Latest news with #SimKiangChiok
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
More seats, better representation: SUPP Stakan branch chief supports potential Sarawak redelineation
Sim says social and economic issues can be heard and tackled more effectively, ultimately improving the quality of life for all Sarawakians. KUCHING (June 28): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok believes that an increase in the number of state and parliamentary seats in Sarawak would be a positive development, even though talks on redelineation remain speculative at this stage. 'As for how potential new boundaries could impact the next election, I believe that having more constituencies will enhance representation for Sarawakians. 'With more elected representatives, we can better address the unique challenges faced by both urban and rural communities. 'Social and economic issues can be heard and tackled more effectively, ultimately improving the quality of life for all Sarawakians,' he said in a statement todau. Sim was responding to news reports speculating that a motion to increase the number of constituencies in Sarawak could be tabled during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) special sitting this July 7. He clarified that only the redelineation of state constituencies could be tabled and decided in the DUN, whereas parliamentary constituencies would fall under the federal jurisdiction and require action at the national level. 'Beyond redelineation, it is also possible that the Sarawak government during the July 7 special DUN sitting may have other pressing priorities to address first, such as matters relating to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or Sarawak's rights over oil and gas resources, both of which are fundamental to our state's autonomy and economic future,' he said. 'Regarding the timing of a redelineation, our laws stipulate that redelineation exercises must be carried out within a certain time frame to ensure fair and updated representation. 'Therefore, if the timeline under the Federal Constitution is approaching while also taking into account of the adjustment for one third of parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah, it would be both necessary and timely to conduct a redelineation to reflect current realities on the ground and agreement in our MA63,' he added. Asked about how many new state seats would make sense for Sarawak, Sim believed that the Election Commission (EC) would propose a number based on established criteria, including population size, the number of voters, and geographical considerations. 'These objective measures will help ensure a fair and balanced representation across our vast state. However, it is critical to recognise that population numbers alone should not be the only factor guiding redelineation in Sarawak.' Sim pointed out Sarawak's unique geography, marked by expansive rural areas with low population density, meant that many communities were spread far apart and infrastructure in some of these areas remained underdeveloped. 'As such, redrawing boundaries solely based on population without considering physical size and accessibility would place an undue burden on the elected representatives, who would struggle to effectively serve constituents across vast, sparsely populated territories. 'While the prospect of a redelineation exercise has generated understandable interest, it is vital that we approach this issue with clarity, patience, and a firm commitment to fair representation. 'Thus, I urge all stakeholders to stay engaged and informed as developments unfold, so that any decision made truly serves the best interests of our beloved Sarawak.' redelineation Sim Kiang Chiok
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Cakap tak serupa bikin': SUPP Stakan chief says DAP's 30 pct Petronas stake proposal is political hypocrisy
Sim describes the proposal as a 'recycled promise in new packaging', branding it a political manoeuvre disguised as a policy proposal. KUCHING (June 11): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman, Dato Sim Kiang Chiok, has dismissed Sarawak Democratic Action Party's (DAP) recent proposal for Sarawak to acquire 30 per cent equity in Petronas as a political gimmick aimed at shoring up its support base in the state. In a statement today, he described the proposal as a 'recycled promise in new packaging', branding it a political manoeuvre disguised as a policy proposal. 'DAP's proposal for 30 per cent Petronas equity is just a new version of the same old tactic. In their first term in federal power, they promised 20 per cent oil royalty, 50 per cent tax return to Sarawak, and UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) recognition. 'None of it happened. Even now, in their second term in government, there's no progress,' he said. Sim urged Sarawakians to see through what he called 'empty promises and false premises' meant to sustain DAP's political relevance, rather than bring real change. He also criticised Sarawak DAP's elected representatives, accusing them of underperforming while drawing salaries from both Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). 'The people of Sarawak have been misled before. This 30 per cent equity narrative is no different. It is simply a ploy to protect DAP's vote bank, not a genuine commitment to Sarawak's rights. 'We cannot afford to keep DAP politicians who don't deliver. Their excuse of acting as check and balance is weak because they're more concerned about ATM card designs than real issues that affect Sarawakians,' said Sim. Sim also highlighted what he sees as contradictions in DAP's stance on political appointments. While the party claims its members should not hold state agency positions, it currently chairs federal bodies such as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh). 