KUCHING, 19 Nov: Calon Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Lo Khere Chiang turun membuang undi di Pusat Mengundi Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan (SK) Garland di sini, jam 10:05 pagi tadi.
Menurut Lo, beliau ditemani oleh ahli keluarganya yang turut membuang undi di pusat mengundi yang sama.
Pusat mengundi SK Garland dibuka pada jam 7:30 pagi, terdapat sembilan saluran di pusat mengundi ini.
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia turut menempatkan pegawai kesihatan di pusat mengundi bagi membantu proses individu positif COVID-19 menunaikan tanggungjawab undi mereka.
Kerusi Parlimen Stampin meyaksikan pertandingan tiga penjuru antara Chong Chieng Jen dari parti DAP, Lo dari SUPP dan Lue Cheng Hing dari Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).
Lo Khere Chiang juga merupakan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang dan Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP). – TVS
KUCHING: The voting process at SK Garland Batu Kawah voting centre here was hampered when early voters were not properly informed on the proper point of entry and location of registration counters.
It is learnt that one of the two gates at the voting centre was left closed for two hours.
However, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Stampin candidate Lo Khere Chiang, who was present to cast his vote, made quick work of the issue which affected a number of voters who were waiting in front of the closed gate.
“I called the Election Commission (EC) staff who were on duty to open the gates because they were used to using the entrance beside the traffic light,” he said.
He said the gate was closed to avoid traffic congestion in the area.
Lo also assured that electorates are also being properly briefed on the location of the registration counters, which were stationed at the back entrance of the school.
In the meantime, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Stampin candidate Chong Cheng Jen also expressed his disappointment with the situation.
“Such a situation should not be happening in the first place and I am very disappointed.
“I hope this will not happen again in the future,” he said.
Voters forced to use a small route to make their way to the polling centre
Padawan council on mission to change toilet culture starting with schools
Lo (right) presents a prize to SMK Sri Matang’s representative. Also seen is MPP deputy secretary (planning and development) Goh Thiam Ho.
KUCHING (Dec 9): Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is working to change the public’s attitude towards toilet cleanliness by focussing on schools.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said schools are the best place to encourage the proper use of toilets.
Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman, said basic toilet manners must be taught from a young age.
“If we can continue the toilet cleanliness programme in schools, students will be able to tell their parents and elders on the importance of keeping the toilet clean at home, in public places, and anywhere.
“By having such a good habit, flush the toilets after use, others also can enjoy clean toilets,” he said at the public toilet cleanliness and poster drawing competition for primary and secondary schools today.
He pointed out that keeping toilets clean in public areas, shopping malls, and coffeeshops should come naturally without constant reminders and warnings.
He said if everyone played a part in improving the condition of public toilets, over time, dirty and unhygienic toilets would be a thing of the past.
A total of 40 students from 16 schools participated in the poster drawing competition, while 15 schools took part in the public toilet cleanliness competition.
Cherlin Ong Jin Ding from SMK Jalan Arang won the poster drawing competition, while schoolmate Annabel Ch’ng Wan Yii and Xaviera Hannah Harmizan from SMK Sains Kuching Utara were second and third respectively.
Kolej Vocational Matang topped the public toilet cleanliness competition (secondary schools), followed by SMK Sri Matang in second place, and SMK Agama Matang 2 in third.
For the primary school category, SK Telaga Air emerged champion, SK Temenggong finished second, and SK Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru was third.
Bau gets Christmassy with special decor including 30-foot tree, Nativity scene
Lo (second left) officiates at the lighting ceremony. Ng is at second right.
BAU (Dec 9): The Bau District Council (MDB) has gone all out to decorate the town for Christmas with the centrepiece being a 30-foot Christmas tree.
The tree, Christmas Globe, and Nativity scene were officially unveiled during a lighting ceremony last night.
Council secretary Ng Siang Wei said decorating the town for Christmas began last December after the Covid-19 situation improved.
Following a positive response from the public and sponsors, he said organisers hope to make the event better, brighter, and more lively for Bau folk each year.
“I was given to understand by our sponsor that this year’s Christmas tree is taller than the one last year. This year the tree is 30 feet high, last year was 20 feet high.
“Today (Dec 8) is our second Christmas Tree Lighting Up Ceremony and this year we have added in the launching of Christmas Globe and Christ’s Manger as additional Christmas structures this year.
