Sarawak DAP chief to file appeal to the Federal Court in the Black Hole case

KUCHING, July 31 2026: Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said he has decided to appeal to the Federal Court against the decision of the Court of Appeal (CoA) in affirming the High Court’s judgment in the “Black Hole” case, citing public interest.

Caption: Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen (seated, centre) with DAP members

He said he is also appealing against the decision of CoA in imposing an award of RM300,000 in damages and RM200,000 costs against him.

He said his lawyers will be filing the necessary papers to the Federal Court later today, seeking leave to appeal to the Federal Court.
He said CoA has decided that, in Malaysia, a government can sue its citizen for defamation.

“In most if not all the Commonwealth countries which practise the common law system (Malaysia is one), the courts have held that government has no rights to sue for defamation against its citizens.

“Courts in England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa have all adhered to this position, that is, a government has no right to sue a person for defamation,” Chong said.  

He said the reason is based on the fundamental principle that government is elected by the people and should be open to uninhibited criticisms by the people and that to allow a government to sue a citizen for defamation will create an inhibiting effect on freedom of speech.

“This widely accepted common law position was totally overturned in my Black Hole case where the government of Sarawak sued me for defamation and the courts allowed such action to be maintained by the government.

“So far to the best of my knowledge, in all Commonwealth jurisdictions my Black Hole case is the only case that the court holds that a government can sue its citizen for defamation,” Chong, who is also Stampin Member of Parliament, said.

He said in effect, with the precedent set in the Black Hole case, if a citizen criticises a government to be “unfit to govern” or “a hopeless government”, he will be liable to be sued for defamation by the government of the day.

“Therefore, as a citizen of the country who believes in our fundamental principles of democracy, I have decided to appeal to the highest court in the country, hopefully to set it right,” he added.

On July 3 this year. CoA had dismissed his appeal against the High Court’s ruling in the 2013 ‘black hole’ defamation suit and doubled the damages awarded.

The CoA increased the damages the High Court  from RM150,000 to RM300,000.

The court also awarded RM150,000 in costs for the appeal, while the High Court costs of RM50,000 remained unchanged, bringing the total amount payable by Chong to RM500,000.

The state  government and State Financial Authority  had sued Chong, then Kota Sentosa assemblyman, in 2013, alleged in Sarawak DAP pamphlets that RM11 billion from the state’s coffers had disappeared into a “black hole”, implying financial mismanagement by the Sarawak government and the SFA.

The plaintiffs subsequently filed a defamation suit against him. The trial was heard from Jan 7 to July 5, 2021.

On Aug 30, 2022, then Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew How Wai ruled in favour of the plaintiffs but did not provide written grounds for the judgment.

Governor, wife express highest appreciation to members of security forces in conjunction with Heroes' Day

KUCHING,  July 31 2026 – Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife Toh Puan  Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, expressed their highest appreciation to all members of the security forces for their services, dedication and sacrifices in defending the sovereignty, peace and prosperity of the country in conjunction with Heroes' Day 2026.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was introduced to the recipients of the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) Awards during the Heroes' Day this morning

He said Heroes' Day is a reminder that the peace enjoyed today did not come easily, but was built on the sacrifices of heroes who always put the interests of the country first.

He said that this year's celebration theme, "Remembering the Service, Strengthening the Defence", also stressed the importance of continuous commitment, discipline, preparedness and patriotism in maintaining national peace.

He, who is also a former member of the security forces, said that the experience gave him a deep understanding that peace requires integrity, courage and high sacrifice.

In this regard, he called on all members of the security forces to continue to strengthen professionalism, competence and resilience to face increasingly complex security challenges.

At the same time, the governor stressed that national security is a shared responsibility and called on all Sarawakians to continue to strengthen unity, reject extremism and division, while upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as the foundation for national stability and harmony.

He also expressed his appreciation to the veterans of the security forces who have served with dedication and sacrifice.

According to him, their services and contributions should continue to be remembered and appreciated through continued support for their welfare and well-being as a sign of lasting respect.

Concluding his message, the governor invited all the people to pray for blessings on the souls of the fallen heroes, in addition to granting strength and protection to all members of the security forces who continue to serve for the sake of their beloved homeland.

 

 

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar diperkenalkan dengan para penerima Pingat Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB)

History of formation of Malaysia, key provisions of MA63 be taught comprehensively in school curriculum, suggests PRS Youth

KUCHING, July 31 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Christopher Gira has proposed that the history of the formation of Malaysia and the key provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 be taught more comprehensively in the national school curriculum. 

Caption: PRS Youth chief Christopher Gira says he firmly believes that education is the most effective way to strengthen national unity

He said young Malaysians should understand how Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, the respective roles of the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and, at that time, Singapore, as well as the rights and responsibilities enshrined in MA63.

“Education based on historical facts and constitutional principles will provide students with a more accurate understanding of the foundation of our nation,” he said in a statement.

