KUCHING: PRS Central Youth is strongly behind their president’s recent statement that aspiring candidates should not rely too much on the ‘dacing’ symbol but to look at their own merits and popularity.
Reacting to a counter statement by Teras Tasik Biru loyalist Giners Ruwia, PRS exco member Eugene John Sikie opined that Giners himself is “too blind with loyalty until he is unable to accept the reality”.
He said Giners’ statement reflected his fear of the possibility that Teras would not be allowed to contest under the BN symbol and Giners was deceiving the people by continuously claiming that Teras is a BN party under the BN-Plus formula.
“Let me explain further on the merits. As an aspiring candidate, one should treat himself like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive but adjust yourself to the object, and you shall find your way around or through it. Blend yourself with the rakyat, and rest assured that half of your battle has been won and that is an attribute of a winnable candidate,” he said.
Another PRS Youth leader, Panjang Jabu, referred to a statement by Jerry Clement, the so-called Teras Meluan branch chairman. Panjang rebuked him by saying if Teras candidates could win on their own merits, they should not be afraid to use their own party symbol.
“I don’t think that Teras and UPP are unable to understand what Tan Sri (Datuk Amar) Dr James Masing had mentioned in his statement. The true test of a candidate’s credibility and merits is the ability to win with or without using a BN symbol,” he pointed out.
He added that the claims made by Teras and UPP were similar to a theatrical play and composed with a lot of stagecraft as they were merely trying to tell a story that they wanted the people to believe in.
“Teras and UPP have on numerous occasions echoed that they will be contesting using the BN symbol in the coming election. By that virtue, I can see that they are not looking into the aspect of merits to win but merely riding on a BN symbol, a clear reflection that indirectly says without BN symbol, their candidates may lose in the election. So do not put up a claim that your candidates are winnable candidates,” he further stressed.
Sharing the same view with Eugene, Panjang suggested that the parties re-visit the 1983 BN formula – contesting under their own party symbols. In that year, the now defunct PBDS and SNAP were unable to settle their disputes and the only logical solution was to contest using their own symbols.
He also stated that PRS had been closely cooperating with their BN counterparts.
“If PRS is to support the claims by parties claiming themselves as BN-friendly but not part of BN coalition, then PRS is against the basic principle of law that had been the foundation of BN throughout the years.” he said.
Most incumbents likely to be retained – CM
September 27, 2015
KUCHING: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) is likely to retain the majority of its incumbent elected representatives during the next state election.
Sarawak BN chairman Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem confirmed that he was satisfied with the performance of the incumbents after receiving feedback from the people on the ground.
“The performance of BN elected representatives is good … the majority of them,” he said yesterday following a closed-door meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and state BN elected representatives.
Adenan said the meeting, which lasted for about an hour, focussed mainly on the political situation in the country and how it affects the state.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Saidol, chief political secretary to the chief minister, said the meeting discussed national political issues and how BN will address them.
“The meeting with the DPM today (yesterday) was a very brief meeting … and he (Zahid) will make a visit again very soon and have discussion with the state BNBBC (BN Back Benchers Club),” said Abdullah, who is state BNBBC chairman.
After the meeting Zahid proceeded to watch the Sarawak Regatta at the Kuching Waterfront before attending events at Rumah Methew Manai Tan, at Kampung Kerangas Baru in Melikin and Kampung Terbat Leban, Bunan Gega, Mongkos in Serian.
‘Inner conflict a bane for Pakatan Harapan in making headway in S’wak’
September 27, 2015
SIBU: Pakatan Harapan will not make any headway in the state given the obvious division within the opposition coalition, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun.
“It shows a very serious crack in the opposition alliance. It also shows their incapability in working together. Therefore, they would not be able to govern properly.
“In fact, what happens now is better for Barisan Nasional (BN) as the opposition becomes more divided,” the Selangau MP told thesundaypost.
Entulu, who is also PRS deputy president, was asked if the formation of the new opposition ‘outfit’ comprising PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) would be able to mount a serious challenge to BN, especially in the next state election.
According to him, the only ‘glue’ that binds the opposition for now is that of hatred and jealousy BN.
