Latest news with #Chieng
The Star
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Send Sarawak's cultural troupes abroad for greater exposure'
Snowdan (fifth from right) marking the launch of BCF 2025. He is flanked by (from third, left) Chieng, Ting, Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar and Tiang. SARAWAK'S vibrant traditional arts could soon captivate international audiences, as a state deputy minister has suggested sending the state's cultural troupes abroad. 'Our traditional performers have reached international standards and deserve more exposure through overseas performances,' said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan. 'That is why we have a creative industry portfolio in our ministry – because we recognise the immense talent in Sarawak. 'Sarawak regularly receives invitations from countries such as Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain and the Philippines to present traditional dances abroad. 'It is time to take a more proactive approach in sending cultural troupes to represent the state internationally.' Snowdan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 in Sibu, Sarawak. He said showcasing cultural dances such as those from Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay and Chinese communities would help promote Sarawak's multicultural identity to global audiences. 'People from abroad are very interested in our traditional dances; it is something they do not see every day. 'Sending our troupes to perform internationally is not just about performance, it is about telling the story of who we are as Sarawakians,' said the Balai Ringin assemblyman. BCF is an annual event that celebrates the region's cultural diversity through music, dance, food and traditional arts, drawing performers and visitors from across Sarawak and beyond. The 21st edition, themed 'Rhythm of Borneo', is ongoing until July 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. Snowdan, who was representing minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony, said BCF not only showcases Sarawak's rich cultural landscape, but also plays a crucial role in preserving it for future generations. 'The festival has become a vital platform where tradition meets modernity and where our younger generation can reconnect with their roots while the world gains a glimpse of Borneo's unique identity. 'It also plays a multifaceted role in promoting tourism, supporting the creative economy and positioning Sibu as a vibrant cultural hub,' said Snowdan. Highlighting the significance of BCF's 21-year legacy, he lauded the dedication of all who had made the festival a success. 'To reach this milestone is no small feat. 'It reflects the passion, teamwork and unwavering commitment of countless individuals who have nurtured this event over the decades,' said Snowdan. BCF organising chairman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the council was promoting waste reduction and recycling throughout the festival. 'Visitors are encouraged to dispose of rubbish responsibly using clearly labelled bins for general and recyclable waste,' he said. 'BCF's official mascot 'Engkuli' a clouded leopard, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to conserve Borneo's biodiversity and to inspire environmental awareness,' he added. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, SMC chairman Clarence Ting, and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Murum, Bukit Assek reps support more seats for fairer representation
Chukpai (left) and Chieng debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 7): Increasing the number of seats in the State Legislative Assembly is essential to strengthen rural representation and keep pace with the state's growing electorate, said Kennedy Chukpai Ugon (GPS-Murum). Debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, Chukpai said the proposed increase from 82 to 99 elected members would help correct long-standing imbalances between urban and rural constituencies. 'Historically, rural communities have struggled to have their voices heard. By expanding the assembly, we can close that gap and enable more equitable development across the state,' he said. Chukpai pointed out that many rural areas remain vast, isolated, and underrepresented despite being rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. He said expanding the assembly would provide a clearer platform for local issues to reach the legislative floor. 'More representatives mean better access for remote communities to the policy-making process. This leads to more grounded, community-focused development—something we've long needed in interior areas,' he added. Chukpai also highlighted how national policy reforms, such as lowering the voting age to 18 and implementing automatic voter registration, have significantly expanded and rejuvenated Sarawak's electorate. 'This growing voter base necessitates a corresponding increase in elected representatives to truly reflect the people's will,' he said. He added that the new composition would help strike a healthier balance in representation, avoiding a concentration of influence in urban centres and ensuring resources are distributed more equitably. 'This is not just about numbers; it's about ensuring every Sarawakian, regardless of geography or age, is fairly represented. That's the spirit of democracy,' he said. Echoing similar views, Chieng Jin Ek (GPS- Bukit Assek) described the Bill as 'timely and necessary,' adding that the legislature must evolve in tandem with the state's fast-changing population landscape. 'This Bill answers a basic democratic principle: representation must grow alongside the population,' he said. Chieng noted that Sarawak's voter base had surged by nearly 60 per cent following the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration from 1.25 million in 2021 to over two million as of January this year. 'With such a massive increase in voters, maintaining the current 82-seat configuration will dilute the effectiveness of representation, especially in rapidly urbanising or vast rural constituencies,' he said. He also pointed out that many assemblymen are now overstretched due to constituency size and growing demands. 'When one ADUN has to cover tens of thousands of voters across scattered areas, it becomes harder to engage meaningfully with every community,' he said, adding that the proposed increase would help ensure more efficient and people-centric service delivery. Chieng said the move to expand the assembly also reflects the realities of development in Sarawak, where growth is no longer confined to urban centres. 'Development without representation risks being uneven and unsustainable,' he said.
