名人传记珍藏系列．恪守从政初衷服务社会．罗克强惟尽忠诚 - 地方 - 南砂

罗克强（右三）经常在咖啡店接触民众，了解地方上的民生问题。

即便如此，一心只想为民服务的罗克强，从未想过自己有朝一日会成为竞选团队最重要人物，即候选人。

他担任古晋县参议会工程师4年后，因成立工程顾问公司，决定辞去议会职位。惟叶金来认为他是难得的后起之秀，极力拉拢他留在服务前线，说服他转换角色，担任古晋县参议会的县议员。

当时尚年轻的罗克强询问父亲的意见，父亲大力支持，鼓励他继续在社区服务。父亲告诉他，本身受教育程度不高，无法从政，但儿子在海外留学归来，应该从政服务人民。

罗克强在父亲鼓舞下，接受担任古晋县参议会县议员的献议，并负责县参议会工程单位，发挥所长。

每逢农历新年，峇都吉当选区各族人民踊跃向罗克强（右三）贺年。

人民放首位 最看重效率

罗克强凭着杰出服务表现，2010年出任巴达旺市议会主席。6年后，他获得人联党推荐出战当时新划分的选区峇都吉当，一举中选成为人民代议士，在更大的平台延续其为民服务的使命。

担任峇都吉当区州议员后，罗克强积极在砂议会殿堂为民请命，为所有砂拉越同胞发声，捍卫权益，这也是他认为目前本身政治生涯中，最重要的成就。

拥有工程师背景的罗克强（右二）了解每个工程项目资料和施工难度，随时给予意见和指导。

整体上，他最看重卫生和教育自主权，这是塑造砂拉越更好未来的关键。而在其选区峇都吉当，他几乎全年无休，走入马来人和伊班人甘榜，以及华人聚集的地区服务，致力解决地区上居民面对的民生问题。他很欣慰自己能够融入社区，贴近民众的生活，更重要的是，将他们的心声带入砂议会。

他认为，最大的挑战是需要满足选民的期望，解决道路、排水及基础设施等问题。而他的工程师背景让他在面对及处理这些问题时迎刃有余，能完全了解每个工程项目资料和施工难度，随时给予意见和指导。

始终把人民放在首位的罗克强，最看重的是效率。他坦言，其代议士的身份让他更轻易接洽政府部门或其他机构。以前担任市议会主席时，需要事先和政府部门官员预约才能见面，而成为人民代议士后，他可直接登门寻找官员处理及反映课题。

罗克强看重服务效率，急切在繁忙道路鉴定有待修补的路段。

可以不参与政治 不能不关心政治

也就是这种急切为民解决问题的心态，才让罗克强一直在基层保持良好的声望。在2021年砂选举，第二度出战峇都吉当的罗克强轻松击败对手，顺利蝉联，而且多数票比5年前首次胜利多出不少，这证明其为民服务的理念得到基层的大力肯定。

若当初的罗克强只想在本身创立的工程顾问公司大展拳脚，那他肯定不会在政治上保持活跃，也不会有今日一心为民服务的罗克强。

所以，他最想给年轻人的劝告是，若真心想要从政，就必须一心为民服务，而不是谋取利益。

罗克强（左二）一家人与砂总理阿邦佐哈里（左三）及夫人祖玛安妮（右三）合影。左为罗克强儿子罗剑雄，右起为女儿罗慧婷及罗克强太太林碧云。

“加入政党后，不要问党能够为我做什么？也不要追求任何职位，不管是市议员、社区领袖或部长，若抱这样的念头，肯定会失望。因为职位只有一个，总不可能满足所有人。”

他认为，如果每个人参政都能善用平台，积极为民服务，那国家及社会肯定会更好，进而带动落实更多发展，让人民生活水平有所提升，也惠及下一代。

有些人对政治不感兴趣，只想从商或从事其他事业，罗克强亦认同人各有志，惟他认为政治有其重要性，人们可以不参与政治，但不能不关心政治，因为政治与每个人生活息息相关。比如从商者，若政局不稳定，国家经济发展就会受到影响，外资也不愿意前来投资。

