1,000 attend Wesak Day celebration

1,000 attend Wesak Day celebration

By : Natasha Jee Posted on : Thursday, May 31, 2018 Sarawak Tribune

KUCHING: 1,000 Buddhist worshipers attended the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association on Tuesday here.

Wesak is a day of the Buddha’s birthday, commemorating three significant events of the Sakyamuni Buddha’s, life, his birthday, enlightenment and his death.

The celebration, themed “Harmonious Society through Tolerance and Understanding” was organised by Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak Branch.

Representatives from Christian, Hindu and Sikh organisations, and the Islamic Information Centre were invited to witness the celebration.

The event commenced with the cutting of balloons by Sarawak United People’s Party President and Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman, Lo Khere Chiang, former Deputy Works Minister, Datuk Yong Khoon Seng and Organising Chairman, Datuk Dr Tay Chin Kin, who is also the Chairman of Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak Branch.

It was preceded with the Wesak service, which includes offering and prayers and the bathing of the Prince Siddharta statue.

Sim in his speech said that Sarawak is unique for its people have a high tolerance and understanding towards the other races.

“We can see from this celebration, aside from Buddhists, those from other races and religions are here to witness it,” he said.

He hoped that Sarawak would continue to maintain its peace and harmony, and not let extremists to jeopardise its racial unity.

Meanwhile, on the association’s new building located just beside the association, which would cost more than RM10 million, Sim said he would write to the state government and do his best to get the fund.

“I also urged the people to donate and support the association.”

Also speaking was Dr. Tay, who said that in a multi­racial and multi­religious country like Malaysia, to create a harmonious society, it is important to have mutual respect and understanding with people of different faiths.

“The world that we live in is forever changing and full of challenges. Therefore, I urge all Buddhist and Shangha members to work together to protect the dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and to ensure its purity could be sustained,” he stressed.

He said the Buddha taught about great compassion and understanding the suffering of others, and should be practiced by Buddhists for the benefits of oneself and others for a harmonious society.

Lo asks Fed for more funds

Lo asks Fed for more funds

By : Christopher Lidom Posted on : Friday, May 25, 2018, Sarawak Tribune

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) hoped that the federal government will allocate more fund for the infrastructural development in Sarawak.

According to MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang, the council received a development grant of RM45 million in 2017 for projects throughout its municipality.

He added that with the changes at the federal level, MPP will continue to submit its development proposal through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) fund application.

“We will continue our development project for the benefit of the people, and I trust that the federal government will continue to provide the much needed development project for Sarawak, so that all council, including MPP can continue to function and complete the much sought after project by the ‘Rakyat’,” said Lo during a press conference held after the MPP full council meeting at MPP Headquarters in Kota Padawan here yesterday.

He pointed out that the more the fund is provided, the better, as it would benefit the people.

Meanwhile, Lo who is also the State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang said that MPP will be focusing on flood prone areas in its jurisdiction.

He revealed that there were quite a number of areas in MPP that were prone to flood during the rainy season which was caused by the old drainage system that could not support the volume of water.

“Apart from that, the development process from the surrounding areas also contributed to the flash flood,” he added.

On another note, Lo congratulated Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg for maintaining his stand of gaining back Sarawak’s right enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA53).

“This includes the 300 nautical miles of the state sea territory,” he said.

State DAP not pushing for DPMII post for East Malaysia

 May 24, 2018, Thursday Samuel Aubrey, reporters@theborneopost.com

Leon (seated second left) is pictured after chairing a recent DAP Sri Aman meeting.

KUCHING: DAP Sarawak clarifies that it is not pushing for the creation of a deputy prime minister post for East Malaysia.

Its vice chairman Leon Jimat Donald said the call, made by DAP Batu Kitang chief Abdul Aziz Isa for the creation of the post, was merely a personal opinion and did not represent the stand of DAP Sarawak.

Aziz, who is also DAP Socialist Youth Sarawak publicity chief, has said in a press statement on Tuesday for Pakatan Harapan Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen to be appointed as second deputy prime minister in the next cabinet announcement.

“I wish to reiterate that DAP Sarawak will abide by the consensus agreed in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.

“It is my view that the request by Aziz asking for many deputy prime minister posts diminishes the power and prestige of the honourable post, which will render the position meaningless.

“What is important right now is the implementation and formulation of good and fair policies for the people of Sarawak,” said Leon yesterday.

