30 April 2016

Adenan represents Sarawak’s future

Dear fellow Sarawakians,

Yes, I am Sarawakian and I am Malaysian. That is what I see when I look at my identity card or passport. Therefore I know about the 1963 Malaysia agreement and the 18/20 points which are rights unique and guaranteed for Sabah and Sarawak.

And I know that Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners to Peninsular Malaysia and special autonomy powers are vested with us.

This is why Sarawak can use our rights to ban peninsular politicians and activists from both BN and Pakatan Harapan who are known trouble-makers intent on inciting hatred and/or exploiting race/religious issues in their politics.

We treasure our peace and harmony and we know that Sarawak Elections are for Sarawakians. Both Pakatan and BN have more than enough local representatives here that can campaign and we do not need known trouble-makers from peninsular to help campaign.

Yes, like all of Malaysia and 95% of the world, we pay taxes including the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

As part of the deliberate strategy of reforming our taxation system, Malaysia has gone on to a modern system practised by the vast majority of the world.

If Malaysia is to be a developed country, we must practise modern systems and not outdated ones.
Do you want Malaysia to be modern or backward?

As part of the GST roll-out, personal income taxes and corporate taxes were reduced while the sales tax and service tax were completely abolished. This is something that Pakatan leaders never mention when they harp on the GST.

At the same time, a social safety net was established by introducing minimum wages and a direct cash transfer system called BR1M to ensure the lower-income groups benefit more than they are taxed.

The GST solves a variety of problems including tax evasion, illicit money outflow and helps us to mitigate over-dependence on commodity prices exposed to wild fluctuations. It gives resilience to our economy and this has been proven true the past year when the rest of the world experienced uncertainty while Malaysia’s economy remains resilient.

And yes, the GST is a tax by the Federal Goverment – which is why I am very angry at PKR and DAP for promising to abolish GST in their manifesto for the Sarawak Elections of 2016.

Do PKR and DAP think Sarawakians are stupid to believe that if they win Sarawak, they can abolish GST?

They cannot and this is empty promise is an attempt to hoodwink Sarawakians.

PKR and DAP should also explain to us if GST is such a bad thing then why do 95% of the other countries in the world have the same?

Another irresponsible move by Pakatan is to allege that GST will increase if BN wins the Sarawak elections. Our Prime Minister has already rubbished this claim.

It cannot be denied that since 2008, the focus by the Federal Government on development in Sarawak has been huge. More than ever, a larger percentage of the Federal budget is spent on development in Sarawak and Sabah.

The long-awaited Pan Borneo Highway already in construction is proof of this.

As for 1MDB, so far there has not been any bail-out of 1MDB. In fact, 1MDB has paid off the RM950m credit line that was given to it last year by the Federal Government – along with RM 7 billion other debts over the past month

1MDB right now has no more short term loans and has a cash balance of RM2.3 billion to develop their two remaining projects in Bandar Malaysia and TRX – which will provide more than enough cash-flow to service the remaining bonds and loans.

The IPIC-Aabar dispute is of course a concern but 1MDB is confident they have enough documented proof to win a dispute – which is why 1MDB refused to pay the USD50 million interest on the IPIC bonds under dispute even though they have the cash to do so.

Despite the scare-mongering attempts of Pakatan leaders, the stability of our Ringgit and our bond rates is proof that the financial markets understand that the 1MDB dispute is not a major concern.
Therefore the question of bailing out 1MDB does not even arise.

Yes. Sarawak owes RM2.5 billion to the Federal Government due to various loans extended by them for development projects here.

But do they mention how much Sarawak has in our state reserves?

It was RM27 billion as at end 2014.

Yes, Penang owes the least after shaving off nearly 90% of its federal debt, from almost RM700 million to only RM69.3 million but does DAP tell you how this was done?

In 2010, it was the Federal Government which helped Penang repay an outstanding RM655m loan by taking over certain Penang state water assets.

But in return for abolishing this debt, the Penang government signed to pay an annual lease rental of RM14.56mil over 45 years to the Federal Government – essentially Penang changing the loan to a lease.

An accounting trick as the end result is the same in that you must pay.

The Penang Goverment also likes to boast that they have RM1 billion in state reserves but DAP has failed to mention that the same Auditor-General’s report also shows that Sarawak has a reserve of RM27.03 bilion as at end 2014 – an increase of RM3.67 billion from 2013.

DAP also used to highlight that they have the highest investments in the country?

Well, that was only true for the years 2010 and 2011. Since then, Sarawak under the leadership of Adenan Satem have long overtaken them.

According to MIDA, in 2014 Penang was 3rd and attracted RM8.16 billion in investments – behind Sarawak’s RM9.64 billion.

In 2015, Sarawak attracted RM11.82 billion compared to Penang with only RM6.72 billion.
In Sarawak, we are blessed that we do not have race and religious conflicts and it is because of the good leadership and autonomy of the Sarawak BN Government that such harmony is preserved.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Adenan Satem has done an excellent job – from preserving the peace and harmony, winning greater autonomy powers from the Federal Government, increasing investments, reducing electricity rates, reducing or abolishing assessment rates, implementing development projects, preserving the environment and checking illegal timber-felling, reducing ferry rates, completely abolishing all highway tolls …

The list goes on – that is why Sarawakians love Adenan.

Pakatan themselves can learn from Adenan as they are not even able to unite DAP and PKR who are now fighting among themselves out of pure greed for seats and power.

