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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Harness Sarawak Day positives but be wary of the negatives
SARAWAK Day on July 22 was gazetted as a state public holiday in 2016. It is often erroneously hyped up as Sarawak's Independence Day but, of course, it is no such thing. It only marked the attainment of Sarawak's self-government on that day in 1963, but the last colonial governor did not leave the Astana in Kuching till the eve of Malaysia Day on Sept 16, 1963. At best, the day marks the setting up of Sarawak's home-grown government as the prelude to Merdeka, when the first Sarawak-born governor was sworn in, also on Sept 16, 1963. Regrettably, Malaysia Day was not accorded official significance until recent years. Still, Sarawak Day should never take precedence over the day the state attained real independence. But many, not least the Sarawak government of 2016 under then-chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and now under Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, have their own reasons for asserting the significance of Sarawak Day. It coincided with the state's push for greater autonomy in the federation. There is, however, always some latent risk that, once mounted, the greater-autonomy tiger may yet prove tricky for state authorities to control. In the near-decade since Sarawak Day began to be officially commemorated, there has been the usual parade attended by state officials and its people to mark the day. For some years, a small group of politically conscious locals led by former state assemblyman Dominique Ng would also gather at Padang Merdeka in Kuching on this day to raise the Sarawak flag. This year promised to be different. A group led by prominent activist Peter John Jaban had planned a rather elaborate celebration that would combine civic and state pride in Kuching on July 22. The plan was abruptly stopped, with Jaban blaming it on onerous conditions imposed by city authorities little more than a week before the event itself. Abang Johari and Adenan have always dismissed the idea that Sarawak Day marks an assertion of state rights with real independence the ultimate goal. There is no basis to doubt their stance. What is less clear is whether forces have been inadvertently unleashed that will make it more difficult for the state government to contain public expectations of the autonomy agenda and what this may lead to. Unless adroitly and sensitively handled, the public fervour that Sarawak Day engenders may take on a life of its own. In the last state election, there was a political party that stood on the platform of Sarawak independence. Thankfully, it has not gained much traction thus far. Voon Lee Shang and other politicians leading the independence-leaning Parti Bumi Kenyalang were recently admonished by some Dayak politicians and told to stop leveraging the Dayak "struggle" for political gain. These are all political noises at the periphery. How state leaders handle these matters can either reinforce or blunt whatever political grievances — real or perceived — from being exploited. Sarawak Day is one prime example of how things political may be properly harnessed or irresponsibly exploited by various state political actors.
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBK: Additional S'wak DUN seats not commensurating with population growth
Ting (centre), flanked by PBK Miri secretary Eric Ngieng and treasurer Devora Chung, in a photocall. MIRI (July 12): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has called the proposed addition of 17 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats as 'unreasonable and unnecessary' as it does not commensurate with Sarawak's population growth. PBK Miri chief Leslie Ting said based on figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak only experienced a six per cent growth in population over the past 10 years. 'Therefore, the (proposed) increase in the number of DUN seats by 17 per cent is not commensurate with the population growth in Sarawak,' he told a press conference here Thursday. The DUN, on July 7, passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Membership Composition) Bill 2025 to raise the number of state constituencies from 82 to 99. On a separate matter, Ting said PBK would either go solo in the next state election or seek to form an alliance with other 'like-minded' local political parties. At the same time, he called upon Pakatan Harapan (PH) to 'leave the political scene in Sarawak', accusing the coalition led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of failing to deliver on their election pledges and meet the aspirations of Sarawakians. 'PH Sarawak should dissolve and its leaders join PBK to enable the Opposition to fare better against Gabungan Parti Sarawak in state elections,' he said. additional DUN seats lead PBK
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Get your own platform, leave Dayak struggle to us, PBDS tells PBK
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (June 16): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) ought to stop leveraging on the Dayak struggle but instead focus on their own platform and objectives, said Dr John Brian Anthony. The Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman said the party took note of recent comments and gestures made by PBK on social media, apparently expressing support for certain positions already taken by PBDS. While acknowledging PBK's right to comment on public matters, he said it is PBDS' unwavering mission to represent, protect, and empower the Dayak people politically, economically, and culturally. 'Our struggle is rooted in the history, identity, and aspirations of the Dayak community, and we have paid the price of marginalisation to uphold our integrity and independence. 'We respectfully urge PBK and any other political entities to avoid using the Dayak cause as a political leverage point to gain popularity or score political mileage. 'If your cause is strong, let it stand on its own merit. Do not ride on the Dayak name without truly understanding or representing our struggles on the ground,' he said in a statement. John said Sarawakians deserve to see what PBK stands for in action and not merely by commenting on what other parties are doing. 'True collaboration among Sarawak-based parties must be based on mutual respect, clear boundaries, and recognition of each other's unique identity and struggles,' he added. Nevertheless, he said PBDS remains open to genuine dialogue and cooperation with any party that shares its values of justice, equity, and indigenous empowerment. However, he stressed that such cooperation must not be at the expense of the Dayak community's dignity or political autonomy. 'Let each party speak for its people, work on its mission, and be judged by its performance—not by political theatrics,' he said.
