Baru: Time to set up native land commission

by Johnson K Saai reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday

ORANG ULU TIES: (From left) Baru Bian (PKR - Ba Kelalan), Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis and Dennis Ngau (BN - Telang Usan) at the DUN lobby after attending the day’s session. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The setting up of an independent native land commission is now getting more crucial as obviously the court and state government have different ideas on native customary rights (NCR) land, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) media centre, Baru said the stand of the government was that only areas farmed before January 1, 1958 or ‘Temuda’ were considered as NCR whereas the court had ruled that NCR also included the ‘Pemakai Menua’ and ‘Pulau’.

“This is the big problem and the crucial aspect of it is we have a basis for setting up a native land commission to address the encroachment and trespassing of NCR land by companies either for the extraction of timber or plantations.

“This is because the commission which comprises both private and public sectors will have to determine the status of any particular land before licences are issued,” he said. He earlier on mentioned a recent case where the High Court in Sibu ruled in favour of the landowners, after they as plaintiffs complained that a company licensed to extract timber had trespassed into their NCR land. Baru, who was the counsel for the plaintiffs, also said this was not the first and only case where the natives had won in their claims over land rights.

“We have several similar cases in the past and for this reason we feel that there is a crucial need to have an independent native land commission,” he stressed. He revealed that in the recent case, which was heard in Sibu, the High Court Judge Yew Jen Kie had ruled that the plaintiffs had the rights over the land in question and the timber company, its servants or agents had trespassed into the plaintiffs’ land.

Following the court ruling, the timber company, its employees, servants or agents were also ordered to restrain from entering, clearing, using or occupying the said land.Also present at the media conference yesterday were Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and other state PKR leaders.

No need to establish native land commission, enough provisions in Sarawak Land Code, says Adenan

The Borneo Post by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith, Zoee Hillson, Johnson K Saai, Jacob Achoi, Nurul Amarlina, Simon Ingka Crown, Peter Sibon and Antonia Chiam. Posted on June 29, 2011, Wednesday

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem - Photographers: Johnathan Bullet, Jeffery Mostapa and Tan Song Wei

KUCHING: There is no need for a native land commission to be established in the state, Minister with Special Functions in the Chief Minister’s Office Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem said yesterday. He said this when delivering his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in response to the proposal by Baru Bian (PKR-Ba Kelalan) for the commission to be set up to solve native customary rights (NCR) land issues as apparently the government and the courts have different opinions on NCR.

Baru, a lawyer by profession dubbed by many as a land expert, in his debate had said it was now more crucial to establish an independent land commission as seemingly the stand of the government was that only areas farmed before Jan 1, 1958 or ‘Temuda’ were considered as NCR whereas the court had ruled that NCR also included the ‘Pemakai Menua’ and ‘Pulau’ which often led to land disputes.

He believed that with the commission issues like encroachment and trespassing by companies issued with timber or plantation licences could be avoided. However, in response to that, Adenan said such commission was not necessary because the government had long recognised and respected native’s rights to their customary land provided they were created in accordance with the law.

“The Sarawak Land Code has adequate provisions to better achieve the same objectives of investigating, recognising rights and issuing titles to NCR land,” he said, adding that Section 2 of the Sarawak Land Code offered clear definition of NCR, Section 5 (2) outlined the methods by which NCR may be created while Part V of the same law detailed out the process by which land titles may be issued to the natives under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.

“The above law is administered by the Land and Survey Department which has established procedures to deal with all aspects of the NCR issues. In implementing these procedures the department has always adopted a fair and professional approach. “For instance, in the often quoted matter of NCR being wrongly alienated to others, the government through the Land and Survey Department had taken action to either return the land to the rightful owners or compensate them,” he noted.

On the settlement of land disputes, be they among the natives, between natives and plantation owners, or between natives and the government, he stressed that the elected representatives of the respective areas were duty bound to give correct explanation to their electorates on government policies as well as to assist them in settling disputes amicably at the local levels without resorting to the courts.

He also advised NCR land owners, should they have issues with regards to their NCR such as encroachment by other parties, to report the matter to the appropriate agency, which is the Land and Survey Department.

“Reporting to other parties such as the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will only result in your plight being politicised rather than resolved,” he noted. Therefore, he said, the government was not of the opinion that a native land commission would be able to resolve issues pertaining to NCR. “In short, there are no benefits to be gained by all parties especially by the claimants with the setting up of the commission,” said Adenan.

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH: BN assemblymen (from left) Liwan Lagang (Belaga), Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (Batang Ai), Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (Pantai Damai) and Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) on their way for lunch during the break of the DUN sitting yesterday. - Photographers: Johnathan Bullet, Jeffery Mostapa and Tan Song Wei

Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak festivals worthy of world attention – PM

Posted on May 31, 2011, Tuesday

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak festivals celebrated by ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak this week serve as an opportunity for Malaysians to showcase the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity to the world.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Malaysians living in Borneo would share their rich culture with other people with pride, including with fellow Malaysians from the peninsula. Najib said peninsular Malaysians should take the opportunity to learn more about the country’s cultural heritage.

“We shouldn’t forsake our age-old traditions that bind us as one race, as we strive to transform Malaysia into a developed nation of high income. “It all starts with our homeland, the need for us to appreciate our rich cultural heritage,” Najib wrote in a posting on his www.1malaysia.com.my blogsite today.

He described Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak festivals of the ethnic communities in Sabah and Sarawak as unique, as no other place in the world celebrated the events. Najib wished them “Kotobian tadau tagazo do Kaamatan” and “Selamat Hari Gawai ‘gayu guru gerai nyamai’”, hoping that they would be blessed with long life, health and prosperity. – Bernama

Three Unduk Ngadau aspirants win subsidiary titles

by Mariah Doksil. Posted on May 30, 2011, Monday

Shirly Arichat (front second right) with Bo Tiza Arthur S. Disimon (front second left) and Gurjit Gonsilau (right). At left is reigning Unduk Ngadau queen Crystel Eve Huminodun M. Majinbon.

PENAMPANG: The winners of three subsidiary titles in the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan were announced during the heat at Hongkod Koisaan last night. They are Bo Tiza Arthur s. Disimon from Penampang (Miss Natural Beauty), Shirly Arichat Enggoh from Kuala Penyu (Miss Friendly) and Gurjit Gonsilau from Putatan (Miss Pink).

Both Miss Friendly and Miss Natural Beauty are subsidiary titles accorded to the Unduk Ngadau participants who are quietly observed by the organizing committee as soon as they register for the contest. The committee judged the participants based on observations and made a collective decision on who they think deserves the titles. Bo and Shirly received a crown, a sash and a bouquet of flower from Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin’s wife Puan Sri Genevieve Kitingan.

Meanwhile, Miss Pink will be an ambassador of Kota Kinabalu Pink Ribbon, the beneficiary of a donation from last night’s Sodop Unduk Ngadau. All the 40 State Unduk Ngadau contestants will be parading today on an open stage at Hongkod Koisaan, during which 15 of them will be chosen for the final tomorrow.

Velentine wins Iban 2011 Kumang Gawai title

Borneo Post by Mary Francis. Posted on May 18, 2011, Wednesday

KUMANG GAWAI: Velentine (centre), flanked by Elizabeth (left) and Shandra.

MIRI: Twenty-one-year-old Velentine Hellyiza Stephen from Ulu Sebauh, Bintulu was adjudged ‘2011 Kumang Gawai’ of Miri City.  Velentine outshone five other contestants in the Iban category of the Kumang Gawai (Dayak Harvest Festival Queen) contest at the ‘2011 Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Celebration’ at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here on Monday night.

The first runner-up was 22-year-old Elizabeth Gia Amui of Kanowit, while Shandra Petrus Juline, 25, from Nanga Geremai, Kanowit was the second runner-up. In the Bidayuh category, the Gawai Kumang title went to 23-year-old Jennifer Ubung Nawan of Kampung Skiat, Bau.

She beat five others, including 20-year-old Venezia of Kampung Benuk, Padawan and 18-year-old Marie Paye Steve of Kampung Tanjong Poting, Singai who were second and third place winners respectively.

18-year-old Stephanie Singa from Trusan, Lawas was adjudged ‘Gawai Keligit’ in the Orang Ulu category, defeating five others.