He reiterated that DAP Sarawak would focus on pushing for policies that are beneficial to all Sarawakians rather than focusing on fighting for ministerial positions.

“The creation of deputy prime minister II post without the prestige and power is for decorative purposes only. It is merely window-dressing at best without any proper function.

“The opinion of Abdul Aziz Isa is merely his personal statement, which does not represent the position of DAP Sarawak,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah has clarified on Tuesday that there was no promise of a second deputy prime minister for East Malaysia in the coalition’s 14th general election manifesto which was presented in March.

Pembinaan jejambat di bawah Pan Borneo dalam kawasan MPP tidak akan dihentikan

‘Pembinaan jejambat di bawah Pan Borneo dalam kawasan MPP tidak akan dihentikan’

May 24, 2018

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING, Mei 24: Pembinaan empat jejambat bernilai RM200 juta di bawah projek Lebuhraya Pan Borneo yang dilaksanakan di dalam kawasan Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) tidak akan dihentikan.

Menurut pengerusi MPP Lo Khere Chiang, pelaksanaan semua projek tersebut sedang berjalan dengan baik walaupun wujud spekulasi bahawa pembinaannya mungkin tergendala disebabkan oleh pertukaran kerajaan persekutuan, yang membiayai kos Lebuhraya Pan Borneo.

“Saya yakin semua jejambat ini akan dibina sehingga siap. Ia tidak akan dihentikan kerana pembinaannya sedang berjalan,” katanya pada sidang media di ibu pejabat MPP, di sini semalam.

Projek jejambat tersebut membabitkan persimpangan lampu isyarat di Batu 10, Batu 9, Batu 4 dan Batu 6 yang dijangka siap menjelang 2020 bagi mengatasi masalah kesesakan di laluan berkenaan. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/pembinaan-jejambat-di-bawah-pan-borneo-dalam-kawasan-mpp-tidak-akan-dihentikan/

Lo attends pre­Gawai dinner

Lo attends pre­Gawai dinner

By : Connie Chieng Posted on : Wednesday, May 23, 2018, Sarawak Tribune

KUCHING : Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang attended a pre­Gawai dinner at Kampung Bentung here on Sunday. He thanked the villagers for appreciating what the state government had done for them. He revealed that in just concluded 14th General Election, the voter turnout in the village was over 90.7 percent.

“In these two years, Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg has given grants and allocations to the village. the people. He has helped in the construction of a new hall costing RM300,000 and soon, RM1 million street lights will be installed.”

Lo also pointed out that the forthcoming Gawai Dayak Festival would be enjoyed by the Chinese, Malays, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulus and other races. He added: “This is what Sarawak represents – a state of racial harmony and respect for one another”.

羅克強促往中國深造 非華中醫師大有可為

By 联合日报

发布于 May 21, 2018

罗克强（后排左7）、邓水德（后排左8）及众嘉宾一齐为中医义诊活动主持开幕仪式。

（本报古晋20日讯）巴都吉当区州议员罗克强形容，已经有数千年历史的中医药疗法获得我国政府与各族人民的肯定，中医师得以在我国医院提供中医药治疗服务。

他希望我国中医师每年定期前往中国进修，不断提升医术，为病人提供更佳的医疗服务。
他也希望更多的中学毕业生，尤其是非华裔学生，选择前往中国大学学习中医药，将来成为中医师，回国为病人服务。
“我相信非华裔中医师，在多元种族的马来西亚，将会大有可为，成为各族人民心目中的再世华佗。”
罗克强是今早代表主宾砂拉越地方政府与房屋部长拿督沈桂贤出席古晋德春抗癌协会举办中医义诊活动上致词时如是指出。他说，沈桂贤因政务繁忙而不克出席活动，深感歉意，并特别委托他代表主持开幕仪式。
此外，他也表示，来自中国、台湾及我国各地的中医师，热心参与今天的中医义诊活动，为众多的病人，提供免费咨询及治疗，药到病除。对此，他感谢古晋德春抗癌协会举办中医义诊活动，让热心的中医师由机会免费为病人提供咨询及治疗。
他希望古晋德春抗癌协会今后多举办中医诊疗讲座及抗癌讲座，让广大的民众获得宝贵的中医药知识，寻求中医师治疗各种疾病，以期恢复健康。
另一方面，古晋德春抗癌协会筹委会主席兼大会主席邓水德于活动上致词时指出，马来西亚是多元种族、多元文化的国家，也是中医和西医两种不同源流医学结合的好地方，期盼中医学者能善用资源继续发展，更期望中医药能进入政府医疗体系系统，并享有各项福利。
他说，具有5千多年的历史的中医药，结合先进科学技术，中医药走进社区带给民众健康，提升民众的健康意识，弘扬传统中医文化，让民众得到更完善的治疗，为社会贡献一份力量。
他说，主办义诊的目的是让部分种族及宗教背景的病人获得免费资讯、治疗及药物，以减轻病人的经济负担。

