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.

BN announces all but one

by Peter Sibon, Wilfred Pilo, Lim How Pim, Simon Ingka Crown and Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith. Posted on April 4, 2011, Monday

UNITED WE STAND: Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders holding hands after the announcement of BN candidates at PBB headquarters yesterday. From left are PBB senior vice-president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Special Advisor to the Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, Deputy Chief Minister and PBB deputy president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Deputy Chief Minister and SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, PRS president Dato Sri Dr James Masing and PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg. 

KUCHING:  A total of 18 new faces have been confirmed to be among the 71 BN candidates picked by the top BN leadership to contest in the upcoming 10th state election while the candidate for Ba Kelalan has yet to be confirmed . Special Advisor to the Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem announced the BN candidates’ list after a closed door meeting which started at 4pm at the PBB headquarters here yesterday.

Among the 18 new faces, 10 are from PBB, seven from SUPP and one from PRS while SPDP has yet to decide its candidate for Ba Kelalan. The 10 PBB new faces are Dr Hazland Abang Hipni for Demak Laut, Maclaine Ben @ Martin Ben (Kedup), Aidel Lariwoo (Sadong Jaya), Razaili Gapor (Beting Maro), Ricky @ Mohd Razi Sitam (Saribas), Datu Talif @ Len Talif Salleh (Belawai), Abdullah Saidol (Semop), Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (Nangka), Ripin Lamat (Lambir) and Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan).

Leading SUPP’s new faces are well-known cardiologist Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian for Pending, Sim Kiang Chiok (Padungan), Youth chief Sih Hua Tong (Batu Lintang), Ling Kie King (Maradong), Chieng Buong Toon (Bukit Assek), Lanang MP Datuk Tiong Thai Ling (Dudong) and Ling Kuong Meng (Kidurong). For PRS, a surprise package in the person of Stanley Nyitar @ Unja Malang, a former Sesco manager for Kapit has been nominated to replace Larry Sng, who has been dropped from the line-up.

As for SPDP, Adenan made a surprise announcement that the BN top leadership has not named a candidate for its Ba Kelalan seat. He said the BN top leadership would announce the name before  nomination day on April 6. “His name will be announced soon. The BN top leadership will make the announcement before the nomination day,” said Adenan.

Present at the press conference were PBB deputy presidents Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, PRS president Dato Sri Dr James Masing, PBB senior vicepresident Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and PBB secretary-general Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

When asked whether Datuk Seri Idris Jala could be the ‘mystery’ candidate, Adenan and the other BN top leaders present laughed off such possibility but described it as merely a possible speculation. The only PBB top gun who was dropped at the last minute is the State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, who has been replaced by a newcomer in Semop. Another surprise in the PBB’s camp was the last minute re-inclusion of Lingga’s incumbent Simoi Peri who had earlier announced her intention to retire from active politics.

In SUPP’s camp, a recycled candidate Datuk Alfred Yap has been nominated for Kota Sentosa to wrest the seat from his arch-rival Chong Cheng Jen, who defeated him in the last state election held in 2006. Another recycled candidate is Alexander Vincent of PRS who will again be fielded in Ngemah despite losing there also in 2006. “These are the best candidates we can offer to ensure the BN continue to lead the state,” added Adenan.

He said the BN line-up comprised new and experienced leaders to ensure continuity in the BN. The age of the BN candidates range from 38 years old to 75. BN’s youngest candidate is Mohd Razi, a former teacher and journalist and the oldest is Taib. Earlier, Jabu said the meeting chaired by Chief Minister and State BN chairman Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud went smoothly for the four state BN component parties.

The meeting was also attended by all the BN candidates. However, Taib was not present at the press conference.

Leave Dayak-majority seats to us, SNAP urges PKR

By JACK WONG
jackwong@thestar.com.my

SNAP has asked PKR not to contest in Dayak-majority constituencies for which it has already named its candidates.SNAP secretary-general Stanley Jugol said this was to avoid a fight between each other in facing Barisan Nasional.

He said the request was made during his meeting here yesterday with PKR vice-president Tian Chua and Sarawak PKR adviser Dominique Ng Kim Ho, who is also Padungan incumbent. “SNAP will stick to the seats for which we have announced our candidates. We have asked PKR to avoid contesting for these seats.