“This is the best way to prevent confusion arising from inaccurate or incomplete interpretations of history,” Gira said in a response to a recent comments by former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin on his Keluar Sekejap podcast.

He said as PRS Youth chief, he firmly believes that education is the most effective way to strengthen national unity.

“When Malaysians understand the true history of the formation of our country, they will better appreciate the spirit of federalism, respect our diversity, and understand the constitutional rights and responsibilities of every region within the federation,” he said.

He added PRS will continue to uphold and defend Sarawak's rights through constitutional means, historical truth and the spirit of MA63, to ensure that Malaysia continues to progress as a fair, strong and united federation.

He added PRS welcomes constructive discussions on MA63, as they help increase public awareness of the history behind the formation of Malaysia.

“However, such discussions must be grounded in historical facts, the Federal Constitution, and official documents such as MA63, Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and Cobbold Commission Report.

“Historical facts should not be selectively interpreted or misrepresented in ways that may mislead the public.

“For PRS, the priority today is not merely debating history but ensuring the full implementation of the rights and responsibilities agreed upon under MA63.

“The progress achieved through negotiations between the Federal Government and the Government of Sarawak should continue until all outstanding matters are resolved,” Gira, who is also Tamin State Legislative Member (SLM), said.

Sarawak-West Kalimantan reaching on a number key agreements at the SOSEK-MALINDO 39th session

PONTIANAK, WEST KALIMANTAN: The 39th Session of the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Joint Working Committee (SOSEK MALINDO) between Sarawak and West Kalimantan has reached on a number of key agreements, including efforts to enhance cross-border trade facilitation, strengthen communication mechanisms among relevant agencies to resolve operational issues, and expedite approval processes for cross-border trade activities.

Caption: Members of the delegation from Sarawak for the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Joint Working Committee

The two regions also agreed to further enhance cooperation in youth, sports, tourism, culture and education, while strengthening information-sharing among security enforcement agencies to ensure the continued safety and security of border areas, as well as facilitating the lawful movement of people and goods.

SOSEK MALINDO, in a the statement, said among the initiatives agreed upon was the revival of Tour Malindo in 2027,  organisation of the Festival Perbatasan and Festival Budaya on a rotational basis, as well as joint tourism destination promotions through the exchange of the Calendar of Events, familiarisation trips (fam trips), business-to-business (B2B) programmes, and the utilisation of digital platforms and influencers to promote tourism destinations in Sarawak and West Kalimantan.

In the area of security and border management, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the development of CIQS/ICQS facilities and coordinating the development of border control posts, taking into consideration matters outlined in the Malaysia-Indonesia Border Crossing Agreement.

The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant agencies of Sarawak and West Kalimantan involved in economic development, trade, connectivity, social affairs, culture, security and border management.

According to a statement, the meeting served as a strategic platform to review the progress of previously agreed decisions while reaching new agreements aimed at enhancing the well-being of border communities and further strengthening bilateral ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.

Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel,  who is also chairman of SOSEK MALINDO Sarawak, expressed his appreciation to all delegates for their commitment and spirit of cooperation demonstrated throughout the session during the closing ceremony of the 39th meeting.

He emphasised that SOSEK MALINDO would continue to serve as an important platform in strengthening strategic relations between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, while acting as a catalyst for socio-economic development in border areas and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Indonesia.

 Ends

 

UNIFOR-CFM holding engagement session to strengthen interfaith harmony

KUCHING, July 30 2026: The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) is strengthening cooperation with the Christian community in Malaysia through an engagement session with the executive committee of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) to strengthen interfaith harmony.

Caption: UNIFOR and CFM  exchanging views and discussions on various matters of mutual interest.

UNIFOR director Georgina Apphia Ngau said the session served as an important platform to strengthen existing relations through constructive dialogue, exchange of views and discussions on various matters of mutual interest.

The engagement session took place in conjunction with the CFM executive committee's official visit to the UNIFOR Complex here yesterday.

During the session, the CFM delegation was also briefed on the role and function of UNIFOR in supporting the development of houses of worship of other religions as well as missionary schools throughout Sarawak.

They were also brought to visit the UNIFOR complex to personally see the implementation of the interfaith cooperation model practiced in Sarawak, which is one of the main factors in maintaining peace, understanding and unity of the multi-racial and religious community in this state.

The visit also provided an opportunity for both parties to share views on efforts to strengthen understanding, mutual respect and cross-religious cooperation in order to preserve the harmony that forms Sarawak's identity.

The CFM delegation represented its three affiliated bodies, namely the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia (CBCM), the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) led by CFM Chairman Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng.

The delegation consisted of CFM vice chairmen Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim and Reverend Bishop  Danald Jute, secretary Rita Sabrina Wong, assistant secretary Dr Khoo Kay Hup, honorary assistant treasurer Archbishop Dr Simon Poh, executive secretary Reverend Andy Chi Cheng Khee and several members of the CFM executive committee.