Jessica Bulan Stephen, 20, of Long San, Baram took the second place and 19-year-old Karen Disa from Long Selawan, Ulu Baram came up third. The three ‘Kumangs’ each brought home RM1,000 in cash plus a sash, a trophy, a certificate of participation, a hamper by Maggi and bouquet.

As for the first runners-up in each category, everyone received RM800 and the second runners-up RM600 each, plus a trophy, sash, hamper and bouquet. All consolation winners of the three categories walked away with RM300, a hamper and certificate of participation each. They were Bebe Shee, Lessie John and Newn John Tait (Iban category); Fauziah Rapu, Michelle Johny and Priscilla Likau (Bidayuh); Brenda Litad Bobby, Sharene Ormilla Ngilo and Karen Laleng David (Keligit/Orang Ulu).

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Julian Jantum of Nanga Nansang, Sg Poi, Kanowit was picked as the 2011 Gawai Keling/Belawan (Hero) of the celebration. He took home RM700 cash, a hamper and a certificate of participation. Ricky Kimwah, 28, a teacher from Lawas was the first runner-up, while 24-year-old Kemmy John of Mamut, Sibuti was second runner-up.

They received RM600 and RM500 respectively, in addition to a hamper and a certificate. The three consolation winners – 18-year-old Tony Benson of Siang longhouse in Suai, Murphy Epoi, 22, of Long Terawan and 21-year-old Grahan Agan Lim of Barion – took home RM250 and a certificate each.

The celebration was organised by Dayak Association Miri (DAM) in collaboration with Miri Resident’s and District Office, assisted by various ethnic associations in Miri. This is a yearly event which is organised on a rotation basis among the different associations. This year DAM was the leading organiser. Next year will see Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) leading the celebration. The main sponsors for this year’s gathering were Maggi and Nescafe.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang was the guest-of-honour while Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas was the head of the Gawai. Organising chairman Ellison Ludan Muyang, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat were among those present.

Jobless Dr Sim turns to lecturing abroad

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 27, 2011, Wednesday

STILL CONSIDERING OFFER: Dr Sim needs time to consider the offer of a job at National Heart Centre.

KUCHING: Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian who contested in the Pending constituency under Sarawak United People’s Party banner in the last state election is now counting the cost of his defeat to Violet Yong of Democratic Action Party (DAP).

The former Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) cardiac unit head who quit his job to stand for election said he was now jobless and had to leave the state to lecture overseas. Dr Sim was expected to wrest the Pending seat from Yong the incumbent as he was a well known heart specialist but he was defeated by a margin of 7,595 votes garnering 6,780 against his opponent’s 14,375 votes.

After the election, many people here expected and hoped Dr Sim would go back to the medical field and continue his service in the cardiac unit. However, he said he would not be going back to work as a cardiac unit head at SGH because someone had replaced him after he resigned before election.

There were some speculations in the Chinese papers yesterday, that Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan would like Sim to replace him as president of SUPP. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Chan lost his Piasau constituency in the election had said it was time to let the young people lead the party and reform it.

When contacted by See Hua yesterday, Dr Sim said: “Never mind. Let them talk about it now. The more we talk now, more confusing it is. Wait until I have time, then we talk about it. Now I am very busy.” Sim said after the election, he went to give lectures in Australia. Later, he would be flying to Korea.

“Because I am jobless now, I need to work. It is easier to earn abroad,” said Dr Sim. He also said next week he would be attending a function in Kuala Lumpur. About his future plan, Dr Sim said he was still not sure because he did not have time to think about it now.

When asked whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had offered him a job at National Heart Centre, Sim said Najib did, but he needed time to consider.

Dr Rayong hopes for cabinet post

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 21, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa hoped Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud would strongly consider him for a state Cabinet post among the four Bumiputera elected representatives recommended by SUPP.

Following the list submitted by the party on Monday for the consideration of himself, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis (Simanggang), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh) and Ranum Mina (Opar) for the appointment, Dr Rayong believed he had a strong case considering he won with the highest margin among the four.

However, Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis should be in contention considering he was assistant Minister in Land Development. Acknowledging this, Dr Rayong submitted that the decision would be up to the Chief Minister’s prerogative.

“Two days ago the party submitted a list of its recommendations and president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan met with the Chief Minister pertaining to this matter.

“All of us have agreed we would take up the post if we were appointed. But of course, it would be up to YAB’s (Taib) decision. Let him study the results,” said Dr Rayong when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.

If given the task, he highlighted that he was up to it, as he possessed enough confidence and experience to undertake the responsibilities.

“Furthermore, I’m sure Taib and other Cabinet ministers will give plenty of advice and guidance to its new member(s),” he continued.

If the election result was anything to go by, Dr Rayong’s highest majority of votes should give him a strong case if compared to Harden, Dr Jerip and Ranum.

He won his four-cornered fight seat with a 3,807 majority, garnering a total of 4,928 votes to Marudi @ Barudi Mawang of PKR (1,121 votes), Independent candidate Jimmy Simon Maja (414) and SNAP’s Semijie Janting (393).

Taking into account the registered number of voters in each constituency, Dr Rayong managed to poll 40.31 per cent of the Engkilili votes from 9,444 voters.

Harden, who garnered 4,758 votes, however, scored the highest of the four SUPP elected representatives with 45.36 per cent from the 10,488 Simanggang voters. In terms of majority, he is placed third when he only managed a total 2,447 votes.

However, it is noted that Harden was only involved in a one-on-one when compared to the other three candidates who all contested in a four-cornered fight.

Dr Jerip, who had the biggest population voters of 21,955 in Bengoh, managed to get 36.86 per cent when he garnered 8,093 votes. His majority of 3,646 votes would place him second among the quartet. As for Ranum, his votes of 3,360 from Opar’s 8,099 voter population earned him 41.48 per cent. With a 2,006 votes majority, he is placed last of the pack.

Whoever gets the nod from the Chief Minister, statistics do not lie and the numbers are there for evaluation. However, in terms of experience, second term assemblyman Dr Rayong is the new kid on the block.

Teng denies Soon Koh staged walkout

The Borneo Post

by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith. Posted on April 19, 2011, Tuesday

RESIGNATION ON HOLD: A forlorn Dr Chan seen leaving SUPP headquarters.

KUCHING: SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and secretary-general Datuk Sim Kheng Hui agreed to serve the remaining term of their respective posts until the party holds its next Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) in December.

Both Dr Chan and Sim submitted their resignation letters at the party’s Central Working Committee(CWC) meeting at SUPP headquarters here yesterday. “In today’s (yesterday) CWC meeting, our party president and secretary-general have tendered resignation for their respective posts. After thorough discussion on the matter, the CWC decided that they should carry on with their office until the next TDC.

“Which means that their terms expire at the end of the year,” said party treasurer Datuk David Teng to a press conference. Speaking for the committee, he disclosed that both Dr Chan and Sim had accepted the committee’s proposal and agreed to stay on till the end of their current term.

Also present at the press conference yesterday were deputy secretary-general II Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, organising secretary Datuk Seri Peter Chin, publicity and information secretary Datuk Alfred Yap, vice-president Lily Yong, Youth chief Sih Hua Tong and other top leaders. In addition, reporters at the press conference also asked why deputy secretary-general Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh left early after the CWC meeting.

Teng explained that Wong had urgent matters to attend.

When asked whether Wong staged a walk-out, all the SUPP leaders in the room answered ‘No’.

“There is no such thing. Please do not speculate.,“Furthermore, Wong already had his discussion with Dr Chan,” Teng clarified to the media.

Meanwhile, Dr Chan when met by the media after the CWC meeting, confirmed his resignation by stating: “I’ve already resigned.“You want further details, go to David Teng’s press conference. We have made some decisions. Now I am going to see the chief minister as we (SUPP) have some suggestions.”

Declining to elaborate further, Dr Chan hurriedly left the building. Sim also left after the meeting. The former deputy chief minister decided to call it a day in active politics after he lost his Piasau stronghold in the just-concluded 10th state election to DAP newcomer Ling Sie Kiong by 1,509 votes.

SUPP the biggest loser

http://election.thestar.com.my/sarawak/news

KUCHING: The 10th Sarawak election proved to be SUPP’s Waterloo when it was nearly wiped out with the Chinese community abandoning the 52-year-old party.