“They promised to bring our request to the PKR headquarters,” Stanley said yesterday. He said their 40-minute meeting was cordial because “Tian Chua and Dominique are my friends”.,SNAP named 27 candidates in two batches and has said that it might contest in another 13 seats.

The 50-year-old Dayak-based party, which produced Sarawak’s first chief minister in the late Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan, has offered its symbol to PKR candidates to unite the Dayaks. SNAP is giving way to Sarawak PKR chairman Baru Bian and its election director Nicholas Bawin to contest for the Batang Ai and Ba’Kelalan seats respectively, both Dayak-majority seats, as they stand a good chance of beating Barisan there.

‘Candidate congestion shows many Bidayuh intellectuals want to serve community’

Posted on March 26, 2011, Saturday

BAU: The fact that seven potential candidates are vying for Kedup seat is a good sign that there are now many Bidayuh intellectuals interested to serve the community, said Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

Kedup seat fell vacant following the announcement by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud last Saturday that its incumbent Frederick Bayoi Manggie had decided to call it a day. Bayoi has been Kedup assemblyman since 1996. Before that, Bayoi was Tarat assemblyman for two terms. He was fielded in Kedup after the delineation exercise in 1995.

The seven potential candidates who are now actively lobbying for the seat are PBB Kedup deputy chairman Martin Ben, vice-chairman Alexander Ganyang, information chief Bernard Phillip and youth chief Mohd Jofaizal @ Joseph Entup, educationist Joseph Tiyam, Edward Luwak and radiologist Dr Eric Marcel Munjan.

“All of them are well qualified to be candidates and become YBs to represent the Bidayuh community but unfortunately they only one seat are vying for. We hope that when one of them is picked later on, the rest will continue to give their support and put their differences aside,” Manyin told the media after presenting land titles to Salcra participants of Bau/Lundu at Salcra community hall in Kampung Stenggang near here yesterday.

Manyin, who is also the incumbent for Tebedu, rebutted a statement from PBB Kedup which only wanted candidates from its own rank and reject the so-called outsiders. “We cannot say that because many of us were outsiders when we were nominated before. This includes me, Datuk Peter Nansian and many others,” he stressed.

On Thursday, PBB Kedup submitted and recommended only four names to PBB president Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. The four are Martin, Alexander, Bernard and Jofaizal. Manyin, who is also PBB vice-president, disclosed that only the top BN leadership will know who will be finally selected. “Even I myself am not sure whether I will be nominated for the coming state election. But that doesn’t matter because what matters is for the BN candidate to win and we must all give our support,” he said.

No chance for PR to form state government: Ho Leng

Posted on March 26, 2011, Saturday The Borneo Post

Wong Ho Leng

KUCHING: Chances of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) forming the next government in Sarawak is almost none, conceded Democratic Action Party (DAP) state chairman Wong Ho Leng. As of now (yesterday), the chance is zero until DAP, PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat), PAS (Parti Islam SeMalaysia) and SNAP (Sarawak National Party) sit down to discuss,” he told a news conference here yesterday.

The Sibu MP and Bukit Assek incumbent said DAP had a list of 18 candidates although it was willing to give up Padungan, Senadin and Balai Ringin to its PR coalition parties. “DAP state committee will decide whether to contest in all 18 seats as planned before negotiations break down. “We have finalised all 18 candidates but the list will be revealed latest by 8am April 6,” he said, without disclosing their names.

Wong said he would have to sign letters of authorisation earlier as they would be handed out by either himself or DAP national secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to the candidates in Sibu on
April 4. “We have not notified any of our candidates except myself, as I am in the negotiation team,” he said when replying to a question.

On whether all DAP incumbents would be retained, Wong said it depended on their respective performance and acceptance by the party. He added that seat-swapping might be inevitable as the party works on the principle of best chance of winning.

“Some incumbents’ seats may be switched or they may have to give way to new blood as we may need them for parliamentary election,” he said. He believed that DAP incumbents had been all over the ground instead of servicing only their respective constituencies.

He said the party did consider voices from the communities throughout the state as he cited Padungan as an example: “People say we shall take back the seat as we have higher chances of winning.” He also reiterated that DAP never wanted to see a three-cornered fight in Padungan.