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Assemblymen support more seats for fairer representation
Chukpai (left) and Chieng debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 7): Increasing the number of seats in the State Legislative Assembly is essential to strengthening rural representation and keeping pace with the state's growing electorate, said Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon. Debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, Chukpai said the proposed increase from 82 to 99 elected members would help correct long-standing imbalances between urban and rural constituencies. 'Historically, rural communities have struggled to have their voices heard. By expanding the assembly, we can close that gap and enable more equitable development across the state,' he said. Chukpai pointed out that many rural areas remain vast, isolated, and underrepresented despite being rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. He said expanding the assembly would provide a clearer platform for local issues to reach the legislative floor. 'More representatives mean better access for remote communities to the policy-making process. This leads to more grounded, community-focused development—something we've long needed in interior areas,' he added. Chukpai also highlighted how national policy reforms, such as lowering the voting age to 18 and implementing automatic voter registration, have significantly expanded and rejuvenated Sarawak's electorate. 'This growing voter base necessitates a corresponding increase in elected representatives to truly reflect the people's will,' he said. He added that the new composition would help strike a healthier balance in representation, avoiding a concentration of influence in urban centres and ensuring resources are distributed more equitably. 'This is not just about numbers; it's about ensuring every Sarawakian, regardless of geography or age, is fairly represented. That's the spirit of democracy,' he said. Echoing similar views, Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek described the Bill as 'timely and necessary,' adding that the legislature must evolve in tandem with the state's fast-changing population landscape. 'This Bill answers a basic democratic principle: representation must grow alongside the population,' he said. Chieng noted that Sarawak's voter base had surged by nearly 60 per cent following the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration from 1.25 million in 2021 to over two million as of January this year. 'With such a massive increase in voters, maintaining the current 82-seat configuration will dilute the effectiveness of representation, especially in rapidly urbanising or vast rural constituencies,' he said. He also pointed out that many assemblymen are now overstretched due to constituency size and growing demands. 'When one ADUN has to cover tens of thousands of voters across scattered areas, it becomes harder to engage meaningfully with every community,' he said, adding that the proposed increase would help ensure more efficient and people-centric service delivery. Chieng said the move to expand the assembly also reflects the realities of development in Sarawak, where growth is no longer confined to urban centres. 'Development without representation risks being uneven and unsustainable,' he said.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP reaffirms unwavering commitment in fighting for Sarawak's rights, autonomy
Dr Soon (fourth right, front) slices a 'nangka' (jackfruit) while (from third right, front) Chieng, Tiang, Lau, Chua and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 16): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for Sarawak's rights and autonomy during its 66th anniversary celebration. Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang emphasized that SUPP, along with other component parties in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), was committed to protecting and safeguarding Sarawak's rights. He recounted the party's journey since its founding in 1959, saying they had one goal — to fight for Sarawak and for Sarawakians. 'Our objective was to unite all ethnic groups under the Sarawakian identity and to make Sarawak stronger, better and become our own master. Those objectives were in 1959,' he said during the anniversary cum Father's Day celebration hosted by the SUPP Nangka branch here last Sunday. The Pelawan assemblyman also highlighted the key milestones in SUPP's political journey and recalled the formation of GPS in 2018 after Sarawak-based parties, including SUPP, left Barisan Nasional. 'Together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), we formed GPS to put Sarawak first. GPS fights for Sarawak, only Sarawak.' He also outlined achievements that underscored GPS' and SUPP's continuous efforts in restoring Sarawak's rights. 