SARAWAK LIVE: James Masing

1,000 Sarawak Villages Still Without Road Access - Masing

KUCHING: About 1,000 villages in Sarawak cannot be accessed by road according to a study, the state legislative assembly was told today.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said an estimated RM24.8 billion was needed to construct up to 4,402 kilometres of road to connect these villages.

In a winding-up speech, he said the construction of these roads would have to be executed in phases due to limited funds available.-Sarawakiana

ADUN Dayak bersedia menerima kritikan yang membina: James Masing

ADUN Dayak baharu dinasihati tidak gentar dan takut dinasihati rakyat jika apa yang dilakukan mereka salah

KUCHING: Timbalan Ketua Menteri Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing bersama Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) berbangsa Dayak mengalu-alukan kritikan yang membina supaya mereka dapat memberi khidmat yang lebih baik kepada rakyat.

Malah katanya, beliau menyedari hakikat bahawa bangsa Dayak sering mengkritik ADUN khususnya mereka yang baharu dilantik.

Justeru, untuk tujuan itu, beliau menasihati ADUN Dayak yang baharu memenangi Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) yang lepas untuk tidak gentar dan takut sekiranya dinasihati oleh rakyat sekiranya apa yang dilakukan mereka adalah salah.

“Kita seharusnya memperbaiki diri dengan mendengar apa sahaja yang dikatakan oleh rakyat kepada kita. Anda (rakyat) mungkin telah mengkritik YB (Yang Berhormat) ini.

“Tetapi sekiranya anda mengkritik kami, saya mohon kritikan tersebut adalah kritikan yang membina dan saya sendiri juga terbuka untuk diperbetulkan sekiranya saya telah melakukan kesilapan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Bazar Gawai Dayak Tahunan Kuching di Pusat Komersial MJC Batu Kawa di sini, malam kelmarin.

Turut hadir Presiden Dewan Perdagangan dan Perindustrian Dayak (DCCI) merangkap Ahli Parlimen Julau Datuk Joseph Salang, Ahli Parlimen Kanowit Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang dan ADUN Dayak baharu Wilson Nyabong, Christopher Gira dan Allan Siden Gramong.

Turut hadir Panglima 1 Divisyen Mejar Jeneral Datuk Stephen Mundaw dan Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) merangkap ADUN Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang.

Masing yang juga Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Pengangkutan berkata, memang sukar untuk menyatukan Dayak dalam politik berikutan kepentingan yang pelbagai.

Tetapi di sebalik hakikat itu, jelasnya komuniti Dayak menjadi rakyat majoriti di negeri ini malah banyak pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) Dayak turut diwujudkan.

“Tetapi fakta dan asas biasa ialah kita (Dayak) sudah cukup memadai dan mencukupi untuk bergerak bersama-sama sebagai sebuah kumpulan.

“Maka untuk itu, kita perlu bersama dan mencapai objektif utama kita untuk terus membawa komuniti kita ke arah pembangunan hidup yang lebih baik khususnya menerusi aktiviti ekonomi.

“Ini juga supaya kita dapat bersaing dan bekerjasama dengan masyarakat lain dalam memajukan negeri ini.

“Justeru saya menyeru kerajaan negeri ini untuk terus memandang kita dan memberi kita peluang untuk membangunkan diri kita,” katanya yang juga merupakan presiden Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).

Dalam perkembangan lain, beliau melahirkan keyakinan akan bersama dengan ADUN Dayak untuk terus menyumbang bagi memastikan penganjuran Bazar Gawai Dayak Kuching itu diadakan setiap tahun.

Menegaskan bahawa acara tahunan itu tidak akan menjadi yang pertama dan terakhir, beliau turut memuji penganjuran bazar itu yang membuka banyak peluang perniagaan kepada komuniti Dayak bagi menjana pendapatan tambahan.

“Sebelum ini, tidak ramai yang melihat perayaan Hari Gawai sebagai peluang perniagaan meskipun ia telah diadakan sejak bertahun-tahun yang lalu.

“Dengan adanya penganjuran bazar seumpama ini, kita (Dayak) berpeluang mencari pendapatan tambahan untuk diri kita sendiri dan pada masa sama meningkatkan profil festival ini,” jelasnya.