“We hope to avoid a three-cornered contest but we have no control over it. Moreover, we do not find seat-swapping with other coalition parties acceptable. “For instance, if you let us contest in Muara Tuang, which DAP has no chance of winning at all, it is pointless,” added Wong.

Opposition free-for-all

by Jacob Achoi. Posted on March 25, 2011, Friday

ADDRESSING MEDIA: Chong (right), joined by Sarawak DAP treasurer Violet Yong, speaking to reporters in Kuching yesterday.

KUCHING: The opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) seems to be in disarray, with a free-for-all expected during the April 16 polls, as the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) clash over seats.The two opposition parties failed to reach a consensus on seats during a negotiation meeting yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, which lasted for about an hour.

At the 2pm meeting, DAP was represented by state chairman Richard Wong Ho Leng and election bureau Tan Kok Wai, while PKR was represented by deputy president Azmin Ali.

State DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen related the outcome of the meeting during a press conference at the DAP headquarters here. “I am entrusted to tell you about the sad news in that the meeting for a seat negotiation has broken down,” he said. As a result of the meeting, Chong said DAP was standing firm with the decision to contest in 18 seats. The seats are Padungan, Pending, Batu Lintang, Batu Kawah, Kota Sentosa, Simanggang, Balai Ringin, Bukit Assek, Pelawan, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Repok, Meradong, Kidurong, Senadin, Piasau, Pujut and Bukit Kota. He blamed “PKR’s insincerity” for the failed final round of negotiations.

“In a last attempt to keep both parties together and in the spirit of Pakatan Rakyat, DAP had agreed to give way for PKR to contest in Padungan and Senadin.”

However, he said, PKR still demanded to contest in Balai Ringin, Batu Kawah and Dudong, which was the final straw for DAP.

“We give an inch; and they want a foot. Our goodwill was not reciprocated, and that gives us no other choice but to stick to the initial 18 seats,” said Chong, who is Bandar Kuching MP.

He dismissed the possibility of eleventh hour negotiations as he said “there is no point talking and talking”.

Chong, who is widely tipped to defend his Kota Sentosa seat, said the allocation was actually determined by PKR’s central committee and not the party’s state committee as had been assured earlier by PKR’s top leadership.

On whether DAP would discuss seat allocation with the Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Chong replied: “Whether we discuss or not, we will stick to the 18 seats.” He stressed there was no logic for PKR to demand the Batu Kawah seat as statistics showed DAP obtained 34 per cent voter support during the last parliamentary election while PKR only had a mere four per cent. Chong added that DAP’s list of candidates would be announced soon.

Sarawakians go to the polls April 16

by Johnson K Saai. Posted on March 24, 2011, Thursday

IT’S HERE: Abdul Aziz showing returning officers and reporters a map of Sarawak during the press conference.

The Election Commission in a meeting in Kuching yesterday set April 6 for nomination

KUCHING: Polling for the 10th Sarawak election will be held on April 16, while nomination will be on
April 6.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof announced the dates after chairing an EC meeting here yesterday.

He told a press conference that the EC received the official notification concerning the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri on March 21.

Abdul Aziz said 71 returning officers (ROs) and 165 assistant returning officers (AROs) would be appointed to assist the EC conduct the election.

“For the purpose of monitoring all campaigning activities, the EC has decided to establish 80 Election Campaign Enforcement Teams (ECET), and each will be headed by a chief enforcement officer.”

There would be 24,379 election officers and staff, 1,749 polling centres and 2,606 polling stations (streams).

“Our budget to conduct this election is estimated at RM50 million,” said Abdul Aziz.

He added that the Principal Electoral Roll 2009 and Supplementary Roll (for the four quarters of 2010), which would be gazetted tomorrow, would be used in this election.

The electoral roll has a total of 979,796 registered voters, comprising 961,433 ordinary voters and 18,363 postal voters.

Abdul Aziz said the electoral roll would be put on sale the latest by March 28. Voters could also look up for information concerning polling centres and voting streams at http://www.spr.gov.my or through the short messaging service (SMS) by typing SPR SEMAKMy Kad No. and send to 15888 from March 28 onwards.

Information could also be obtained by calling EC headquarters in Putrajaya at 03-88856500 or the Sarawak Election Office at 082-254867.