And you want us to vote for you in this state election?

They should count themselves lucky if we don’t punish them for their back-stabbing and greed for seats.

Adenan has stated that he only wants five more years to complete what he has started and will not stand for elections again. He wants us to give him his full support to enable him to negotiate with the Federal Government even harder to further improve Sarawak.

Should we deny him this and punish Adenan for his many successes?

Should we deny ourselves the one and only chance ever to show full support for Adenan as there will no longer be any chance to vote for Adenan’s team in future?

And precisely because I am Malaysian, I know that this Sarawak election is a state election. This has nothing to do with the general election just two years away where I can then exercise my vote in choosing the Federal Government.

Sarawakians are not easily fooled into confusing a state election with a federal election.

Don’t try to fool us.

For this election, I will reward my dear Chief Minister Adenan Satem and his team.

I am doing this because he has proven himself and done well. I am eager to give him five more years to complete his job and fulfill his promises.

Michael Kulow a Bidayuh lawyer from Bau , Sarawak is an FMT reader.

With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.

April 30, 2016

Source By Michael Kulow, FreeMalayToday

“Because we think of our future generations, that is why we must give our full support to our Chief Minister Adenan.”

FMT LETTERS

多角战的艰难选择巴都吉当将花落谁家？

砂州选举行动党和公正党议席分配上演兄弟阋墙，最终在6个议席重叠，上演多角战。实淡宾国会议席下的巴都吉当（Batu Kitang），便是两党皆不肯妥协的焦点选区。

“这就好像看到你的前女友交了新男友一样，”依兰迪拉彦（Elantirayan Ganesan）这么说。

依兰迪拉彦是行动党的竞选志工，去年起一直在协助大学同窗阿都阿兹依沙（Abdul Aziz Isa）频频在这个选区走动，但两周前却突然接获消息——基于和公正党的协议，行动党将放弃上阵巴都吉当。

然而，在提名日前夕，行动党因不满公正党不遵守早前议席谈判的承诺，最终决定攻打分配予公正党的巴都吉当，阿都阿兹才重新在此区上阵。

行动党的大赌注

巴都吉当位于古晋南部的巴达旺县，在去年的选区划分中，从行动党掌控的石角及哥打圣淘沙之中切割出来的新选区。

目前，此选区将上演五角战，候选人为罗克强（人联党/国阵）、温夏妮（公正党）、阿都阿兹依沙（行动党）、奥曼（Othman Bojeng，独立人士）和苏莱曼（Sulaiman Kadir，独立人士）。

阿都阿兹（见图）今年27岁，是砂拉越大学社会科学系的毕业生，他的一帮大学好友都担任志工，为他竞选。

他是行动党的赌注，可见火箭极力摆脱华基政党的形象。该党在上届州选赢来的12个州选区，全都是华人区。

本届州选，行动党为了扩张基本盘，呈现多元族群的诉求，派出如阿都阿兹的马来候选人，加上15名达雅族候选人。

然而，有1万7494名选民的巴都吉当，华裔选民占了近六成。虽然当地选民或许熟悉阿都阿兹，但也有人质疑为何在华裔选区派出马来候选人上阵。

然而，阿都阿兹的父亲马林多（Marindo Taha）却说：“他是未来的希望。人们现在越来越不在意你是什么种族，而是关注你能（为选区）贡献什么。”

泰益玛目的侄孙

马林多今年53岁，他也是行动党的竞选志工。

有趣的是，阿都阿兹是现任州元首泰益玛目的侄孙，原本在行动党放弃巴都吉当后，他被派到老港下（Stakan）上阵，对垒泰益的胞弟莫哈末阿里（Mohammad Ali Mahmud）。

老港下有一半的军人铁票将由国阵囊括，而且阿都阿兹完全没有时间事先在该选区走动，以至行动党的老港下竞选团队士气低迷。

“那是真的。我们接到消息将放弃巴都吉当时，哭了半天。”

在阿都阿兹最终上阵巴都吉当后，行动党派出年仅25岁的陈祥智上阵老港下。

马林多是个退休的旅游代理，他说当阿都阿兹决定在行动党旗帜下上阵，家人面对不少和土保党关系密切的亲戚给予的压力。

“不过我全力支持他（阿都阿兹）。他有他的方式，他是个书虫。虽然过程中会犯错，但这就是年轻人的热情。我告诉他，就算他输了，这场战役也值得。”

阿都阿兹首次公开演讲时，现场华裔观众爆满。演讲时他用华语问好，再夹杂着一些福建话，显然他能填补行动党缺乏马来代表的空缺。

然而，新鲜感逐渐消逝后，观众很快就会发现，阿都阿兹的立场和一般行动党口号并无多大差异：别投砂州国阵，因为它贪腐，而且遭西马国阵所掌控。

公正党律师出征

另一方面，公正党候选人温夏妮也猛追一马公司和消费税课题，以期打败国阵候选人。

也是公正党妇女组全国副主席的温夏妮表示，期望能为选区带来更多帮助，而非只是发表激烈的言论。

“我在这选区并不是新人，虽然这是新划分的选区，但我从2000年就开始在这里工作。”

温夏妮（见图）是名律师，她的专长是公民和土地权益课题。社区工作者说，温夏妮在实淡宾区设置了十余名社区观察员。

砂州公青团署理主席兼温夏妮团队竞选主任薛斯政也说：“她（温夏妮）协助女性福利的问题。”

