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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
To secure constitutional rights Sabah must be like Sarawak: Jeffrey
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey (centre) at the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade. BAU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has issued a clarion call for Sabah to mirror Sarawak's successful model of political unity and assertive leadership in order to effectively safeguard its rights within the Malaysian Federation. Speaking at Sarawak's vibrant Independence Day Cultural Parade July 22, Jeffrey lauded Sarawak's cohesive political front and its confident engagement with Putrajaya. He highlighted Sarawak's achievement of having a Deputy Prime Minister as a direct result of this unified political strategy. Jeffrey, who is also President of the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF), underscored the historical significance of July 22nd, 1963, Sarawak's self-governance day, and its pivotal role in the formation of Malaysia. He emphasized the symbolic weight of the '13' prefix in Sarawakian identity cards, representing Sarawak's unique status as a founding partner in the Federation, a status he argued has been progressively eroded since the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak were not merely added states, but equal partners in a federation that has deviated from its original principles. Jeffrey commended Sarawak's leadership for its proactive approach in securing recognition of Sarawak Day as a public holiday and for its persistent, peaceful advocacy for its constitutional rights. He cited Sarawak's successful cultural events, such as the Independence Day parade, as powerful demonstrations of unity and state pride, serving as a model for all Borneans. He specifically praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership in this regard. Sarawak government officially gazetted July 22 as Sarawak Day, that is also widely referred to as Sarawak Independence Day, in 2016 under the leadership of then Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem who emphasized that Sarawak never 'joined' Malaysia but rather formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore. The move was part of his broader push for Sarawak's autonomy, particularly in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Sabah government gazetted Aug 31 as Sabah Day last year to commemorate the day in 1963 that the territory gained self-government after decades as a British crown colony. Jeffrey said with a fervent appeal for unity among Borneans, urging Sabah to learn from Sarawak's example and to celebrate its own historical milestones with similar vigour. He extended an invitation to Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in the Sabah Day celebrations in Kota Kinabalu next month. He expressed his hope for a future where Sabah and Sarawak fully reclaim their rightful positions as equal founding partners in Malaysia, as envisioned under the MA63. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah should emulate Sarawak's unity in asserting rights, says Kitingan
Kitingan speaks during the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 722 today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor BAU (July 22): Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has lauded Sarawak's political unity and maturity, saying it stands as a model for Sabah to emulate in asserting its rights within the Malaysian Federation. Speaking at the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 722 at Tasik Biru here today, Kitingan praised Sarawak's cohesive political front and strong leadership, which he said have enabled the state to engage more confidently with Putrajaya. 'I am in awe of how Sarawak has united its political front and this unity has allowed Sarawak to assert itself with greater confidence and clarity in its negotiations with Putrajaya. That is something we in Sabah can and must emulate. 'Malaysia even has a Deputy Prime Minister from Sarawak now, resulting from that unity,' he said. Kitingan, who is also Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) president, reminded attendees of the historical significance of July 22, 1963 – the day Sarawak was granted self-government by the British – ahead of the formation of Malaysia on September 16 that year. He also highlighted the symbolic meaning behind the identity card numbers beginning with '12' for Sabah and '13' for Sarawak, calling them more than mere administrative codes. 'These numbers are a reminder of our unique positions in the formation of Malaysia. We must not forget that Sarawak and Sabah were both colonies before the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed. 'We must not forget that Sarawak and Sabah were both colonies before the Malaysia Agreement was signed. The journey to nationhood was not straightforward, but what is clear is that we were meant to be equal partners in the Federation and not just another pair of states. 'Malaysia was supposed to be a federation of equals consisting of Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya, but what transpired was a gradual erosion of that status. That's why we must strive to restore what was agreed upon under the MA63,' he said. He also commended Sarawak's leaders for their boldness in pushing for recognition of Sarawak Day as a public holiday and for continuing to assert their constitutional rights peacefully. He said Sarawak's ability to host cultural events like today's parade, complete with traditional costumes and visible expressions of state pride, should serve as a platform for unity — not just for Sarawak, but for all Borneans. 'I am grateful to the Sarawak leadership and to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, known affectionately as Abang Jo by Sarawakians. Their example shows that when we come together and speak with one voice, even federal leaders will listen. 'We are one people of Borneo, so let us use Sarawak Day as a platform to unite not just Sarawakians, but all Dayaks and Borneans. This solidarity will strengthen our position in Malaysia,' he said. Kitingan also expressed hope that Sabah would soon celebrate its own historical milestones with equal pride. He invited Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in celebrating Sabah Day in Kota Kinabalu next month. 'I hope one day Sabah and Sarawak will fully regain our rightful roles as founding partners in Malaysia, as envisioned in the Malaysia Agreement. Let us continue working together, side by side, as equals,' he said. asserting rights Jeffrey Kitingan lead MA63 sabah Sarawak
Focus Malaysia
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Focus Malaysia
Sabahan UN rep slams CM Hajiji govt over ‘Borneo.TV' launch, calls it cultural 'betrayal'