“Political parties, candidates, staff and party supporters, as well as any individuals involved in campaign-related activities, must comply with existing laws and regulations. This also applies to the Code of Ethics as prescribed by the EC.

“The EC would like to remind all contesting candidates and parties regarding election offences under the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5). Part III of Act 5 lists all corruption activities, whereby if someone is convicted of such offence he may be fined and imprisoned in accordance with the law,” he pointed out.

“The offences under Part III of Act 5 are prescribed offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC) which has the power to investigate in accordance with the laws,” he pointed out.

Abdul Aziz revealed that the MACC would be monitoring the election closely to ensure that everyone toe the line.

Barisan is listening to the people, says PM

SERIAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured the people that the Barisan Nasional government is listening to them. The Prime Minister said that through the past elections, the people’s desire to see change in the government had been acknowledged and this was what the Barisan had been working on.

“During the last (2008) election, the people gave us a message. It is not that they rejected us but they want us to change.

“The people still have confidence in Barisan but they want us to be brave to reform and transform so that whatever it is we are doing, they will benefit from it,” he said when launching the Sejiwa Senada programme for the Samarahan Division here yesterday.

Addressing some 10,000 people, mostly from the Bidayuh community, Najib said Barisan was steadfast in strengthening ties between the states in order to have 1People, 1Nation with 1Vision.

He reiterated that the Federal Government fully supported the Sarawak government and the presence of three Umno vice-presidents – Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – at the event proves this.

Najib then approved projects worth over RM300mil for the Serian people.

These projects comprised RM105mil water supply projects to benefit 2,910 houses in Tebedu, RM116.5mil to upgrade and improve water supply in Serian as a whole, RM18.7mil rural electrification scheme to connect 408 houses, RM120,000 to air condition the community hall here, RM60mil to build the Munggu Kopi road and RM30mil for the Terbat-Mapu road.

He also approved RM12.5mil to build a clinic in Padawan.

He later presented 100 well-deserving students with an incentive of RM500 each.

SNAP snubs PKR over seat allocation

2011/03/15 By Nancy Nais nancynais@nst.com.my

KUCHING: Sarawak National Party (SNAP) has defied Parti Keadilan Rakyat by announcing it will field candidates in 40 state seats, 29 of which will be in the interior, where natives form the majority. This comes after an announcement by PKR that it would contest 52 seats, leaving SNAP with three seats in the coming state election.

SNAP president Edwin Dundang said yesterday the party would prefer a straight fight against Barisan Nasional in all the seats and as such, was willing to work with DAP and Pas. However, he said, it would not deal with PKR. "Sadly, we have been informed that PKR, without mandate, took the role of the leading opposition party by announcing that it intended to contest in 52 seats and leave SNAP with a miserable three seats to contend with."

He said a recent announcement by PKR that the opposition in the state had reached an agreement over seat allocation was inaccurate. "PKR's attempt to gloss over this major problem and riding roughshod over SNAP is unwarranted and unbecoming. "Since PKR does not agree with our stand (to contest more seats), we are now considering all options, including getting out of the opposition front."

Dundang said PKR also eyed areas where DAP and Pas would like to contest."If PKR contests 52 seats, that leaves 19 seats to be contested by SNAP, DAP and Pas. "DAP wants to contest in 16 or 17 Chinese areas, so what is there left for SNAP and Pas?" Party secretary-general Stanley Jugol said there had been no agreement nor any attempt to negotiate and PKR's lackadaisical attitude towards native political issues was obvious.

"It is worth noting that after 12 years and participating in three federal elections and two state elections, PKR has managed to win only one seat. "It is also a fact that PKR has had little impact in native-majority areas ever since it first contested in Sarawak." To underscore SNAP's commitment, Dundang named 16 of its candidates in the coming election, adding that the remaining 24 would be announced later.