'DAP leaders say one thing and do another. It's the classic 'cakap tak serupa bikin' (talk does not match action),' he said. Sim pointed to a recent policy in Penang where the DAP-led state government came under fire after introducing a five per cent homeownership discount for Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign. 'DAP has always sold itself as a party of meritocracy and equality, but this shows otherwise. They'll say anything to gain power, then do the opposite to hold on to it,' he said. In recent reports, Penang's Housing and Environment Committee chairman, S. Sundarajoo, defended the move, saying it was meant to increase homeownership among communities with low participation in the open market and does not infringe on the rights of others. 'This discount is offered by developers as a form of social responsibility and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government,' said Sundarajoo. Sim thus called on Sarawakians to reject DAP's political theatrics and demand real action from those seeking their mandate. 30 per cent equity stake dap Petronas Sim Kiang Chiok SUPP Stakan
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Reject political narratives undermining Sarawak autonomy, says SUPP man
Sim voices concerns over recent actions by Malayan-based parties, particularly the DAP and PKR, which he said cast doubt on their commitment to Sarawak's rights. KUCHING (May 9): The Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Stakan Branch has urged Sarawakians to stay vigilant against political narratives that appear to prioritise Peninsular Malaysia's interests over Sarawak's autonomy and development. The branch's chairman, Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, voiced concerns over recent actions by Malayan-based parties, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which he said cast doubt on their commitment to Sarawak's rights. He pointed out that the situation is becoming increasingly apparent as Sarawak DAP continues to criticise Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, while PKR repeatedly defends Petronas. 'The public will realise from Singapore's example that all in Singapore became one when outsiders interfered with their politics in the recently concluded General elections. 'We ask DAP and PKR in Swk to become like the opposition in Singapore that defended their land.' he said in a statement today. He stressed that Sarawak belongs to all Sarawakians, and even the opposition should serve in the interests of the state rather than what he described as their 'Malayan masters.' He advised the public to take note of this and choose wisely in the coming Sarawak state elections and 'be rid of Malayan interests once and for all.' 'Sarawak is not short of locally based opposition parties and if we must have opposition why not opt for them instead of Malayan parties,' he said. He also recalled the words of former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who once said he could not ban Malayan parties because they were already represented in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN). 'As such, let's all be loyal Sarawakians and be rid of Malayan influence in Sarawak once and for all in the coming Sarawak and Malaysian General elections,' he added. dap pkr Sarawak autonomy Sim Kiang Chiok SUPP
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Amended SLO brings higher compliance costs for businesses, says Sheda advisor
Sim says new employment regulations―including a reduced weekly working limit to 45 hours and extended maternity leave to 98 days―pose greater challenges to employers. KUCHING (May 3): The amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), which came into effect on Labour Day, will increase compliance costs for businesses in the state, said Dato Sim Kiang Chiok. The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda) advisor said new employment regulations―including a reduced weekly working limit to 45 hours and extended maternity leave to 98 days―pose greater challenges to employers. 'While these measures aim to improve employee welfare and align Sarawak with international labour standards, they present substantial cost implications for employers,' he said in a statement yesterday. Sim noted that the new requirements add to an already growing list of obligations, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He also pointed out that the recent minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700, further raises fixed costs across various sectors. 'This wage hike, combined with the reduction in working hours, means businesses are now expected to pay more for less output, unless they invest in automation or absorb productivity losses,' he said. He further noted that the federal government's plan to implement mandatory e-invoicing for all businesses by next year poses another major challenge. He said many small traders and businesses, especially those in semi-urban and rural areas of Sarawak, lack the technical capacity and resources to transition quickly to digital invoicing systems. 'Compliance will require investments in new technology and training, which adds to the burden of already overstretched micro and small business owners.' Sim warned that these combined changes could unintentionally dampen entrepreneurial spirit in Sarawak. 'While the objective is to modernise labour practices and ensure fair treatment, the cumulative effect of increased compliance costs could discourage business startups or expansion, reduce job creation, and shift focus away from growth and innovation. 'For sustainable development, it is crucial that policy reforms take into account the operational realities faced by local businesses,' he added. compliance Sarawak Labour Ordinance Sim Kiang Chiok slo