It managed to take only six of the 19 seats it contested and four of the victorious candidates are Dayaks.

One of the two Chinese candidates left standing was Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who retained Bawang Assan.

The four Dayak candidates who won are Ranum Mina (Opar), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden Hollis (Simanggang) and Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili). All are Dayak-majority seats.

President Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who was the deputy chief minister, ended up Barisan Nasional’s biggest casualty when DAP first-timer Ling Sie Kiong turned giant-killer in Piasau.

Ling, a lawyer, polled 5,998 votes to Dr Chan’s 4,408 to win by a 1,590-vote majority. In the 2006 election, he defeated Dr Francis Ngu of PKR with a majority of 3,911 votes.

SUPP lost two of three seats in Miri.

Besides Dr Chan’s defeat, incumbent Andy Chia lost Pujut to DAP’s Fong Pau Teck. Datuk Lee Kim Shin, however, defeated Michael Teo of PKR by 58 votes in Senadin.

None of the party’s new faces made it. They are Sim Kiang Chiok (Padungan), Dr Sim Kui Hian (Pending), Sih Hua Tong (Batu Lintang), Ling Kie King (Meradong), Chieng Buong Toon (Bukit Assek), Datuk Tiong Thai King (Dudong), Henry Ling (Kidurong).

The other incumbents who failed to make it were Tan Joo Phoi (Batu Kawah), Datuk David Teng (Repok) and Vincent Goh (Pelawan).

The Chinese community also shunned Lanang MP Datuk Tiong Thai King who stood in Dudong and “recycled candidate” Datuk Alfred Yap (Kota Sentosa).

In the 2006 election, the party won 11 of the 19 seats it contested.

With SUPP now left with only five seats, it remains to be seen if the next senior leader, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, will get the deputy chief minister’s post.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had earlier appealed to the Chinese community to back SUPP, warning that Barisan would still be able to form the government with or without the community’s support.

The party lost the Kuching City South mayor’s post when the then mayor Chan Seng Khai lost in Padungan in the 2006 state election. The post then went to a party outsider, Chong Ted Tsiung.

SUPP, founded in 1959, was extremely popular in the 60s when it was in the Opposition.

However, under Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, it decided to join the government as part of the Barisan coalition in 1970 under the then chief minister Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub.

Dr Chan became the party’s fourth president in 1996.

Chan blames ‘unjust policies’ for his shock defeat

http://election.thestar.com.my/sarawak/news

MIRI: Defeated SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan has blamed the state and Federal government’s failure to listen to the rakyat’s grouses as the reason for the party’s unprecedented loss in Sarawak.

Dr Chan, who lost to DAP unknown Ling Sie Kiong by 1,590 votes in Piasau, said Barisan Nasional had also reacted “too little too late” to correct “unjust and unfair policies”. “I am very sad over what has happened. We acknowledge that some of the policies in place now are unfair. “SUPP tried very hard to speak up against these injustices and correct them but apparently, it was too little too late.

“Both the governments must listen carefully to the rakyat’s unhappiness and change because election results showed there is widespread discontent over unjust policies,” he said, attributing the party’s loss to “national issues”.

However, Dr Chan declined to elaborate on these issues, adding that these had been “highlighted enough”. “The rakyat wants a transparent government. I agree with them. The government must change the way they do things and change accordingly in the manner the rakyat wants,” he said, adding that Barisan leaders must also be realistic and not be confident that the Sarawakians would continue to support the coalition.n“One thing is very clear. Barisan Nasional cannot go on like this,” he said.

Accepting SUPP’s losses, Dr Chan, 75, said the party must also change with “new blood” taking charge immediately. “SUPP will need a complete overhaul. Perhaps we will get some political experts to help make sure this party can remain alive,” he said.

He added that he would ponder his next move after meeting with the other party leaders. Dr Chan has been Piasau assemblyman for the past six terms before his defeat yesterday. He started his career as a medical doctor at a clinic here before being appointed as the Miri District Council chairman in the late 1970s.

Ling, 28, a lawyer, was a chambering student in the Kuala Lumpur office of DAP chairman Karpal Singh and only joined Miri DAP as an ordinary member last month.

‘Bruised, but not beaten’ latest!

theborneopost.com.my

by Ghaz Ghazali and Margaret Apau. Posted on April 16, 2011, Saturday

Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud takes the oath as Chief Minister at 10.30PM tonight in front of the Sarawak Governor. In an earlier statement, Taib disclosed that he was prepared to step down from the Chief Minister's post, adding that his involvement in the latest state election would also be his last.

BN wins the 10th state election, but not without a fierce fight from opposition 

KUCHING: In one of the most ‘discussed’ elections of the past three decades, the National Front (Barisan Nasional or BN) defended its two-thirds majority by securing 55 seats with a total of 372,379 votes, in the 10th Sarawak State Election where 71 seats were contested.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in a video conference with Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, said the victory was very meaningful and indicative of the people’s high confidence in BN. “There have been big majority or increased majority wins in several constituencies. With this, what we need to do is to give a lot of thanks to the people of Sarawak for retaining their support and trust in BN,” the Prime Minister stated.

Nonetheless, the BN victory has not been gained without a fierce fight from the opposition throughout the 10-day campaigning period. Moreover, polls results have shown that the opposition managed to make inroads into what have traditionally been BN strongholds: notably Piasau, where Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Tan Sri Dr George Chan was defeated in a straight fight by Democratic Action Party (DAP) newcomer Ling Sie Kiong. The former polled 4,408 votes while Ling had 5,998.

Apart from Piasau, the DAP – which dominated Chinese-majority areas – had taken nine other seats; Pending, Bukit Assek, Pujut, Padungan, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah, Repok, Meradong and Pelawan.Additionally, Pakatan Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) bagged three seats namely Ba Kelalan, Batu Lintang and Krian. Meanwhile, Independent candidate George Lagong won the Pelagus seat.

Shortly after BN victory, Taib – the state’s BN chief – sworn in as Chief Minister at the Astana before the head of state Governor Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in a simple ceremony. The 10th state election also marked Taib’s eighth term as Chief Minister since his first appointment in 1981.

Taib, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, also retained his Balingian state seat with a comfortable majority of 5,154 votes; in a three-cornered fight against Independent Datuk Salleh Jafaruddin and PKR’s debutante Suriati Abdullah. – BPOnline

Dawos confident BN can win Tarat and Bengoh

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 15, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Mambong MP Datuk Dr James Dawos who is election director for Tarat and Bengoh seats was certain that Barisan Nasional (BN) would win both seats in the April 16 polls.

He said although the vote margin would be different, BN could still win both seats.

Dawos, who is Deputy Tourism Minister said this when asked the chances of BN candidates — Roland Sagah Wee Inn (Tarat) and Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh) — which fall under Mambong parliamentary constituency.

He accompanied Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for a walkabout of Siburan town together with Dr Jerip yesterday.

Meanwhile, Pemanca Austin Dimin who also accompanied Muhyiddin, urged Bidayuh voters to come out in full force for tomorrow’s polls to support both BN candidates.

Both seats are predominantly Bidayuh, who comprise more than half of the total voters.

“As a Pemanca for the Bidayuh community in Kuching, the voters (Bidayuh) must be smart and practical,” said Austin, who was tasked to look after the two seats.

He said the opposition might win a few seats in urban areas, but BN would easily get a two-thirds majority.

Voters should set aside personal matters and look at the bigger picture.

“Bidayuhs being small cannot afford to go back like before and we cannot afford to disunite so we must vote smart and practical,” he added.

10th Sarawak Election highlights

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 17, 2011, Sunday

KUCHING: Following are some highlights of the 10^th Sarawak election as announced by Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof here tonight.

BN clinched 55 seats by garnering 372,379 votes overall.

DAP won 12 seats after obtaining 134, 847 votes overall.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) secured three seats from a total of 117,100 votes garnered.

One independent candidate (out of 41 independents) secured a seat after he managed to obtain 5,740 votes.

Three other parties in the fray failed to win a single seat, namely SNAP which polled 15,663 votes overall, PAS (9,719 votes) and Parti Cinta Malaysia (2,895 votes).