NGO Dayak yang dikenali sebagai Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) menjadi penganjur bagi Bazar Gawai Dayak Tahunan Kuching di Pusat Komersial MJC Batu Kawah bermula 30 April lalu.

GADS menjadi penggerak utama dalam menganjurkan Bazar Gawai Dayak yang pertama diadakan di Miri pada tahun lalu dan turut merencana untuk menganjur banyak lagi bazar di seluruh negeri ini.-Utusan Borneo

Bangun perhubungan jadi keutamaan Masing

KUCHING: Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing menjadikan pembangunan perhubungan sebagai keutamaan beliau selepas dilantik bukan sahaja sebagai Timbalan Ketua Menteri tetapi juga Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Pengangkutan.

Beliau yang berterima kasih kepada Ketua Menteri atas pelantikan itu menyatakan kementerian di bawah jagaannya itu amat sesuai kepada partinya, yang kebanyakannya mewakili masyarakat luar bandar.

Masing juga Presiden Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) merupakan Menteri Kemajuan Tanah dalam kabinet sebelum ini.

“Saya tidak lagi memegang portfolio Menteri Kemajuan Tanah dan dipertanggungjawabkan untuk Kementerian Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Pengangkutan.

“Saya berasa ia amat sesuai bagi parti yang kebanyakannya mewakili rakyat di luar bandar dan fokus utama kementerian nanti adalah menyediakan perhubungan kepada kawasan luar bandar,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di DUN, semalam.

Masing antara menteri yang mengangkat sumpah pada Majlis Istiadat Angkat Sumpah Pelantikan Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri di hadapan Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud dan dihadiri Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem di Kompleks DUN di sini, semalam.

Tambah Masing juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Baleh, penyambungan perhubungan ke kawasan luar bandar akan membolehkan program pembangunan dilaksana.

“Apapun saya berterima kasih kepada Ketua Menteri atas pelantikan sebagai Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Perhubungan dan Pengangkutan,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom yang dilantik sebagai Menteri Kemudahan Awam pula turut berterima kasih kepada Ketua Menteri atas keyakinan terhadapnya menjaga kementerian berkenaan.

Katanya, ia mungkin bukan perkara baharu memandangkan sebelum ini beliau merupakan Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Elektrik dan Telekomunikasi).

“Keutamaan saya sekarang ini adalah menumpukan isu yang masih belum diselesaikan dalam masa secepat mungkin dan pada masa yang sama memastikan aspirasi dan janji kepada rakyat ditunaikan.

“Antaranya transformasi luar bandar ialah kita mahukan luar bandar bukan lagi untuk kemiskinan tetapi kita akan membangunkannya dengan meningkatkan kemudahan seperti air, elektrik dan jalan selain telekomunikasi.

“Perkara ini mungkin dapat dipercepatkan dengan memohon peruntukan daripada kerajaan persekutuan,” katanya.

Mengenai pelantikan menteri muda akan datang, Dr Rundi berkata, beliau percaya setiap komponen parti akan diberi peruntukan dalam perkara berkenaan.

Sementara itu, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yang kekal sebagai Menteri Kewangan Kedua kini hanya perlu menumpukan kepada pengurusan kewangan Sarawak sepenuhnya.

Ia ekoran daripada beliau tidak lagi memegang portfolio Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat.

Wong ketika ditemui berkata, beliau akan menumpukan kepada pengurusan kewangan di mana Sarawak memerlukan penstrukturan semula kewangannya.

“Kita perlu tampil dengan dasar pengurusan kewangan yang lebih baik dan mungkin Ketua Menteri mahu saya menumpukan Kementerian Kewangan untuk manfaat Sarawak.

“Kita akan membincangkannya (dasar) kemudian,” katanya.

- Borneo Post Online

Penculikan lebih bermotifkan wang, bukan agama

Penyelesaian dari sudut ekonomi perlu dicari tamatkan siri penculikan membabitkan rakyat Malaysia

KUCHING: Penyelesaian dari sudut ekonomi perlu dicari bagi menamatkan beberapa siri penculikan membabitkan rakyat negara ini.

Menteri Kemajuan Tanah Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing berkata ini kerana insiden penculikan berlaku ketika ini tidak lagi berkaitan isu keagamaan tetapi lebih kepada wang.