对他而言，政治和许多事，包括经济发展是分不开的，唯有政治稳定，经济才会起飞，造福社会。

罗克强积极在砂议会殿堂为民请命。

罗克强（右三）在2016年出战新划分的选区峇都吉当，一举中选成为人民代议士。

仰慕开发型国家领导人

谈起最仰慕的政治人物，罗克强列举砂总理拿督巴丁宜阿邦佐哈里、中国国家主席习近平、前中国国家主席毛泽东及前新加坡总理李光耀，他们皆具有共同特点，即懂得如何争取发展，为国家和地区带来繁荣与强盛。

他说，阿邦佐哈里上任以来大力推动数字经济和绿色能源发展，还成立砂石油公司和接管峇贡水坝等，致力开拓更多收入来源，改善砂人民生活。习近平也像阿邦佐哈里那样具有远见和魄力，其领导的中国富强，连美国都要让他三分。

“毛主席也是我非常佩服的领袖，因为他成功改变中国人民的生活，从艰苦至富裕，巩固社会团结，让中国享有如今的世界地位。”

罗克强（左）服务的对象不分种族及宗教。

新加坡当年只是一个弹丸小国，惟在李光耀领导下，新加坡崛起成为国际经济强国，甚至超越马来西亚。罗克强认为，这必须归功李光耀的领导能力和胆识，让新加坡迅速发展和崛起。

在罗克强眼中，振兴经济和带动发展，是优秀政治人物不可或缺的能力。

而为了确保优秀政治人物不断涌现，他认为栽培人才是政治人物重要的责任之一。就如当初引进和提拔他的前辈领袖那样，他如今也想扮演同样角色，积极培养新晋政治领袖接班，维持人联党与砂拉越的前进步伐。

罗克强（中）在活动上自弹自唱，展现才华。

反感政治人物 霸着位子不走

罗克强非常反感一直霸占位子不愿退位的政治人物，因为这是自私心态，若每个政治人物皆如此，国家就会遭殃。

“我们要认清后浪推前浪的事实，一定要栽培年轻人接班，让他们成为有魄力的领袖，砂拉越才会越来越强大，在国际舞台与其他国家地区竞争。”

展望未来，罗克强希望继续与基层携手努力，解决地区上的民生问题，在议会殿堂积极为民请命，致力推动拥有多元文化的砂拉越保持和谐与繁荣发展。他的愿望是希望砂拉越人的权益得到尊重和维护，尽早索回卫生和教育自主权，让世世代代砂拉越人享有美好富足的生活。

https://www.sinchew.com.my/?p=5828186

SUPP Batu Kitang Branch re-elects Lo as chairman; line-up for 2025-2027 term unveiled

Nov 25, 2024 @ 19:15

Lo (seated 5th left) photographed with the SUPP Batu Kitang Branch Executive Council for 2025-2027 term during its Triennial Delegates Meeting on Nov 22, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Nov 25: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang Branch has re-elected Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang as its chairman during its Triennial General Meeting (TGM) held last Friday (Nov 22).

Here’s a look at SUPP Batu Kitang Branch’s new line-up for the 2025-2027 term:

Post	Name
Branch Chairman	Dato Lo Khere Chiang
Deputy Chairman	Lim Lian Kee
Vice Chairman	1. Kapitan Bong Czin Joong 2. Ng Kong Phing
Secretary	Cr Amy Tnay Li Ping
Assistant Secretary	Chai Mi Lip
Treasurer	Kapitan Lim Eng Kok
Assistant Treasurer	Kapitan Kuan Ted Chai
Youth Chief	Alvin Chong Nyuk Fah
Women Chief	Doreen Chong
Organising Secretary	Gerald Goh Teck Joo
Assistant Organising Secretary	Voon Boon Han
Publicity Secretary	Fang Toung Shyuan
Assistant Publicity Secretary	Chin Kui Siong
Recreation Officer	Lee Chuk Hua
Assistant Recreation Officer	Tan Nyiat Lee
Welfare Officer	Jong Foh Kiang
Assistant Welfare Officer	Jong Mui Eng
Training Officer	Junior Sng
Assistant Training Officer	Pui Foh Kong
Committee Members	1. Chua Kon Lan 2. Phu Chuan May 3. Chong Hock Sin 4. Chai Ming Feng 5. Tan Hui Hia 6. Yusri B. Suhaili 7. John Pata Ak James Jumin 8. Suzzilawati Bt. Suhaili 9. Anna Soti Ak Mitas 10. Andrian David Junior 11. Leonora Natra Ak Gudom 12. Andry Nyuwep 13. Jordan Hu 14. Amy Chong 15. Ngui Su Ing 16. Goh Zi Ying 17. Kuan Yew Xun 18. Gordon Surein 19. Chu Ai Min 20. Lim Mee Fung 21. Sheila Sng Sze Sze 22. Jee Soh Mah