“她帮助那些无处投靠的受虐妇女。这些事情没有得到多大的注意。”

另一名要求匿名的公正党职员则说，媒体不报道温夏妮协助弱势群体的新闻，只因“不够耸动”。

体制外自由发声

公正党的工作也包括处理市议会或工程部不予理会的公众投诉，可能只是修复损害的照明灯而已。

温夏妮坦承，自己和也是巴达旺市议会主席的人联党巴都吉当候选人罗克强的合作关系良好，但是她认为罗克强因和政府关系密切，而受到阻碍。

“我认为我们加入在野党的其中一个原因，就是有发声的自由。我们没有繁文缛节或限制。当你在体制里面，就有很多事情不能说，比如说即使你反对消费税（也没办法）。”

“即使你反对（首相）纳吉的违法行径，你还是得保持沉默。”

“罗克强或许是个有原则的人，而且作为市议会主席他非常合作，但因他在体制里面，有许多限制。我相信我们可以做得更好。”

不要都怪砂国阵

另外，56岁的罗克强则为砂州国阵辩护，指在野党将通过消费税一事怪罪在砂国阵国会议员身上，并不公平。而且，州议员也无法控制一马公司课题。

“25名砂拉越国阵国会议员投票通过消费税，但他们不是唯一投赞成票的国会议员。事实上，大部分的赞成票是来自半岛的议员。砂州政府不能为每件事扛起责任。”

罗克强（见图）经营一家工程公司，自1987年以来就在市议会工作。在2010年，他受砂州政府委任为巴达旺市议会主席，且并未领薪。

人联党职员形容，罗克强是名温文尔雅的贵族，不喜欢发生冲突。他拜访选民的时间都是在日出之时，而且并未将自己的行踪告知党。

比起竞选演讲，罗克强更喜欢在晚上举办“咖啡店论坛”和选民互动，回答他们的疑问。

选民的问题不外乎是市议会工作，还有在生活费高涨时代人联党的角色等等。不免俗地，论坛结束前罗克强都会一再呼吁选民，与其对抗砂州国阵，不如一起合作。

阿德南减轻负担

罗志强说：“就连批评者也必须承认，（砂州原任首长）阿德南已经采取具体行动，来减轻一般人民皆感受到的生活费问题。”

他指出，过去两年在阿德南的施政下，砂州电费和门牌税都降低，所有高速大道都不再收费。

罗克强自称，自己倾向解决“实际问题”。

“作为一个技术人员，我非常关注巴都吉当（选民）面对的问题。比如说闪电水灾的问题，对产业造成巨大破坏，这必须得到更好的解决。”

“作为一个土木工程师及市议员，我相信我更能得到资助，解决这些问题。”

“但我们能够解决问题时，我心里总感觉快乐和平静，即使除了你帮助的那些人外，并没有其他人知道这些事。”

2016年4月30日下午1点00分（更新：2016年4月30日下午1点48分）

【焦点战区】火箭蓝眼鬩墙　人联罗克强得利

国內 2016年04月30日

峇都吉当州议席，是火箭、蓝眼上演鷸蚌相爭，罗克强选情逆转，成为人联党南砂地区最有胜算候选人。

根据希望联盟原先协议，峇都吉当州议席原本交由公正党出战，但两党对选区分配一直僵持不下，最终君子协议破裂，行动党临时调兵谴將，不惜对上公正党。

就在提名日当天，在野党支持者最不希望见到的局面出现了！行动党把原本安排到实达干州议席出战的阿都阿兹，临阵调至峇都吉当州议席，与公正党候选人温夏妮、人联党候选人罗克强，以及另外2名独立人士上演五角战。

两名独立人士——有「拿督斯里」头衔的奥斯曼武让和苏莱曼卡迪尔在选区內知名度不高，相信最终只能沦为陪跑者，而且也不会对人联党、公正党、行动党候选人选票造成多大影响。

真正的关键，在於行动党阿都阿兹的突然加入，对原先被视为「五五波」的罗克强对垒温夏妮，会带来怎么样的化学效应，会激起怎样的火花？

峇都吉当州议席华裔选民將近60%，余下的达雅、马来选民人数相仿，在最近的国州选区，国阵和在野党都有各自的堡垒，虽然反对党过去在得票上佔优势，此次国阵人联党有「阿迪南效应」，所以若是一对一直接对垒，胜负实属难料。

选票肯定被分散

不过，在行动党候选人阿都阿兹加入战围之后，对在野党或国阵的反对选票肯定会被分散，在鷸蚌相爭情况下，形成对人联党候选人罗克强有利的局面。

有者认为，阿都阿兹是马来人，能够摇动罗克强在哈芝巴基这个堡垒区的基本盘。但事实是，有多少马来选民是优先考虑「自己人因素」而暂且不认「天秤標誌」？需知，根据最新民调，首长丹斯里阿迪南沙登在马来选民中拥有高达90%支持率，在达雅选民中支持率则高达85%。

阿都阿兹作为行动党新人，真的能够摇动国阵候选人在土著区的选票？显而易见。在这种情况下，罗克强无疑已成为人联党南砂地区候选人中，胜算最高的一位。

对公正党和行动党而言，现在只是要爭一口气，证明自己才是「最有胜算」的在野党。论候选人，亲民服务的温夏妮比阿都阿兹更得人心；论政党，於国、州选举，在盐材港巴剎、煤炭路、10哩华人区获得高度支持的行动党更具筹码。

是温夏妮胜阿都阿兹？还是阿都阿兹击败温夏妮？这都不是关键。当在野党开始互挖墙角时，罗克强只要能够守住基本盘，就可以稳坐钓鱼台。

Adenan lures Chinese voters with a promise of a Chinese deputy chief minister.