Menurutnya selagi manusia dianggap sebagai komoditi perdagangan, penculikan akan menjadi ‘perintah harian’ yang akan dilakukan bagi memperoleh pendapatan lumayan.

“Tiada lagi tempat yang selamat! Ia boleh berlaku di darat, laut seterusnya bandar kita.

“Insiden penculikan yang berlaku dewasa ini bukan lagi disebabkan isu keagamaan. Ia adalah soal wang, keuntungan.

“Oleh itu kita harus mencari penyelesaian dari sudut ekonomi, bagaimana menjadikan penculikan satu perniagaan yang berisiko kepada penculik,” katanya.

Beliau berkata dengan penyelesaian itu, penculik akan berasa tindakannya itu tidak berbaloi jika pada masa sama menghargai kehidupan.

Sehubungan itu, katanya rundingan dengan penculik tidak perlu sebaliknya negara menerusi anggota keselamatan melindungi wilayah Malaysia dengan bersungguh-sungguh dan jika perlu menggunakan kekerasan.

“Kita lupakan mengenai wilayah asing dalam usaha mendapat semula atau menyelamat rakyat negara kita yang diculik.

“Di mana sahaja rakyat kita disembunyikan ia sudah tentu di negara asing, kita memburu penculik-penculik ini.

“Penganas-pengganas terbabit tidak memahami undang-undang. Kenapa kita perlu mengambil tindakan berhati-hati dengan mereka atau negara tempat mereka bersembunyi,” ujarnya.

Masing berkata amaran keras harus diberi kepada negara tempat penculik bersembunyi dan pada masa sama mengambil tindakan sewajarnya serta pantas kerana mereka hanya menghormati ‘kekuatan dan senjata’.

“Kawasan perairan timur Sabah, mengingatkan saya kepada laut-laut di Somalia, lanun-lanun di situ bebas merompak atau mendapatkan kapal-kapal yang melalui perairan tersebut.

“Sekarang laut-laut di kawasan itu (Somalia) agak selamat berbanding sebelum ini. Bagaimana mereka melakukannya? Belajarlah daripada pasukan keselamatan negara itu,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian sebagai mengulas insiden penculikan empat rakyat Malaysia yang berasal dari Sibu diculik oleh lapan lelaki bersenjata di perairan Ligitan, dekat Semporna, Sabah kira-kira jam 6.15 petang Jumaat lepas.

Mereka yang diculik ialah Wong Teck Kang, 31, dan Wong Teck Chi, 29, (adik beradik), Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 27 dan Wong Hung Sing, 34.

Bernama melaporkan mereka merupakan antara sembilan kru kapal tunda yang sedang dalam perjalanan balik dari Filipina ke Malaysia.

Dilaporkan kapal berkenaan turut membawa lima lagi individu yang masing-masing warga Myanmar dan Indonesia tetapi mereka dilepaskan oleh kumpulan bersenjata tersebut.

November tahun lalu negara dan rakyat Sarawak khasnya dikejutkan dengan insiden pembunuhan kejam rakyat Sarawak Benard Then, 39, selepas mendiang bersama pengurus sebuah restoran Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, (rakyat Sabah) di Sandakan diculik sekumpulan bersenjata pada 14 Mei 2015.

Pada 8 November 2015, pada mulanya kumpulan bersenjata itu (kumpulan Abu Sayyaf) menuntut RM2.7 juta atau 30 juta peso sebagai wang tebusan untuk membebaskan Then dan Thien.

Dilaporkan kumpulan berkenaan hanya melepaskan Thien selepas mendapatkan RM2.7 juta dan meminta wang tebusan tambahan jika mahu Then dibebaskan.

Namun Then dipenggal kepalanya di lokasi terpencil di Kepulauan Jolo pada 11 November lalu dan kepalanya dikatakan ditemui kira-kira seminggu kemudian.-Utusan Borneo

It is not what Masing said but what Adenan now insists

ELECTION TALK: When Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Dr James Masing told a newspaper on March 19 that PRS was fine with BN fielding direct candidates in the next state election to solve the impasse between rivals Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and United People’s Party (UPP), and Sarawak Democratic Progressive Party (SPDP) and Party Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) a cynical UPP president Wong Soon Koh said:

“That is what he (Masing) said. But I say the decision lies with the chief minister.”