A group photo of SUPP Batu Kitang Branch’s Women Section for the 2025-2027 term.

— DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/supp-batu-kitang-branch-re-elects-lo-as-chairman-line-up-for-2025-2027-term-unveiled/

Batu Kitang rep: Sarawak, Sabah need at least 74 seats in Parliament

Nov 13, 2024 @ 17:38

Dato Lo Khere Chiang in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting on Nov 13, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawak and Sabah need at least 74 seats or more in Parliament to veto any constitutional rights that may be detrimental to the Bornean states, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang.

He said the creation of 74 new seats will realise both States’ demand to have 35 per cent parliamentary seats, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Currently, Sabah and Sarawak hold only 56 seats, or less than one third of the total 222 parliamentary seats,” he said when debating in support of the Supply (2025) Bill, 2024 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

He said while discussions on increasing Sabah and Sarawak’s parliamentary representation began in 2022 and 2023, no decisive actions have followed.

“The Deputy Prime Minister suggests it may take two to three years to resolve, but progress has been excruciatingly slow. Action is needed, not just promises—this is urgent,” he added.

At the same time, Lo took a jab at Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen for failing to acknowledge the increase in Sarawak’s reserves from RM31 billion to RM40 billion, even as Malaysia’s national debt rose to RM1.3 trillion.

Earlier, Chong during his debate speech, raised questions regarding the ‘Alternative Funding’ scheme under the proposed Sarawak Budget 2025, suggesting it could add an additional RM7.458 billion in spending on top of the budget. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-sarawak-sabah-need-at-least-74-seats-in-parliament/

Lo proposes setting up Sarawak’s own ride-hailing company

SARAWAK should establish its very own ride-hailing company with a fleet of commercial vehicles serving residential areas, ART stations, hospitals and major malls.

The suggestion comes from Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) who said that fares can be subsidised to ensure affordability, thus reducing private vehicle use.

“Buses could also offer real-time tracking via an app, similar to Grab, improving efficiency and user-friendliness,” he said in support of the Supply Bill 2025 on Wednesday (Nov 13).
.
“Besides providing locals jobs and attracting tourists and investors, our fleet of clean, air-conditioned Sarawakian buses and commercial vehicles could be decorated with Sarawakian motifs to highlight our local culture,” he added.

On another matter he called for a collaborative effort to effectively address and mitigate illegal activities and increase security in the Batu Kitang area.

“Recently, there appeared to be a number of coffee shops in the towns which may have been used for illegal gambling and online activities.

“This has led to an escalation of small-scale thieving and reports of robberies. One contributing factor appears to be the limited police patrol and personnel presence with limited patrol vehicles available in the Padawan area.

“There is also very limited CCTV coverage in the area,” he said.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/lo-proposes-setting-up-sarawaks-own-ride-hailing-company/

Sarawakians first for civil service in state, says Batu Kitang rep

November 13, 2024, Wednesday at 9:32 PM

Lo says that this principle should also extend to the police force, where top-ranking positions are often filled by officers from the Peninsular, thereby limiting opportunities for qualified Sarawakians. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (Nov 13): Give priority to Sarawakians to serve in the civil service in the state, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.

While highlighting the need to prioritise the ‘Borneonisation’ of civil service in the state, Lo opined that the current quota system that limits Sarawakian teachers and doctors from working in the state be removed, in line with the rights of Sarawakians as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Sending teachers from the Peninsular here has led to issues like high absenteeism and unfamiliarity with subjects, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), whereas Sarawakian teachers are better connected to local communities and thrive in familiar environments.

