29 February 2016

罗克强：来届州选维护砂人利益之争

●砂人联党主席拿督沈桂贤之代表，巴达旺市议会主席罗克强（右四）与筹委会主席刘月娟（左三）接取福品时摄。左一及二为砂人联党中央妇女组宣教许德艺及巴达旺市议会市议员杨应广，右起为圣淘沙支部兼7哩分部妇女组主席钟昉霏、七哩分部主席蔡顺堂及甲必丹田德兴。

（古晋28日讯）砂人联党哥打圣淘沙支部主席罗克强坦言，此届选举非常重要，不仅为了国阵胜负，也为了砂州人民的利益。他是昨晚代表国会上议员拿督沈桂贤出席砂拉越人联党7哩分部丙申年新春团拜联欢晚宴致词时，如是表示。

他解释，阿迪南的利民政策，包括教育改革，还有与西马争取经济权益，如此一来，他所做的一切，不是为了个人，而都是为了砂州人民！

他希望砂州华裔同胞们给予阿迪南鼓励和支持，为砂州的华裔、马来人，土著争取应当争取的权益。

与此同时，罗克强也提及，阿迪南以实际行动维护华教，首先承认华文独中统考文凭，以及拨款给华校，此行动往后日子也会继续，并不是为大选才支持华校罢了。

他指出，华人家庭非常重视教育，再穷不能穷教育，首长了解华校在砂州角色的重要性，因为砂州若没有华校就不会那么成功，所以，不承认独中统考是愚蠢的，全世界都承认统考文凭，偏偏马来西亚没有。

他表示，若首长可带领砂州多10年、20年，砂州有可能在大马成为最强的州属，砂州将会比其它州属更富有。

有鉴于此，他希望大家一定要支持首长阿迪南，投票给砂州本土政党，以争取及维护砂州自主权及利益，加强砂州经济、教育及政治稳定，壮大砂州。

罗克强促民改变思维

票投国阵华裔候选人

巴达旺市议会主席罗克强呼吁哥打圣淘沙州选区的选民，改变思维，让真正能够为民请命，能带来地方建设发展的国阵华裔候选人，进入州议会。

他解释，哥打圣淘沙州选区的选民已经给反对党两届十年的服务时间，应该足够了，而这些年来，反对党的所作所为，大家有目共睹。

他直言，该区选民必须深思熟虑，有没有必要再给反对党5年的宝贵时间，继续毫无建树，原地踏步？

罗克强是昨晚代表国会上议员拿督沈桂贤出席砂拉越人联党7哩分部丙申年新春团拜联欢晚宴致词时，如是表示。

他继说，该党7哩分部党员同志一向来积极推动党务工作，为民服务，更在历届国州大选中，积极投入大选工作，立下汗马功劳。

他进一步表示，距离砂州大选只剩下一个多月的时间，今日7哩分部党员同志已经进入备战状态，确保该党候选人赢得哥打圣淘沙议席。

他也补充，随着州选区重新划分之后，部分地区已经归入新选区，哥打圣淘沙州选区的版图及选民人数，根本上已经起了极大的变化。

“只要我们全力以赴，凡事都有可能发生，国阵人联党候选人是有机会赢得哥打圣淘沙州选区。”

Monday, 29 February 2016 09:49 decrease font size increase font size

Eye on the upcoming State election

THE Sarawak State election is just round the corner.

Although the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly is yet to be officially announced, ruling and opposition parties have switched into battle mode.

The present Chief Minister has very different political objectives and style compared to his predecessor.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has repeatedly expressed his interest in safeguarding the Chinese community in Sarawak. Indeed, he has won goodwill and praises from the community at this key moment vis-a-vis the upcoming State election.

But being liked by the Chinese community and being supported by them during an election are two different things. Last year, under the pressure of many self-serving demagogues, senior government officials had continuously ignored the feelings of the non-Malays and made disparaging racial remarks against them.

This triggered strong dissatisfaction and disappointment among the Chinese voters, and the lingering undercurrents have apparently continued to be been felt since the 308 and 505 elections. The Sarawak BN government is not lost on this and has taken remedial measures within the realm of the State.

If the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous does not narrow and Umno leaders continue to pursue political supremacy, the Chinese voters may not necessarily cast their votes for BN. Hence, the Sarawak State election can be said to be a bellwether of public opinion for the next general election.

As Chief Minister and leader of the largest political party in Sarawak – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) – Adenan has introduced a number of policies to address issues close to the heart of the Chinese community since taking office, including a firm reassurance and reaffirmation that Chinese Malaysians will never be regarded as outsiders (pendatang) in Sarawak.

Moreover, the State government has recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), allowing UEC holders to apply for employment in the public sector, as well as increased funding for Chinese schools.

Adenan has pointed out the need to include the Chinese in the political mainstream to enable the community to rightly defend their rights. This is, indeed, crucial. Once the Chinese are removed from the political mainstream, interests towards the community will definitely weaken or even side-lined.

During the 1969 and 2013 general elections, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) suffered a big defeat which drastically reduced the party’s representation in the federal cabinet. As a result, many policies not favourable to the Chinese community were enacted.

