Latest news with #SarawakStateLegislativeAssembly
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Governor attends state-level Maal Hijrah celebration in Bintulu
Tun Wan Junaidi arriving at Assyakirin Mosque, Bintulu Division. BINTULU (June 27): The Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the Doa Recitation Ceremony marking the end of the year 1446 Hijrah and the beginning of 1447 Hijrah in conjunction with the state-level Maal Hijrah celebration at Assyakirin Mosque here last night (June 26). Also present were the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and his wife, Puan Sri Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and his wife, Datin Siti Syorgayah Ahmad Zaidin. Others present included Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee and his wife Dayang Loha Awang Sahari, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, Sarawak State Mufti Datu Kipli Yasin, Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) chairman Datu Misnu Taha, Sarawak Islamic Department (JAIS) director cum Secretary of MIS Mual Suaud, Bintulu Division Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, heads of departments, and other distinguished guests. Tun Wan Junaidi shaking hands with dignitaries and local Muslim residents upon arriving at Assyakirin Mosque, Bintulu Division. Tun Wan Junaidi and his wife arrived at the mosque at around 6.15pm and were warmly welcomed by the dignitaries in attendance. The ceremony began with the recitation of end- and beginning-of-year Hijrah prayers, led by the Grand Imam of Sarawak, Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, followed by Maghrib and Isha congregational prayers. Toh Puan Fauziah with female congregants. A recitation of Surah Yasin and tahlil prayers was also conducted for the late Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, wife of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, followed by a tazkirah (religious talk) on the theme of the celebration, 'Prosperous and Progressive Ummah', delivered by Datu Kipli Yasin. After Isha prayers, Tun Wan Junaidi and his wife mingled with members of the congregation and invited guests, before joining state and local leaders for a dinner attended by dignitaries from various races and religions.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Seat increase must uphold MA63, strengthen Sarawak's representation, says Kota Sentosa rep
Yap reiterates that the people of Sarawak deserve transparency and clarity in the process, not decisions made behind closed doors. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 27): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for any move to increase Sarawak's state or parliamentary seats to be guided by the principle of 'Sarawak First' and grounded in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He stressed that such measures must not be reduced to a 'mere numbers game' but should instead reflect a sincere commitment to strengthening Sarawak's voice in Parliament and ensuring fair and accurate representation of its people. 'This cannot be just a numbers game. It must be a step towards strengthening Sarawak's voice in Parliament and ensuring our people are more fairly and accurately represented,' he said in a statement. He reiterated that the people of Sarawak deserve transparency and clarity in the process, not decisions made behind closed doors. 'Sarawak must come first in any seat increase – uphold MA63 and protect our future,' he asserted. Yap, a lawyer by training, made these remarks ahead of the one-day special sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) slated for July 7. Although the official agenda has yet to be announced, speculation suggests that the session may address issues of redelineation or increasing the number of seats at the state or parliamentary level. Yap emphasised that any changes made in this regard must aim to uphold Sarawak's constitutional rights and enhance its representation within the Federation. 'Let's not forget that the last seat increase in 2015 involved proper legal channels through the Election Commission and constitutional amendments. 'We must insist on the same level of accountability this time,' said the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa branch chairman. Yap further stressed the need to rebalance electoral representation in response to rapid urban population growth, particularly in areas like Kota Sentosa. 'Neglecting urban constituencies risks marginalizing large segments of Sarawak's population,' he cautioned. 'Every Sarawakian deserves to have their voice heard. Fair representation is not only a constitutional matter – it is a matter of justice and equity for our people,' he emphasised. Calling for unity across political lines, Yap urged all parties -regardless of affiliation – to prioritise Sarawak's rights and autonomy. 'If this special sitting is indeed about reinforcing our place under MA63, then it is a step in the right direction and deserves full public support. 'Our collective mission must be to build a stronger, more empowered Sarawak,' he said. Reaffirming his unwavering stand, Yap said: 'I will always speak up for what matters to Sarawakians- whether it's MA63, fair representation, or the development of our state. 'The people of Sarawak must always come first. Let us remain vigilant, united, and committed to a better future.'