“West Malaysian teachers are reluctant to transfer to Sarawak, and many of them, like many Sarawakians, face the difficult choice of leaving ageing parents or caring for sick family members,” said Lo in debating the Supply (2025) Bill 2024 at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Sarawakian doctors should also be prioritised to practise in our own public hospitals, and it should not be compulsory for West Malaysian doctors to serve here, he reiterated.

“Local talents who understand our context ought to be given the opportunity,” he said, while commending the state Education Minister for pushing the move towards recruiting Sarawakian teachers, thus reducing reliance on federal provisions.

Lo stated that this principle should also extend to the police force, where top-ranking positions are often filled by officers from the Peninsular, thereby limiting opportunities for qualified Sarawakians.

“Many excel locally but are reassigned to roles in Malaya, perpetuating division and undermining our representation.

“Empowering Sarawakians in these roles will strengthen our institutions and ensure that our state’s interests are truly represented, as envisioned in the drafting of MA63,” he said.

Speaking about his stance against Malayan parties, he said the introduction of Malayan parties into Sarawak undermines its representation and threatens to reduce the current 25 per cent allocation of parliamentary seats, thereby eroding the constitutional rights.

“Historically, the founding fathers of Malaysia ensured that 65 per cent of parliamentary seats would be in Malaya, with the remainder allocated to Borneo states to safeguard our rights.

“Right now, Malaya holds 75 per cent of all the seats. Sabah and Sarawak, if combined, hold only 25 per cent,” he said, noting that West Malaysia currently holds over 40 parliamentary seats occupied by the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

By supporting DAP candidates – a Malaya-based party, this he said would further weaken Sarawak’s representation.

“It is vital that Sarawak and Sabah collectively retain at least 35 per cent of the Dewan Rakyat seats to ensure their rightful influence.

“We don’t want Malaya parties to contest in Sarawak and Sabah. Don’t come here and take our seats.

“You already have enough, we don’t have enough parliamentary seats as it is, so Malayan parties including the DAP should not come to Sabah and Sarawak to take our seats,” said Lo.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/11/13/sarawakians-first-for-civil-service-in-state-says-batu-kitang-rep/

Sarawak, fed govts still negotiating reinstatement of tourism autonomy to State, says deputy minister

Nov 12, 2024 @ 13:37

Composite photo of Ting (left) and Lo in the DUS sitting on Nov 12, 2024. Photo: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, Nov 12: The Sarawak and federal governments are still in negotiations over the reinstatement of tourism autonomy to the State, says Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting.

Answering a question by Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today, Ting said that the Sarawak government is of the view that tourism should be moved to the Concurrent List from the Federal List under the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

Ting said that on May 31, 2024, the Sarawak government conveyed its position to the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) to advocate for tourism to be transferred to the Concurrent List, adding that another correspondence was submitted to Motac on Aug 13.

He also said that at the Majlis Tindakan Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 chaired by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 12, the Sarawak government reaffirmed its position on the matter to better serve the needs and interests of the Sarawak and federal governments.

“My ministry remains committed to continuing dialogue and negotiations with Motac in our proposal to amend item 25A (‘Tourism’) from the Federal List to the Concurrent List, which would grant concurrent powers to both the federal and Sarawak governments,” he said.

Ting said that significant benefits for Sarawak to have its tourism rights include allowing the State flexibility in developing its tourism industry through the formulation of local laws in terms of promoting investment in tourism infrastructure, levelling up the capability of local workforce development, and engaging assets in terms of connectivity and facilities. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/sarawak-fed-govts-still-negotiating-reinstatement-of-tourism-autonomy-to-state-says-deputy-minister/#google_vignette