“(It’s) not because they really have genuine development strategies for the country.”
He believed that if those in the opposition could not even unite at their own coalition-level, then it would be difficult to expect them to ‘unite the people’.
“They (Pakatan Harapan) won’t make any impact in the state.”
Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, who is also state BN secretary-general, said although Pakatan Harapan might be a new outfit, the ‘operators’ are still those from the ‘same old group’.
“Now, there are splinters of the original PAS and obviously, that would reduce their (Pakatan Harapan) strength. We are not worried about their challenges as we have prepared hard for any eventuality in the next state election.”
For Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai, there was no way that those under Pakatan Harapan could set aside their differences.
“Their goals and what they really want are not the same. For that, the opposition would never come to any agreement,” he said.
‘Only BN govt can fulfil yearning for development’
September 27, 2015
SERIAN: The yearning of rural folk for greater development can only be fulfilled by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would visit the state frequently because he understands the needs of rural folk as he comes from a rural area himself.
He said the government would ensure the socioeconomic status of rural folk continues to improve.
“Those in the rural areas should not be left behind in development and this BN government is a caring government and would not deprive the people in rural areas,” he said during a leader-with-the-people event at Rumah Methew Manai Tan in Kampung Kerangas Baru, Melikin yesterday.
He said the federal and state governments would work together for the sake of the people, especially those in rural areas.
Zahid praised Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for being a very good and caring leader, who can help Sarawak achieve greater heights.
“The people in the state must support him and the state BN government to ensure that development is implemented and materialises in rural areas,” he said.
He called for BN candidates to win with bigger majorities in the next state election.
“We must continue to ensure the BN government can provide for us and support our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.”
Zahid urged the people not to listen to those who wished to cause hatred and disunity.
He also approved a RM50,000 grant for the village security and development committee and RM10,000 for the Kampung Melikin Women’s Bureau, which was earlier announced by Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Masir Kujat, who is Sri Aman Member of Parliament, said the constituency requires basic infrastructure urgently.
He called on the government to increase the yearly allocation from RM5 million to RM10 million so that more could be done to expedite basic infrastructure projects such as roads, electricity and water.
Masir pointed out that during the last parliamentary election, he only garnered 55 votes in Melikin, while the opposition candidate received 118 votes and the independent candidate had 88 votes.
He called on people in the area to support the BN candidate if they want more development.
Alleged abuse of government grants: I’ve nothing to hide, says Snowdan
September 26, 2015
KUCHING: Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan believes that he has nothing to hide with regard to allegation of him abusing government grants slated for villagers.
Moreover, the PRS supreme council member welcomes any investigation by relevant authorities to clear his name.
Adding on, he believes that such allegations are laced with ‘malicious intent’.
“After reading the news (highlighted) by this group, I believe there are some ulterior motives (based) on the timing of this news report.”
“I could say that this had been planned after my name was announced by our PRS president (Land Development Minister) Tan Sri Dr James Masing that I would defend Balai Ringin in the state state election.
“This press conference by them (group) was also purposely done ahead of the visit by Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) to Balai Ringin on Sept 26 (today),” Snowdan said yesterday.
The assemblyman was responding to the allegations made by representatives of villages from his constituency during a press conference on Thursday.
The group comprised Councillor Bunan Bael Bunan representing the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Kampung Ruan Lubang Tiong, Alek Libau of Kampung Ensebang Kuari Baru JKKK, Renggan Brita of Kampung Tanah Mawang Menyang A JKKK and Lena Libay of the Women’s Bureau under Kampung Ensebang Kuari Baru JKKK.
Based on the police reports lodged by Bunan and Lena, Alek was instructed by Snowdan in April 2011 to look for eight accounts to temporarily park RM50,000 in each of them. The four grassroots leaders believed that the funds were government grants.
They had also lodged reports to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Lena said after obtaining the permission from her bureau, Snowdan deposited RM50,000 into the bureau’s account on Nov 23, 2011. However two weeks later on Dec 12, she was asked to return the amount to Snowdan.