8.54am: Kuching – Adenan lures Chinese voters with a promise of a Chinese deputy chief minister, according to The Borneo Post today.

“Of course, that is if the people want to be in the government, the only way to do this is to vote for SUPP.

“If you do not want it, you vote DAP. If you want it, you vote SUPP," he is reported saying.

Meanwhile on the opposition’s claims of land grab, the CM says the Land and Survey Department had paid out RM1.67 billion in compensation to landowners for their acquired land as of March this year.

He adds 42,508 hectares of land was acquired for public purposes such as schools, community halls, hospitals, clinics, drainage, government offices and mosques, reports the Borneo daily.

The department had issued land titles to 217,544 lots under Section 18 of the Land Code and 413,519 lots under Section 13 of the same code.

“As far as the perimeter survey is concerned, we have gazetted 373 areas covering 538,945 hectares out of the total 465 areas covering 748,167 hectares surveyed.

“Figures do not lie, and the opposition did not talk about these figures,” Borneo Post reports Adenan saying.

Published 29 Apr 2016,

Malaysiakini

Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem tells the crowd that he's not 'white hair'.

10.45pm - Batu Kawah, Kuching – Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem tells the crowd that he's not 'white hair', noting that the name was disliked by the Chinese community.

"I know last time many Chinese do not like BN (but) this is Adenan, not 'white hair'. I am my own man.

"The only thing is I have a good relationship with 'white hair'. Now he is governor but he doesn't tell me what to do.

"He said, now you are the chief minister of Sarawak, you do it your way," he says.

The Chinese community used to describe Adenan's predecessor Muhammad Taib Mahmud as 'Pek Moh' in the Hokkien dialect, meaning 'white hair'.

Malaysiakini
Published 29 Apr 2016,

Dr Sim to become minister if elected, says Adenan

Adenan (third left), flanked by his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu and Dr Sim, smiles for the camera. Lo is at Dr Sim's right.— Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Adenan (third left), flanked by his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu and Dr Sim, smiles for the camera. Lo Khere Chiang is at Dr Sim’s right.— Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has hinted that Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian will be appointed a minister if he succeeds in wresting Batu Kawah from the opposition on the May 7 polls.

“My name is Adenan Satem — I want the Chinese to be in the government. So vote for SUPP and not DAP to have Chinese representation in the government.

“So you have to choose. Dr Sim is smiling because he knows if he wins, he would become a minister like his father the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Sim Kheng Hong. Win (the election) first,” he told a huge crowd during a leader-meet-people session at Kuching City Mall here last night.

The gathering also marked the first time that Adenan, who is also state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, rendered his support for SUPP election campaign.

Adenan called upon the Chinese to cast their votes wisely as he reminded them: “This is Adenan Satem, not the white hair.”

The ‘white hair’ refers to his predecessor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“The only thing I have with ‘white hair’ is good relationship with him. He doesn’t tell me what to do. He tells me that I am the chief minister of Sarawak, that I do it my own way.

“He says if I need his advice, he will give his advice. If I don’t need it, he will keep quiet.”
Adenan therefore hoped that Sarawakians would support BN candidates in giving him a big mandate to speak up to Putrajaya.

He rebutted the opposition slogan ‘A vote for Adenan means a vote for Najib’ by pointing out that Sarawakians were electing their chief minister; not the prime minister.

He then appealed to the crowd to vote for BN men including Dr Sim, Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang), Peter Pau (Padungan) and Wilfred Yap (Kota Sentosa), who were with him during the session.

April 30, 2016, Saturday

Borneo Post

29 April 2016

Lo Khere Chiang’s billboards and banners destroyed

KUCHING: Billboards and banners at Mile10 featuring Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang candidate Lo Khere Chiang were damaged or destroyed by people the night before yesterday.

SUPP’s Tnay Li Ping, the Operation Director of Batu Kitang constituency, yesterday called for a fair fight among all the candidates.

She said destroying posters and billboards is not going to solve any problem but instead will give a negative impression on Sarawakians.

In any election, she said, the people have the right to choose the candidate they want but by going down to being petty is not helping matters.

She said the trend is worrisome and will give a bad impression to the younger generations.

“Instead of destroying the materials, we should show the younger generations that we can develop and build, working towards a better Sarawak by fighting for our autonomy,” said Li Ping.

The damaged banners of Lo at Mile 10, Kuching.

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Friday 29-Apr-2016

Lo Khere Chiang: Give Adenan the support, mandate

KUCHING: The 11th State Election on 7 May is important for all Sarawakians as it would determine the future path of the state, said SUPP-BN candidate for Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang.

“This election is different and crucial for our state as we have a visionary leader, the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Adenan Satem, to lead us and fight for our rights. We are voting for Sarawak’s future and we, as Sarawakians of all races should give Adenan the support for the future of our generation,” Lo said at a political talk held at Batu Kitang Community Hall at Jalan Batu Kitang near here Wednesday evening.