第二家园代理执照申请 砂旅游部专司处理 - 地方 - 南砂

砂旅游、创意产业及表演艺术部长阿都卡林昨日在砂议会会议上提呈修改议会常规议案。

（古晋12日讯）砂旅游、创意产业及表演艺术部副部长拿督陈超耀表示，目前砂拉越大马第二家园计划的代理执照申请由该部负责处理。

他说，该部将采用数字和智能旅游的发展，如落实砂大马第二家园计划（S-MM2H）和砂拉越旅游应用程式。

陈超耀今日在砂议会会议口头问答环节回答峇都吉当区议员拿督罗克强提问时，如是说。

他称，该部积极推广和增加节庆庆典活动、本地和国际活动（包括商业活动）来打造和加强砂旅游领域。砂也通过砂旅游局认定为国际负责任旅游目的地之一。

他说，该部专注2030年后疫情发展策略阐述的关键旅游领域，即通过展现砂独特文化、自然美景和可持续实践计划，推广至国际市场，并将砂定位为积极负责任发展的旅游目的地，以及将砂定位为顶级旅游吸引地，以吸引投资者和商业伙伴。

陈超耀说，该部也透过其他举措，包括通过砂拉越贸易与旅游驻新加坡办事处（STATOS）、砂拉越贸易与旅游驻汶莱办事处（STATOB）推广砂旅游景点。

他指出，该部也为旅游业业者提供能力建设发展，尤其是民宿和导游培训。

砂总理阿邦佐哈里：砂政府将探讨延长砂议会会期的可能性，并交予砂议长阿斯菲亚进行探讨。（砂总理署公关单位图）

（古晋21日讯）砂政府将考虑延长砂议会会议天数的建议，以让议员有更多时间讨论重要事项。

砂总理拿督巴丁宜阿邦佐哈里昨晚出席砂后座议员俱乐部晚宴，在致词时说，这要求是由马占区议员阿伦格拉蒙所提出，以对一些重要议题进行更深入讨论。

马占区议员所提出

“去年，我们收到了额外津贴的请求。这一次，我们正在探讨延长砂议会会议天数的可能性；我把这事宜交予砂议长拿督阿玛阿斯菲亚进行探讨。”

也是砂盟主席的阿邦佐哈里，也赞扬砂议员在此次砂议会会议所展现的专业态度。

“尽管时间有限，每个人都表现出高效管理时间的能力。我们进行了一次严肃和建设性的会议，不像其他地方总是经常发生混乱。”

他说，会议的成功是由于遵守议会常规和砂议长的指导，包括为改善议会秩序和礼仪而做出的修正案。

砂总理阿邦佐哈里（中）前晚出席砂后座议员俱乐部晚宴；右三为砂副总理沈桂贤，左起砂总理署部长约翰西基、砂议长阿斯菲亚及砂后座议员俱乐部晚宴筹委会主席兼马占区议员阿伦格拉蒙。（砂总理署公关单位图）

口头问答环节时间太短

较早前，也是晚宴管委会主席的阿伦格拉蒙说，要求延长砂议会会期不是要争取更多特权或会议津贴，是因为需要更多时间深入讨论重要事项，尤其是影响选区及地方的事宜。

“我们不是要更多特权，而是希望未来能延长会期。”

他解释，议员纷纷反映，现有会期的口头问答环节时间非常短，议员根本不够时间作出更多说明和阐述

“时间太短了，议员被迫匆匆提问，这是非常困难的。”

砂盟成员间紧密团结

与此同时，阿伦格拉蒙也说，晚宴主题是“我为人人，人人为我”（One for All，All for One）是强调了砂盟成员间紧密团结展现的集体力量和愿景。

“前路或许充满荆棘，但只要我们发挥这种精神，我们将势不可挡的。因此，我们必须紧守团结，共同捍卫及坚持这项原则，以引领砂拉越向前迈进。”

口头问答环节只有1小时

现在砂议会会期一般是进行8天，首5天是提呈法案或修正案、口头环节、临时动议（若有），以及议员参与砂元首施政卸词辩论或砂财政预算案辩论，剩下3天是让部长进行部门事务总结。

根据现有议程安排，口头问答环节只有1小时，一般是安排在早上9时至10时而已。

https://www.sinchew.com.my/?p=6066244

Batu Kitang rep: Is 95:5 ratio of sharing a win-win scenario for Sarawak? I think not

Nov 7, 2024 @ 18:35

Dato Lo Khere Chiang

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Nov 7: A “win-win” scenario for Sarawak cannot be one where the State is left with a small fraction of the wealth generated from its own resources, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.