Bunan, who heads Kampung Ruan Lubang Tiong, said he was informed by Snowdan that RM50,000 was deposited into the JKKK’s account on May 3, 2011. On May 11, however, Snowdan instructed him to withdraw the money.
Bunan and other members of the JKKK, including its secretary and treasurer, managed to withdraw the full amount on May 11 and 12.
They handed to Snowdan the RM40,000, which they believed would be deposited into Balai Ringin Multipurpose Fund’s account, while the remaining RM10,000 was meant as a Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation for Kampung Ruang Lubang Tiong to purchase furniture.
On Alek’s reports lodged with MACC which were submitted on Sept 4 this year, he related the same experience. He said until now, the village road had not been built despite Kampung Ensebang Kuari Baru JKKK having received RM50,000 since April 2011.
On these accusations, Snowdan remarked: “This story or news has been masterminded by someone who intends to become a candidate for Balai Ringin; one who has been going around and projected himself to be PRS-BN (Barisan Nasional) candidate for Balai Ringin.
“I believe this person has resigned from a BN component party and intended to join PRS in order for him to be eligible as the candidate. Since they (the grassroots leaders) said the matter has been reported, let the relevant authorities handle the matter as I know that I did not abuse the so-called grants or funds.”
Proper process before land title issued, NCR landowners told
September 25, 2015
Village chiefs (Tuai Rumah) who received the land gazettes pose with Masing (centre) and (from left, front) Nyabong, Zul, Peggy, Ugak, Elvis and Jamit.
KAPIT: Owners of native customary rights (NCR) lands were yesterday told that perimeter survey under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code is a prerequisite for the issuance of individual land titles under Section 18 of the same Code.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing gave this reminder when officiating at the presentation of NCR Gazette under Section 6 of Sarawak Land Code for Ulu Sungai Melekun, Ulu Sungai Kapit and Sungai Mujong areas.
It was organised by the Kapit Land and Survey Department Office and was held at the Civic Centre here.
“You cannot proceed to Section 18 without going through Section 6. It is just like the process of issuing our personal documents.
“What is most important is that nobody can take away your land after it is gazetted under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code,” he said.
At the same time, the Baleh assemblyman told the people that the perimeter survey would not be done if there is dispute over their land or boundaries.
“Therefore there must be the attitude of give and take among the landowners themselves,” he pointed out.
Giving gratitude to the federal government for giving the allocation for the perimeter survey, Masing called on the people not to miss the opportunity of having their NCR land surveyed under the state government’s new initiatives on NCR land.
He also commended the Land and Survey Department for their commitment in carrying out the perimeter survey despite the challenges that they faced.
A total of 14 longhouses comprising some 2,204 people received the NCR Gazette.
Among the present attending the presentation ceremony were Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, political secretaries to the chief minister Wilson Nyabong Ijang and Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Resident (Social) Zul Usup, district officer Elvis Didit, Land and Survey Kapit superintendent Peggy Runin, heads of the various government agencies and community leaders.
Tamin to get MyKad registration pilot project
September 24, 2015
SIBU: A pilot project to ensure all genuine Sarawakians have MyKads will begin in Tamin.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun said the system would be fine-tuned before being extended to other areas in the state.
“We will start with Tamin state constituency because that area has not many problems. We want to see how the exercise goes. Any snag faced along the way would be resolved to strengthen the system before moving to the next area,” he told The Borneo Post.
Entulu has been entrusted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to help solve the problem of Sarawakians not having MyKads.
“I sincerely hope the state government will assist in this process because the taskforce at the federal level is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also Home Affairs Minister.
“But in Sarawak, the implementation committee, which also consists of National Registration Department (JPN) staff, is headed by me. One of the things I need to discuss with the state government will be on how to ensure that Tuai Rumah or Ketua Kampung, and Penghulu only certify genuine Sarawakians,” he explained.
The Selangau Member of Parliament stressed that only genuine citizens without sufficient supporting documents to apply for identity cards through the normal procedure will be considered under the pilot project.
Entulu said he would meet with Tamin and Bawan longhouse chiefs on Sunday to distribute forms for them to list those under their care who are still without MyKads. | 
