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Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dapsy: GPS seat expansion about power, not rights
Lam says GPS appears to be 'confused' about the priority of the matter, mistakenly linking state seat expansion with federal parliamentary representation. KUCHING (July 18): The GPS-led Sarawak government's bid to increase state assembly seats is merely a move to entrench political dominance, not to restore constitutional rights, said DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak Secretary George Lam. According to Lam, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) appeared to be 'confused' about the priority of the matter, mistakenly linking state seat expansion with federal parliamentary representation. 'Unfortunately, GPS seems to be confused about the priority of this issue, mistakenly believing that increasing state seats will lead to more federal parliamentary seats. 'In reality, their move is nothing more than an attempt to entrench their political dominance in Sarawak, and contributes nothing toward restoring our constitutional rights,' said Lam in a statement yesterday. Lam reiterated DAP Sarawak's firm support for increasing the number of parliamentary seats allocated to Sarawak, saying it was crucial for fair representation at the federal level and for the realisation of rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Both DAP representatives — YB Chong Chieng Jen (Padungan) and YB Violet Yong (Pending) — have made our stand crystal clear during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting on July 7. 'If GPS is sincere about using their political influence in the Federal Government to push for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak, every single DAP MP will vote in support of that motion,' he said. However, Lam noted that to date, there has been no indication of such an effort from GPS at the federal level. 'Instead, we only hear loud statements made within Sarawak itself — a form of political self-talk with no meaningful action,' he said. Lam pointed out that GPS currently holds one Deputy Prime Minister position and five federal Cabinet posts in the Unity Government, which gives the coalition the political platform needed to raise the matter. 'With such representation in Putrajaya, they have the capacity to bring this proposal forward at the highest level. 'Yet, what we are seeing instead is a lopsided focus on increasing state seats, with no clear plan or numbers on how many federal seats Sarawak should rightfully receive,' said Lam. He said the real need lies in stronger representation in Parliament, which would enable Sarawak to negotiate more effectively for devolution of powers and fulfil MA63 obligations. 'Sarawakians know very well that what we truly need is an increase in federal parliamentary seats, not state seats. 'Increasing state seats, on the other hand, only serves to place more political figures into the State Assembly and does nothing to help our fight for equal rights,' Lam said. Lam also challenged GPS's rationale that Sarawak's vast geography necessitates more state constituencies. 'Let's be honest – what we need are people's representatives, not representatives for forests, rivers, and trees,' he said. Following the state seat increase bill's passage, Lam urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure a fair, transparent, and independent redelineation process. 'The upcoming redelineation exercise must be conducted with greater fairness and caution to uphold the principle of 'one person, one vote' and ensure equal vote value,' said Lam. He highlighted that densely populated urban areas such as Kuching and Sibu are severely underrepresented and must be prioritised. 'Redelineation must prioritise these areas in order to reflect the true spirit of equality as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,' he added. Lam also outlined the legal redelineation process, where the EC must hold a one-month public display after preparing the proposed boundaries. During this period, he said any group of 100 or more registered voters from an affected constituency can file a formal objection. 'If this threshold is met, the EC must review and revise the boundaries, followed by a second round of public display. 'Once the second display concludes, no further objections can be submitted,' Lam explained. The final boundaries, he said, will be tabled in Parliament and gazetted before being implemented in the next general election. Calling the process a 'critical part of our democratic system,' Lam urged voters to educate themselves and take part actively. 'When the time comes, we must be prepared to act and stand up for a fair and just electoral map. 'DAP Sarawak will continue to promote voter education to ensure every Sarawakian understands their rights and is empowered to protect the principle of 'one person, one vote, equal vote value',' he said. DAPSY DUN George Lam gps lead seats expansion
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
'Assemblyman's irresponsible actions have embarrassed Sabah on international stage'
Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 14): DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sabah chief Chan Loong Wei has strongly condemned Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong for lodging a police report and making baseless allegations against the Esteel steel plant investment project in Sipitang. 'As a people's representative, Calvin Chong's decision to file a police report against a foreign investor is not only outrageous and irrational but also tarnishes Sabah's image as a investment friendly destination,' Chan stated firmly. He explained that Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd had already paid RM35 million in land deposit to the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) – a substantial sum that clearly reflects the investor's serious and long-term commitment to Sabah. 'If the company were truly just an empty shell as claimed, would they willingly pay tens of millions in cash? This single fact alone is more than enough to refute all the reckless accusations and slander being hurled irresponsibly,' he added. Chan further pointed out that Chong had cherry-picked information to suit his political narrative while deliberately ignoring the fact that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) had previously imposed a moratorium on new steel industry approvals – a necessary federal measure to prevent oversupply and dumping risks, ultimately aimed at protecting industries. 'His allegations not only undermine legitimate public policy, but also expose a lack of understanding of national industrial processes.' Chan emphasized that the Esteel project had undergone thorough due diligence and approvals from both federal and state agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Department of Environment (DoE), local authorities among over 20 regulatory bodies. The project's official launch was even officiated by the Prime Minister himself. 