The 16 are Stephen Sigar (N1 Opar), Frankie Jurem Nyumboi (N2 Tasik Biru), Richard Peter Munai (N16 Bengoh), Sylvester Belayong (N19 Kedup), Abang Othman Abang Gom (N23 Lingga), Dan Giang (N25 Balai Ringin), Joe Unggang (N31 Layar), Dayrell Walter Entrie (N32 Bukit Saban), Anthony Liman Sujang (N34 Krian), Tedong Gunda @ Jamal Abdullah (N41 Pakan), Augustine Liom (N44 Machan), George Lagong (N56 Baleh), John Bampa (N57 Belaga), Johari Bujang (N62 Lambir), Edwin Dundang Bugak (N66 Marudi) and Kebin Wan (N67 Telang Usan).

Vivianne Garside gives talk on Zulu beadworks

Posted on December 30, 2010, Thursday

KUCHING: Local crafts and culture enthusiasts had a taste of South African crafts when Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum curator Vivianne Garside gave a heritage talk at the Sarawak Museum yesterday.

INTRICATE: Garside shows a piece of Zulu beadwork during the heritage talk at Sarawak Museum yesterday.

Garside regaled an audience of around 35 people about the history of Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, located in Eshowe, Zululand. She also talked about the works from Vukani Collection Trust, a multi-cultural group of local residents who made it their mission to rescue old traditional items and create opportunities for craft makers to market their works to a contemporary audience.“We are continuously discovering new crafters of good standards,” Garside said.

The museum’s mandate was to support the community by opening new markets for the local crafters, most of whom were single mothers.The Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum was established in 1991 with personal collections of Rev Kjell and Bertha Lofroth.Garside explained that with local market abandoning organic-based beads and crafts in favour of those made from glass and plastic, traditional crafters were left in a quandary.“Rev Kjell asked the crafters to bring their goods to the mission, who tried and helped them sell it,” she said.

Rev Kjell, Bertha and their friend Baba Elliot Dludla became the driving force behind Vukani Association which almost single-handedly created a new market for Zululand crafters.Garside added that Zulu beadwork was the most popular tourist souvenir, although they were usually very derivative of the traditional work.

Grand finale of Miss Cheongsam Charity on Feb 16

Posted on February 1, 2011, Tuesday by Borneo Post

KUCHING: This year’s Miss Cheongsam Charity will raise funds for six Chung Hua primary schools in Kuching.

The event’s main sponsor Naim Holdings Berhad got the ball rolling by donating RM50,000 to Chung Hua Primary School No. 1 as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) in education. A press release by organiser Alaric Soh said the final on February 16 at Riverside Majestic Hotel promises to be an exciting event because of the interesting pool of 18 finalists.

“A total of 18 beautiful and talented young ladies have made it to the grand finale of Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011. They are equally adventurous and determined, and everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, but most importantly they share a common desire to foster closer friendship between the people and are willing to contribute in charity work for a good cause,” he said. Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011 also sees an increase in cash prizes.

The winner will walk away with RM5,000, first runner-up RM3,000, second runner-up RM2,000, third runner-up RM1,000 and fourth runner-up RM800. Those winning subsidiary titles for the Best Cheongsam design, Miss Talent, Miss Charity, Miss Friendship and Miss Photogenic will get RM500 each, whereas those who fail to win any title will receive RM300 cash each.

The charity event is organised by Alaric’s Productions Company, a company certified with ISO9001:2000 in Quality Management in Beauty Pageant. This event has been held for 21 consecutive years as an annual community and Chinese New Year celebrations programme. Proceeds will also go to Hun Nam Siang Tng Benevolent Society.

For seat reservation, contact the organiser at 014-6800000.

The 18 finalists are:

Chien Joon Ching

No.1, Chien Joon Ching, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a university student and a part-time tutor. During her free time, she likes to surf the Internet and watch TV, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman.

Ho Sing Fang

No.2, Ho Sing Fang, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 159cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) student. During her free time, she likes workouts at the gym, blogging and dancing, and she aims to be a lecturer and a model.

Hii Wee Chia

No.3, Hii Wee Chia, aged 18 yrs, a Foochow girl from Bintulu, height 160cm, born in the Year of the Monkey; a student in beauty care. During her free time, she likes shopping and online chatting, and she aspires to be a beautician.

Sim Heng Leng

No.4, Sim Heng Leng, aged 22 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a secretary. During her free time she likes singing, dancing, reading and playing badminton, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman.

Wee Pek Choo

No.5, Wee Pek Choo, aged 19 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Goat; a part-time model. During her free time, she likes dancing, singing and making friends, and her ambition is to be a famous fashion designer.