“Yes, only here in Bau, we have the privilege to have all of these structures in public places like this when normally you can find this in hotels or shopping malls,” he said in his speech.
Ng said the event would not be possible without sponsors and funds from well-wishers, including those from outside Bau.
Members of the public take photos with the Christmas decorations.
“With the contributions by the sponsors and the support by our YB Datuk Henry (Harry Jinep), we can see that all the Christmas structures that have been put up and the event here tonight will certainly make Bau town more vibrant, especially during this upcoming festive season.
“We can see on social media where all these decorative Christmas structures have gone viral,” he added.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang officiated at the event on behalf of Henry, who is Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine).
Lo also represented Henry to present Christmas goodie bags to the Bau, Sinar Harapan Kampung Duyoh, Singai, Siniawan, and Cahaya Kasih Serasot community-based rehabilitation centres.
In his speech, the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman said he was impressed with the great atmosphere and turnout for the event.
He added this showed Bau is a vibrant town with many activities and big tourism potential.
Father Paul Herry from St Stephen’s Church blessed the Christmas decorations.
The programme for the night included Christmas carols by a band and a fireworks display.
Matang’s Petra Vistana housing project due for completion in 2030
(From left) Khor, Fathi, Dr Sim, Hii and Lo are pictured performing a symbolic launch at the groundbreaking ceremony for Vistana Housing Project.
KUCHING (Dec 8): Petra Vistana or Taman Koperkasa housing project in Matang here is expected to be completed by 2030, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced.
The housing project will include 739 units of terraced houses, 68 units of semi-detached houses, 28 units of detached houses and 40 units of shophouses, said the Premier in his speech, delivered by Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented him at the groundbreaking ceremony here yesterday.
“I sincerely hope that this project involving four blocks of housing projects with 835 mixed development units will provide a comfortable home for its residents and to help alleviate housing problems in the Kuching urban area,” he added.
Dr Sim, also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government represented the Sarawak Premier for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Vistana Housing Project at its site near Taman Kopodims in Matang.
According to Abang Johari, the 35.5 hectare project land was given to Koperasi Koperkasa Sarawak Berhad (Koperkasa) in the 1980s but the housing project was delayed due to unavoidable issues.
“In that regard, I must congratulate Koperkasa for being able to carry on with this project and I sincerely hope that the success of this project will be another success story in Koperkasa’s efforts to benefit its members,” he said.
On a related matter, Abang Johari expressed hope that the Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme (HDAS) introduced by the state government will help potential home buyers pay a deposit of RM10,000 for their housing loan.
“This is a unique scheme and is only available in Sarawak to help those from the B40 and M40 groups,” he said.
Also present at the groundbreaking ceremony were Padawan Municipal Council Chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang; Chief Executive Officer of Green Summit Development (GSD) Southland Sdn Bhd James Hii Sing Lung; Koperkasa Sarawak Berhad chairman Fathi Hambali and GSD Managing Director Khor Ooi Long.
Lo hopes SUPP represented in Anwar’s unity govt administration
Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING (Dec 8): Sarawak United People’s Party (Supp) deputy secretary-general Lo Khere Chiang is hopeful that the party will be represented in the federal unity government administration.
He said as deputy ministers had yet to be appointed, the party could have an MP appointed but acknowledged it is the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Let’s leave it to the wisdom of our leaders and the will of God. There is a saying … man proposes … God disposes,” he said in response to reports Anwar may announce deputy ministers this week.
The Batu Kitang assemblyman said SUPP may not have a full minister post, but its partners in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) lead five ministries and the coalition also holds a deputy prime minister post.
He pointed out politics has always been a numbers game.
“That’s why I had hoped that GPS would win all 31 seats in Parliament to send a strong and formidable force into Parliament to protect the interests of Sarawak.
“Ministers’ and deputy ministers’ posts are an advantage but what is more important is our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and all that is written under the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGCR),” he said.
In the recently concluded parliamentary election, SUPP contested in seven seats — Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Serian, Sarikei, Lanang, Sibu, and Miri, but only won Serian and Sarikei.
However, this was one seat more than during the 2018 parliamentary polls when the party only won Serian.