What exactly did Masing say?

This is how The Borneo Post wrote it:

“He said PRS agreed with Adenan’s direct candidacy suggestion but asked that the state BN chief agree to their three conditions – firstly that these potential candidates must resign from their political parties; after winning seats, these candidates then should choose which BN component to join; and thirdly, the state BN chief must make sure that PBB maintain its stated desire to resist any temptation of having a simple majority government after the election.

“Citing an example, Masing said for Wong to have any hope of contesting any of the BN seats, he must first resign from UPP.”

The same report further said:

“When contacted, Teras grassroots leader Cr Pasang Ngelambai said PRS was entitled to its opinion on an exclusivity principle but he believed Adenan in the end would decide for the greater BN fold including BN Plus parties.”

But as it turned out, a March 25 Borneo Post report ran a story entitled ‘Direct BN candidates must be partyless, says Adenan’.

In that report, the paper said: “Members of parties which are not components of the State Barisan Nasional chosen to contest under the BN banner in the next election must resign from their party.

“This was confirmed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem when asked if BN direct candidates would have to resign from their respective parties at a press conference after a close-door meeting with over 3,000 Bumiputera voters here yesterday.”

Therefore, it is not what Masing said but what state BN chairman and Chief Minister Adenan Satem now insists.

And how many times have we heard Wong saying he would leave it to the CM to decide?

Well, the CM has decided, and now is the time for Wong and his boys to show that they are capable of living up to their confidence in the CM’s decision for those picked as BN direct candidates to quit UPP.

By itself, BN is a registered organisation, and with its own rules and constitution.

It is not any loose coalition of parties like Pakatan Rakyat or Pakatan Amanah which can be formed and disbanded any time it suits the parties concerned.

One of the fundamental BN rules is this: No non-BN party can use the BN logo during elections.

It is because of this rule that Adenan said UPP and Teras candidates have to quit their respective parties in order to use the BN symbol.

But UPP and Teras objected! Wong and Pasang seem to think it’s just Masing’s opinion.

It is not Masing’s or anybody’s opinion; it is part of BN rules and its principle.

Now, if Adenan should wilt under the objection raised by UPP and Teras, and proceed to allow candidates from the two parties to use the ‘dacing’ without quitting their respective parties, it will be a breach of this fundamental BN principle.

Another rule of the BN, and which is open to Adenan to use, is if the UPP and Teras candidates win in the coming elections and they want to be a member of Adenan’s administration, they can only be accepted if they join any EXISTING BN party.

Now, if UPP and Teras still object, then Adenan must call their bluff.

Adenan must call their bluff now and let us see how many would-be UPP and Teras candidates will not agree to these two BN rules and dare declare they are ready to contest under their respective party symbols in the coming state election.

BN can’t allow the tail to wag the dog!

Adenan cannot afford to give in to the demands of UPP and Teras or BN will lose respect if its rules and principles are compromised by non-BN parties.-The Ant Daily

Too tough for Bangladeshis to cope

KUCHING: Sarawak has decided not to recruit Bangladeshi workers for the plantation sector as they cannot meet the physical demands of the job.

According to Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing, the state is now scouting for workers from other countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We have decided not to take in Bangladeshi workers as we have found out that they are not suitable to work in the plantation sector,” Masing told The Borneo Post here yesterday.

Plantations in the state are facing severe shortage of manpower especially harvesters and as a result, the state has been losing a staggering RM1 billion annually mainly due to the uncollected fresh fruit bunches (FFB).

To alleviate the shortfall of about 30,000 workers, the state planned to recruit 12,000 workers from Bangladesh to harvest the FFBs two years ago.

However, plantation owners in the state were against the idea as they found out that Bangladeshi workers were not suitable for the job.

The bulk of oil palm plantation workers in the state are Indonesians. On this, Masing said it was risky to rely too much on them as Indonesia had also opened up many oil palm plantations and Indonesian workers might prefer to work in their own country.

“It’s not wise for us to depend on the Indonesian workers in the plantation sector because they are our main competitor in the global market,” said Masing.

As at press time, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem could not be reached for comments.

Meanwhile, Masing considered the increase of levies on foreign workers for plantation sector from RM590 to RM1,500 as too high and he would hold discussions with the Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) to get its feedback and recommendations before making the necessary proposals to the federal government.