Since then, the Chinese community have been through a hard time trying to maintain their strength. When MCA failed to enter the Cabinet, many of its officials at the state district levels were substituted by other ‘friendly’ parties. MCA lost almost everything and even if it successfully enters the Cabinet again, it will definitely have limited power.

Since Adenan wants the Chinese to be a part of the State cabinet, he will certainly hope for better showing from the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), a long-standing State BN component party. In the last State election, BN announced its victory in Sarawak but at the same time, SUPP announced its defeat.

Now, after the demarcation of constituencies, Sarawak has 11 more seats for a total of 82. PBB will contest 40 seats while the remaining 42 seats will be divided among the component parties.

Under the Adenan’s leadership, PBB is deeply rooted in Sarawak. Indigenous voters still tend to vote for BN and opposition parties from West Malaysia such as People’s PKR and PAS simply cannot shake the foundation of PBB in Sarawak. Only the DAP is expected to keep most of its urban seats.

During the 2011 State election, PBB won 35 seats; SUPP contested 19 seats but ended up with only six; Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) contested nine seats, winning eight, while Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) took six seats.

PR’s DAP captured 12 seats while PKR won three. DAP has said in this coming election, it will contest 13 seats in southern Sarawak which has a total of 34 constituencies. With the addition of 11 seats, DAP and PKR supporters feel the two parties may win more seats.

The people are casting their eyes on the upcoming State election. Sarawak is justified in having the most State seats – at 82 – considering it is the biggest single State in Malaysia.

Adenan will have no difficulty leading PBB to victory but it will be a big test for other BN parties to keep their seats, especially in the case of SUPP whose strength has been greatly reduced after splitting into two with the breakaway faction forming a splinter under UPP.

Other BN component parties are also facing some internal issues. These should be addressed and resolved in good time to ensure a strong united front in facing the upcoming state election.

(From Oriental Daily)
February 28, 2016, Sunday
Translated: by Christopher Lau, christopherlaukl@gmail.com

22 February 2016

Mist over Batu Kitang – will it be Dr Sim or someone else ..

Mist over Batu Kitang – will it be Dr Sim or someone else .

ELECTION TALK: The new seat of Batu Kitang will go to Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).

The simple reason is that none of the other BN component parties, be it Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) or Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) want to claim to this Chinese majority seat.

However, who actually will represent SUPP for this seat in the coming state election is still undecided.

SUPP has already named three candidates to represent BN in Kuching's six urban seats – Milton Foo (Pending), Sih Hua Tong (Batu Lintang) and Wilfred Yap (Sentosa). Three other seats are still undecided, while three names – Dr Sim Kui Hian, Lo Khere Chiang, Tan Joo Phoi – have been proposed for the two seats of Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang.

Among all the six urban seats, Batu Kitang is considered the best bet for SUPP to have a real chance of winning against the opposition, considering its large percentage of Bumiputera voters (approximately 45 percent) who traditionally would vote for the BN.

The problem with Batu Kitang is not a matter of party internal tussle. After all, right from the very beginning, SUPP members have been giving their unanimous support for the president to go for Batu Kitang. No other SUPP aspiring candidate will challenge him for the seat. It is all for Sim to take it. Unless he does not want it.

It is more a matter of principle and personal integrity. Sim is asking himself: As the party president, is it right for me to go for Batu Kitang after losing badly to DAP's Violet Yong in Pending in the last election? Am I running away from the all-Chinese voters?

In a local news report recently, SUPP Kuching chairman Lily Yong who is a former assemblywoman for Padungan, suggested that the party president should take the challenge in a tough seat like Padungan in order to gauge Chinese support towards the BN rather than choosing a safe seat in a semi-rural area like Batu Kitang.

Yes, Lily has her point but her idea might be too idealistic for political strategy.

Another school of thought which is more pragmatic wants their president to go for Batu Kitang, which offers the best chance for him to book a ticket into the Dewan Undangan Negeri.

On being elected, Sim would have a good chance of being made a minister in Adenan's Cabinet and if SUPP performs credibly in this election, he could even fill the shoes of Dr George Chan who was the deputy chief minister from 1996 to 2011.

Why should he take the risk in Padungan? After all, politics is about winning elections and taking part in the administration of the government.

If winning elections is not the ultimate aim of a political party, SUPP might as well leave the political scene and convert itself into a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Hence, it is very likely that Sim will contest in Batu Kitang, leaving Batu Kawah SUPP chairman Tan Joo Phoi and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang to negotiate between themselves for Batu Kawah. Under such circumstances, it is very likely that Tan will give way to his younger comrade for his first taste of battle.

Meanwhile in Padungan, Kuching City South (MBKS) Mayor James Chan's name has often been mentioned as a possible SUPP candidate. Chan is a hardworking and popular mayor but it is unlikely that he will take the challenge in Padungan. In case he decides to join in the fray at the last minute, Peter Pui or Peter Pau might have to give way to him.

In an unlikely scenario that Sim might decide to take the challenge in Padungan, both Tan and Lo would have a toss up between Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang. Businessman Peter Pui or Peter Pau would then have to bow out in Padungan.

the ant daily

3/4/16

ELECTION TALK: The new seat of Batu Kitang will go to Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP). The simple reason is that none of the other BN component parties, be it Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) or Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) want to claim to this Chinese majority seat.
However, who actually will represent SUPP for this seat in the coming state election is still undecided.