Acara rawatan perubatan tradisional Cina secara percuma berjaya diadakan di Kuching

DayakDaily
Acara rawatan perubatan tradisional Cina secara percuma berjaya diadakan di Kuching

May 20, 2018, 

KUCHING, Mei 20: Persatuan Anti­Kanser Teck Choon Kuching telah mengadakan acara memberikan rawatan perubatan tradisional Cina secara percuma kepada orang ramai di Tingkat 2, Kuching Sentral, di sini, bermula jam 9 pagi hari ini.

Acara kebajikan terbabit termasuk rawatan tradisional Cina berbentuk akupuntur, bekam dan urutan badan adalah selama sehari dan dianjurkan bersama Persekutuan Persatuan Tabib dan Pedagang Ubat Tionghua Malaysia dan Persatuan Holistik Semulajadi dan Perubatan Tradisional Kuching.

Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang merasmikan acara terbabit yang juga dihadiri Setiausaha Politik Ketua Menteri, Tan Kai dan Pengerusi Pengelola dan Presiden Persatuan Anti Kanser Teck Choon Kuching, Then Shui Ted.

Lo berkata pengamal perubatan tradisional Cina dari China dan Taiwan yang memberikan rawatan dan kaunseling kepada orang ramai secara percuma di acara itu dan berikutan sambutannya mengalakkan, menyarankan lepasan sekolah di negeri ini termasuk dari bukan kaum Cina supaya memilih memasuki universiti di China yang ada menawarkan pengajian dalam perubatan tradisional Cina.

Pelbagai bentuk rawatan perubatan tradisi Cina yang diberikan secara percuma kepada orang ramai di Kuching Sentral.

“Ini supaya mereka dapat menjadi pengamal perubatan tradisional Cina pada masa depan dan merawat pesakit di negeri ini. Saya percaya
pengamal perubatan terbabit yang bukan dari kaum Cina juga mempunyai potensi kerana masyarakat berbilang kaum di Malaysia,”katanya.

Disamping itu, Lo berkata terapi rawatan perubatan tradisional Cina yang berusia ribuan tahun adalah diiktiraf kerajaan China dan pengamal perubatan terbabit boleh menyediakan khidmat rawatan mereka di hospital kerajaan di China dan menyarankan pengamal perubatan tradisional Cina di negeri ini dapat kerap setiap tahun melawat China bagi menambahbaik pengetahuan dan kemahiran mereka.

“Saya juga berharap Persatuan Anti Kanser Teck Choon Kuching akan mengadakan ceramah mengenai rawatan anti kanser dan perubatan tradisional Cina selepas ini supaya orang ramai di negeri ini dapat mengetahui mengenai rawatan terbabit bagi menjaga kesihatan mereka,” katanya.

Beliau juga mendedahkan persatuan terbabit ditubuhkan bagi mengadakan aktiviti kebajikan membantu pesakit kanser melawan penyakit mereka dan juga mengurangkan beban mendapatkan rawatan kanser. — DayakDaily

SUPP eager to have meeting with BN components to discuss way forward

 May 18, 2018, Friday

KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is looking forward to a meeting with other state BN component  parties to discuss the way forward for the state, which is now in the opposition following the outcome of the just-concluded general election.

Its president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said they also see this upcoming meeting as an opportunity to address weaknesses in administrating Sarawak so that they could enhance their strengths and integrity in governance, policy-making and economic planning.

He also stressed on the point that SUPP, together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) was the government of the day in Sarawak under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We believe the four local based parties shall remain united in our mission to regain Sarawak’s rights, privileges and interests under Malaysia Agreement (MA63), Federal or State Constitution or State laws or ordinances or any other legal instruments which have been eroded over the years, as well as to ensure the existing ones are respected and duly complied with in letter and in spirit.

“Our hearts and minds are totally with the people, and we are fully committed in building a stronger and greater Sarawak that all Sarawakians can be very proud of,” he said in a statement yesterday.