The last result received was for the Kakus seat which was announced at 11pm.

Number of voters – 682,854 (Total registered voters – 961,433)

Voter turnout – 70 per cent

Spoilt votes – 8,224

Seat with the highest winning margin – Bukit Assek (8,827 votes)

Seat with the lowest winning margin  – Senadin (58 votes)

Total votes garnered by Independent candidates – 20,064

Number of candidates losing their deposit for failing to secure one eighth of the overall votes cast in their respective constituencies – 71

Source: Bernama

Final status of parties in the 10th Sarawak Election

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 16, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: Following is status of the parties contesting in the 10th Sarawak state election after the last result was announced by the Election Commission at 11pm tonight.
Barisan Nasional – 55
DAP – 12
PKR – 3
SNAP – 0
PAS – 0
Parti Cinta Malaysia – 0
Independents – 1
All 71 seats in the State Legislative Assembly were contested in this election. – Bernama

Election Day For Sarawak

Today is election day for Sarawak. Sarawakian must go all out to vote for a better Sarawak

Transformation vs Change 

Frm The Borneo Post

Posted on April 16, 2011, Saturday

Candidates conclude their cases for voters to decide on verdict
THE battlelines are drawn for the 10th Sarawak State Election today after what must have been to date the hottest ever campaign by both sides locked in a fierce tussle for control of the 71-seat State Legislative Assembly.

In the final days of the hustings, the Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery picked up considerable momentum and its confidence was given a big boost by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s ‘engage the people’ approach.

Najib traversed the state, visiting urban centres and suburbs and rural townships and longhouses to deliver the government’s transformation plan aimed at bringing greater prosperity to Sarawak and the rest of the country.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister wrapped up his swing across the Iban heartland by calling at far-flung Kapit and Song Districts in the Central Region with a parting message to Sarawakians before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
He said: “Don’t vote based on sentiments. The question that needs to be thought over by Sarawak voters is the cooperation between the federal and state governments for a better future because Sarawak is a very big state which needs huge investments, particularly in modern infrastructure.” Najib, the national BN chairman, has spearheaded a formidable BN campaign and emerged as the ruling coalition’s pillar of strength following unrelenting attacks by the opposition against Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Backed by his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Prime Minister has expressed confidence Sarawakians will return the BN to power. The BN is aiming to retain its two-thirds majority in the State Legislature while the opposition is equally determined to block this. The stage is set for the toughest election in the history of Sarawak since the state attained independence in 1963.

The BN is contesting in all 71 seats with candidates fielded by its component parties — Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP). In 2006, the BN captured 62 seats but the number was increased to 63 when Sarawak National Party (SNAP) assemblyman in Engkilili, Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa, joined the coalition before the dissolution of the House.

While the BN can ride on the wave of Bumiputera support, particularly in the rural constituencies, SUPP, on the other hand, will have to muster all its strength and resources to withstand the onslaught from the opposition in the Chinese-majority urban areas. SUPP is fighting a ‘battle for survival’ against the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in its bid to continue to represent the voice of the Chinese community in the government.
Close contests are expected in many of the SUPP seats, including Piasau under the party’s president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

Eight seats went to the opposition in 2006, including six to DAP at the expense of SUPP. The DAP is part of the peninsula-based opposition front Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and widely regarded as the party, among its two other partners – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) – to give BN the stiffest fight in the 15 Chinese-majority and mixed Chinese-Iban seats.

PKR is contesting in 49 Malay-Melanau and Dayak constituencies while PAS in five Malay areas.
Also testing its strength after a spell in the political wilderness is the Sarawak-based opposition party SNAP which is eyeing 26 Dayak seats.

The other splinter party, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), is contesting in six Bumiputera areas while making up the rest of the 213 candidates in the fray is an unprecedented number of 41 Independents. The Independents include 15 candidates from the yet-to-be registered Parti Ekonomi Rakyat Sarawak Bersatu (PERSB), contesting under the aeroplane symbol, and nine PKR members who have decided to go it alone after being sacked.

Two prominent Independents are Datuk Salleh Jafaruddin, a second cousin of Taib, who is challenging the Chief Minister in a three-cornered fight in Balingian, and lawyer Dominique Ng, who is defending the Padungan seat after being dropped by PKR although he was the sole PKR winner in 2006.
A big turnout is expected when 1,748 polling centres open across the state today – between 65 and 75 per cent of the 979,796 eligible voters, according to an estimation by the Election Commission.

Sarawak State Elections 2011

• N1 – N9
• N10 – N18
• N19 – N27
• N28 – N36
• N37 – N45
• N46 – N54
• N55 – N63
• N64 – N72

Seats Distribution

62

7

2

Current Seats Layout

Sarawak Election Statistics

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 14, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Following are statistics released by the Election Commission to Bernama on the 10th Sarawak state election, polling of which is on Saturday.
Population of Sarawak: 2.261 million
Number of seats: 71
Registered voters: 979,796 (2006: 892,537)
861,423 (normal)
18,363 (postal)
Highest number of voters: N10. Pending (29,488)
Lowest number of voters: N70. Ba Kelalan (6,958)
Polling centre with lowest number of voters: Rumah Tk Pa’Berang, Ba Kelalan (20)
Number of polling centres : 1,749 (2006: 1,716)
- schools : 1,071 (2006: 1,062)
- longhouses : 402 (2006: 396)
- community halls : 126 (2006: 125)
- halls : 59
- others : 91 (2006: 125)
Polling streams : 2,606 (2006: 2,450)
Candidates:
PARTY Number of candidates
BN 71 (2006:71)
PKR 49 (2006: 25)
SNAP 26 (2006: 29)
DAP 15 (2006: 12)
PCM 6
PAS 5 (2006:1)
BEBAS 41 (2006:20)
Total: 213 (2006: 158)
CONTEST CATEGORIES:
Straight fight - 27 (2006: 54)
Three-corner - 23 (2006: 12)
Four-corner – 17 (2006: 1)
Five-corner – 2 (2006: 1)
Six-corner – 2
Election staff: 24,379
Transportation: a. helicopters : 27 (2006:20)
b. light aircraft : 2 (2006:2)
c. cars & four-wheel drives : 4,499 (2,257)
d. boats : 853 (1,055)

SUPP holds protest against DAP for ‘orang utan’ remark

The Borneo Post

by Samuel Aubrey. Posted on April 14, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Around 300 supporters of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) held a rally in the city centre yesterday to protest the ‘orangutan’ tag labelled at them by their rivals Democratic Action Party (DAP). Led by the party’s five Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in Kuching, they gathered at a restaurant in Padungan before proceeding en-masse to the state DAP headquarters at Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim. They carried banners and shouted words, which amongst others, were “We are not orangutan” and “Outsiders must stay out of state’s affairs”.

A shouting match ensued as they faced off with DAP leaders and supporters. Batu Lintang candidate Sih Hua Tong, when met by reporters later, said they held the protest as they were angry with a DAP national leader Dr Hew Kuan Yau for likening SUPP to orangutan.

Hew, who is formerly DAP Socialist Youth secretary, purportedly made these remarks during a ceramah (political talk) a few nights ago. According to Sih, calling SUPP an orangutan party was equivalent to comparing all Sarawakians to the primate. “They are too much.  (What we are doing) is a symbol of Sarawakian pride,” he said, in defending their action to go to the streets to protest.

“To me, no Malaysian should look down on another. How can you come here and insult us? It all boils down to basic respect for one another.” Also in the group were BN candidates from SUPP namely Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian (Pending), Datuk Alfred Yap (Kota Sentosa), Tan Joo Phoi (Batu Kawah) and Sim Kiang Chiok (Padungan).

A statement by SUPP, distributed to members of the press, also slammed DAP and its Pakatan Rakyat partners for looking down on Sarawakians. It also said Hew’s statement was a “contemptuous” act because this had humiliated thousands of SUPP members both existing and deceased, and insulted the character and wisdom of all Sarawakians.

The statement added that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang already mocked Sarawakians for wearing the ‘cawat’, another unnamed Pakatan leader said Sarawakians still lived in trees, and DAP too had called Sarawakians ‘herbivores’. The SUPP group then handed over a memorandum to DAP, which was received by its state secretary Chong Chieng Jien, who is also Kota Sentosa incumbent.