Yes, Lily has her point but her idea might be too idealistic for political strategy.

Another school of thought which is more pragmatic wants their president to go for Batu Kitang, which offers the best chance for him to book a ticket into the Dewan Undangan Negeri.

Why should he take the risk in Padungan? After all, politics is about winning elections and taking part in the administration of the government.

If winning elections is not the ultimate aim of a political party, SUPP might as well leave the political scene and convert itself into a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

- See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Mist-over-Batu-Kitang-will-it-be-Dr-Sim-or-someone-else#sthash.s5fgKtuo.dpuf

Yes, Lily has her point but her idea might be too idealistic for political strategy.

Another school of thought which is more pragmatic wants their president to go for Batu Kitang, which offers the best chance for him to book a ticket into the Dewan Undangan Negeri.

Why should he take the risk in Padungan? After all, politics is about winning elections and taking part in the administration of the government.

If winning elections is not the ultimate aim of a political party, SUPP might as well leave the political scene and convert itself into a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

- See more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Mist-over-Batu-Kitang-will-it-be-Dr-Sim-or-someone-else#sthash.s5fgKtuo.dpuf

Another challenge for thrill seekers

KUCHING: The Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge II is back and opens for registration to satisfy the thrill seekers looking to take things up a notch.

The Eco Challenge is an event that aims to relive history, culture and stewardship of nature in the Malingan and Kelabit highlands and will be held from 20th to 29th July 2017.

Event Director, Cr John Tarawe said the second installment of the challenge offers up to 10 different trails to choose from.

“Each trail will bring you through intense jungle trekking across the Borneo forest, remote yet scenic villages of the highlanders, historical monuments and burial sites such as Batu Ritong and Hill of Coffins,” said John who is also the Deputy Chairman of Alliance of the Indigenous People on the Highlands of Borneo (FORMADAT) during a press conference at WWF Malaysia Meeting Room in Binamas building yesterday.

The event is organised by FORMADAT, a trans-boundary initiative that aims to increase awareness of and understanding about the highland communities in the Heart of Borneo and promote sustainable livelihoods.

It is supported by e-Bario, Sayu Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd, Bario Slow Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen dan Kebudayaan Kelabit), Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and WWF-Malaysia.

“The trail starts from Long Pa’ Sia’ heading to Long Semadoh by land or river, then straight to Ba’ Kelalan and ends at either Lawas or Bario depending on one’s stamina to continue the adventure in the highlands’ wilderness.

“Although different packages will transport you through different routes, you will still walk the same path as the ancient highlanders once set foot.

“This year, the Eco Challenge will end and coincide with the annual ‘Pesta Nukenen’ or SlowFood Festival in Bario which falls on 30 July,” said John.

He added that the event is in line with FORMADAT’s mission, which is to encourage the development of sustainable economic alternatives such as sustainable agriculture programme and community-based ecotourism.

“Hope the event will help to established a sustainable income alternative and exposed visitors to culture and nature appreciation.

“True to the ‘eco’ in ecotourism, this event takes conservation in the highlands seriously. There will be a limit to participant capacity so that the concept of tread lightly, ‘take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’, is the slogan for the organisers and participants,” he noted.

Meanwhile, he said that the first Eco Challenge was held in 2015 with trekkers starting their eight-day journey on foot from Ba’ Kelalan to Mount Murud’s Church Camp and finally to Bario.

“The arduous journey across the highlands is both breath-taking and memorable as participants get to experience diverse forest landscapes from dipterocarp to heath and mountain forests, cool climate, see ancient cultural and megaliths sites, and taste the highlanders’ food,” he said.

Interested participants can visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/hobecochallenge or email them at ecochallenge@formadat.com.

By : Desmond Markus

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Thursday 22-Sep-2016

罗克强建议雨季期间文莪水坝可成蓄水池

（新文网马来古晋21日讯）巴达旺市议会主席罗克强工程师建议砂水利灌溉局在接管文莪水坝后，可以考究把文莪水坝在雨季期间作为巨大的蓄水池，在雨季之前排放蓄水后，能在雨季容纳更多的雨水，以减少下游的雨水量，从而减轻水灾所造成的祸害。

昨晚出席砂房屋发展商协会古晋分会新春聚餐上，对记者这么表示。

他也说，虽然目前文莪水坝已经竣工，但是还没有交给砂水利灌溉局管理，因此他希望该局能考虑他的建议，在未来减轻砂水患造成的问题。

另外，他也提到说，在房屋发展方面，这是不能停下的脚步，因为发展是不能停止的，因此，发展商必须汲取专业的建筑师意见，以防在发展住宅区时造成临近地区发生水患。

他表示，政府也有责任兴建更巨型的沟渠排水计划，但是，在地方上的住宅区也应该注意排水，这样除了新兴住宅区不会面临水患，也不会因此而造成临近地区的困扰。

另外，砂房屋发展商协会古晋分会顾问沈坚石支持砂州政府取得房屋发展方面的自主权，一方面可以简化各方面的书面程序，同时也能减少房屋领域的成本开销，两全其美。

他说，目前我国的房屋发展领域必须经过联邦房屋部和州房屋部的双重审核，一些程序上或会出现重叠，倘若砂州政府能在房屋发展方面获得自主权，所有房屋发展计划的申请和程序都在州房屋部完成，无需再经过联邦政府的繁文缛节，如此一来省时省力，也能减少成本开销。

沈坚石也指出，根据目前的全球经济趋势，砂拉越经济预计在2016年取得4%的成长，进而也带动房屋领域发展成长。

同时，他也表示，去年开始动工的泛婆大道是一项巨大的发展工程，有助于刺激和带动工程范围周边的经济环境，并衍生出更多的就业机会来提高周边地区的生计.