He added that a lot had been done by Adenan in ensuring that the people would benefit from his policies and at the same time guarding the state’s rights.

Lo also pointed out that in his two years as the Chief Minister, 53 principles and actions have been done by him including declaring that Bumiputeras in the state are not classified as ‘lain-lain’ (others), declaring that Chinese are not ‘Pendatang’, free or reduced fees on electricity and ferry service, including abolishment of toll at Lanang Bridge in Sibu, ASEAN Bridge in Miri and Tun Salahuddin Bridge in Kuching.

“Adenan also gave a total of RM12 million to Chinese independent schools since 2014 and the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

“Our chief Minister has a far vision for our state and if we are all united and choose Sarawak-based parties, it would give Adenan the power and also show that Sarawakians are behind him.

“If this happened, then this will sent a strong signal to the Federal government that Adenan has the people’s mandate and they have to listen to him,” Lo said, adding that was why in this coming election do not vote for Peninsula-based parties.

Lo also said that those from the Peninsula even quarreled among themselves and a lot of issues nowadays are coming from them.

“In Sarawak, we do not have such issues as we are a peaceful people, unlike our counterparts from the other side, even a minor issue would lead to a street protest,” he said.

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Friday 29-Apr-2016

Adenan: Vote for SUPP if you want a Chinese DCM

Adenan

KUCHING: If the Chinese community wants a Chinese to be appointed a deputy chief minister (DCM)in the next cabinet, then they have to vote for Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said he would consider appointing a Chinese deputy chief minister in his cabinet but it would be impossible if SUPP were to lose in the coming election.

“Of course, that is if the people want to be in the government, the only way to do this is to vote for SUPP.

“If you do not want it, you vote DAP. If you want it, you vote SUPP. And then there will be a Chinese deputy chief minister in the cabinet,” he told a news conference here last night.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang was the only deputy chief minister in the last state cabinet.

Prior to the last state election in 2011 there were two deputy chief ministers with Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan holding the other post.

However, Dr Chan lost in the election in 2011 and since then the vacant post has not been filled.
Meanwhile, Adenan lashed out at the opposition for accusing the state government of acquiring the people’s land without proper compensation.

He pointed out the Land and Survey Department had paid out RM1.67 billion in compensation to landowners for their acquired land as of March this year.

He added that the department had also acquired 42,508 hectares of land for public purposes such as constructions of schools, community halls, hospitals, clinics, drainage, government offices and mosques.

Adenan also revealed the department had issued land titles to 217,544 lots under Section 18 of the Land Code and 413,519 lots under Section 13 of the same Code.

“As far as the perimeter survey is concerned, we have gazetted 373 areas covering 538,945 hectares out of the total 465 areas covering 748,167 hectares surveyed.

“Figures do not lie, and the opposition did not talk about these figures. Every time we give land titles, it proves that the opposition has been lying about the government taking lands (without compensation).”

April 29, 2016, Friday

Lim How Pim, reporters@theborneopost.com

砂拉越华人要什么？

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RocTxJ4m1sA

火箭抨巴市会无能峇都吉当逢雨成灾

2016年4月28日

(本报古晋28日讯)位于砂拉越河左岸的6个甘榜长期所面对河水泛滥的问题，居民长期要求政

府，包括由罗克强领导的巴达旺市议会在该河畔建立河堤，防止洪水泛滥，却一直不获回音，

由此显示，由砂人联党候选人罗克强所领导的巴达旺市议会，并无法解决峇都吉当州选区的水

患问题！

砂行动党峇都吉当州选区候选人阿都阿兹今日发表文告抨击罗克强所领导的巴达旺市议会，

长期以来无法解决该区的水灾问题，表现令人失望。

文告提及的6个甘榜，包括甘榜武吉班佐、甘榜吉当拉玛、甘榜峇都吉当再也、甘榜里达打拿、

甘榜布卡兰白，及甘榜桑东。

他形容，每当古晋下起倾盆大雨，村民往往就得被迫迁入疏散中心，造成巨大不便和损失。

更甚的是，居民往往必须要承担因大水患所带来的巨额损失及心灵上的创伤。

阿都阿兹指，国阵政府只能提供仅仅500令吉的援助金，但实际上这笔钱根本无法补贴村

民所面对的损失。

对此，他呼吁国阵政府和罗克强不要再诸多借口，更不应欺骗和威胁选民说这是行动党的选区，而不愿调动资源来解决水灾问题。

他谴责，罗克强不是最近才当上市议会主席，之前曾经又是巴达旺市议员。且他还说自己是

工程师，但为何一个简单的防洪计划到现在都无法落成。

对此，阿都阿兹呼吁选民应该给予他支持，只有壮大行动党在州议会的监督力量，

才能确保该区的防洪计划在接下来5年会有进展。

Lo Khere Chiang mempunyai cara sendiri untuk mendekati pengundi

TERIMA KASIH DATANG: Lo bersalaman dengan salah seorang pengunjung yang menghadiri forum anjurannya.

KUCHING: Calon Barisan Nasional (BN-SUPP) bagi kerusi Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang mempunyai cara sendiri untuk mendekati pengundi di kawasan itu khasnya golongan belia.