Last month, SUPP deputy president Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem won Serian for a record eighth term, while Repok assemblyman Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii managed to wrest Sarikei from the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Proposed flyover project in front of Penrissen Camp submitted to JKR, says deputy minister
The Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) said the proposed project had been requested for consideration under the 12th Malaysia Plan (Rolling Plan 3, 2023). — Bernama photo
KUCHING (Nov 24): A proposal to construct a flyover at the traffic light junction in front of Penrissen Camp here has been submitted to the Public Works Ministry (JKR), said Aidel Lariwoo.
The Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) said the proposed project had submitted for consideration under the 12th Malaysia Plan (Rolling Plan 3, 2023).
He said this when answering a question from Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang during the question and answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Responding to Lo’s supplementary questions, Aidel said the scope of works for the proposed project are the construction of a flyover at Mile 8 junction; widening of the existing Mile 8 signalised junction and widening of the existing four-lane road to a six lane road connecting from Mile 7 flyover until Mile 10 flyover.
“If implemented, the construction period for the project will take 36 months,” he added.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Stampin candidate Lo Khere Chiang. Foto: TVS.
KUCHING, Nov 18: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Stampin candidate Lo Khere Chiang said the coalition is the holy grail for all Sarawakians and their rights can only be protected by the party.
And called on Sarawakians to vote for a responsible Malaysian government ‘that breaks out of the West Malaysian way of thinking’.
Adding that the GE15 is about electing a federal government that will be fair to Sarawak and change the governmental system for the betterment of the country.
“The current government is denying Sarawak its autonomy, slowing down our progression by canceling all development projects, giving us crumbs as funds so we cannot build more schools to increase the literacy rate and also quality of healthcare of our beloved Sarawak.
“If you vote for the opposition, you will be supporting a West Malaysian party which does not care for the welfare of Sarawakians,” Lo said in a press statement today.
Elaborating, Lo debunks the allegation that was circulated in which a vote for GPS, is a vote for UMNO.
“I would like to repeat once again that voting for GPS is not voting for UMNO. Voting for GPS is voting for Sarawak. GPS will join whoever that offers Sarawak the best deal.”
As such, he added that Sarawakians can make history on polling day tomorrow (Nov 19) if Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is given the mandate with all 31 parliamentary seats delivered to the ruling state coalition. – TVS
Teach DAP a lesson for failures during PH’s 22-month reign, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim gestures when speaking at the campaign event. – Photos by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 17): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) needs to be taught a lesson for their failures during Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) 22 months in power, said Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president urged voters to give their mandate to all 31 Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidates so that the coalition can champion Sarawak’s rights and interests in Parliament.
“This is a parliamentary election and an election that is about protecting Sarawak’s interests and not individuals. Our candidates will be committed to defend the state’s rights when they are elected to the Parliament,” he said during a campaign event near Aeroville Mall, Jalan Stutong Baru last night.
He cited the cancellation of projects that were supposed to be implemented in the state as among the PH federal government’s failures.
The Deputy Premier said GPS is committed to supporting a stable federal government after the election and the political coalition will never betray the state’s interests.
According to him, Sarawak needs to take advantage of the political infighting and instability currently happening in Peninsular Malaysia by uniting and consolidating its political power via 31 GPS MPs to reclaim the state’s rights.
Dr Sim also reiterated that GPS is not affiliated with any national political coalition and that GPS will only negotiate with the winners on election night.
He said even PH has expressed its willingness to work with GPS to form a stable federal government after the election.
Tay (left) and Lo pose for a photo during the campaign event. – Photo by Chimon Upon
GPS Stampin candidate Lo Khere Chiang and GPS Bandar Kuching candidate Tay Tze Kok also spoke at the event.
Lo said he will fight for autonomy over health and education matters if he is elected to Parliament, as well as seek to construct a secondary school in Batu Kitang and a fire station in Stampin.
Tay stressed that GPS is a fully local political coalition that promotes inclusive policies in a culturally and racially diverse society.
KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for Stampin Lo Khere Chiang is keeping his cool after being given the monicker ‘Empurau King’ in a fake video clip.
An allegedly doctored video clip had gone viral on social media, purportedly showing Lo commenting on empurau (an expensive fish that takes three years to reach marketable size), insinuating that he looked down on people who couldn’t afford to eat the exotic fish.
Lo said he was not bothered by attempts to mislead the voters of Stampin constituency.
“A lot of people called me names over the years. It doesn’t bother me at all. I only do the right thing and I’m very sorry for those who take advantage and try to misquote me and paint a bad picture of me.