To him, Sarawakians believe in the principle of cooperation, but it must be one built on justice and fairness.  

“Sarawak is not seeking to undermine the Federal government’s interests but is merely asking for what it rightfully deserves—a fair share of the wealth generated from its resources.

“We urge the Federal government to respect Sarawak’s historical and legal rights, to respect Sarawak’s right as the sole gas aggregator, and to ensure that the state receives a fair and equitable share of its oil and gas revenues, not 95:5. 

“That is surely not a win-win. Let us move forward, not just as partners in a federation, but as equal stakeholders in the future of Malaysia—as what our forefathers had envisaged for Sarawak,” said Lo.

He pointed out that Sarawak’s claims over its continental shelf and natural resources are grounded in law, in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and in the long history of the state’s rights.

Moreover, thanks to the efforts of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak TYT Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, MA63 has now also been enshrined in the Federal constitution since 2021 via a unanimous vote in Parliament.

Sarawak’s continental shelf is 200 nautical miles from its coasts and this claim is grounded in Sarawak’s historical rights, as enshrined in the MA63, as well as in its own laws, such as the Oil and Mining Ordinance of 1958, which clearly recognises the State’s jurisdiction over its resources.

The situation has evolved since the emergency rule, which restricted the State’s powers during the 1969 proclamation.

However, the lifting of the emergency in 2011 revived Sarawak’s rights, reaffirming its control over its oil and gas resources, including those in the continental shelf, Lo explained.

“A ‘win-win’ solution cannot be achieved if Sarawak’s rights are undermined or ignored. It must be a solution where Sarawak receives a fair share of the wealth generated from its resources,” said Lo in a statement today.

Lo was responding to the recent comments of Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof who called for a ‘win-win’ resolution between the Federal and Sarawak governments concerning the State’s rights to resources on its continental shelf. 

“We stand with and support the firm stance taken by the Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, who emphasised that the issues related to the continental shelf and Sarawak’s maritime boundaries are ‘not up for discussion’.

“If we are to seek a true ‘mutually beneficial’ solution, we need look no further than international examples like Guyana, which has successfully negotiated a fair and transparent partnership with ExxonMobil for the development of its offshore oil resources.

“In their agreement, Guyana receives 50 per cent of the revenues generated from its oil fields, a fair and equitable share that reflects the value of its resources and the partnership between the state and the company.

“By contrast, Sarawak has received just five per cent royalty from its oil and gas resources for the last fifty years while Petronas retains the lion’s share.

“It was only in the last four years or so that we managed to get a further five per cent as sales tax on petroleum products through a hard fought court battle. How can this disparity be justified?” Lo questioned. — DayakDaily

https://dayakdaily.com/batu-kitang-rep-is-955-ratio-of-sharing-a-win-win-scenario-for-sarawak-i-think-not/

Upgrading of multipurpose hall commences.

Lo (centre) witnesses the project handover.

KUCHING: Upgrading works for the multipurpose hall at Taman Sri Permai, Landeh here has officially commenced with an allocation of RM350,000.

Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) handed over the project on Wednesday to the appointed contractor, witnessed by Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.

In his brief speech, Lo stated that the project would cost RM350,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) fund.

He said the project scope includes expanding the hall, building a stage, constructing toilets, and installing electricity and water meters.

Lo also expressed hope that the project would be completed on schedule to provide a more comfortable venue for residents organising events at the hall.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/upgrading-of-multipurpose-hall-commences/

Sarawak Regatta 2024 ends on a spectacular finish

November 3, 2024, Sunday at 7:28 PM

Spectators cheer to show their support. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING: The iconic Sarawak Regatta reached a thrilling conclusion today at the bustling Kuching Waterfront as the riverbank bore witness to both fierce competition on the water and a display of rich cultural heritage on the shore.

The event drew thousands of spectators and dignitaries, all there to celebrate the centuries-old tradition and witness the victorious paddlers in their moments of glory.

With a steady afternoon breeze rippling across the Sarawak River, the Kuching Waterfront was filled with excitement and reverence — the rain later in the afternoon did not dampen the crowd’s spirit, as cheers echoed through the air as boats skimmed the water.