Lai Chie Ying

No.6, Lai Chie Ying, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 161cm, born in the Year of the Horse; a student in Business Administration. During her free time, she likes shopping, reading and watching movies, and she aims to be a successful businesswoman.

Thye Chin Sien

No.7, Thye Chin Sien, aged 20 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Goat; a make-up artist. During her free time, she likes shopping, travelling, reading and singing, and she aspires to own a fashion boutique.

Lee Pei Shih

No.8, Lee Pei Shih, aged 18, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 166cm, born in the Year of the Monkey; helping in her family’s stationery business. During her free time, she likes reading magazines and shopping, and she hopes to a successful make-up artist.

Yii Mei Hong

No.9, Yii Mei Hong, aged 24, a Foochow girl from Sibu, height 170cm, born in the Year of the Tiger; a reporter. During her free time, she likes helping others, writing, cooking, reading and singing, and her ambition is to be a successful businesswoman.

Bong Choon Na

No.10, Bong Choon Na, aged 22, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 175cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a hair stylist. During her free time, she likes reading fashion magazines, watching movie and shopping, and she aspires to be a famous professional hairstylist and model.

Yong Zi Hui

No.11, Yong Zi Hui, aged 21 yrs, a Hakka girl from Miri, height 169cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a part-time student in Business. During her free time, she likes shopping and watching TV, and she hopes to be a successful businesswoman and a famous actress.

Sim Shy Nee

No.12, Sim Shy Nee, aged 25 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Ox; an administrator. During her free time, she likes swimming, and she aspires to be an air stewardess.

Chan Ngiik Mei

No.13, Chan Ngiik Mei, aged 21 yrs, a Cantonese girl from Sarikei, height 164cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a college student working part-time in a bank. During her free time, she likes reading story books and socialising, and she aims to be a successful woman.

Then Ching Xian

No.14, Then Ching Xian, aged 23 yrs, a Hakka girl from Kuching, height 162cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; a general clerk. During her free time, she enjoys shopping and reading, and she aims to be a successful businesswoman.

Kong Ying Ying

No.15, Kong Ying Ying, aged 19 yrs, a Hakka girl from Limbang, height 158cm, born in the Year of the Goat; helping in her family restaurant business. During her free time, she likes shopping, online chatting and meeting new friends, and her ambition is to be a successful businesswoman.

Tay Wei Wei

No.16, Tay Wei Wei, aged 17 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Serian, height 158cm, born in the Year of the Rooster; a student in Accounting. During her free time, she enjoys listening to songs, and she aims to be an accountant.

Corina Teo

No.17, Corina Teo, aged 23 yrs, a Teochew girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Dragon; an administrative clerk. During her free time, she likes shopping, singing and gym workout, and she hopes to be a writer.

Tan Chiou Yong

No.18, Tan Chiou Yong, aged 21 yrs, a Hokkien girl from Kuching, height 157cm, born in the Year of the Snake; a university student in Marketing. During her free time, she likes reading and nail art fashion, and she aspires to be a successful business woman.

Supermodel search goes to longhouse

by Jacqueline Raphael. Posted on January 24, 2011, Monday

MIRI: The Malaysian edition of the prestigious Ford Models Supermodel of the World Search 2011 surprised many in the industry by having its first nationwide audition at a longhouse here yesterday.

WHO’S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?: Here they are … the 18 finalists of Miss Cheongsam Charity 2011. The grand final, which will be held in Kuching on Feb 16, will see bigger cash prizes this year.

It was held at Gua Longhouse, a homestay which is a haven for travellers seeking to experience the unique lifestyle found only in the rainforest jungle.Supported by Miri division Gawai Dayak Committee (MDGDC), the collaboration undoubtedly added an exciting touch to the search.

The committee was responsible for bringing to the Ford Models audition, exotic representatives from 15 ethnics associations, comprising of amongst others the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Speaking at a press conference prior to the audition yesterday, the organising chairman Dato’ Nancy Yeoh said, the idea of the longhouse symbolises the culture and tradition of ethnic Sarawak, adding that the ultimate Malaysian girl to represent the country may not necessarily lives in the city. “Malaysia indeed has a small population, hence we should not leave no stone unturned if we intend to find that one true Malaysian girl to represent us to the world,” she exclaimed.