马来西亚 2016-02-22 08:05 马来 48 Malay Mail

Govt urged to review flood-crisis preparedness

KUCHING: The government should take a relook at its level of preparedness in facing floods, especially in terms of facilities like boats and heavy machinery.

Wanita PKR national vice president Voon Shiak Ni, who made the call, said flood crisis in the state was something foreseeable; hence, relevant facilities should be in place at all times.

“The flood this time happened in many places, but help was lacking. Therefore, the government should look into ways to improve on areas such as providing rescue boats, flood relief centres and facilities for those affected,” she told a press conference here yesterday.

Voon said she was at Paradise Garden (in Batu Kitang) on Saturday night to visit residents who were stranded as the road to their homes was under between three and four feet of flood water.

“Some residents didn’t dare to walk across the water, fearing they could slip into the deep drain. The Civil Defence Department’s response to the residents’ call for help was good, but they lacked facilities such as rescue boats.”

She said the Civil Defence Department initially could not send boats to assist the affected residents as their boats were in Siburan and Padawan to assist the flood victims there.

“When they finally arrived and checked on the water level, they realised their boat could not pass through. In the end, they had to use someone else’s Jeep to ferry all the residents home.”

Voon said what the rescue personnel could do then was to coordinate with the armed forces to use their heavy machinery, such as trucks, to help ferry the people to their houses, considering the housing estate was just next to an army camp.

Nevertheless, she commended the Civil Defence Department personnel for assisting the residents. She also commended members of the crime watch group in the area for disseminating useful information to the residents.

Meanwhile, Voon said she supported SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang’s suggestions of relocating the villagers in Batu Kitang who were badly affected every time flood hits.

“It’s a very good idea. Maybe, one of the best ways is to resettle the villagers in Batu Kitang area, especially those in the old town. The flood there is quite bad, and I think the damage and losses to the families every time there is flood is something beyond repair.

“We were there last night (Saturday night), and we felt their frustrations. We also know resettling the residents may take time. But we want to know how many years it will take and how soon it can be in the pipeline in the development plan for Sarawak?”

In stressing that Batu Kitang had flooding problems for at least the last 20 years, Voon hoped the government could come up with immediate measures to assist the flood victims.

“When we went to the flood relief centres, their demands were on basic things, like floor mat and other personal things. But the sad thing is, every time their things were replaced, they will be damaged when floods happen again.”

Voon opined that deepening the nearby river depended very much on the condition of the river bed, but hoped a solution could be found soon.

Borneo Post

February 22, 2016, Monday

羅克強：避免後患無窮建屋須考慮排水

SinChew
羅克強：避免後患無窮建屋須考慮排水

2016-02-21 18:50

（古晉21日訊）巴達旺市議會主席羅克強表示，水患問題是房地產商在發展土地時需要正視的問題，這也對發展商帶來極大挑戰。

他指出，房地產商在發展土地的同時，必須考慮排水問題，避免日後造成淹水。

他昨晚出席砂房地產發展商會古晉分會新春團拜，接受訪問時如是表示。

羅克強認為，淹水並不一定是發展所帶來的，而我們也不能夠停止發展。為此，發展商需要與政府互相配合，規劃社區的排水系統，以減低水患的發生。

此外，他強調，發展商專業的工程師及顧問團隊，在建築設計及藍圖方面扮演重要角色，並且要確保不會造成地方淹水。（星洲日報／砂拉越）

點看全文: http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/405138#ixzz48sSaEEFl

21 February 2016

罗克强：避免后患无穷建屋须考虑排水

（古晋21日讯）巴达旺市议会主席罗克强表示，水患问题是房地产商在发展土地时需要正视的问题，这也对发展商带来极大挑战。

他指出，房地产商在发展土地的同时，必须考虑排水问题，避免日后造成淹水。

他昨晚出席砂房地产发展商会古晋分会新春团拜，接受访问时如是表示。

罗克强认为，淹水并不一定是发展所带来的，而我们也不能够停止发展。为此，发展商需要与政府互相配合，规划社区的排水系统，以减低水患的发生。

此外，他强调，发展商专业的工程师及顾问团队，在建筑设计及蓝图方面扮演重要角色，并且要确保不会造成地方淹水。

星洲日报／砂拉越．21/2/16

20 February 2016

Sarawakians a united lot despite their differences

Lo (sixth right) and others gather around the MPP CNY cake.

