Latest news with #Sarawakians'
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bawang Assan to host grand celebration honouring Sarawak Day
Wong says the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22. – Photo by Chimon Upon SIBU (July 18): A grand Sarawak Day celebration aimed at reviving Sarawakians' awareness of the state's historic journey toward self-governance will be held this Sunday (July 20) at RH Hotel here, starting at 11.30am. Organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan in collaboration with Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut, the event is set to gather hundreds from across the constituency, including longhouse chiefs, grassroots leaders, and civil servants. PDP Senior Vice President Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22. 'We are inviting 105 Tuai Rumah in the constituency and also five representatives from each longhouse, as well as all representatives from all government departments and agencies such as Resident Office, District Office, and so on. 'Community leaders such as Ketua Kampung, Kapitan and Penghulu are also invited to join the celebration. 'It (July 22) is one of the most important dates in the history of Sarawak. This grand celebration is geared towards awakening people's consciousness about the significance of this date,' he told reporters today. He recalled the pivotal moment in 2016 when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem officially declared July 22 as Sarawak Day and made it a public holiday to commemorate Sarawak's attainment of self-government in 1963. He said Adenan was the one who initiated and re-ignited this Sarawak spirit. 'So many years after independence, it was buried and remained academic,' said Wong. He also shared his personal connection to the moment, having served as the Minister-in-charge and Organising Chairman for the first official Sarawak Day celebration in Kuching on July 22, 2016. 'After about 10 years, I wanted to do a big celebration. Of course, it is for Bawang Assan but I invite all. Most of YBs (elected representatives) invite them to come. 'I want to remind the younger generation that where we are today is because of the contributions of the last leaders,' said Wong. Wong also credited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for carrying forward Adenan's legacy by strengthening Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Abang Johari pushed on to protect and advance Sarawak rights under MA63, securing economic autonomy and revenue for Sarawak, defending Sarawak identity and heritage, institutional reforms to realise autonomy and strategic vision: from Adenan's Foundation to Post-2030 future,' said Wong. bawang assan sarawak day wong soon koh
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Revisit true meaning of federalism, those critical of Sarawak reclaiming autonomy told
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 11): Those who feel threatened by Sarawak's rightful autonomy should revisit the true meaning of federalism because a strong Malaysia must be built on mutual respect and genuine partnership among all its constituent states, including Sarawak and Sabah, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. In this respect, he defended the state's growing role in managing its own gas resources as he reminded critics, particularly politicians from Peninsular Malaysia, that Sarawak's push for autonomy was not about defiance, but about fairness and reclaiming rights that were promised to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Our actions reflect this very spirit that is a commitment to a more balanced and equitable Malaysia for all,' he added in a statement yesterday, in which he was responding to recent remarks by several Malayan politicians who attempted to link the federal government's recognition of Sarawak's role as the sole gas aggregator to the retrenchment of some 5,000 Petronas employees. Yap thus described such accusations as 'baseless and misleading', stating that they either stemmed from ignorance or 'a deliberate distortion of MA63'. He also said that it was irresponsible to suggest that Sarawak's rightful empowerment was a political ploy to appease so-called 'threats'. 'These claims insult Sarawakians' intelligence and misrepresent our legitimate aspirations for greater control over our resources,' he said. Yap also stressed that Sarawak's demands were constitutionally grounded and long overdue, having been sidelined for decades since the formation of Malaysia. He also rebutted the suggestion that empowering Petros, the state-owned oil and gas company, could jeopardise national interests, calling such views 'insulting, and a mischaracterisation of Sarawak's pursuit of economic self-reliance'. On the issue of Petronas retrenchments, Yap pointed to a statement by the company's president and chief executive officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik, who made it clear that the layoffs were part of a broader restructuring in response to global energy transitions and not because of Sarawak's growing role in the industry. He called attempts to blame Sarawak for the move 'disingenuous and politically motivated'. 'Sarawak's decision to empower Petros has already opened up new opportunities in investment, job creation, and economic development. 'If certain critics from across the South China Sea truly cared about the people's welfare, they would support and not sabotage Sarawak's progress,' he said. federalism lead Sarawak autonomy Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Amended Land Code accommodates endowments for all religions in Sarawak, says Daro rep