Beliau memulakan kempen pilihan rayanya malam kelmarin menerusi penganjuran forum belia bertajuk ‘Fikirkan Masa Depan’ dengan harapan dapat berkongsi kebimbangan golongan itu.
Program dua dalam satu itu, ceramah dan forum yang bermula sekitar jam 8 malam diadakan di Trinity Hub, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli agak hambar dari segi kehadiran belia seperti yang diharapkan.

Mungkin ia yang pertama diadakan atau petanda Lo perlu bekerja keras lagi untuk ‘mempromosikan’ dirinya kepada pengundi di kerusi baharu itu memandang beliau merupakan muka baharu dalam arena politik di Sarawak khasnya.

Ini juga menunjukkan memegang jawatan pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) ketika ini bukan jaminan untuknya mendapat tempat di hati pengundi lebih-lebih lagi kerusi itu bakal menyaksikan pertarungan lima penjuru.

Lo akan berdepan pencabar-pencabar daripada Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Voon Shiak Ni, Abdul Aziz Isa (Parti Tindakan Demokratik), Sulaiman Kadir dan Datuk Seri Othman Bojeng masing-masing Bebas.

Meskipun begitu Lo berkata menerusi forum beliau sekurang-kurangnya tahu perkara yang menjadi kebimbangan belia ketika ini iaitu peluang pekerjaan dan pendapatan.

“Ini adalah cara yang bagus untuk bekerja dengan belia dan mungkin membolehkan belia berasa ‘dimiliki’ dalam komuniti menerusi pandangan mereka mengenai apa yang diinginkan untuk masa depan.

“Saya berharap menerusi cara ini, kita boleh bekerjasama menjadikan Batu Kitang yang lebih baik untuk golongan ini khasnya dan rakyat di sini amnya,” kata Lo.

Forum itu diselitkan dengan aktiviti-aktiviti sampingan seperti persembahan pentas oleh artis belia tempatan dan kuiz mudah yang menawarkan hadiah berupa hamper kepada pemenang.

Sementara itu, Santy Ragus, 28, yang ditemui di lokasi ceramah berkata topik dibincangkan pada forum itu memang bagus, bertepatan dengan situasi ketika ini.

Namun beliau percaya ia kurang mendapat sambutan belia Bumiputera kerana hampir 70 peratus forum itu dikendalikan dalam bahasa Cina.

Assessment rate reductions revealed

Nine tiers of residential assessment rates to receive reductions between 10 pct and 90 pct
Lead20160428

SIBU: The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has revealed in a circular the nine tiers of annual assessment rates for residential rateable holdings, which would receive between 10 per cent and 90 per cent reductions.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh confirmed the reductions apply for those paying between RM700 and RM50.01 annually, while those who currently paying RM50 and below would have their assessment rates waived.

Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said this is another initiative of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to lighten the burden of the people.

“This is especially timely as we are facing economic uncertainty and rising cost of living,” he said when chairing SMC’s monthly council meeting yesterday.

“The annual assessment rates at RM50 or below will get a 100 per cent reduction, while assessment rates amounting to RM700.01 or above will get zero reduction.”

He said for yearly assessment rates ranging between RM50.01 and RM100 the reduction will be 90 per cent, RM100.01 to RM150 (80 per cent), RM150.01 to RM200 (70 per cent), RM200.01 to RM250 (60 per cent), RM250.01 to RM300 (50 per cent), RM300.01 to RM350 (40 per cent),
RM350.01 to RM400 (30 per cent), RM400.01 to RM500 (20 per cent) and RM500.01 to RM700 (10 per cent).

This would mean those payingRM50.01 in assessment rates annually would now only need to pay RM5, while those paying RM100 annually would only need to pay RM10.

For the ninth tier, those paying RM500.01 would receive a RM50 reduction, while those paying RM700 would receive an RM70 reduction.

Tiong said refunds for those who have already settled the full year rates of RM50 and below this year would be made by end of June.

He said the state government has also decided to waive any arrears of assessment rates for residential rateable holdings under the same category.

Meanwhile, he reminded all entertainment and food outlets to obtain a licence from SMC before starting operations.

“I have received reports that some operators have been found to start their businesses without obtaining a valid licence from the council.

“The council will not hesitate to take stern action against those errant operators. We’ll work with other enforcement agencies, including the police, on fur t her ac t ions under relevant laws or regulations,” he said.

In Kuching last night, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, when addressing reporters during a dialogue with the media fraternity at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, said the government had reduced the residential property assessment rates to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.

He added that the government had calculated the potential loss in revenue, but maintained that it could a f ford the subsidy.

Under the new rates the rate payers would not need to pay anything if their assessment rates were below RM50 the highest discount for those who have to pay is 90 per cent.

When asked whether the reduction in assessment rate would affect the performance of local councils, he replied: “The fact is that most of our councils, especially in the rural areas, are already being subsidised although some of the bigger councils are self- sufficient.

April 28, 2016, Thursday

reporters@theborneopost.com

28 April 2016

SUPP seeks to be Chinese voice in state gov’t

Dr Sim (fifth right) and his party members hold up the SUPP manifesto.

KUCHING: The Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) seeks to once again represent the Chinese community in the new state government.

During SUPP’s manifesto launched yesterday, the state’s oldest party called on voters to give its new leadership a chance.

SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said it would be unhealthy for the new state government not to reflect the ethnic composition of the state.

“Our mission is to safeguard the sovereignty and inviolable rights of Sarawak and to build a stronger Sarawak for Sarawakians, to promote more policies which are transparent and beneficial to the people, and to integrate urban and rural development for the benefit of all communities,” he said.