KUCHING: Sarawakians are united despite their racial and religious differences, says Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang at the MPP Chinese New Year (CNY) open house yesterday.

“This is obvious especially during major festivities where people of different races visit each other,” he said.

“Quoting our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, we should not take the prevailing peace and social harmony for granted. We also have to practise moderation.

“We must not harbour any prejudice but instead appreciate the importance of the various festivities celebrated in Malaysia and strive to strengthen unity, goodwill and harmony which are synonymous with our country’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic context,” he said.

He added that the council was committed to work harder to implement their plans for the year on the back of their success last year.

He said Padawan Fest 2015 was a huge success while other programmes such as the Safe City in MPP jurisdiction to combat crime had reduced the crime rate in Padawan area with help from the police.

“I believe with our professional team we can do our best to serve the people. There are always challenges but they are not obstacles for us to strive for success,” he said.

The council also treated residents of Sarawak Cheshire Home and gave them ang pows yesterday.

February 19, 2016, Friday, Borneo Post

MPP beri jaminan tidak abai kawasan terjejas bencana alam

Halaman Utama (/) » Sarawak (http://www.utusanborneo.com.my/sarawak) » MPP beri jaminan tidak abai kawasan terjejas bencana alam

Utusan Borneo Online: 2016-02-19

KUCHING: Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) Lo Khere Chiang memberi jaminan bahawa pihaknya tidak akan mengabaikan kawasan di bawah seliaan pihaknya yang terjejas akibat dilanda banjir, tanah runtuh dan sebagainya baru-baru ini.

“Kami tidak akan melepaskan tanggungjawab begitu sahaja. Maka, kami bekerjasama dengan pelbagai agensi kerajaan dan NGO bagi menyelesaikan masalah dihadapi penduduk di kawasan MPP,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian sempena Majlis Sambutan Tahun Baharu Cina (TBC) MPP di ibu pejabatnya di sini, semalam.

Sementara itu, Lo berkata MPP telah merekodkan prestasi memuaskan sepanjang tahun lepas. Jelasnya, banyak program dirancang telah dilaksana dengan berjaya.

“Antaranya seperti Pesta Padawan, Program Bandar Selamat bagi mengurangkan kadar indeks jenayah dan Program Pembasmian Miskin Tegar.

“Selain itu, jalan raya di kawasan perumahan dan jalan raya di kawasan kampung juga banyak telah diturap dan siap sepenuhnya pada tahun lepas,” katanya.

Sementara itu, majlis berkenaan berlangsung meriah dengan pelbagai acara diadakan seperti cabutan bertuah, persembahan tarian singa dan banyak lagi.

Pada masa sama, Lo turut memberi angpau kepada penghuni Rumah Cheshire Sarawak yang dijemput khas pada majlis tersebut.

19 February 2016

Sarawakians a united lot despite their differences

Lo (sixth right) and others gather around the MPP CNY cake.

February 19, 2016, Friday

Borneo Post

罗克强：虽面临挑战议会将尽力履行职责

分享添加喜爱打印增大字体减小字体繁

（新文网马来古晋18日讯）巴达旺市议会主席罗克强表示，该市议会开年就面对地方基建问题的挑战，但市议会无论如何都会尽力履行好服务人民的责任。

“近来，巴达旺内多个地区发生水灾、土地坍塌、塌桥和排水沟坍塌等问题，我们已与其他政府单位和非政府组织合作，以解决巴达旺地区人民面对的问题。”

他说，接踵而来的挑战不会成为巴达旺市议会执行政府转型议程的障碍，反而会激励该市议会更主动地解决所面对的困难和挑战。

“巴达旺的市议员们有着不同的专业背景，如建筑师、工程师、律师和商人等，相信他们的专业知识能多少帮得上市议会的操作，为巴达旺地区居民提供最佳服务。”

罗克强18日早在2016年巴达旺市议会新春庆典上致辞时称，去年对国民而言是严峻的一年，除了面对经济问题外，还得面对马币贬值的窘境。

“但国民依然和首相拿督斯里纳吉一起设法挺进、突破窘境；比起去年，今年的马币兑美金汇率总算有些微起色。”

他强调，无论未来的日子会是如何，服务于巴达旺市议会的公务员们需专心一致，延续“一个马来西亚”理念下的努力，透过巩固国民间的团结推动国家发展议程。

“我们需对首长拿督巴丁宜阿德南的要求保持敏锐，首长致力缩短市、乡区间的人民生活水平差距，因此作为政府成员之一的我们应更加努力，协助实践首长的梦想。”

罗克强也赞赏巴达旺市议会全员去年的工作表现，成功完成许多所策划的活动，包括辖区内的安全城市计划、消除赤贫计划、房屋区和甘榜区的铺路工作、市议员分区管理小组的经营和2015年巴达旺节活动等。

另一方面，2016年巴达旺市议会新春庆典筹委主席黄永兴在致辞时为我国各民族间的包容与理解、施与受的精神及对彼此宗教信仰的友善感到欣慰，并希望人们能手牵手、心连心，延续我国社会中的崇高价值。

在新春庆典上，巴达旺市议会也邀来砂济世之家的成员们与该市议会全体工作人员同乐.