Safiee Ahmad KUCHING (May 21): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, is significant because it introduced a new legal framework to govern matters relating to wakaf and endowment. Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) said this is intended to formalise the registration and management of wakaf and endowment lands. According to him, the amendment is not exclusive to any one religion, but has the inclusive intent of accommodating all religions practiced in Sarawak. 'Under this framework, landowners who wish to endow or dedicate their lands for religious or welfare purposes will now have a clear, efficient, and legally secure pathway to do so. 'No more unnecessary red tape and, most importantly, the noble intentions of landowners will no longer be hindered by legal uncertainty,' he said. He said as Sarawak is a land of many cultures, ethnicities, and religions, the state's strength lies in Sarawakians' ability to live together in peace despite these differences. 'Therefore, it is only fitting that our laws evolve to reflect this multireligious and multicultural to ensure that such contributions are safeguarded and properly utilised for the benefit of future generations,' he said. He stated the amendments also introduce clear and enforceable provisions to regulate the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak. 'This is a critical step in ensuring that our natural resources are responsibly managed and that Sarawak's rightful revenue from these resources is properly collected. 'By making licensing requirements legally enforceable and enabling the effective collection of fees and royalties, we are protecting not only our environment but also the economic interests of the state,' he explained. He opined the move conveys a clear and firm message that the illegal extraction and transport of rock materials will not be condoned, and that all operators, whether from the public or private sector, are required to adhere strictly to established procedures. The introduction of stringent penalties through the amendments serve as a critical deterrent against unlawful activities that deplete the state's natural resources, he said. He stressed it is imperative that the law remains resolute and that its enforcement is both consistent and credible. Safiee pointed out that approval periods for development proposals are now aligned with updated policies of the State Planning Authority (SPA) for greater certainty and efficiency in the planning process, reducing unnecessary delays, and improving transparency. Additionally, the amendments introduce a new requirement for the submission of as-built utility data, a progressive step that supports the creation of a 3D utility mapping framework and the formation of dedicated committees. 'This is not just about data. It is about building the foundation for integrated spatial planning, underground infrastructure management, and ultimately, the Smart City vision of Sarawak. 'With accurate, real-time utility data, we can plan more intelligently, prevent costly infrastructure clashes, and build more sustainable urban centres,' he added. endowment lands Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 lead Safiee Ahmad
Malaysian Reserve
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Rafizi: Use current political situation to strengthen PKR in Sarawak
KUCHING — PKR members in Sarawak have been urged to view the current political situation in the state as an opportunity to regroup and strengthen themselves for future challenges. Incumbent PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said that, given Sarawakians' current preference for the existing state government, party members should use this period as an opportunity to 'invest' in cultivating a new generation of party leaders. 'This low point in our political cycle is a good time for us to invest in the party's future. Use this period to develop new talent, because the cycle will turn and our time will come,' he said at the Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa (HIRUK) Tour programme last night. According to him, based on PKR's performance in past elections in Sarawak, the party has shown potential to win at least three parliamentary seats in the future. 'Miri is indeed our stronghold here in Sarawak, but there are also two or three other parliamentary constituencies with real potential,' he said, citing Kanowit, Selangau, and Puncak Borneo as among the promising seats. In the 15th General Election (GE15), PKR successfully retained the Miri parliamentary seat for three consecutive terms since GE13 in 2013. Rafizi said that PKR had previously won the Selangau and Puncak Borneo parliamentary seats, and narrowly lost the Kanowit seat in the GE15. He added that whoever is elected in the party election on May 23 should give serious attention to the concerns raised by members in Sarawak, particularly in ensuring the party remains relevant in the state. –BERNAMA
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Rafizi: Use current political situation to strengthen PKR in Sarawak
KUCHING: PKR members in Sarawak have been urged to view the current political situation in the state as an opportunity to regroup and strengthen themselves for future challenges. Incumbent PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said that, given Sarawakians' current preference for the existing state government, party members should use this period as an opportunity to 'invest' in cultivating a new generation of party leaders. 'This low point in our political cycle is a good time for us to invest in the party's future. Use this period to develop new talent, because the cycle will turn and our time will come,' he said at the Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa (HIRUK) Tour programme last night. According to him, based on PKR's performance in past elections in Sarawak, the party has shown potential to win at least three parliamentary seats in the future. 'Miri is indeed our stronghold here in Sarawak, but there are also two or three other parliamentary constituencies with real potential,' he said, citing Kanowit, Selangau, and Puncak Borneo as among the promising seats. In the 15th General Election (GE15), PKR successfully retained the Miri parliamentary seat for three consecutive terms since GE13 in 2013. Rafizi said that PKR had previously won the Selangau and Puncak Borneo parliamentary seats, and narrowly lost the Kanowit seat in the GE15. He added that whoever is elected in the party election on May 23 should give serious attention to the concerns raised by members in Sarawak, particularly in ensuring the party remains relevant in the state.