'In 2021, the Federal Constitution was amended to restore Sabah and Sarawak's status as equal partners alongside Malaya (as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963). 'That same year, Sarawak amended its state constitution to replace the title of Chief Minister with Premier, reflecting its elevated constitutional status. 'In 2021, we also fought for Sarawak's right to define our own indigenous people without interference from the federal government. We define our indigenous people as native,' he said. He further mentioned that since 2019 until now, Sarawak continues to fight for its regulatory rights over oil and gas. 'We even formed Petros to be the sole aggregator for our gas distribution, and last month (May), our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration, recognising Sarawak gas distribution ordinance and our right over our gas, (with) Petros as the sole aggregator. 'All these achievements, we make Sarawak strong again — just through our petroleum product sales tax, we also generated a lot of revenues. From 2019 to 2023, we have generated RM16 billion in revenue. These accomplishments, achieved alongside SUPP, mark significant milestones for Sarawak,' he said. 'When we come to crossroads, SUPP was there together with other component parties (in GPS). So, we are there to defend Sarawak, safeguard Sarawak (rights),' he said. Regarding the celebration of Father's Day, he said it was important for fathers to pay attention to their children's feelings and ideas. 'In today's world, children encounter numerous challenges, particularly online, such as bullying and similar issues. 'It is the responsibility of parents to ensure the well-being of their children. Instead of constantly insisting on obedience from children, consider other approaches,' he advised. Among those speaking at the event were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, SUPP Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong and SUPP Nangka chairman Chua Beng Seng. SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and SUPP Bawang Assan chairman Kevin Lau were also present. autonomy Michael Tiang Sarawak rights Sarawak United People's Party
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep seeks new Dayak community leader posts for Sentosa
(From fourth left) Joseph, Stanley, Paing, Chieng (right) and others posing during the the 'Ngiling Bidai' Gawai Dayak for Sentosa, Bukit Penyau and Nanga Salim areas. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 15): Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng has formally requested two additional Dayak community leader posts for zones 1 and 2 in the Sentosa area here from the Sarawak government. Chieng said this move aims to further strengthen coordination and services for the community. 'I hope we will receive good news soon,' he said when speaking at the 'Ngiling Bidai' Gawai Dayak for Sentosa, Bukit Penyau and Nanga Salim areas at a local restaurant here last night. The event was jointly hosted by N51 Bukit Assek Service Centre and Persatuan Peminat Adat Main Asal Salim Bukit Penyau Sibu. Reaffirming his commitment to the community, Chieng pledged to continue championing the 'Program Baik Pulih Rumah' (PPRMS) to help more residents improve their homes. He acknowledged that beyond infrastructure development, greater aid and attention are necessary for the community. 'I will continue to fight for increased resources from the Sarawak government to ensure that no one is left behind or neglected,' he added. However, Chieng also expressed concerns that the reviewed and expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST), set to take effect on July 1, will continue to impact the daily expenses of low- and middle-income households. 'Although the government emphasises that only non-essential goods and services will be taxed, we are all aware that in the face of rising living costs and continuous subsidy cuts, this new policy will still impact the daily spending of the low- and middle-income groups.' Chieng commended the Sarawak government for recognising the people's hardship and the rising cost of living. 'The Sarawak government has not remained idle—it has introduced various forms of assistance to ease the burden on the people,' he said. He cited the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), Sarawak Senior Health Benefits (SCHB), and the yearly RM1,200 pocket money allowance for Sarawakian students attending higher education institutions nationwide as examples of the state's initiatives to alleviate financial burden. 'These initiatives prove that the state government is truly concerned and constantly striving to ensure that no Sarawakian is left behind,' he said. Also in attendance were political secretary to Premier Willam Anut, Temenggong Stanley Geramong, Pemanca Paing Tawi, SUPP Bukit Assek chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon, and SUPP Nangka chairman Chua Beng Seng. community leaders Dayak joseph chieng lead Sentosa