马来西亚 2016-02-19 11:40 马来西亚 109

Lo Khere Chiuang thanks Batu Lintang rep for highlighting issue at Maong Bazaar

KUCHING: The decision by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) in accommodating hawkers to trade at Maong Bazaar, or the Old Third Mile Bazaar, is to offer shoppers ‘more outlets to buy from’ in view of this Chinese New Year.

Chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the arrangement for hawkers at Maong Bazaar was similar to that in MJC Batu Kawah New Township and Kuching City Mall Commercial Centre.

“We let a company to manage the hawkers. The company has also promised to have Rela personnel manage the traffic flow. They seem to be doing a good job,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lo, who is also SUPP Kota Sentosa chairman, was responding to Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, who in his column in the last thesundaypost pointed out the ‘chaotic parking’ at Maong Bazaar market due to certain ‘selfish and inconsiderate’ traders – whom he nicknamed Mr Big and Mr Alphard – who indiscriminately set
up tents at the carpark, causing traffic and parking problems there.

“As for the orange seller (Mr Alphard), I have to admit that he was wrong. He rented three parking lots from MPP but instead, his tents occupied five lots. His tents were also a little too big.”

Lo said although MPP had every right to take down the tents should the hawkers breach the terms, it decided to give a little flexibility as it wanted to avoid dissatisfaction among the traders during this festive season.

“(When we give a little flexibility), it doesn’t mean that I’m weak or letting the public to climb over my head. The decision was purely on consideration to allow hardworking individuals to do business in conjunction with Chinese New Year,” he
stressed.

Nevertheless, Lo said he would advise the council administration on sending warning letters to errant traders after the celebration, sternly reminding them not to repeat such offence again.

“If they failed to comply, MPP would not allow them to trade at Maong Bazaar in the future.”

Lo also took the opportunity to thank See for pointing out the matter in his column, adding: “Instead of blatantly blaming MPP for not upholding the law, he (See) had actually provided constructive advice to the council. I appreciate that very much.”

February 18, 2015, Wednesday
Borneo Post

18 February 2016

Dr Sim: Relocation a better option than retaining wall for villagers in Batu Kawa

Dr Sim (left) and Lo look at the condition of the riverbank erosion at Rantau Panjang — Photo by Chimon Upon

Dr Sim (second left) chairs a press conference at Genesis Parade Sungai Moyan shopping mall.

Dr Sim points to the riverbank erosion at Rantau Panjang. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Building retaining walls and drainage may provide a short-term solution to the riverbank erosion and frequent flooding in Kampung Rantau Panjang, Sinar Budi and Tengah Sungai, but relocation is believed to be the better long-term alternative.

Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, yesterday proposed that the close to 300 households in these three villages in the Batu Kawa area to seriously consider relocating to safer areas.

With the many flood occurrences hitting these villages over the past few years, he pointed out the risks if villagers continued to live so close to the river. Dr Sim also cautioned the amount of protection that could be accorded during future floods, taking into account the unpredictable weather pattern and the volume of rainfall due to climate change.

He added there were available state lands in nearby areas which the people should seriously consider, saying he was willing to help the villagers to apply for new land for the relocation purposes.

“We understand that relocation is a very complex matter and can be a challenging process. To ask people to move away from their ancestral home can be emotional as well as it is a sensitive issue. We have to think about compensation and it is going to be a lot of work but most importantly, the villagers have to express their desire to move.

“Nevertheless, it is our duty to tell the people to seriously consider relocating. Please take advantage of the available government land in the nearby areas,” Dr Sim told reporters when met during a working visit to inspect the riverbank erosion at the three villages yesterday.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang and officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Public Works Department (JKR) as well as several Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) leaders were also present.

“We brought along officers from DID and JKR to evaluate the situation in these villages and for them to propose the type of projects and cost estimation as measures to stop further erosion and flooding. In this situation, building drainage and irrigation system or retaining wall can be costly. On the long run, it may not be cost effective when compared to relocation,” Dr Sim said.

Citing the villages of Sinar Budi and Rantau Panjang, he expressed concern that the road access was situated so close to the river. This could yield further complications during flooding.

Meanwhile, private landowners have been told to cooperate with government agencies in efforts to mitigate flash floods all around by agreeing to deepening or widening water ways on their respective land.

This is one of the temporary measures to ensure that flash floods would not recur.

Expanding and deepening water ways will contribute to the discharge excess water to streams and rivers more effectively.

“Every time it floods, there are bound to be losses in properties apart from causing inconveniences to the affected people. The flood this time was caused by water logged in the drainage system and the excess water cannot get discharged properly into waterways and then into streams or rivers,” Dr Sim said when met at Genesis Parade Sungai Moyan Shopping Mall in Matang-Batu Kawah Road here before visiting Sungai Moyan yesterday morning.

He said local authorities such as MPP, JKR, DID and land developers for example, must get down to the root cause of the flood-related problems and also to ensure that flood would not recur.

SUPP also distributed bags of rice to 365 families in the Batu Kawah-Batu Kitang areas affected by the recent flood yesterday. Dr Sim is also SUPP president

February 17, 2016,

reporters@theborneopost.com

(MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang proposed relocation an option to address flood problem.