The memorandum, amongst others, demanded that DAP retract its insults and issue a public apology. Chong, in his response, said the party would not apologise as the allegations were unfounded. He defended Hew’s actions as merely playing of words during speech when talking specifically about SUPP but not generally of Sarawakians.

I have identified my successor — Taib

The Borneo Post

Posted on April 13, 2011, Wednesday

Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud

CM says he has groomed his replacement for 20 years

KUCHING: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said yesterday he has identified his successor as Sarawak Chief Minister. He did not name the person, but said he had groomed his successor for 20 years. He added that the person replacing him must be acceptable not only to the Sarawak Barisan Nasional but also the people. “I must choose the best person to take over from me and to work together as a team,” he said in an interview here. 

Taib said the team taking over must be able to work together to ensure that all government policies and plans were implemented smoothly. “We take into consideration all this. A disorderly succession is certain to anger the people,” he said, adding that change of leadership at the federal level had always been smooth. “We have a plan among PBB leaders. I go first followed by leaders who had come later than me when people whom we groomed can discharge their duties well,” he said. 

Taib, who has been chief minister since March 1981 when he was 45, said he had delegated “a portion of power” to several ministers to prepare the second liners for responsibilities at the helm. On the PBB line-up for the election, he said that he had chosen candidates who could not only win but also “see eye-to-eye with the new leadership.”Asked about the achievements of his administration, Taib said: “I don’t know how to rate my success. I think I’ve managed to get all the races to work together, backed by a desire to move in the same direction, which we call a philosophy of confluence of cultures.” On the view that he had been chief minister for too long, he said he had to stay after the 2006 election because SUPP lost several seats and he had to “fill in the gap to groom new talents.” 

The opposition harping on his long tenure “is like the pot calling the kettle black,” Taib said. He said  that  DAP  advisor Lim Kit Siang and party chairman Karpal Singh, both 70, had been active  for  four  decades now and had ensured that their children were at the top. PKR was no better, Taib said, noting that  Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is advisor, his  wife  Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail president, and his daughter Nurul Izzah vice-president. — Bernama

Govt mulls Tg Manis-Samalaju rail link

by Gaing Kunding. Posted on April 11, 2011, Monday

IMPRESSIVE: Taib admiring models of Mukah New Administrative Centre and Mukah Biotech Economic Zone together with (from left) Morshidi, Zaleha, Ragad, Wilson (partly hidden), Leo (right) and others.

MUKAH: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the government is considering building railway tracks connecting Tanjung Manis in Mukah division with Samalaju in Bintulu to enhance transportation facilities within Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) area. Taib said this in his speech at the official opening ceremony of Mukah New Administration Centre here last Saturday.

Taib was the guest-of-honour at the ceremony also attended by his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Mukah MP Dato Sri Dr Muhammed Leo Michael Toyad, Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Yahaya Basimin, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Regional Corridor of Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandut, Juara Cahaya Sarawak Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Datin Paduka Zaleha Ismail, Mukah Resident Saudi Narani, heads of government departments and corporate figures.

“There is a need to have railway link to support development of heavy industries and halal hub located at Tanjung Manis, Mukah and Samalaju in Bintulu within SCORE, to transport palm oil, sago, aluminium and other industrial products in bulk efficiently,” said Taib stating further that a feasibility study will be conducted by end of this year.

Taib also disclosed that the acquaculture industry in Tanjung Manis Halal Hub, covering an area of some 40,000 ha, will use modern technology to produce halal food, especially gelatin from fish and marine products.

Taib estimated that Tanjung Manis Halal Hub has the potential to produce about RM5 billion worth of halal products to meet the increasing demand from Muslim and non-Muslim markets in the world, including Asia, Europe, USA and Middle East countries.

Taib also disclosed that Sarawak will continue to harness the potential of producing electricity from dams (hydro energy sources) to save costs in view of rising oil prices as well as utilising more than half billion tonnes of the state’s coal reserves to produce electricity to power its industries and households and using any surplus (of electricity) to power the proposed railway project.

Taib was confident that SCORE initiatives would also spur property development along the coastal areas stretching from Tanjung Manis to Mukah, Balingian, Tatau and Samalaju in Bintulu. Stressing that SCORE emphasises niche developments to create more than 1.5 million jobs to create a high-income society by 2030, Taib called on parents to send their children to university and technical training institutions to produce quality human capital to become managers, professionals and skilled workers capable of propelling Sarawak towards greater heights of development and progress.

Taib also commended the contractors of Mukah New Administration Centre, which was completed about eight months ahead of schedule. The RM130 million intelligent building with about 21,500 square metres of floor area on a 15-acre site will accommodate Recoda headquarters, two banks and some government offices.

Additionally, Taib also launched phase 2 of Mukah Biotech Economic Zone located on a 20-acre site adjacent to the Mukah New Administrative Centre, to be undertaken by the same contractor — Juara Cahaya Sarawak Sdn Bhd. Taib also announced that the government will conduct a study on smart city concept for Mukah end of this year.

He declared that heavy industries, halal hub, agriculture plantation and eco-tourism are vital components of development under SCORE.

Baru Bian to be CM if PR wins

From The Borneo Post

Posted on April 9, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: Sarawak Pakatan Rakyat would back its state liaison chief Baru Bian as chief minister should it be given the mandate by the people in the state election.

Announcing this at a press conference, Kota Sentosa incumbent Chong Chieng Jen said the component parties of PR had reached this agreement during its PR council meeting after the formation of Sarawak PR.

Chong announced this at the launching of PR electoral manifesto here yesterday.

Chong is confident that with this consensus and arrangement, PR would strive to wrest the state from BN. When asked by reporters whether an alternative arrangement had been made should Baru Bian lose in Ba Kelalan, PAS supreme council member Mohd Nasar Jamaluddin said the question of who would become the Chief Minister would be resolved as there are many qualified candidates in PR who were capable of leading the state.

Wong seeks DPM’s help to lift Lanang bridge toll

Frm The Borneo Post

by Peter Boon. Posted on April 10, 2011, Sunday

SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh on Friday sought Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s help to remove toll charges on Lanang Bridge through the takeover of the bridge by federal government.

HOW ARE YOU?: Muhyiddin (second left) greeted by members of the public at the 1Malaysia dinner. Wong is at right.

He also appealed to Muhyiddin to elevate  Kolej Laila Taib (KLT)  to university status by next year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin had both previously agreed on this but Muhyiddin is the Education Minister.

On the first request, Wong, who is also Minister of Environment and Public Health, said: “It will be of great help not just to the people using the bridge but also for the development of land on the opposite side of Rajang River.

“Although the toll fee is minimal, it is a burden to users, especially those who stay across the river and those needing to make a few crossings per day. When the toll is lifted, Sibu will be able to expand on both sides of the river.”

Making the requests on behalf of Sibu people at the 1Malaysia dinner here, he said the state had requested the federal Ministry of Works to look into the possibility of taking over the bridge to become part of the federal highway – the trunk road between Kuching and Miri.

At present, there are 11 bridges from Sibu to Tanjung Manis which are federal funded and toll-free.

On the second request, Wong said Najib had visited KLT twice. Khaled too had visited the college. He pointed out that both of them had agreed to assist in the elevation of KLT to university status.

“We need the federal government’s help to elevate it to university status in the near future,” he said.

Wong said he believed Muhyiddin would give both requests due consideration because he (Muhyiddin) is a man of his words and had a thorough understanding of the local sentiments here.

“Muhyiddin has made vast changes to the education infrastructure nationwide and has also made numerous grants to deserving schools of the various communities.”

Wong pointed out that last year Muhyiddin presented a cheque for RM2 million to four schools here, namely SK Hua Hin English, SK Saint Mary, SJK (C) Uk Daik and SJK (C) Kiang Hin.

Among those present at the press conference were BN-SUPP candidates for Pelawan Vincent Goh, councillor Chieng Buong Toon (Bukit Assek), Datuk Tiong Thai King (Dudong), Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (PBB candidate for Nangka) and Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee.

Jafaruddin gets ‘key’ for Balingian latest!