On Wednesday, Abang Johari, who is also PBB president said the party was reviewing its partnership with BN and would come up with the ‘best solution in the best interest of Sarawak’.

Short of saying PBB and the other Sarawak BN components might form their own alliance, Abang Johari said the decision to stay or leave BN would be made after consulting the other state BN components.

“We will review and we will consult other state BN component parties. I have mentioned about the united coalition of Sarawak as our platform and we have to consult our Sarawak BN partners (before we make any decision),” Abang Johari was quoted as saying.

Later on the same day, PRS president and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing suggested that the component parties leave BN and form a united front to prepare for the next state election to counter Pakatan Harapan since BN might no longer appeal to Sarawakians.

Batu Danau The New BNBBC Chairman

May 17, 2017

Paulus Gumbang the new BNBBC chairman

KUCHING: Batu Danau Assemblyman, Paulus Palu Gumbang is the new Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Chairman.

Paulus taking over the helm from Abdulah Saidol following his appointment as the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Corporate Affairs) at the recent cabinet reshuffle.

Following the new line up in the BNBBC, Sadong Jaya Assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo is the deputy chairman while Samalaju Assembly, Majang Renggi is the current secretary.

Abdullah in the statement said BNBBC Chairman must have the courage to speak and debate with the opposition and to have good political sense on current issues.

The following are the new BNBBC line­up 2017­2012

Chairman – Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) 
Deputy Chairman – Aidel Lariwoo (Sadong Jaya) 
Secretary – Majang Renggi (Samalaju)
Deputy Secretary – Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar) 
Treasurer – Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang) 
Deputy Treasurer – Shafiee Ahmad (Daro)

Organising Secretary ­Mohd Razi Sitam (Saribas) 
Deputy Organising Secretary – Miro Simuh (Serembu)
Exco
1.Dr. Hazland Abg Hipni (Demak Laut)
2.Martin Ben (Kedup)
3.Wilson Nyabong Ijang (Pelagus)
4.Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing (Meradong) – dayakdaily.com

Siniawan folks show support for Jeannoth 

 May 8, 2018, Tuesday Samuel Aubrey

Miro (left) gathers some of the community leaders on the stage to rally support for BN.

BAU: The people in Siniawan and surrounding villages packed the Siniawan Community Hall to show their support for Barisan Nasional candidate in Puncak Borneo, Jeannoth Sinel during a political talk held there Monday night.

The event also gathered community leaders from the mainly Chinese-populated areas around Siniawan.

Speakers who gave their talk included Serembu assemblyman and PBB deputy youth chief Miro Simuh, a political secretary to the chief minister and SUPP youth chief Michael Tiang and PBB Youth exco member Wejok Tumik.

Batu Kitang assemblyman and SUPP assistant publicity and information secretary Lo Khere Chiang arrived later and he also spoke.

All of them gave reasons to voters on why they must vote for BN and to reject candidate from Peninsula-based parties.

Miro, in his speech, informed the audience that he needs a new ‘working partner’ in the person of a Puncak Borneo MP from BN whom he can jointly work with to bring more development to Serembu.

Serembu, along with Mambong and Tarat, are the three state seats that make up Puncak Borneo.

As such, he appealed to the Chinese voters to vote for BN in Puncak Borneo.

“I need a working partner. It will be hard to be working alone.

“Since elected as Serembu assemblyman two years ago, I have worked hard to bring development to this constituency. Siniawan Bazaar, which has existed since the 1840s, is now a popular tourist attraction and business is picking up again benefiting everyone here.

“With a new working partner, we can work together to bring more development here,” he said.

When met later, Miro said he was confident of BN retaining Puncak Borneo.

He said the support for BN is still solid in Serembu, and he believed the situation is likewise in Mambong and Tarat.

Jeannoth is a new face fielded by BN, to replace the incumbent Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit who is dropped due to health reasons.

He is challenged by Willie Mongin of PKR and Buln Ribos from STAR in a three-cornered fight.

CM: Chinese ought to give their support to SUPP in GE14

 May 8, 2018, Tuesday Marilyn Ten

Abang Johari having a light moment with some SUPP supporters. – Photos by Chimon Upon

Abang Johari and his wife Datin Patinggi Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang (seventh right) raise their fists in solidarity with Dr Sim (seventh left), Kho (sixth right). Also seen are Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (sixth left) and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang (second right).

KUCHING: The Chinese community ought to give their support to Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) in this 14th General Election (GE14) to ensure that there is strong Chinese representation from Sarawak in the Parliament.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would ensure that the state’s mission to fight for Sarawak’s rights will be further strengthened.