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
July 7 DUN sitting a crucial step to reclaim Sarawak's MA63 rights, says activist
Peter describes the session as an ideal platform for Abang Johari to officially declare Sarawak's full autonomy. KUCHING (June 26): The upcoming special session of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), scheduled for July 7, presents a timely and critical opportunity for Sarawak to reclaim its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said activist Peter John Jaban. The Deputy President of the Global Human Rights Federation described the session as an ideal platform for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to officially declare Sarawak's full autonomy. 'They may as well do that, especially since it has been widely speculated that the July 7 session will focus on electoral reform,' he stated in a press release yesterday. 'The MA63 Cabinet Special Committee has been in place since 2018. 'Despite some progress at the federal level – particularly through constitutional amendments to Articles 1(2), 160(2), 161A(6), and 161A(7) proposed by Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (now Sarawak Governor) – deliberations have dragged on far too long in Putrajaya,' he said. Peter John praised the Sarawak Government's ongoing efforts under the Premier's leadership to restore the state's priorities in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the petroleum sector. 'Now is the time to enact legislation to formally reinstate the areas of autonomy promised to Sarawak, as exemplified by the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros),' he emphasised. He also reiterated the importance of rectifying the historical reduction of parliamentary seats allocated to Sarawak and Sabah and reaffirmed that the Borneo states' veto power enshrined in MA63 is non-negotiable. 'We fully support any efforts by the Sarawak Government and the Election Commission to rectify the urban-rural voter imbalance and to eliminate any form of biased redelineation,' he said. Peter John urged the Premier to seize this opportunity, highlighting the progress already made to position Sarawak on a self-reliant path. 'We support the Premier's initiatives to generate revenue, establish financial institutions, build a strong education and health ecosystem, and connect Sarawak through its own airline. 'In fact, we are all accustomed to calling him 'Premier' now. He has proven the potential, authority, and direction of Sarawak's institutions,' he added. 'However, now is the time to fully reclaim our rights under MA63 as discussions have been going on for too long,' he noted. He further asserted that with a bill in the DUN declaring unilateral autonomy, the state's civil service could begin implementing the necessary administrative frameworks. 'There remains much to be done – strengthening immigration controls, abolishing the cabotage policy, 'Borneonising' our institutions, and more. But we cannot advance while caught in endless deliberations,' he reiterated. Peter John concluded by cautioning that the July 7 sitting must be impactful and not diverted by minor outcomes. 'Sarawak has long fought for autonomy with great patience. This is the time for the final push. 'The Premier has shown the way – get on with the job without much talk and it is now the time to create the right framework so that all parties in Sarawak can follow suit.' DUN sitting lead MA63 Peter John
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak targets more Japanese for SMM2H
KUCHING: Sarawak holds great potential to attract more Japanese nationals to participate in the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) programme, following a rise in the number of tourists from the Land of the Rising Sun visiting the state. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the SMM2H programme is already popular among Chinese nationals and could also be promoted to interested Japanese citizens. 'It's up to them (the Japanese) to see what Sarawak has to offer, but from what I can observe, especially from applicants from Europe or China, they see Sarawak as a safe place with good medical facilities,' he told reporters after attending the Leo Forum organised by the Lions Club here today. He noted that safety and high-quality medical services are key attractions, particularly for the elderly who are more vulnerable to health issues. He said the education sector is also a factor that attracts foreigners to join the SMM2H programme, as their children can study at several international schools in Sarawak. During the winding-up session for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting last month, Abdul Karim said a total of 560 applications were approved last year for participation in the SMM2H programme, with another 265 approved as of mid-May this year. According to him, these approvals have contributed economically to Sarawak in the form of fixed deposits from the participants, amounting to a total of RM176.9 million.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN wraps up session with six Bills passed, senator reappointed
Sharifah Hasidah moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which saw the passing of six bills and the approval of a motion to reappoint a member to the Dewan Negara, was adjourned sine die at 5.13pm today. Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. On May 20, three bills were passed – starting with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Bill aims to strengthen the state's biodiversity governance, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and economically viable. It also empowers Sarawak to harness its rich biological resources while promoting the commercialisation of scientific advancements. The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was also passed on the same day. Awang Tengah said the amendments were essential in strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice and standards for governance. Also passed on May 20 was the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The amendment facilitates an increase in the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak, including the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), as well as three municipal councils namely Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). The number of councillors for each of these councils would be increased to 33 from 30, excluding the mayor and deputy mayor for the city councils; and the chairman and deputy chairman for the municipal councils. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas tabled the remaining three bills – the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, which was passed on May 21, along with the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2025 and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2025, both passed on May 22. The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025 seeks to dissolve the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund, which has been deemed redundant in view of today's economic landscape. The trust fund, which was set up in 1985, served as a revolving fund consisting of money appropriated from time to time from the State Consolidated Fund into the trust fund for the purpose of building certain basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supplies to any development area. The august House also unanimously passed two Supplementary Supply Bills involving a total of RM391,429,717 for additional expenditures that were not covered in previous allocations. The Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill allocates RM153,769,197 to meet the cost of various services incurred by various ministries and departments for which funds were not provided for or insufficiently provided for in the 2024 estimates. The Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill provides RM237,660,520, including RM100 million required by the Sarawak Premier's Department to cater for rental of air-charter services due to increased activities. On May 22, the DUN also approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. The motion was proposed by Deputy Premier and Bukit Sari assemblyman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Ahmad's current term, which began on July 22, 2022, is set to expire on July 21, 2025. His new appointment will take effect the following day. During the sitting, a total of 320 questions, both written and oral, were submitted by 41 honourable members. Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the DUN as the highest legislative authority in the state. 'All laws passed in this House must be respected, enforceable, and recognised without doubt. Let there be no question about their legitimacy,' she said. Sharifah also spoke of Sarawak's achievements on local, national, and international fronts. Citing the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, she reiterated the state's ambition to become a high-income economy and Asean's energy powerhouse. She praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership, noting Sarawak's increasing recognition as a hub for green energy and hydrogen innovation on the global stage. On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sharifah reaffirmed Sarawak's unwavering commitment to asserting its constitutional rights. 'We will pursue our rights within the parameters of the law, guided by the Federal Constitution, MA63, the IGC Report, and Sarawak's State Constitution,' she said. Meanwhile, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar commended the cooperation and decorum demonstrated by assembly members. 'This eight-day sitting proceeded smoothly and with great order, thanks to everyone's dedication in upholding the sanctity of this august House,' he said. adjourned Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak DUN lead