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=116446Posted on April 8, 2011, Friday

KUCHING: Independent candidate Datuk Salleh Jafaruddin has got the ‘key’ to mount his challenge for the Balingian seat in the April 16 Sarawak state election. The former education minister, who is facing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (BN-PBB) and businesswoman Suriati Abdullah (PKR) in the contest, was assigned the key symbol for the election.

The aeroplane symbol was the most sought after out of 30 symbols provided by the Election Commission (EC). The key came second. Other symbols included flower, tree, house, fish, bird, chair, spectacles and pen.

Another notable candidate, Dominique Ng Kim Ho, who is contesting as an independent in Padungan after falling out with PKR, got the flower symbol.

Ng, the incumbent, is involved in a three-cornered fight with Sim Kiang Chiok (BN-SUPP) and Wong King Wei (DAP).

Sarawak EC director Datu Takun Sunggah told Bernama independent candidates were free to choose their symbols but draws would be made if there was no agreement among themselves for seats where there were more than one independent candidate. – Bernama

Record breaking state election

Posted on April 7, 2011, Thursday from  The Borneo Post

10th state election records highest number of candidates, most number of independent candidates and no uncontested victory

KUCHING: The 10th Sarawak state election recorded three new historical records – highest number of candidates at 213, the most number of independent candidates – 41 – and no uncontested victory. Of the 71 state constituencies, Balai Ringin and Belaga each received six nominations followed by Ngemah and Jepak with five contestants each. These four are rural seats.

The rest are 27 straight fights, 23 (three-cornered battles) and 17 (four-cornered struggles). As usual, Barisan Nasional (BN) is contesting in all 71 seats while Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidates stand in 49 constituencies, independent (41), Sarawak National Party (SNAP) – 26, Democratic Action Party (DAP) – 15, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) – 6 and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) – 5.

As many as 197 candidates are male and SNAP is the only party not nominating any female candidate.Election Commission (SPR) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof yesterday disclosed that 32 protests had been received during the one-hour objection period from 10am. However, only one objection was accepted.

In the 2006 state election, BN won Daro and Dalat uncontested. This time round, four candidates are fighting for Daro while Dalat incumbent Datin Fatimah Abdullah has to defeat two other candidates to keep her seat. Under the Election Offences Act 1954, candidates are allowed to campaign until midnight April 15. “I urge all political parties and independent candidates to comply with the rules and regulations. “I hope that they would also respect the enforcement squads who had been entrusted to ensure a smooth run of the polls,” said Aziz

Published: Wednesday April 6, 2011 MYT 5:49:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday April 6, 2011 MYT 6:54:27 PM

Full list of candidates

Full list of candidates for the 10th Sarawak Election:
N1 - OPAR
1 . STEPHEN ANAK SAGIR (SNAP)
2 . JOSEPH JINDY ANAK PETER ROSEN (IND)
3 . BONIFACE WILLY ANAK TUMEK (PKR)
4 . RANUM ANAK MINA (BN)
N2 - TASIK BIRU
1 . PETER NANSIAN ANAK NGUSIE (BN)
2 . FRANKIE JUREM ANAK NYOMBUI (SNAP)
3 . JOHN TENEWI NUEK @ JOHN TENEWI (PKR)
N3 - TANJUNG DATU
1 . ADENAN BIN SATEM (BN)
2 . GILBERT ASSON ANAK KULONG (IND)
3 . NANI BT SAHARI (PAS)
N4 - PANTAI DAMAI
1 . SUHAINI BIN SELAMAT (IND)
2 . ABDUL RAHMAN BIN JUNAIDI (BN)
3 . WAN ZAINAL ABIDIN BIN WAN SENUSI (PKR)
N5 - DEMAK LAUT
1 . HAZLAND BIN ABG HIPNI (BN)
2 . ALI HOSSEN BIN ABANG (PKR)
N6 - TUPONG 1 . DAUD BIN ABDUL RAHMAN (BN)
2 . BAHARUDDIN @DIN SHAH BIN MOKHSEN (PKR)
N7 - SAMARIANG
1 . SHARIFAH HASIDAH BT SAYEED AMAN GHAZALI (BN)
2 . ZULRUSDI BIN MOHAMAD HOL (PKR)
N8 - SATOK
1 . ABG ABD RAHMAN ZOHARI BIN ABG OPENG (BN)
2 . AHMAD NAZIB BIN JOHARI (PKR)
N9 - PADUNGAN
1 . SIM KIANG CHIOK (BN)
2 . WONG KING WEI (DAP)
3 . NG KIM HO (IND)
N10 - PENDING
1 . SIM KUI HIAN (BN)
2 . VIOLET YONG WUI WUI (DAP)
N11 - BATU LINTANG
1 . SIH HUA TONG (BN)

2 . SEE CHEE HOW (PKR)

3 . SOO LINA (IND)


N12 - KOTA SENTOSA
1 . CHONG CHIENG JEN (DAP)

2 . YAP CHIN LOI (BN)


N13 - BATU KAWAH
1 . CHIEW WANG SEE (DAP)

2 . TAN JOO PHOI (BN)

N14 - ASAJAYA
1 . ABD. KARIM RAHMAN HAMZAH (BN)

2 . ARIP BIN AMERAN (PKR)


N15 - MUARA TUANG
1 . DATO` SRI HAJI MOHAMMAD ALI MAHMUD (BN)

2 . NORAINI BINTI HAMZAH (PAS)

N16 - BENGOH
1 . WILLIE ANAK MONGIN (PKR)

2 . WEJOK ANAK TOMIK (IND)

3 . RICHARD@PETER A/L MARGARET (SNAP)

4 . JERIP ANAK SUSIL (BN)


N17 - TARAT
1 . ATENG ANAK JEROS (SNAP)

2 . ROLAND SAGEH WEE INN (BN)

3 . PETER ATO ANAK MAYAU (PKR)

N18 - TEBEDU
1 . KIPLI BIN ALE (IND)

2 . MICHAEL MANYIN ANAK JAWONG (BN)

3 . CHRISTOPHER ANAK KIYUI (PKR)

4 . ANTHONY ANAK NAIS (SNAP)


N19 - KEDUP
1 . LAINUS ANAK ANDREW LUWAK (PKR)

2 . MACLAINE BEN @ MARTIN BEN (BN)

3 . AMIN ANAK BANTI (IND)

4 . BELAYONG ANAK JAYANG (SNAP)


N20 - SADONG JAYA
1 . AIDEL BIN LARIWOO (BN)

2 . MAHAYUDIN BIN WAHAB (IND)

3 . ABANG EDDY ALLYANNI BIN ABANG FAUZI (PAS)


N21 - SIMUNJAN
1 . MOHD NARODEN BIN MAJAIS (BN)

2 . MASHOR BIN HUSSEN (PKR)

3 . ZAINI BIN LE’ (IND)

4 . MAC PALIMA ANAK NYAMBIL (PCM)


N22 - SEBUYAU
1 . ALI BIN SEMSU (IND)

2 . ADAM BIN AHID (PAS)

3 . JULAIHI BIN NARAWI (BN)


N23 - LINGGA
1 . SIMOI BINTI PERI (BN)

2 . ABG AHMAD ARABI BIN ABG BOLHASSAN (PKR)

3 . ABANG OTHMAN BIN ABANG HAJI GOM (SNAP)


N24 - BETING MARO
1 . RAZAILI BIN HAJI GAPOR (BN)

2 . ABANG AHMAD KERDEE BIN ABANG MASAGUS (PAS)

N25 - BALAI RINGIN
1 . IBI ANAK UDING (PKR)

2 . SNOWDAN LAWAN (BN)

3 . DAN A/K GIANG (SNAP)

4 . LIPEH ANAK MAWI (PCM)

5 . COBBOLD AK LUSOI (IND)

6 . SUJAL ANAK GANSI (IND)

N26 - BUKIT BEGUNAN
1 . MONG ANAK DAGANG (BN)

2 . LIAS ANAK JULAI (IND)

3 . JIMMY LIM @ JIMMY DONALD (PKR)

4 . IVANHOE ANTHONY ANAK BELON (SNAP)


N27 - SIMANGGANG
1 . LEON JIMAT DONALD (DAP)

2 . FRANCIS HARDEN ANAK HOLLIS (BN)

N28 - ENGKILILI
1 . JOHNICHAL RAYONG ANAK NGIPA (BN)