“I’m very sorry for them, I would like to thank our cyber ‘friends’ who try to discredit me. But, in the end, I think I have got more friends on cyber because when something is right, it is right.
“And when somebody tries to paint a wrong picture, they will have to paint another 100 pictures to cover that wrong information and it doesn’t work,” he told reporters at the unity dinner at Arang Road Basketball Court here, on Tuesday (Nov 15).
A police report was lodged over the fake video clip on Nov 14.
Lo, who is also the Batu Kitang assemblyman, advised cyber troopers, especially the young ones, to be careful and adopt the right path.
“Follow the right boss, don’t follow the wrong boss, follow the right boss and you will go far, follow the wrong boss and you end up in jail,” he said.
On his chances of wresting Stampin from the opposition, Lo said this time the seat would belong to GPS.
“This is the first time we are going to take Stampin. We have lost Stampin to Democratic Action Party (DAP) for three terms. So, this is the first time we are going to take it back.
“Therefore, I cannot tell you how many votes we are going to garner, but I can tell you we are going to take it this time,” he said.
He also said only GPS would be able to deliver its promises as the coalition emphasised the ‘Sarawak First’ slogan.
“Malayan parties will only take care of their interests, and therefore, if you vote DAP, you are voting for a Malayan party. And Malayans will only ‘gabung’ (join forces) with Malayan parties.
“And we don’t know who is going to ‘gabung’ with who after this election because politics in Malaya is in a mess,” he said.
He stressed that GPS was the only party that Sarawakians should vote for to represent Sarawak’s interests to protect the state, to protect Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and to get back all its rights, wealth and autonomy.
On his priority tasks if he won the seat, Lo said he would fight to get as much funds from the federal government to develop Stampin.
“I will also make sure that we will protect Sarawak’s rights under MA63, put Sarawak first all the time and take back the autonomy that DAP only pledged but was unable to deliver to Sarawak.
“I will go and fight for this, I will pursue where DAP has failed,” he said.
Abang Johari takes a selfie with a GPS supporter. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 17): The Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will address the issue of flood-prone areas under Stampin, particularly the Stampin resettlement scheme, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said an allocation of RM350 million would be set aside for projects to resolve the issue by next year.
“I was briefed earlier that areas here in Stutong tend to flood due to lowlands and that flash floods tend to occur whenever there’s heavy rain.
“I have checked to see if we still have any more allocation for the new year and I will allocate RM350 million and we will carry out the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) project there,” he said at Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) ceramah which was held at the compound of Aeroville Mall in Stutong last night.
He gave his assurance that he along with SUPP candidate for Stampin and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, would do what they can to come up with a proper plan to resolve the flood woes in these constituencies.
“I will bring the general manager of Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) with me tonight (to check the areas) and this is what we call development.
“When we want to transform, whatever we promise, we must deliver and I have delivered my promise all this while unlike the Stampin MP (Chong Chieng Jen) who never came to check. He only ‘tengok saja’,” he said in citing SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian’s favourite catchphrase.
This elicited cheers from a raucous crowd who came in throngs to hear the Premier stump for GPS candidates Lo who is gunning for a win in Stampin, and Eric Tay Tze Kok, who is contesting in Bandar Kuching.
Abang Johari said the time is nigh for GPS to wrest Stampin and Bandar Kuching constituencies from Democratic Action Party (DAP) following the coalition’s success in recapturing Kota Sentosa in the state election last year.
“This general election marks the first time GPS is contesting on its own without any affiliation to other parties.
“We are on our own. We have fielded 31 candidates in all state parliamentary constituencies and we want all of these seats to be won by GPS,” he said.
The GPS chairman urged voters in Sarawak not to be taken in by the sweet promises of opposition parties such as DAP.
“Someone previously said that Sarawak will go bankrupt within three years but instead, our revenue has increased over the years and we are now financially stronger.
“That is why I want to set up our sovereign wealth fund with the tabling of the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting next week.
“I will also be announcing the state’s total revenue in the Sitting then. I can’t announce the figure just yet but I can assure you that it’s a double-digit billion and hence the reason why I dare to announce an allocation of RM350 million to address the issue of floods,” he said.
Later, Abang Johari when asked whether GPS campaigns have been successful in winning voters over, told reporters to wait till polling day.
“We’ll see on Nov 19 how’s the response (of the voters),” he said when met briefly.