Among the manifesto’s pledges are to safeguard autonomy, quality education, anti-corruption and clean government, boost trade and the economy as well as youth employment.

He suggested an independent committee be established in the State Legislative Assembly to look into the practices of elected representatives.

Meanwhile, when asked on SUPP’s chances in the Batu Kitang seat, he said no one could predict uncharted territory, including independent candidates.

“There are nine more days before polling and much work can be covered during that time. There is still a large group of people on the middle ground, especially in Batu Kitang, Batu Kawa and Pending. Every urban seat is a challenge, and it is critical to sell to the voters,” he said.

“I urge voters, after 10 years (under the opposition), give BN a chance. I can guarantee you will never be disappointed.”

To reporters from Peninsular Malaysia, Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak is not asking for something special, just the state’s fair share according to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“The Malaysia Agreement 1963 is still valid until today. We just want to implement what is agreed upon. The agreement is not superseded by the Constitution. Please be fair to us,” he stressed.

April 28, 2016, Thursday
Borneo Post

10am - 10th Mile Kuching

10am - 10th Mile Kuching: Two opposition candidates and the BN nominated choice to contest for Batu Kitang go on their walkabouts simultaneously in 10th Mile Kuching.

The two opposition candidates - DAP's Abdul Aziz Isa and PKR's Voon Shiak Ni - do not encounter each other as they campaign in this Chinese-majority commercial area located at the outskirts of Kuching.

Vendors at the local wet market complain about municipal issues to the opposition candidates before voicing the same more vocally, when SUPP's candidate and Padawan municipal council chairperson Lo Khere Chiang tours the area with his team.

Citing rising living costs and corrupt practices, both opposition candidates call on voters to reject the state BN government, while Lo urges calm and says more can be done by working with the state BN.
"We are able to do more to help the poor in this area," Lo declares.

28 April 2016
Malaysiakini

BN candidate Lo Khere Chiang wants better life for Bukit Kitang urban and rural folk

KUCHING, April 27 — It’s no lip service when Barisan Nasional candidate Lo Khere Chiang says he wants to fix the long standing flood problem in Batu Kitang, one of the new seats and among the most contentious in the upcoming state election.

He grew up witnessing first-hand the fear and misery of local folk living in low lying areas during rainy seasons every year.

And as a trained civil engineer and a third-term municipal council chairman of Padawan, where Bukit Kitang is, he knows the problem can be resolved.

“I was born here and I know this area very well. The drainage systems here are over 30 years. It will need a lot of money to improve the infrastructure but it can be done with the help of all especially the state government to put an end to the flooding problem,” he said.

Bukit Kitang, carved out of DAP-held Kota Sentosa and Batu Kawah, has 17,494 registered voters with 60 per cent Chinese, and the rest Bumiputera. Five candidates, including from DAP and PKR, are standing there.

At a community forum at the old bus terminal in Hua Joo Park, the 56-year-old Lo of Hakka descent and SUPP Kota Sentosa chairman said he also wants to engage the rural population to ensure no groups are left behind if voters sent him to the state legislature on May 7.

“This is not just a matter of developing the land, we must bring the people together. The rural folk must be helped to realise they can make money too, and all of us in Batu Kitang can enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.

He also wants Batu Kitang residents to have access to affordable medical care and better transportation to ease traffic jams.

Lo will continue to reach out to Chinese at community forums and ‘ceramah’.

For the Bumiputera voters in the rural areas, he will go door to door.

Asked if he feels pressured in a five-horse race in his first election bid, Lo replied: “Yes, this is my first time as a contestant, it is like sitting for an examination, and no, because I have put in a lot of effort and I am confident that voters can see that and how my credentials and experience can bring them the development Batu Kitang needs.”.

Lo worked as a public engineer in Padawan before he left two decades ago to start his own consultancy and was appointed municipal council chairman six years ago.

“In taking up the municipal post, I stipulated that no jobs from the council be given to my company. I am still here after six years and because I act fairly to ensure that allocations are shared with all communities,” he added.

Batu Kitang is among the six constituencies where opposition DAP and PKR will clash against each other, with Voon Shiak Ni and Abdull Aziz Isa respectively. Independents Sulaiman Kadir and Datuk Seri Othman Bojeng make up the rest of the contenders.

The constituency is one of 13 contested by SUPP, the Chinese-based component of the state BN.

In the crowd at Hua Park was 56-year-old grandmother Y.S.Chieng who wanted to know what Lo would do for the local economy.

“My son is a businessman and I have two grandchildren. The PKR candidate was around to shake hands with the people. After this, I want to go for a DAP ceramah,” said Chieng who decided to vote in Bukit Kitang this time instead of returning to Bintulu where she voted in 2011. — Bernama

Wednesday April 27, 2016
MalayMail & Straits Time

27 April 2016

Adenan: BN doors closed to Independents even if they win

Adenan speaking to the press during the programme.

KUCHING: No Independent candidates will be admitted into the Barisan Nasional (BN) even if they are elected in the coming election.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem highlighted this at the ‘Chief Minister Meets the Press’ programme held at the Old State Legislative Assembly today (April 26).

“There are 35 Independent candidates contesting in the 11th state election. The Independent candidates are just funny people,” he said.

In categorising them, he pointed out there were the ones who wanted to be bought, the frustrated ones, the sponsored ones and the genuine ones.