At the heart of the celebration were esteemed guests whose presence elevated the day’s significance.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah arrives at Kuching Waterfront for the closing ceremony of Sarawak Regatta 2024. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

This year, the Sarawak Regatta welcomed a very special guest — Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah — whose presence underscored the close ties between Sarawak and Brunei.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was joined by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who collectively highlighted the importance of preserving this unique tradition.

As the dignitaries made their way to their seats, the crowd’s cheers swelled; honouring not only the distinguished guests but also the regatta’s longstanding role in Sarawak’s cultural tapestry.

The regatta has proved itself as more than mere competition — it is a reminder of the unity, resilience and values that define Sarawak — and it did not disappoint as competing teams raced with remarkable speed and stamina, their oars slicing through the river in perfect sync.

One of the highlights was the coveted ‘Raja Sungai’ (King of the River) category, where teams raced neck-and-neck in a bid to clinch the crown.

For many, winning at the Sarawak Regatta is an achievement of a lifetime and a testament to skill, training and spirit.

Families of the paddlers lined the riverbank, dressed in their best, as they rooted for their teams with pride and passion.

Beyond the boat races, the Kuching Waterfront Festival offered an array of activities for all ages, from traditional music and dance performances to food stalls serving local delicacies.

Visitors took the opportunity to explore artisanal crafts and soak in the displays of Sarawakian heritage, while children revelled in games and activities.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the awards ceremony commenced, and victorious paddlers took the stage to receive their trophies, with the Sultan, TYT and Premier presenting the honours.

Yayasan Sarawak’s Puteri Dang Balai was crowned ‘Raja Sungai’ (King of the River) for the third consecutive year.

Their victory in the Raja Sungai 30 Men Paddlers category bagged them a cash prize of RM30,000 along with the coveted Head of State Trophy.

Landas Azam Kasihnya Warisan I and Udak, who emerged as first and second runners-up, received RM20,000 and RM10,000 respectively, along with a trophy each.

Applause rang out, voices cheered, and Sarawak’s riverbank sparkled with pride — a fitting end to yet another memorable Sarawak Regatta.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang joins his team competing in the Perahu Kenyalang 20 Male Paddlers (VIP) category. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

This year’s Sarawak Regatta not only commemorated the skill and tenacity of its participants but also highlighted the ties that bind Sarawak’s communities, past and present.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, the Sarawak River carried with it stories of triumph, unity, and heritage — memories that will flow into the future and inspire the next generation of paddlers to take to its waters.

The regatta has yet again proven to be more than a race; it’s a celebration of Sarawak, its people, culture and future.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/11/03/sarawak-regatta-2024-ends-on-a-spectacular-finish/

JCI Damai thanks Lo for supporting its youth development mission

Lo (seated left) poses with JCI Damai representatives, Wong Liang Jie (seated right), Kelby Than (seated behind right).

KUCHING: Representatives from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Damai recently met with Datuk Ir Lo Khere Chiang to personally express their heartfelt gratitude for his ongoing support towards JCI Damai’s mission and activities throughout 2024.

His steadfast encouragement has been instrumental in empowering the organisation to pursue its initiatives aimed at youth development and community impact in Sarawak.

JCI Damai has implemented a range of community outreach projects and leadership development programmes this year, all designed to foster social responsibility and provide young Sarawakians with opportunities to grow as leaders.

“Datuk Ir Lo Khere Chiang’s consistent support has been a driving force behind these initiatives, offering both motivation and resources that have enabled JCI Damai to expand its reach and positively impact the community,” stated in its press statement today (Nov1).

“At various JCI Damai events, he has expressed his admiration for the organisation’s commitment to developing young leaders,” it said.

Lo also cited that JCI Damai stood as one of the best platforms for youth leadership in Sarawak.

“JCI Damai’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of socially responsible leaders dedicated to creating positive change,” it added.

“Together, we continue to create opportunities that nurture leadership, collaboration, and long-lasting impact,” it supplemented.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/jci-damai-thanks-lo-for-supporting-its-youth-development-mission/