'THE Sabah state government's hasty launch of has come under fire from local indigenous cultural leaders with a United Nations (UN) representative accusing Chief Minister (CM) Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's administration of sidelining native voices and undermining Borneo's cultural sovereignty. Launched on July 1 at Menara Kinabalu and developed by Kuala Lumpur-based IB Media Consultant Sdn Bhd, the television channel was allegedly rolled out without any consultation with Sabah's indigenous artists and cultural stakeholders. 'For years, the state has neglected the cultural rights of indigenous artists, singers and songwriters, leaving their creative economies and heritage unsupported,' fumed UN permanent representative for the Dayak International Organisation Datuk Petinggi Andrew Ambrose Atama Katama. 'I fully endorse SAFVA's (Sabah Film and Visual Association) opposition to the lack of consultation … As cultural conscious Borneans, we must resist this erosion of our identity by ending all forms of cultural exploitation.' A pioneering KadazanDusun-English hip-hop artist, Atama Katama further claimed that the deal between the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat and IB Media violated both international norms and indigenous rights, including the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also expressed concern over the use of the name 'Borneo' in a platform owned by TV Al Hijrah president/CEO Datuk Izelan Basar by stating that it 'raises serious concerns about cultural appropriation'. MACC's intervention sought Prominent Sabahan artist Yee I-Lan echoed the sentiment by warning in a Facebook post that ' owned by a non-Bornean Malayan religious content figure with limited media experience, smacks of neo-colonialism'. Criticism was also extended to the annual Borneo Native Festival (BNF), held in Kuala Lumpur. Sarawakian activist Peter John Jaban claimed that the festival romanticised Bornean identity for a Peninsular audience while offering little support or recognition to local experts like his GOASS cultural group. While the SMJ Secretariat has claimed that was privately funded, this has done little to dispel concerns. Atama Katama argued that the station absolved the state of responsibility and only handed Sabah's cultural narrative to 'rent-seeking executives' while making the Sabah CM who was a former radio announcer 'utterly compromised'. On this note, Atama Katama called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the 'opaque' agreement behind He also insisted that the Sabah State Ministry immediately uphold the cultural rights of indigenous communities while urging full FPIC and meaningful engagement with local creative artisans. Above all else, Atama Katama further demanded that the SMJ Secretariat publish a clear policy on cultural appropriation and take steps to prevent misuse of the term 'Borneo' by private entities. 'Our cultural heritage is sacred and must not be exploited, particularly for religious purposes,' he added. – July 4, 2-2025 Main image credit: Hajiji Hajo Noor/Facebook
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Free Malaysia Today
Raising spirits: how Tuak Alus is brewing a cultural revival
Ayden Chong and Raffly Langi began brewing tuak in their own kitchens for personal consumption. (Tuak Alus pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Raffly Langi grew up with tuak in his village in Betong, Sarawak. As an Iban, this traditional rice wine was a staple at home during harvest festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings. 'My family has been brewing tuak for a very long time,' the 32-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. 'My aunties would prepare the yeast a few months before Gawai, and they'd use the rice they harvested to ferment it into tuak.' Raffly, a former service engineer, didn't pay much attention to the brewing process back then. Little could he know that years later, he'd become the master brewer of Tuak Alus, a brand co-founded with Ipoh-born Ayden Chong – and another partner who has since left to pursue other goals – seven years ago. Together, they have turned a village tradition into a smooth, golden pour that's making waves across the Klang Valley and beyond. 'I feel very proud because I finally get to create something that celebrates my culture – something that can bond and unite everyone. I'm also really happy because many Borneans enjoy our tuak. They truly believe it's on a different level,' Raffly, who is now based in KL, shared with a smile. Operating mostly at pop-up markets in Klang Valley malls, Tuak Alus produces over 100 bottles a month. You'll also find the tuak mixed into cocktails at some of KL's top bars. Raffly and Chong currently offer three flavours: tuak laki, the boldest of the lot; tuak induk, a sweeter version with palm sugar; and tuak pandan, which is light and easy. Chong fell in with tuak when he tasted the rice wine during the Gawai Festival one year. (Tuak Alus pic) 'We have created our own ecosystem. We make our own yeast, which has galangal, ginger, and pepper – a little bit of Kuching,' quipped Chong, a recruitment consultant. He noted that the higher yeast content gives Tuak Alus a stronger alcohol by volume (ABV) content than most. 'The longer we let it brew, the more the rice and yeast settle to the bottom. That's what gives it the clear, golden colour and smooth taste. 'This is how we distinguish ourselves. Some tuak brands out there are either too milky or too sour,' the 30-year-old added. Chong's own love affair with tuak began years ago in Raffly's village, even though the pair hadn't met yet. He fondly remembers his first Gawai celebration in a longhouse, where the Iban hospitality came with generous pours and the notorious tuak trail – house to house, glass after glass. 'I only lasted halfway!' he laughed. But that buzz sparked an idea: why not bring this beloved Bornean brew to peninsular Malaysia? So, after connecting with Raffly, the duo began brewing in their kitchen, using Raffly's family recipe. They started with small batches, gradually refining their process. 'We shared our brew with our friends and family, and began experimenting with different flavours. Soon, our friends started ordering from us,' Chong recalled. Raffly says they only filter their tuak after letting it sit for months, which results in its unparalleled smoothness. (Tuak Alus pic) Tuak Alus has since built a loyal following, especially among Sarawakians living in the Klang Valley. 'One lady from Bintulu tried our tuak in a KL pub and couldn't stop thinking about it,' said Raffly, now a full-time brewer. 'She ordered bottles from us and paid the high shipping fee just to get it sent back to Sarawak!' Their dream is to put tuak on the world map, the way soju is tied to Korea or sake to Japan. 'It's a beautiful way to represent one of Malaysia's many cultures,' said Chong. For Raffly, the biggest stamp of approval comes from home. 'My family finishes our bottles really fast!' he laughed. 'They tell me it's different from anything they've had before. That's why it's so special to me.' So, the next time you're looking to raise your spirits – figuratively and literally – skip the usual wine or whisky and give Tuak Alus a try. It's bold, it's golden, and it might just leave you wondering how you ever partied without it. Follow Tuak Alus on Instagram.