“I have been in politics for so long. I’ve noticed that there are the genuine Independent candidates but they know they can’t do anything even if they win. So they hope to be taken into BN thereafter,” he explained.

Noting that it had happened in the past, Adenan however gave a stern reminder that they (the Independents) would not be admitted into BN this time under his leadership.

“The typical example is the one who wants to be bought, thinking they can make some money out of it, but ending up not been bought, so they leave the constituency and stay home,” he said.

“The frustrated ones are those who think they are the best but later are not nominated so they ‘merajuk’ (throw a tantrum) and go independent,” he added.

While those sponsored by some “big bosses”, he elaborated, would pocket 90 per cent of the sponsored money but won’t be campaigning.

“That is like cheating,” he said, reiterating the fact that in the political history of Sarawak, no Independent candidate has been voted in twice.

April 26, 2016, Tuesday

reporters@theborneopost.com

Plea to voters to ‘Give SUPP A Chance’

KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is turning a new leaf by launching a team to fight in the coming state election in order to restore the party’s political strength and becoming a formidable Barisan Nasional (BN) component party.

The new generation of SUPP leaders comprises professionals, experienced and young leaders who dare to speak and stand up for the people.

The candidates fielded by SUPP are young professionals, experienced administrators and full time politicians.

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) had previously urged the voters to give them a chance and the voters responded to its appeal in 2006.

The voters gave DAP an overwhelming support in the 2011 state election when SUPP won only 6 out of the 19 seats it contested, with only two Chinese-majority seats.

The reasons SUPP is making the ‘give SUPP a chance’ call to voters in the coming state election are:

1. The opposition party did not deliver any benefit as well as improve the living standard of the voters in the past 10 years (some are 5 years). The voters had given the opportunity to the opposition party but they could not deliver their commitments.

2. The voters should now give the opportunities to SUPP instead for a change as the opposition party could not keep their promises.

3. SUPP should be given an opportunity to prove that the new leaders and candidates can serve the people.

4. The candidates fielded by SUPP included three young lawyers, two businessmen, two incumbent assistant ministers, engineers, other professionals and full time politicians. They have been serving the people, resolving livelihood issues, roads improvement and others in the past two to four years.

5. The 13 SUPP candidates have proved to the people that they have the abilities to serve the people. In that case, SUPP urges voters to support and elect them as state assemblymen to serve their respective constituencies full time.

6. Giving opportunities to the 13 SUPP candidates will bring tangible benefits. So, why not give SUPP candidates a try?

7. The voters can change the elected SUPP candidates if they do not deliver any tangible benefits after five years.

SUPP believes that its13 candidates will not let the voters down once they got elected in the state election. Although SUPP did not do well in the last state elections, SUPP is now different as there are many young and promising leaders and candidates who are people-oriented, reliable and daring. The candidates will keep their promises and deliver tangible benefits to the people if the voters give them the chance.

Hence, SUPP calls on all voters to give the party a chance in the coming state election.

(From left) Tonia Kon, Adam Yii, Wilfred Yap and Sih Hua Tong.

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Wednesday 27-Apr-2016

26 April 2016

Lo Khere Chiang in an unexpected five corner fight in new seat Batu Kitang

It was an unexpected five corner fights in new seat Batu Kitang as everyone expected it to be a straight fight between Barisan Nasional, Lo Khere Chiang vesus Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Voon Shiak Ni.

The two went into the nomination first, Lo with his proposal, Tan Joo Phio and seconder, Lim Lian Kee. Voon’s proposal was Narawi Palayan Miniandi and seconder, Lee Tat Sin.

When an independent candidate, Sulaiman Kadir walked in with his proposal, Tenu Kipli and seconder, Haron Sri, no one bat an eyelid until Democratic Action Party (DAP), Abdul Aziz Isa walked in at about 9.05 am, an unpleasant surprise to Voon. His proposal was Ting Kee Kai and seconder Lim Pai Lin.

About half an hour later, an independent who called himself a pro BN, Dato’ Sri Othman bin Bojeng came hurriedly in with his proposal, Zamahari bin Kopon and seconder, Jolhi bin July.

Although Batu Kitang a new seat craved out from Batu Lintang and Sentosa, it was expected to be a 50/50 chance of winning for both sides. DAP had claimed it to be their winnable seat due to a number of his supporters being transferred there due to the alienation of new seats. They gave up the seat to Voon in exchange for rural seats.

Aziz had earlier on hid in the car waiting for words from his superior to go into the nomination centre once they confirmed that PKR candidates had gone into the DAP announced seat.

At the 11^th hour both DAP and PKR held press conferences on Sunday accusing one another of overlapping in their seats which was earlier on agreed by the national leaders.

Padawan Chairman, Lo expressed surprised that his seat was hotly contested. He said even though now the seat is crowded, he is not letting his guard down. “I will continue to work hard for the Batu Kitang people,” he added saying he enjoyed his hard work and believed that he could do a lot for the people through the Barisan Nasional.

Nomination which was closed at 10 am was delayed until 11.30 am due to a discrepancies in Voon’s proposer, Narawi. However, Narawi was cleared of any wrong doing.

Returning officer at the Padawan Municipal council, Elizabeth Law announced the names of the candidate at about noon.

Batu Kitang which has 60 percent of Chinese residents has a total of 17,494 registered voters.

suppadmin | April 26, 2016