“The huge jump for levies imposed on foreign workers for the plantation sector would further curtail the growth of the plantation sector in Sarawak, which has been experiencing increased cost of production and low profitability due to the low price of crude palm oil in the global market.

“But we will hold discussions with Soppoa first and see how we can get the necessary feedback before we can forward their recommendations to the federal government,” added Masing.

The new levies for foreign workers was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Jan 31 as part of a revised budget mechanism to help cushion the impact of the continuous declined of crude oil price in the global market.-Borneo Post

PRS to support BN candidate in Bukit Goram — Masing

KAPIT: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has declared that its members will support whoever is chosen as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Bukit Goram during the upcoming state election.

PRS president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said the party expects the same support from other BN component parties for PRS’ seats.

“The upcoming election is not a by-election, it is state election. It is not just an election for Murum or Bukit Goram — it is for 82 seats across the state. The people must discard the negative culture of stabbing in the back, but instead support each other,” he said during the launching of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bukit Goram operations room on Monday.

He explained that PRS had asked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for two of the new seats and were allocated Murum and Samalaju.

“I don’t know which party Bukit Goram was allocated to. If Bukit Goram goes to PBB, it’s still BN. We (PRS) will

support PBB in Bukit Goram and they will support us in Murum,” he said.

Masing pointed out that Adenan wants to see genuine cooperation among BN component parties.

“In any election, there isn’t a sure win. No one can tell who’s the winner. However, one thing for sure when PBB, PRS, SPDP (Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party) and SUPP (Sarawak United People’s Party) work together, no one can disrupt us in the rural area,” he stressed.

He called on Kapit folk to ensure they vote for the BN candidate.

“The future of Kapit cannot just depend on (Kapit Member of Parliament) Datuk Alexander (Nanta Linggi) and myself. BN needs a strong team to transform Kapit,” added Masing, pointing out that Pelagus has lagged behind under the opposition over the last five years.

Meanwhile, PBB Bukit Goram pro tem chairman Jefferson Jamit Unyat — a political secretary to the Chief Minister — said BN must win all the Kapit seats of Baleh, Pelagus and Bukit Goram to show solid support for Adenan.

“In Pelagus, PBB is all ready to assist PRS to capture the seat. Likewise, I appeal to PRS in Bukit Goram to support the BN candidate so that Pelagus and Bukit Goram belong to BN,” he said.

He pointed out that BN’s strength comes from the grassroots.

“When all BN components work together, we’ve demonstrated our strength and unity. Then no one could disrupt our constituencies in rural areas,” he added. - Borneo Post

Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 mesti dilaksana sepenuhnya

KUCHING: Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) semalam sebulat suara meluluskan usul agar kerajaan negeri diberi kuasa penuh untuk mengambil segala langkah dan tindakan melindungi hak dan kepentingan Sarawak dengan mendesak kerajaan pusat melaksanakan sepenuhnya Perjanjian Malaysia 1963.

Usul itu dibentang oleh Menteri Kemajuan Tanah Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing bersama empat lagi usul dikemukakan Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa), See Chee Haw (PKR-Batu Lintang) dan David Wong (DAP-Pelawan) kerana ia merangkumi perkara sama.

Masing ketika membaca usul itu berkata Artikel VII Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 memberi jaminan bahawa hak-hak kerajaan negeri akan dilindungi menerusi ‘semua pengesyoran dalam Laporan Jawatankuasa Antara Kerajaan (IGC) untuk menambah baik dan melindungi kepentingan-kepentingan istimewa negeri dan rakyat Sarawak’.

“Oleh itu, Dewan ini memberi mandat kepada kerajaan negeri melakukan rundingan dengan kerajaan persekutuan untuk menyemak serta menyusun semula dasar-dasar persekutuan dalam pendidikan, kesihatan dan bahasa rasmi.

“Semakan dan susunan semula itu penting supaya ia selaras dengan melindungi perlembagaan dan terma-terma Laporan IGC,” ujarnya.

Selain itu dengan lulusnya usul tersebut, mandat turut diberi kepada Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem menyemak semula semua undang-undang persekutuan termasuk meminda atau memansuh undang-undang yang menjejaskan hak-hak Sarawak terhadap sumber aslinya.