'When Calvin Chong questions the legitimacy of this project, he is essentially casting doubt on the professionalism of our civil servants and the integrity of our administrative system.' Chan also questioned why Chong had not raised these issues in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting, instead opting to sensationalize the matter through police reports and media theatrics. 'As an elected representative, he has full access to the ministry, and could have easily sought clarification directly from the minister or myself. But instead, he chose to politicize the issue. I challenge him – raise it in the Assembly and face it head-on. Don't hide behind a police report. 'If he is afraid to debate in the Assembly, then let's have an open public debate on a neutral platform – let's argue with facts, not perceptions. Let the people of Sabah decide for themselves.' Chan also clarified that Esteel's parent company, GreenSteel Limited, based in Singapore, is a legitimate and reputable international company. It recently acquired shares in Southern Steel Bhd in Penang and holds significant interest in Antara Steel in Labuan. The construction phase is expected to commence between July and August 2025 at the SOGIP industrial site in Sipitang. Chan concluded by stating that while DAPSY Sabah fully supports checks and balances, such scrutiny must be conducted factually and responsibly. 'We welcome oversight of any investment project, but never should investments be used as tools for cheap political gain. Sabah needs builders, not destroyers. And most importantly – we cannot allow Sabah to be branded as a high-risk zone by international investors just because of the reckless behavior of a few irresponsible leaders.' On Friday, State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that Esteel Enterprise's RM31 billion steel processing plant at SOGIP is expected to show visible physical progress by July this year. Phoong said the ministry recently received a formal letter from the company reaffirming its commitment to the project.
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
PAS dep. president fumes at DAP for seeking cops' immunity from offensive Razman clown caricature
THE war of words between PAS and DAP over a clown caricature deemed offensive to Perak state opposition leader Razman Zakaria has escalated with the Islamist party's deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man calling on the latter to allow space for the police to conduct its probe into the matter. This came about as DAP Socialist Youth chief Woo Kah Leong is currently under police investigation over a social media post that depicted Razman who was the former Perak PAS commissioner as a clown riding a unicycle on a tightrope with the caption 'Raja Fitnah' (literally, 'King of Slanders'). Woo who is also the first term Pasir Bedamar state assemblyman had on April 1 uploaded the caricature in a Facebook (FB) post alongside a reference to the various instances of Razman having to apologise to Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders over various accusations he had made against them. In his defence of Razman, Tuan Ibrahim has hit out at Pahang DAP state assemblyman for Bilut, Lee Chin Chen, who was reported by Malaysiakini as having urged the police to stop their investigation against Woo. Alluding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself seeking the much-criticised immunity from the civil suit filed by his former research assistant Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, the PAS lawmaker described Lee's call as an extreme action which disrespects the legal process. 'This is as if they (DAP) have the power to prevent civil servants from carrying out the duties entrusted to them,' he rebuked in a FB post. 'The reasoning that the caricature is a form of satirical artistic expression that conveys criticism is superficial. Art should not be tainted with insulting messages, especially if it comes from a government exco against his political opponent. 'He shouldn't have interfered in police investigations because this country upholds the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial.' In his defence over the clown caricature of Razman, Woo chided the Gunung Semanggol state assemblyman for resorting to lodge a police report instead of explaining or counter his argument with argument or to even apologise for his slew of slanders. 'Asking the police to investigate merely because of the satirical nature of the caricature is the true appearance of a Perikatan Nasional (PN) politician who is thin-skinned (berhati tisu) and easily offended (koyak),' chided the Perak state EXCO for Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, Consumer Affairs & Chinese New Villages. Recall that one of Razman's latest slander was by having mistaken Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as the daughter of YTL Corp's late founder Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay. Following thus blunder, the PAS central leadership has since distanced itself from Razman by reportedly relieved him of his duties as the Perak PAS Commissioner with the role temporarily taken over by PAS vice-president and Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad. – June 4, 2025
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Influencer ‘Ratu Naga' apologises over Perak anthem confusion
KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — Social media personality Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, better known as Ratu Naga, has issued an apology after wrongly accusing a Chinese school in Perak of singing the Malaysian national anthem in Chinese. The incident unfolded after Syarul Ema, who is also a Perikatan Nasional activist, uploaded a video showing pupils singing at a school event attended by DAP Socialist Youth chief Woo Kah Leong. In her original post, she appeared to suggest the students were disrespecting Negaraku — a claim that quickly drew backlash from netizens and went viral after others began resharing the clip. Yesterday, Syarul Ema took to Facebook to clarify what happened, saying she had taken down her post within 10 minutes after realising her mistake. 'For some cybertroopers who claimed I've mocked the Perak Anthem, they are mistaken. I didn't even mention it was the state anthem,' she wrote. She also pointed out that the video's spread did not originate from her page. 'The video didn't go viral from my platform, as some managed to download and share it,' she added. Her clarification came amid mounting criticism online, with many accusing her of stoking racial sensitivities.