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang has proposed for the relocation of Batu Kitang settlement as a solution to address the annual flood problem in the area.

Lo said his proposal might be a cheaper option for the government, as dredging the nearby river as proposed by the villagers would be very costly.

“It is not entirely wrong to dredge the river to create a bigger reservoir to hold the water but it will be very costly. Additionally, dredging will not solve the problem either because the floods that happened were serious and the amount of flood water was just too much.

“Imagine, the village was flooded with water as high as four feet recently so if we want to dredge enough to hold the water, the river will have to be excessively deepened,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lo, was responding to the villagers in Batu Kitang who suggested that the river nearby be further deepened, as it had been more than 10 years since the last river-deepening exercise.

The villagers had called on the government to look into ways to help reduce the occurrence of flood in their area, as they could no longer bear the damage done to their properties every year.

He said there were two types of floods namely flash flood which happened due to development and perennial flood which happened due to many factors such as climate change.

“To overcome flash flood, we need to have major drainage system to accommodate the water that comes about due to development.”

Additionally, Lo said professionals must show more responsibility by advising their clients not to put up their buildings or houses below the flood level.

“They (professionals) should study the area properly and should not encourage any construction if the area is too low.”

As for the perennial flood, Lo said it was difficult to be solved but in some developed countries, walls were built throughout the country to hold back the sea water.

“We can surround the whole of Batu Kitang with similar walls and then pump out the water but then it will be very expensive.”

He therefore said many factors had to be considered in trying to solve flood problem in an area.

February 17, 2016, Wednesday
Borneo Post

17 February 2016

Dr Sim: Relocation a better option than retaining wall for villagers in Batu Kawa

Dr Sim (left) and Lo look at the condition of the riverbank erosion at Rantau Panjang — Photo by Chimon Upon

Dr Sim (second left) chairs a press conference at Genesis Parade Sungai Moyan shopping mall.

Dr Sim points to the riverbank erosion at Rantau Panjang.

KUCHING: Building retaining walls and drainage may provide a short-term solution to the riverbank erosion and frequent flooding in Kampung Rantau Panjang, Sinar Budi and Tengah Sungai, but relocation is believed to be the better long-term alternative.

Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, yesterday proposed that the close to 300 households in these three villages in the Batu Kawa area to seriously consider relocating to safer areas.

With the many flood occurrences hitting these villages over the past few years, he pointed out the risks if villagers continued to live so close to the river. Dr Sim also cautioned the amount of protection that could be accorded during future floods, taking into account the unpredictable weather pattern and the volume of rainfall due to climate change.

He added there were available state lands in nearby areas which the people should seriously consider, saying he was willing to help the villagers to apply for new land for the relocation purposes.

“We understand that relocation is a very complex matter and can be a challenging process. To ask people to move away from their ancestral home can be emotional as well as it is a sensitive issue. We have to think about compensation and it is going to be a lot of work but most importantly, the villagers have to express their desire to move.

“Nevertheless, it is our duty to tell the people to seriously consider relocating. Please take advantage of the available government land in the nearby areas,” Dr Sim told reporters when met during a working visit to inspect the riverbank erosion at the three villages yesterday.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang and officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Public Works Department (JKR) as well as several Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) leaders were also present.

“We brought along officers from DID and JKR to evaluate the situation in these villages and for them to propose the type of projects and cost estimation as measures to stop further erosion and flooding.

In this situation, building drainage and irrigation system or retaining wall can be costly. On the long run, it may not be cost effective when compared to relocation,” Dr Sim said.

Citing the villages of Sinar Budi and Rantau Panjang, he expressed concern that the road access was situated so close to the river. This could yield further complications during flooding.

Meanwhile, private landowners have been told to cooperate with government agencies in efforts to mitigate flash floods all around by agreeing to deepening or widening water ways on their respective land.

This is one of the temporary measures to ensure that flash floods would not recur.

Expanding and deepening water ways will contribute to the discharge excess water to streams and rivers more effectively.

“Every time it floods, there are bound to be losses in properties apart from causing inconveniences to the affected people. The flood this time was caused by water logged in the drainage system and the excess water cannot get discharged properly into waterways and then into streams or rivers,” Dr Sim said when met at Genesis Parade Sungai Moyan Shopping Mall in Matang-Batu Kawah Road here before visiting Sungai Moyan yesterday morning.

He said local authorities such as MPP, JKR, DID and land developers for example, must get down to the root cause of the flood-related problems and also to ensure that flood would not recur.

SUPP also distributed bags of rice to 365 families in the Batu Kawah-Batu Kitang areas affected by the recent flood yesterday. Dr Sim is also SUPP president.