Undang-undang yang terlibat ialah Akta Pelantar Benua 1966, Akta Laut Wilayah 2012 dan Akta Petroleum 1966.

Akta Laut Wilayah 2012 mengehadkan wilayah perairan Sarawak iaitu dalam lingkungan tiga batu nautika dari pantai manakala Akta Pelantar Benua 1966 dan Akta Petroleum 1996 boleh menjejaskan tuntutan kerajaan negeri untuk mendapatkan pendapatan daripada sumber petroleum.

“Semakan semula ini boleh juga merangkumi keputusan dan dasar kerajaan persekutuan jika ia didapati tidak seiring dengan aspirasi rakyat Sarawak seperti ditulis dalam Laporan Suruhanjaya Cobbold dan Laporan IGC.

“Mandat ini juga boleh digunakan untuk memulakan kajian semula geran dan pendapatan lain yang diberikan kepada Sarawak,”ujarnya.

Sementara itu pada persidangan sama, Dewan menolak beberapa usul dibangkit pembangkang antaranya usul dikemukakan Baru Bian (PKR- Ba’Kelalan).

Baru mengemukakan usul agar kerajaan negeri melaksanakan dasar-dasar tetap untuk mencapai ‘Borneonisasi’ dan pembahagian perkhidmatan jawatan dalam sektor awam yang seimbang dalam kalangan etnik di Malaysia terutama 90 peratus rakyat Sarawak dalam sektor pendidikan dan jawatan pengarah serta timbalan pengarah jabatan kerajaan pusat menjelang 2018.

Selain itu Dewan turut menolak secara bertulis usul Baru yang mahu Biro Tata Negara (BTN) disemak semula.

Baru yang ditemui selepas itu memberitahu, antara alasan dikemukakan Speaker DUN Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar menolak usul pertamanya ialah perkataan ‘Borneonisation’ tidak sesuai digunakan.

“Manakala usul berkaitan BTN, alasan ia ditolak ialah perkataan digunakan ketika membentangkan usul itu boleh mewujudkan perasaan niat jahat yang boleh menyebabkan permusuhan dalam kalangan berlainan kaum di Sarawak atau melanggar Perlembagaan Negeri Sarawak atau Perlembagaan Persekutuan atau Akta Hasutan 1948,” jelasnya.

- Borneo Post Online

Masing mahu dua kerusi baharu diberi kepada PRS

KUCHING: Presiden Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing mahu sekurang-kurangnya dua daripada 11 kerusi baharu Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) diberi kepada parti itu.

Parlimen kelmarin meluluskan usul persempadanan semula kawasan DUN Sarawak melibatkan 11 kerusi baharu iaitu Batu Kitang, Stakan, Serumbu, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Kabong, Tellian, Bukit Goram, Murum, Samalaju dan Mulu.

Perkembangan itu, secara tidak langsung menjadikan Sarawak negeri paling banyak memiliki kerusi DUN iaitu 82 kerusi dalam sejarah politik negara ketika ini.

Masing dihubungi semalam bagaimanapun menegaskan pembahagian kerusi DUN baharu itu dibuat dengan persetujuan serta mengambil kira kepentingan semua parti komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak.

Beliau menyerahkan sepenuhnya kepada Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem juga Pengerusi BN negeri membuat keputusan.

“PRS mahu sekurang-kurangnya dua atau ‘2+1’ 11 kerusi DUN baharu ini. Namun perkara ini masih perlu dimuktamadkan.

“Yang pasti Ketua Menteri juga Pengerusi BN negeri memanggil pemimpin parti komponen BN negeri mesyuarat dalam waktu terdekat ini bagi membincangkan isu pembahagian 11 kerusi baharu ini,” katanya.

Masing juga Menteri Kemajuan Tanah berkata mesyuarat itu hanya boleh dihadiri empat parti komponen BN negeri iaitu PRS, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) dan Parti Progresif Demokratik Sarawak (SPDP).

“Pembahagian 11 kerusi ini tiada kena mengena dengan UPP (Parti Rakyat Bersatu) dan TERAS (Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak).

“Parti komponen BN tidak boleh berkongsi kerusi ini dengan parti bukan komponen BN.