“We realised that there are undiscovered people living in the rainforest who cannot afford to come to us so we need to go to them,” said Yeoh, who is also the president and chief executive officer of STYLO International, the company appointed as organiser for Ford Model Search in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the Orang Ulu National Association’s Gawai coodinator Margaret Nawan said the Ford Models Search will greatly encourage East Malaysian ladies as they do not have much opportunity to participate in international events such as the model search.“This is an opportunity for the Dayak community of Sarawak to show that they too are able to get involved in an event that is of international standard,” she added.The Miri audition will continue again at 2pm today, at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort and is open to ladies age 18 and above who are at least 5’ 7” in height.After the audition here, the organiser will proceed to Kuching on Jan 25, then to Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Johor with a finale in Kuala Lumpur after the Chinese New Year.

The audition in Kuching will be carried out in collaboration with Society Atelier Sarawak. “We would like to call all ladies who have the criteria mentioned, not to miss this opportunity and to come for our audition in Miri tomorrow (today) as well as in Kuching on Jan 25. “Sarawakian ladies who are in Kuala Lumpur can also attend our audition there by contacting us earlier. We will announce the date and time of the audition there later,” said Yeoh.nMeanwhile, interested ladies can contact the Ford Supermodel Hotline at 014-7297541 or email the organiser at fordsupermodel@stylo-international.com.

Tourism industry a revenue generator for Bario

by Justin Yap justinyap@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 31, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: Tourism in Bario has grown from its accidental beginnings to being a mainstay of the local economy evolving along the way into various niche markets including ecotourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, research tourism and the latest manifestation of development conferencing.

INCOME GENERATOR: Cottage industry products are one of the latest moves that will drive the tourism industry in Bario.

Bario is the traditional homeland of the Kelabit people, one of the Borneo’s smaller ethnic minorities numbering around 5,000 people with an estimated 1,000 still living in or around Bario.

The growth of tourism in Bario is closely interwoven with other aspects of the social and cultural development of the community which it has grown alongside,” said one of the homestay owners in Bario Jaman Riboh Tekapan, who has 22 years of experience in the tourism industry in the community.

“Tourism has been recognised as a small-scale and non-agricultural activity that can constitute an important source of revenue generation and thereby create new venues for economic growth in Bario,” he pointed out to The Borneo Post in a recent interview.

He further noted the recent road linkage as well as the airstrip made it possible for tourist to visit Bario and the closest house was also the home of the headman. However, guests did not feel obliged to pay for their keep until the headman’s son placed a sign on the house proclaiming it as a ‘homestay’.

“That is how the tourism industry started in Bario,” he pointed out.

According to research, the next major stimulus to tourism was the recent infrastructure development, the eBario project which introduced telecommunication services into the community.

“The latest project we have for Bario is the community radio slated to be launched in March next year,” said eBario Sdn Bhd’s (eBario) project director John Tarawe.

“eBario has been recently granted the content applications service provider (CASP) class licence by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). With the CASP class licence, we will be the first company to deploy a community radio station in Malaysia,” added Tarawe.

By connecting the community to the outside world, the eBario project has had a profound impact on the community. The project has provided a significant boost to the tourism industry by facilitating the growth of websites for promotion and the exchange of information between potential visitors and the homestay operators in the community.

“From a slow beginning in the late 1990s, when there was only a single guest house, there are now around a dozen. Trekking tours range from a few days hiking with overnights in the scattered longhouses to more arduous expeditions of up to a week or more including jungle survival training,” Tekapan highlighted.

Adventure tourism involved exploration or travel to remote hostile areas, while cultural tourism was a genre of special interest tourism based on the search for and participation in new and deep cultural experiences.

“Cultural tourism in Bario is boosted by the ‘Bario Slow Food Festival’ which was established in 2005 and was held for its fifth year in June 2010,” he pointed out.

Research tourism in Bario, on the other hand, was a recognised concept that valued the contributions that researchers could make to the communities. The community was now adopting a more proactive approach towards any research to which they would consent that was to be conducted on their environment, he highlighted.