February 17, 2016, Wednesday

Borneo Post

16 February 2016

罗克强：友族也会吃研发速食擂茶包装

（古晋14日讯）人联党三哩分部今日主办新春擂茶会，让党员同志与民众欢聚一堂，共庆新春及人日。

由于该党主席拿督沈桂贤医生政务繁忙，不克参与其盛，因此由巴达旺市议会主席罗克强代表出席。

罗克强致词时说，“相信大家在新春期间，餐餐大鱼大肉。今天改吃擂茶最好不过了。”

他表示，擂茶虽然是河婆人的传统美食，但是今天已经成为各籍贯人士最爱吃的美食。

友族也会吃擂茶
据他所知，一些友族同胞也会吃擂茶，使擂茶成为全民美食。由于擂茶是素食，不仅素食人士爱吃，连穆斯林也可以享用。

擂茶拥有无限商机，他希望商家研发速食擂茶包装，让民众可以在商场购买包装擂茶，回家加热水即可享用。相信包装擂茶一定可以像快熟面一样，深受民众喜爱。

由于砂州大选将在两个月后举行，因此他希望人联党员同志全力以赴，协助党取得胜利。

“我希望各分部、各支部今后多举办活动，让各地的民众参与，以加强联系。我们必须努力工作，让民众认同我党，支持我党的候选人。”

2016年2月15日南砂

See Hua Online

Lo Khere Chiang: Chinese community told to support CM in polls.

LO Khere Chiang presenting red packet ‘angpow’ to a member of the Chinese community in Hui Sing Garden.

KUCHING: Chinese community must support the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for the coming state election in an effort to make Sarawak becoming a developed state.

This was according to chairman of SUPP Kota Sentosa branch Lo Khere Chiang in his speech when officiating at the Chinese New Year celebration at the community centre in Hui Sing Garden, here yesterday.

“Since Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem took over as Sarawak Chief Minister, he has done a lot to help the Chinese in Sarawak especially in the issue of giving recognition to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) for students who graduated from a private Chinese High School.

“This is because the new chief minister is very concerned about the problem, especially on the issue of the Chinese schools recognition.

“As we know the chief minister has also been vital in fighting for the rights of Sarawak such as royalty payments.

This is a main goal pursued by the chief minister and we believe that the state of Sarawak is on the right track to become a developed state in Malaysia,” he said.

Therefore, the Chinese people should be able to evaluate leaders and Barisan Nasional component parties like SUPP that is working hard to ensure the prosperity and progress in terms of development, and human capital can be prioritised, Lo pointed out.

Monday 15-Feb-2016
Sarawak Tribune

15 February 2016

Chinese community told to support CM in polls

LO Khere Chiang presenting red packet ‘angpow’ to a member of the Chinese community in Hui Sing Garden.

KUCHING: Chinese community must support the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for the coming state election in an effort to make Sarawak becoming a developed state.

This was according to chairman of SUPP Kota Sentosa branch Lo Khere Chiang in his speech when officiating at the Chinese New Year celebration at the community centre in Hui Sing Garden, here yesterday.

“Since Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem took over as Sarawak Chief Minister, he has done a lot to help the Chinese in Sarawak especially in the issue of giving recognition to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) for students who graduated from a private Chinese High School.

“This is because the new chief minister is very concerned about the problem, especially on the issue of the Chinese schools recognition.

“As we know the chief minister has also been vital in fighting for the rights of Sarawak such as royalty payments. This is a main goal pursued by the chief minister and we believe that the state of Sarawak is on the right track to become a developed state in Malaysia,” he said.

Therefore, the Chinese people should be able to evaluate leaders and Barisan Nasional component parties like SUPP that is working hard to ensure the prosperity and progress in terms of development, and human capital can be prioritised, Lo pointed out.

Date Posted : Monday 15-Feb-2016

Sarawak Tribune

13 February 2016

每逢水患砂人联党帮助最多

石角甘榜西纳布迪拉玛居民代表哈密迪安（中）在拿督沈桂贤（右）和罗克强（左）陪同下，向媒体发表谈话。

（本报古晋11日讯）石角甘榜西纳布迪拉玛居民代表哈密迪安表示，当地多年来都是水患黑区，每逢水患，给予最多援助的就是砂人联党！

他指出，石角区州议员周宛诗在水患期间，并没有提供实际援助予居民，仅是巡视灾情和慰问。

他声言，砂人联党除了提供物质上的救济，也会帮忙善后，派员协助清理住家，以及向有关单位申请灾后援助。

他说，砂人联党一直很关心当地居民，因此居民们会继续支持该党。
他希望政府今后设法协助当地脱离水患困扰。

2016年2月12日南砂

首页 » 砂拉越 » 南砂

12 February 2016

巡视水灾善后工作罗克强走访巴都吉当

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yMbeUxx3sw

11 February 2016

砂人联党宣布候选人

砂人联党主席拿督沈桂贤上议员宣布16个华人为主选区的候选人。他强调，砂人联党是国阵于1972年成立以来的忠实伙伴，一直对国阵忠心耿耿，而且忠于国阵原则与精神。砂人联党全力支持首席部长拿督巴丁宜丹斯里阿迪南沙登的领导，并且认同，在阿迪南沙登的领导下，砂人联党必须要振作起来，在政治上重整旗鼓。“实际上，没有人比人联党领袖本身，更想看到人联党在选举中胜出。” 因此，砂人联党已经鉴定16个华人为主选区的候选人，成为阿德南团队的一员，为砂州国阵争取胜利。

以下为16个选区的候选人名单（浮罗岸将在随后宣布）：

N 9 Padungan 将在随后宣布