Sementara itu Presiden UPP, Dato Sri Wong Soon berkata, pihak menyerahkan sepenuhnya kepada kebijaksanaan Ketua Menteri memperuntuk atau tidak kerusi berkenaan kepada parti itu.

“Saya tidak boleh mengatakan apa-apa mengenai perkara ini (pembahagian kerusi), parti menyerahkan sepenuhnya kepada kebijaksanaan Ketua Menteri untuk membuat keputusan,” ujarnya ringkas.-Utusan Borneo

Masing declares support for SPDP candidate for Tasik Biru

BAU: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) will give undivided support to the candidate nominated from fellow BN component Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) for the Tasik Biru seat in the next state election.

President Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said this is because the seat traditionally belongs to SPDP and only SPDP has the right to nominate the BN candidate for the seat.

He explained this was in line with the BN spirit and principles which had ensured that BN remained strong and resilient over the years and should not be amended according to some people or party’s wish.

“Nobody from outside can come in (BN) without 100 per cent support from all the component parties. We are strong because we keep to the rules until today.

“If you are outside of BN we will fight you. There is no way to come to this place (Tasik Biru) if you are not a member of BN. This seat belongs to SPDP,” said Masing to loud applause at the closing of the 1Singai Tondong Festival on Sunday night.

Another rule which further strengthened BN, he said, was the undivided support of each component party towards each other and not practising ‘vulture politics’.

Masing shared an experience faced by the party in 2006 when an incumbent outside of BN decided to stand in a seat belonging to PRS. “What SPDP felt now we have felt it before, we have felt what it is like to be looked down and trodden upon,” he added.

Seeking the advice of the then chief minister (now TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, a simple solution was then given, he said.

“He (Taib) said, why not ask him to join you? So we approached the candidate who agreed to join PRS and the rest is history. He has since won and managed to retain the seat until today,” said Masing, without revealing the identity of that person.

Others present at the event were SPDP secretary general and Mas Gading MP Anthony Nogeh Gumbek, PRS secretary general Datuk Wilfred Nissom, the event organising chairman Dato Henry Harry Jinep and Sarawak Rivers Board controller William Jinep, one of the identified potential SPDP candidates for Tasik Biru.

Nogeh, in his speech, expressed optimism that Masing’s first-ever presence to officiate the 1Singai Tondong Festival was a sign of endorsement for SPDP to nominate its candidate for the seat.

Henry, who spoke earlier, also expressed hope that Masing’s first visit to 1Singai Tondong Festival would be a sign of better things to come.

Tasik Biru is now a hot seat to watch in the run-up to the state election expected by the first quarter of next year, with SPDP already declaring it will not give up the seat and are ready to replace the incumbent Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie.

Nansian, also an assistant minister in the state cabinet, is the Tasik Biru assemblyman since 1996 and he won the seat on a BN-SPDP ticket in 2011, before he was sacked from the party a year and several months later for gross insubordination.

Meanwhile, Masing commented that the 1Singai Tondong Festival is another milestone for Henry to prepare a platform for young Bidayuh entrepreneurs to conduct and promote their business.

He noted the 1Singai Tondong commercial centre (opposite Tondong), which hosted the festival, was formally a cocoa farm that was turned into a thriving premier hub for the people to conduct their business.

“This place around here will change because of the commercial area and the nearby hotel that can provide a boost to this area’s business sector,” said Masing.

He reminded Henry to keep in mind the smaller businessmen by accommodating them and helping them to kick start and grow their business.

Henry himself believes the commercial centre and the festival will be the catalyst for more development and progress in Tondong bazaar area. He informed the audience that the company would soon develop a new commercial centre in Iban-majority area of Selangau.

The function also saw Nogeh in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry handing over 1Azam business aid to 17 recipients from Mas Gading parliamentary constituency.-Borneo Post

Masing: UPP, Teras should rejoin SUPP, SPDP

KANOWIT: United People’s Party (UPP) and Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) should consider rejoining their former parties – Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) respectively.

Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing in making the suggestion said this should be the way since both UPP and Teras had expressed a desire to contest in seats under SUPP and SPDP in the coming state election.

He said UPP and Teras were the offshoots of SUPP and SPDP and that the impasse between the parties was complicated for the chief minister to solve.