2 . JIMMY SIMON MAJA (IND)

3 . SEMIJIE ANAK JANTING (SNAP)

4 . MARUDI @ BARUDI ANAK MAWANG (PKR)


N29 - BATANG AIR
1 . NICHOLAS BAWIN ANAK ANGGAT (PKR)

2 . MALCOM MUSSEN ANAK LAMOH (BN)

N30 - SARIBAS
1 . RICKY @ MOHAMMAD RAZI BIN SITAM (BN)

2 . ABANG ZULKIFLI BIN ABANG ENGKEH (PKR)

N31 - LAYAR
1 . JOE ANAK UNGGANG (SNAP)

2 . STANNY EMBAT DHAROH ANAK LAJA (PKR)

3 . NGUMBANG @ KIBAK ANAK DATU (IND)

4 . ALFRED JABU ANAK NUMPANG (BN)


N32 - BUKIT SABAN
1 . DAYRELL WALTER ENTRIE (SNAP)

2 . JERAH ANAK ENGKIONG @ EDWARD JERAH (PKR)

3 . ROBERT LAWSON CHUAT (BN)

N33 - KALAKA
1 . ISMAIL BIN HUSSAIN (IND)

2 . ABDUL WAHAB BIN AZIZ (BN)

3 . MOHD YAHYA BIN ABDULLAH (PKR)


N34 - KRIAN
1 . LIMAN ANAK SUJANG (SNAP)

2 . PETER NYAROK ANAK ENTRIE (BN)

3 . BANYI ANAK BERIAK (IND)

4 . ALI ANAK BIJU (PKR)

N35 - BELAWAI
1 . ABDUL WAHAB BIN ABDULLAH (PKR)

2 . KIPRAWI BIN SUHAILI (IND)

3 . TALIF @ LEN BIN SALLEH (BN)


N36 - SEMOP
1 . ABDULLAH BIN SAIDOL (BN)

2 . ONG CHUNG SIEW (PKR)

3 . AJIJI BIN FAUZAN (IND)

N37 - DARO
1 . MURNI BIN SUHAILI (BN)

2 . JAMALUDIN BIN IBRAHIM ((PKR)

3 . MOHAMAD ZAMHARI BIN BERAWI (IND)

4 . NOH@MOHAMAD NOH BIN BAKRI@BAKERI (IND)


N38 - JEMORENG
1 . ASBOR BIN ABDULLAH (IND)

2 . ABDUL HAFIZ BIN NOH (IND)

3 . GANI@ABU SEMAN BIN JAHWIE (BN)


N39 - REPOK
1 . WONG HUA SEH (DAP)

2 . DAVID TENG LUNG CHI (BN)

N40 - MERADONG
1 . LING KIE KING (BN)

2 . TING TZE FUI (DAP)


N41 - PAKAN
1 . WILLIAM IKOM (BN)

2 . JAMAL BIN ABDULLAH @ TEDONG ANAK GUNDA (SNAP)


N42 - MELUAN
1 . JOHN BRIAN ANTHONY ANAK JEREMY (PKR)

2 . WONG ANAK JUDAT (BN)

3 . LABANG ANAK JAMBA (SNAP)


N43 - NGEMAH
1 . ALEXANDER ANAK VINCENT (BN)

2 . YAKUP BIN KHALID (IND)

3 . ADIT AK DEMONG (PCM)

4 . MICHAEL ANAK LIAS (SNAP)

5. ARIS ANAK ALAP (PKR)


N44 - MACHAN
1 . KONG TAT KIM (PCM)

2 . GRAMONG JUNA (BN)

3. CHEN NGUK FA (PKR)

4. AUGUSTINE ANAK LIOM @ AUGUST KIOM (SNAP)

N45 - BUKIT ASSEK
1 . HII TIONG HUAT (IND)

2 . CHIENG BUONG TOON (BN)

3 . WONG HO LENG (DAP)


N46 - DUDONG
1 . YAP HOI LIONG (DAP)

2 . TIONG THAI KING (BN)

3 . APANDI BIN ABDUL RANI (IND)


N47 - BAWANG ASSAN
1 . ALICE LAU KIONG YIENG (DAP)

2 . WONG SOON KOH (BN)

N48 - PELAWAN
1 . GOH CHUNG SIONG (BN)

2 . WONG KEE WOAN (DAP)


N49 - NANGKA
1 . ANNUAR BIN RAPA`EE (BN)

2 . NORISHAM MOHAMED ALI (PKR)


N50 - DALAT
1 . FATIMAH BT ABDULLAH @ TING SAI MING (BN)

2 . SYLVESTER AJAH SUBAH@AJAH BIN SUBAH (PKR)

3 . SALLEH BIN MAHALI (IND)


N51 - BALINGIAN
1 . SURIATI BINTI ABDULLAH (PKR)

2 . PEHIN SRI HAJI ABDUL TAIB BIN MAHMUD (BN)

3 . SALLEH BIN JAFARUDDIN (IND)

N52 - TAMIN
1 . JOSEPH MAUH A/K IKEH (BN)

2 . MENGGA ANAK MIKUI (PKR)


N53 - KAKUS
1 . DICK @ LAURANCE DICK SEKALAI (PCM)

2 . PAUL ANYIE RAJA (PKR)

3 . JOHN SIKIE ANAK TAYAI (BN)

4 . ENTALI ANAK EMPIN (IND)

N54 - PELAGUS
1 . STANLEY NYITAR @ UNJA ANAK MALANG (BN)

2 . GEORGE ANAK LAGONG (IND)

3 . EDWARD SUMBANG ANAK ASUN (PKR)

N55 - KATIBAS
1 . AMBROSE BLIKAU ANAK ENTURAN (BN)

2 . TOH HENG SAN (SNAP)

3 . MUNAN ANAK LAJA (PKR)


N56 - BALEH
1 . JAMES JEMUT MASING (BN)

2 . BENDINDANG ANAK MANJAH (PKR)


N57 - BELAGA
1 . JOHN BAMPA (SNAP)

2 . MATHEW AK MUNAN (IND)

3 . BASAH KESING @ ALI BASAH KESING (PKR)

4 . MICHAEL JOK (IND)

5 . KENNETH ADAN SILEK (IND)

6 . LIWAN LAGANG (BN)

N58 - JEPAK
1 . RAMLI ANAK MALAKA (SNAP)

2 . ABDUL JALIL BIN BUJANG (PKR)

3 . DATUK HAJI TALIB BIN ZULPILIP (BN)

4 . ABDUL KUDDUS BIN RAMLEE (IND)

5 . AWANG ABDILLAH BIN AWANG NASAR (IND)

N59 - KIDURONG
1 . CHIEW CHIU SING (DAP)

2 . LING KUONG MENG (BN)


N60 - KEMENA
1 . LIAM ANAK RENGGA (IND)

2 . BERNARD BINAR BAYANG ANAK RADING (PKR)

3 . STEPHEN RUNDI ANAK UTOM (BN)

4 . UNGUN ANAK BAYANG (SNAP)

N61 - BEKENU
1 . ROSEY BINTI YUNUS (BN)

2 . DYG JULIANA BINTI AWG TAMBI (PCM)

3 . THONY ANAK BADAK (SNAP)

4 . ISHAK BIN MAHWI (PKR)

N62 - LAMBIR
1 . RIPIN BIN LAMAT (BN)

2 . ZOLHAIDAH BINTI SUBOH (PKR)

3 . JOHARI BIN BUJANG (SNAP)


N63 - PIASAU
1 . LING SIE KIONG (DAP)

2 . GEORGE CHAN HONG NAM (BN)


N64 - PUJUT
1 . CHIA CHU FATT (BN)

2 . FONG PAU TECK (DAP)


N65 - SENADIN
1 . MICHAEL TEO YU KENG (PKR)

2 . LEE KIM SHIN (BN)

N66 - MARUDI
1 . SYLVESTER ENTRI ANAK MURAN (BN)

2 . MICHAEL DING TUAH (IND)

3 . GERANG ANAK DAGOM (PKR)

4 . EDWIN DUNDANG ANAK BUGAK (SNAP)


N67 - TELANG USAN
1 . NGAU LAING (PKR)

2 . KEBING WAN (SNAP)

3 . JOK DING (IND)

4 . DENNIS NGAU (BN)


N68 - BUKIT KOTA
1 . LEONG KWANG YEW (DAP)

2 . USOP BIN JIDIN (IND)

3 . ABDUL RAHMAN BIN ISMAIL (BN)

4 . LADIS BIN PANDIN (IND)


N69 - BATU DANAU
1 . LAU LIAK KOI (PKR)

2 . LAWRENCE COSMAS SUNANG ANAK SIMPANG (SNAP)

3 . PALU@PAULUS PALU ANAK GUMBANG (BN)

N70 - BA`KELALAN
1 . WILLIE LIAU (BN )

2 . BARU BIAN (PKR)

N71 - BUKIT SARI
1 . AWANG TENGAH B. ALI HASSAN (BN)

2 . JAPAR BIN SUYUT (PKR)

Tebedu has seen massive physical devt

Posted on April 6, 2011, Wednesday

KUCHING: As a gateway into the country through Bandar Mutiara at the Tebedu-Entikong international border checkpoint, the state constituency of Tebedu has seen massive development, especially over the last 40 years.