As such, he pointed out that under the new leadership of SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, the people must band together and show their support to him particularly in his mission to win back Stampin constituency from Democratic Action Paty (DAP).

“The last time SUPP cannot win many seats but now with the new leadership, you must show your support to the new SUPP president so that we have a strong voice and a stronger Sarawak in Putrajaya,” he said in his final keynote address for GE14 at Dataran MJC in Batu Kawah here tonight which was also attended by Dr Sim and BN candidate for Bandar Kuching Kho Teck Wan.

The state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman also gave his assurance that SUPP is now a strong party and therefore it is up to the people to support them.

“You must take care, protect and support the leaders for the future of Chinese in Sarawak.”

As Malaysians go to polls tomorrow, Abang Johari expressed his hope to see SUPP become stronger in the state after the election.

“Therefore, if we want to be strong, I ask Stampin voters to come out in throngs and vote for Dr Sim as the elected parliamentary representative of Stampin,” he urged.

He also said he viewed Dr Sim as his brother and as such, his presence tonight was to lend his support to SUPP and the BN candidate for Stampin.

“We all work together for a stronger Sarawak and much like SUPP’s slogan ‘I’m In’, we are all in.

Let us work together to build Sarawak by giving a win to BN, Dr Sim and Kho,” he expressed.

Dr Sim calls on Chinese not to punish new SUPP leadership

 May 8, 2018, Tuesday, Borneo Post

KUCHING: Chinese voters in the state should not continue to punish SUPP for the party’s past mistakes by voting for DAP.

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Stampin Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the community should instead look at the new leadership of SUPP which has been very committed in championing the rights of the Chinese as well as Sarawak’s rights in Malaysia.

“I don’t know what the situation was during the past leadership nor can I explain it, but I do apologise for what has happened.

“But what is crucial now is that my leadership is with BN Sarawak and together with the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg), we will fight and take back Sarawak’s rights and we will also right the wrong,” he told a press conference at SUPP Batu Kawah Branch service centre here yesterday.

The SUPP president also reminded Chinese voters not to be influenced by the strategies of DAP in bringing up the past mistakes of SUPP simply to garner votes.

“We are the new leadership of SUPP and we will do the right thing…I will not run away and disappear but I will fulfill all my promises,” he assured.

He added that SUPP is coming up with a blueprint specifically to champion the rights of the Chinese community in the state which include issues concerning the involvement of Chinese in the country’s public service.

However, he pointed out that all these can only be done if the Chinese community gives the mandate to SUPP this 14th general election.

As such, he called on Chinese voters to return their support to BN by voting for SUPP candidates tomorrow so that they are given the mandate to represent the Chinese community at federal level.

May 9 polls about Sarawak rights, not PM or Tun M – Dr Sim

 May 7, 2018, Monday

KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian says the May 9 polls is all about standing up for the state’s rights and nothing else.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Stampin said many still do not understand that the polls is not about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak or former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“509 (May 9) is about voting for Sarawak rights and not Najib or Tun M. However, many people still do not realise the importance of this.

“Open your eyes and look further ahead because the reality is, you can talk louder when you have the power,” he told a crowd at the SUPP Stakan branch’s ‘Friends of BN Luncheon Dialogue’ at a restaurant here yesterday.

He urged voters to send him and Bandar Kuching candidate Kho Teck Wan into parliament to speak out and stand up not only for the Chinese community in Sarawak, but for the rights of Sarawak to be respected and not ignored or suppressed any longer.

“My duty and responsibility is to fix the wrong and make things right. We don’t need to go around bad-mouthing others and talking nonsense. Voters must be wise because we want to do the right thing that will ensure a bright future for Sarawak and the young and future generations. We want to ensure Sarawakians and future Sarawakians will never be bullied ever again,” he stressed.

Dr Sim reminded voters that they must know their priority – to take care of ‘our home and backyard’ instead of being concerned about issues and problems unrelated to Sarawak.

“Come May 9, vote for Number 1 (in the ballot paper) in Stampin and Bandar Kuching for your future. If we work hard together, nothing is impossible. We cannot lose this battle because we must affirm and assert our position, power and authority,” he added.

Think rationally when voting on polling day – Dr Sim

 May 7, 2018, Monday Marilyn Ten, Borneo Post

Dr Sim speaking during the press conference. To his left is Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.

KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Stampin Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian is calling on voters particularly the Chinese community in Stampin parliamentary constituency to think rationally when voting come polling day.

He expressed his hope that the Chinese voters in Stampin will open up their minds and think things through before casting their vote on May 9.

“If they vote for BN, I promise that I will serve the rakyat to the fullest and bring forth change and development in the constituency,” he told a press conference at SUPP Batu Kawah branch office here today.

Dr Sim is contesting against DAP’s Chong Chieng Jen this parliamentary election.

The Local Government and Housing Minister also called on the Chinese voters to take into account his performance and achievement as Batu Kawah assemblyman where he has been fully committed in bringing development and helping the people in the constituency since he was elected in 2016.

“I hope they can assess my personal character and achievements so far even though I’ve only been serving for two years.”

Dr Sim promises to help parents burdened by cost of computer class

 May 7, 2018, Monday, Borneo Post

KUCHING: Parents who send their children to schools in the Stampin parliamentary constituency may soon not have to worry about the extra cost placed upon them by their children’s computer classes.

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said should he win this election, he will come up with a special programme to help ease the burden of the parents.

“This is the main complaint given to me during this campaign. I did not realise this as I do not have children in primary and secondary schools anymore.

“I was told these computer classes gave an additional cost for these parents and is a burden to them,” he said in his daily press conference at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Kawah branch yesterday.

He said he realised the matter during his many visits to schools in Stampin during the campaign trail, and felt that the extra cost is unfair to parents in the area.

On his billboards being vandalised with Parti Kedilan Rakyat (PKR) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) logos, Dr Sim jested that he never realised the opposition wanted so badly for him to join them.

“I will not join them because they are not Sarawak-based parties. Instead, I urge DAP and PKR members in Sarawak to join Sarawak-based political parties rather than peninsula-based parties because only BN Sarawak can make the difference of who can form the federal government.

“So you might as well come and join us,” he said.

On PH flying in speakers from Peninsular Malaysia for political talks here, he said SUPP chose to rely on its own members rather than seek ‘outside help’.

“Our speakers may not as good in public speaking (as those from Peninsular Malaysia), but we try to groom and give opportunity to local Sarawakians to speak.”

28 of 31 seats within reach 

 May 6, 2018, Sunday Lim How Pim, reporters@theborneopost.com

Abang Johari gestures during the interview. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

CM says BN confident of bettering 2013 results, doubt over Sibu, Lanang and Miri seats

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg remains confident of winning 28 of the 31 seats after seven days of campaigning in this parliamentary election.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak chairman, however, declined to name the three seats that the state coalition might not be able to wrest from the opposition.

“No, I cannot pinpoint (which) but I know the three seats. I cannot tell you now until that (polling) night. Just now I indicated, (it’s) up to you people (journalists) to analyse,” he told the media at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here last night.

He had earlier hinted that the three seats “are not in Kuching, but in Sibu and one in Miri”, adding that BN was optimistic of securing victory in Stampin.

“(For) Kuching…there is a possibility we can win Stampin. I know the Chinese (community) have to decide between the two (candidates)”.

BN candidate Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, is taking on Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen in Stampin.

In the 2013 general election, BN lost six seats to DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). The seats are Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Sibu and Lanang (to DAP) as well as Miri (PKR).

Abang Johari said he had visited several areas across the state and based on these visits, he believed that the state BN’s earlier prediction of 28 seats is achievable.

“Not only can we retain the 25 seats, but we can also win a few more seats contested by DAP and PKR.”

According to him, Sarawakians want to see continuity of infrastructure development and the implementation of digital economy.

He said people of Sarawak, including those in the rural areas, are ‘receptive’ to digital economy.

Citing Selangau as an example, he said 50 per cent of voters there are young people who look forward to the new digital economy agenda as well as the state’s efforts to assert its rights.

He stressed that there is a difference between asserting and getting back the state’s rights, adding: “We are in the process of asserting our rights.”

To a question, Abang Johari said individuals with background in economics such as himself would understand the need for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

“Almost all countries in the world have GST, and GST is transparent. SST (Sales and Services Tax) is not transparent because some people can evade SST. Also, the rate of GST is lower than SST.

“All developed and developing countries like Singapore and Thailand have GST. Singapore is even increasing its GST rate but we maintain at six per cent,” he said, adding that the opposition kept harping on GST but had failed to mention that SST had been abolished.

“In some countries, GST is called VAT, which is Value Added Tax. It is a mechanism
for the country to collect revenue.”