Accordingly, the benefits of research in Bario now far exceeded the contributions that researchers made to the local economy through their presence as it contributed knowledge that would underpin their own development objectives.

“In this regard, the eBario telecentre plays a vital role in providing communication and data processing facilities to visiting researchers. Coupled with the ready availability of research assistants who have gained experience in research in the social and natural sciences, researchers from outside could hit the ground running when they come to Bario.

“Research tourism has therefore developed into a critical component of the community’s economic development plans,” Tekapan explained. “Development conferencing is another type of tourism that is being pioneered in Bario.”

In December 2007, eBario organised the ‘eBario Knowledge Fair’, a multidisciplinary conference held in Bario. ‘The Knowledge Fair’ was held to showcase how a remote and isolated indigenous community had appropriated ICTs. It brought together more than a 100 participants from 15 countries.

Tarawe shared his view that travelling to attend a conference was a form of tourism. It was a particular type of tourism in which groups of people were brought together to share knowledge and promote their products.

“The term ‘pro-poor tourism’ has emerged as a mechanism for ensuring a larger proportion of tourism revenue. It is earned by the poor residents of popular tourism locations, something that is not an automatic outcome of the growth of global tourism,” he added.

Tourism in Bario is making contributions to the Bario community that go beyond increase in incomes and the creation of ‘income-earning’ opportunities. The combined effects of improved communications and road linkages has resulted in a further opening up of Bario and the Kelabit culture to the wider world.

In spurring an increase in the number of flights and in feeding off as well as contributing to the growth in use of ICTs, tourism had become intertwined with local development, growing from its accidental beginnings to a mainstay of life in the Highlands.

Bario is globalising on its own terms and tourism is an integral component of the process.

Borneo’s first water theme park in Miri

by Cecilia B. Sman. Posted on December 17, 2010, Friday

Preparatory works on RM7 million initiative of Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd started three months ago

RM7 MILLION PROJECT: An artist’s impression of Sarawak’s first water theme park.

MIRI: Sarawak will have its first water theme park in Miri next year.

Costing about RM7 million, it is believed to be the first of its kind in Borneo and the biggest in the country.

The project is being undertaken by one of the state’s major housing developer — Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd.

Its executive chairman Dato Lau Siu Wai said the project, which would be located at a 36 acre site in Senadin, was approved recently by the State Planning Authority (SPA).

It will be developed in three stages.

Preparatory works on the first phase of the 12 acres started about three months ago.

Construction works are expected to start after Chinese New Year next year.

“After the completion of 8,000 houses in Senadin, this project is part of my humble effort and the company’s to bring speedy development to Miri, especially to boost tourism and recreation.

“If there are no such parks in Sabah, this will be the first in East Malaysia, and probably the first in Borneo and also the biggest in Malaysia,” Lau told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The proposed Senadin Water Theme Park will boast swimming pools, wave generators, water slides and canoe tracks.

Lau added that the theme park was part of the 80 acres project to be carried out within three years time.

“The whole project will cost between RM300-RM350 million, and once completed it could further enhance recreation, business and training facilities for the benefit of both local and foreigners, including tourists,” he stressed.

Other facilities to be made available at the water theme park include shopping complex, cultural village, amphitheatre, hotel and a proposed man-made island (11-12 acres).

Currently, a safety training school, Borneo Safety Training School, has been operating since more than a year ago.

It is conducting courses specifically for personnel in the oil and gas industries.

“This is the first training school in Malaysia set up by locals and specifically for the oil and gas industries.

“It is part of our effort to achieve the government’s vision of making Miri the centre of education excellence, and also help to boost the image of Miri City which aspires to become a premiere and preferred resort city in the region,” Lau said.

As for the cultural village, a living museum showcasing various ethnic people in Miri, like the Sarawak Cultural village concept, has been proposed.

Meanwhile, the state assemblyman for Pujut, Andy Chia Chu Fatt, who recently viewed the Water Theme Park model, applauded efforts of Miri Housing Group of Companies for initiating the project.

“I truly welcomed this recreation park. It will be an added facility for Mirians and visitors. The water theme park will be something new to introduce Miri as a Resort City.

“This is a good investment for Miri Housing and its partners and I congratulate them for taking this bold step. This project would definitely benefit the people and economy,” Chia said.