This predominantly Bidayuh area has certainly earned a certain degree of fame as the main land crossing between Malaysia and Indonesia with the highest number of tourist arrivals recorded annually through Tebedu, which also saw the bulk of Sarawak’s export trade.

Expected to be one of the “safe” seats in the April 16 state election, Tebedu, under the Serian parliamentary constituency, is one of the six Bidayuh state seats with the community accounting for 91 per cent of its 12,497 registered voters.

By and large, the village folk are satisfied with the performance of their  incumbent  Dato Sri Michael Manyin, from the Barisan Nasional (BN), said Peter Sibon, 47, from Kampung Krusen.

Thus far as the constituents are concerned, Manyin, who is also  Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister, had not been resting on his laurels, having done much to ensure that their native customary rights (NCR) land were properly surveyed and given titles.

Peter, a former pastor-turned-journalist, said compared to even 10 years ago, about 95 per cent of the Bidayuh villages, many of which are located close to the border, were now easily accessible by road.

“These days longboats, such as the ones I used to ride as a young boy travelling upriver along the Sungei Kayan/Sadong from my village to reach Serian town, are lying decayed by the river bank,” he said.

In contrast to poor conditions back in the 1960s when many areas and villages in the constituency were very backward, he was happy that development had reached Tebedu, in terms of educational and medical facilities besides roads, electricity and clean water supply.

Progress for him and his rural-based community was also reflected in the 100-odd college and university graduates who hailed from his village alone, said Peter.

But it is obvious that Tebedu’s success story partly lies in Manyin’s ability to complement   member of parliament Datuk Richard Riot, who is also Deputy Foreign Minister, in the implementation of government policies in the area.

Even though on the surface the two Bidayuh leaders seemed to be at odds with each other, being from two different BN component parties – Manyin represents the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Riot, the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) – they are committed to improving the lot of their 200,000-strong community.

Both Manyin and Riot hail from Kampung Pichin.

This model village in Tebedu enjoyed the rare distinction of being visited by both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his late father, Tun Razak Hussein, the nation’s second prime minister.

At the presentation of NCR land grants to 462 Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) participants at the Kedup II oil palm estate, about 20 km from Serian recently, both Manyin and Riot were present not only to boost the morale of the people but also to show solidarity in facing the coming state polls.

Riot said the SUPP Serian branch election machinery was ready to help in the Tebedu campaign trail after nomination day on April 6.

Popularly regarded as the current Bidayuh paramount chief, Manyin, a former educationist,  said it was crucial for his community to continue supporting BN   to ensure all the predominantly Bidayuh seats were retained in order to uplift their socio-economic status further.

However, he was also not spared from accusations by the opposition, especially on the NCR land issue.

“Some people think I want to build a road because I want to grab the land but people want to see tangible benefits like roads to improve their livelihood,” he said.  – Bernama

PKR’s full list of candidates

Posted on April 5, 2011, Tuesday

N1 Opar – Boniface Willy Tumek
N2 Tasik Biru – John Tenewi Nuek @ John Tenewi
N4 Pantai Damai – Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi
N5 Demak Laut – Ali Hossen Abang
N6 Tupong – Baharuddin @ Din Shah Mokhsen
N7 Samariang – Zulrusdi Mohamad Hol
N8 Satok – Ahmad Nazib Johari
N11 Batu Lintang – See Chee How
N14 Asajaya – Arip Ameran
N16 Bengoh – Willie Mongin
N17 Tarat – Peter Ato Mayau
N18 Tebedu – Christopher Kiyui
N19 Kedup – Lainus Andrew Luwak
N21 Simunjan – Mashor Hossen
N23 Lingga – Abg Ahmad Arabi Abd Bolhassan
N25 Balai Ringin – Ibi Uding
N26 Bukit Begunan – Jimmy Lim @ Jimmy Donald
N28 Engkilili – Marudi @ Barudi Mawong
N29 Batang Ai –Nicholas Bawin Anggat
N30 Saribas – Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh
N31 Layar – Stanny Embat Pharoh Laja
N32 Bukit Saban – Jerah Engkiong @ Edward Jerah
N33 Kalaka – Mohjd Yahya Abdullah
N34 Krian – Ali Biju
N35 Belawai – Abdul Wahab Abdullah
N36 Semop – Kiprawi Suhaili
N37 Daro – Jamaludin Ibrahim
N42 Meluan – John Brian Anthony Jeremy Guang
N43 Ngemah – Aris Alap
N44 Machan – Chen Nguk Fa
N49 Nangka – Norisham Mohamed Ali
N50 Dalat – Sylvester Ajah Subah @ Ajah Subah
N51 Balingian – Surianti Abdullah
N52 Tamin – Mengga Mikui
N53 Kakus – Paul Anyie Raja
N54 Pelagus — Edward Sumbang Asun
N55 Katibas – Munan Laja
N56 Baleh – Bendindang Manjah
N57 Belaga – Basah Kesing @ Ali Basah Kesing
N58 Jepak – Abdul Jalil Bujang
N60 Kemena – Bernard Binar Bayang Rading
N61 Bekenu – Ishak Mahwi
N62 Lambir – Zolhaidah Suboh
N65 Senadin – Michael Teo Yu Keng
N67 Telang Usan – Harrison Ngau Laing
N69 Batu Danau – Lau Liak Koi
N70 Ba Kelalan – Baru Bian
N71 Bukit Sari – Japar Suyut

Clashes shatter PR unity

http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=114449 Posted on April 5, 2011, Tuesday

OVER TO YOU: Azmin (right) presents authorisation letter to Tebedu candidate Dr Christopher Kiyui.

KUCHING: Unless any of their potential candidates pull out at the last minute or was disqualified from contesting, it appears that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) will square off with Sarawak National Party (SNAP) in 26 of the 71 state seats in the coming state election.

This is because out of the 48 seats to be contested by PKR, 26 are overlapping with those claimed earlier by SNAP. SNAP recently announced that it would be contesting in 27 Dayak-majority seats while PKR deputy president Mohd Azmin Ali when announcing the party’s candidate list here yesterday said the party would contest in all the seats claimed by SNAP except for Marudi and Pakan.

Azmin said they decided not to contest in Marudi out of their respect for SNAP president Edwin Dundang whom he said had been working so hard in the area over the years. However, he said they would not do the same in other areas where PKR candidates were believed to be more winnable compared with those put up by SNAP.

He agreed that a one-on-one contest with Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate would be more favourable but since SNAP refused to compromise then PKR had no option but to leave it to the people of Sarawak to make the decision on polling day.

“We have been trying very hard to achieve consensus with SNAP but unfortunately, they insisted to contest in 27 Iban majority seats and leaving no option to Keadilan (PKR) to be represented in those areas.

“In my last meeting with SNAP, this matter had been discussed, we both agreed mutually that finally we have to base on winnable factors, so one of the factor is the credibility of the candidates proposed by Keadilan and also SNAP and it is based on such factors that we have decided to put our candidates in those areas,” said Azmin. On the possibility that there would be split of opposition votes in events of multi-cornered fights, Azmin said they had tried their level best to discuss with the SNAP leadership to avoid clashes but to no avail.