his recent “No alcohol in schools” directive applies equally to Chinese vernacular and rural schools in Sarawak.

Peter John Jaban: If events in school halls are prohibited on the basis of ‘values’, then perhaps the government should also explain whether it is acceptable for students to be encouraged to carry toy firearms and wear Palestinian keffiyeh scarves like militant fighters in school programmes
 

He reminded that the compounds of these schools, especially the rural schools, often serve as “community centres” for local gatherings and fundraising events.

“Some rural schools in Sarawak organise events within their compounds to raise funds to repair damaged classrooms, toilets, tables and chairs, or even to rebuild dilapidated buildings.

“These schools are not just centres of learning but they are the hearts of the local communities,” he said today in a statement when commenting on Anwar’s recent statement.

Peter warned that rigid enforcement could hinder parent–teacher associations (PIBG) from raising much-needed funds to maintain rural schools, given that government allocations are often delayed or insufficient.

“If this rule (not to serve alcohol within the school premises) is applied rigidly, it could stop parent–teacher associations and local committees from organising fundraising dinners that help keep rural schools functioning.

“How can parents raise funds if not through these community events?” he asked, adding:”We cannot depend solely on government allocations.”

On October 23, the prime minister declared that his Madani government would not compromise on any event involving the serving of alcohol or activities deemed to contradict educational values within school premises  even after school hours.

He further stated that even if a school hall is rented by external parties, such as alumni associations, it should not be used for any activity that violates the nation’s educational rules and philosophy.

Peter responded by saying that the prime minister must first define clearly what constitutes “educational values” before imposing blanket restrictions on all schools, including those in Sarawak.

“If events in school halls are prohibited on the basis of ‘values’, then perhaps the government should also explain whether it is acceptable for students to be encouraged to carry toy firearms and wear Palestinian keffiyeh scarves like militant fighters in school programmes” he questioned.

 “Are such activities part of Malaysia’s national education philosophy? he asked.

He further questioned why other serious issues in schools have not been addressed with the same urgency.

Peter said before imposing rigid moral standards on harmless community events, the prime minister should first address real and recurring problems in schools  such as bullying, violence, and moral decay among students.

He added these are far greater threats to the children’s education and national values than community dinners held to raise funds for school repairs.

Peter questioned whether the federal government’s rule is formulated with an understanding of the unique cultural and logistical realities faced by rural Sarawakian communities, noting that such policies should be applied with flexibility and respect for local conditions.

He also questioned whether the directive applies uniformly across all schools, including Chinese vernacular schools, or whether certain schools are exempted.

“The government must be transparent and consistent,” he said, asking if this rule meant for all schools, or will Chinese schools be exempted.

“If there are exceptions, then Sarawakian communities deserve to know why the same flexibility cannot be given to our rural schools,” he asked.

Peter stressed that while the intention to uphold school discipline and values is understandable, the implementation must be context-sensitive and must respect Sarawak’s autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He further warned against attempts to impose Peninsular Malaysian ideology or social norms on Sarawak’s multicultural society.

“Sarawak has its own customs, values, and ways of managing community affairs.

“We do not want Peninsular Malaysian ideology to be forced upon our people. What works in Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru cannot simply be transplanted into longhouses or rural schools in Ulu Baram or Ulu Kapit.

“Our way of life must be respected. 

“As long as this kind of radical ideology is allowed to take root or worse, quietly encouraged by those in power the non-Muslims and moderate Malaysians will never feel truly at home in their own land,” he said.

He reminded that Malaysia was built on unity, not fear; on respect, not control.

“But every time extremism is given space to grow, we lose another piece of that Malaysia,” he stressed.

Peter reminded Anwar that good and talented Malaysians are migrating, not because they don’t love their country, but because their country no longer loves them back.

“Those who have built a better life abroad will see no reason to return to a homeland that refuses to protect its own diversity.

“If this continues, Malaysia will not lose its enemies but  it will lose its best people,” he said, urging both the Ministry of Education and the Sarawak Education Department to issue clear and culturally sensitive guidelines to ensure that rural communities are not unfairly penalised by policies made without local context.

“We all support discipline and good values in schools, but the government must also support the people’s effort to maintain their schools.

“Without flexibility, this policy (of not allowing alcohol to be served within the school premises) will harm the very communities it is supposed to protect.

“Let Sarawak manage its own community-based approach that is the true spirit of federalism and respect,” he suggested.