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
PBK chief to accompany bird's nest entrepreneurs to MACC over seized products
Voon (second left) and party members point to a photo on a mobile phone held by Wong (third from right) during the press conference, showing the condition of his premises after a raid by authorities. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 4): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has announced plans to accompany several bird's nest entrepreneurs to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to seek clarity and possibly lodge a report regarding a case involving the seizure of their products by authorities. According to him, the entrepreneurs claimed they had been wronged by enforcement agencies following raids conducted about two years ago in Sibu and surrounding areas. 'One of the affected entrepreneurs, who wished to be identified only as Wong, is present at the press conference today. 'Wong operated a licensed bird's nest business that included farming and export but suffered losses of approximately RM1 million after his products were seized during the raid,' he said during a press conference held at a local hotel today. Voon claimed the raids, allegedly carried out by officers who identified themselves as Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) personnel, left many entrepreneurs shocked and confused. The police and marine police were also present but were reportedly stationed outside the premises for security purposes, he added. Voon described the authorities' actions as 'high-handed' and alleged an abuse of power. 'The entrepreneurs told us they were not given any explanation as to why the raids were carried out. There was no room for negotiation or proper consultation. They were simply raided, and their properties taken. 'We understand that across the central region, including Sibu, the total estimated value of bird's nest products seized from multiple businesses is around RM4 million,' he said. Voon added that the affected parties had previously raised the issue with elected representatives, including federal and state ministers, but had not received any resolution. He said Wong, like others in the industry, remains in the dark about the case's outcome and the status of the seized goods. 'This is not a small industry. The bird's nest trade is a multi-million-ringgit business in Sarawak and provides livelihoods to many. Based on our estimates, this issue has affected the income of at least 200,000 people in the state.' Voon stressed that his role is solely to accompany the entrepreneurs, who are seeking advice from the MACC on how best to address the matter. 'This matter does not affect just one man, it impacts an entire industry and the people who depend on it,' Voon said. bird's nest entrepreneurs lead MACC Voon Lee Shan
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Voon tight-lipped on PBK's election plans, says strategy in place
Voon speaking at the event. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 25): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan was coy on the number of seats the party will contest in the coming state election. He was quick to emphasise, however, that the party has strategies in place to contest the election. 'I cannot disclose at this moment how many seats we are going to contest. The committee has not decided (yet). But we have strategies on how to fight this next (state) election. 'Our strategy is very simple. Our strategy is that we are consistent in our struggle for Sarawak independence in a peaceful and legal manner. 'So, in order to achieve this, we must form the government. Only when you are in the government can you bring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to declare it null and void, or to Parliament or whatever legal avenue,' he told reporters. Voon made these remarks when met after the Sarawak People's Justice Dinner organised by PBK at a local restaurant here last night. The event was chaired by the party's youth chief, Moh Hiong King. For the record, in the 2021 Sarawak election, PBK contested 73 out of the 82 seats but failed to win any. Voon also expressed concern over the issue of oil and gas rights, underscoring the limitations posed by the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74). 'Until and unless the PDA74 is revoked or repealed, oil and gas remain under the control of Petronas. That is the law. And the Constitution is very clear,' he said. Meanwhile, PBK supreme council member Awang Badele urged the state government to provide electricity subsidies to ease the burden of those in the B40 and M40 income groups. He also called for the acceleration of perimeter surveys on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and proposed an environmental allowance for residents in Bintulu, citing its role as a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) production hub. 'We are giving constructive suggestions to the government so that they can be implemented to benefit the people,' said Awang. Also present at the dinner were PBK deputy president Peli Aron, vice president Dr Richard Ibuh, organising chairman Moh Hiong King, and PBK life president Yu Chin Liik. Parti Bumi Kenyalang state election Voon Lee Shan