“To me the solution is simple. If UPP and Teras want to contest in the seats under Barisan Nasional (BN) logo, they must return to SUPP and SPDP.

“It is either to join the parties of which you have come from before or use your own logos and not take a ride on BN’s popularity,” he said before launching the Kanowit Festival here on Monday.

He said if they did not want to join the parties, they could at least have the honour to contest using their own logos, like some former state BN representatives who were not re-nominated to defend their seats in previous state elections.

Assistant Minister of Land Development Datuk Gramong Juna, his wife Datuk Catherine, Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent, his wife Susan Clement, Kanowit District Officer Katis Noel Nyabong and a political secretary to the chief minister Maurice Giri were also present at the function.

Masing said he experienced similar imbroglio in 2006 and 2007 elections.

Citing the case of Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang and Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Dagang, he said they were not Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) members when they contested in Julau and Kanowit seats respectively in the 12th general election.

“I sought the help of the then chief minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and he advised me to take Joseph and Aaron to join PRS.

“I did and both Salang and Aaron agreed because they put the interest of the people first.

“Elected representatives must always remember that they are in the positions not for themselves or for their own benefit but to serve the people to the best of their abilities,” he said.

He later reiterated that PRS would re-nominate Alexander to defend Ngemah seat in the coming election.

He also called on the people to support whoever candidate fielded by BN in Machan in the coming election.

“The coming election is not to elect which party will form the government because it is already clear that BN is the ruling coalition.

“This election is to elect which coalition has the power and resources to develop the state and country. As we all know the coalition is BN,” he said.-Borneo Post

Harus lebih serius hapus ancaman pengganas

Kerajaan Malaysia dan Filipina harus mempunyai kesungguhan tinggi memerangi kumpulan Abu Sayyaf

KUCHING: Kerajaan Malaysia mesti bekerjasama lebih serius dengan Kerajaan Filipina untuk menghapuskan ancaman pengganas di wilayah ini.

Menteri Kanan Negeri Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing berkata sekiranya kedua-dua negara tidak mempunyai ke-sungguhan tinggi memerangi kumpulan pengganas tersebut, mereka akan terus menggunakan manusia sebagai ‘komoditi perdagangan’.

“Memenggal Bernard Then adalah perbuatan yang sangat kejam… Kerajaan Malaysia dan Kerajaan Filipina mesti bekerjasama secara serius untuk menghapuskan ancaman pengganas di wilayah ini,” katanya.

Masing yang juga Menteri Kemajuan Tanah dan Presiden Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) berkata tindakan kumpulan itu bukan berunsurkan politik atau agama tetapi ekonomi semata-mata.

Menurutnya wang merupakan agenda kumpulan militan yang menggelar diri sebagai Abu Sayyaf dengan menggunakan Islam untuk mewajar-kan perbuatan terkutuk dan kejam itu.

“Saya bersimpati dengan penganut Islam sejati kerana mereka telah diheret ke dalam perbuatan kejam Abu Sayyaf atas nama memperjuangkan hak keagamaan di Filipina,”ujarnya.

Masing memberitahu semasa Bernard diculik, beliau cuba membantu keluarganya tetapi nampaknya usaha itu gagal.

“Saya amat bersimpati dan mengucapkan takziah kepada Bernard dan keluarganya. Semoga rohnya dirahmati Tuhan,” katanya sambil memberitahu beliau berjumpa dengan abang mangsa di Kuala Lumpur sejurus insiden itu berlaku.

Kelmarin akhbar Strait Times Singapura melaporkan, Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, jurutera dari Sarawak yang dilarikan sekumpulan lelaki bersenjata di Restoran Ocean King Sandakan, Sabah, Mei lalu dilaporkan dibunuh kira-kira jam 4 petang.

Mangsa dilaporkan dipenggal di lokasi terpencil yang menjadi kubu kuat militan Abu Sayyaf di Selatan Filipina.

Akhbar itu turut memetik Komander Kumpulan Petugas Bersama Sulu Brigedier Jeneral Alan Arrijado, berkata mangsa dibunuh selepas gagal memenuhi permintaan kumpulan terbabit berhubung permintaan wang tebusan.

Menurut laporan itu juga, usaha kini digerakkan untuk mengesan mayat mangsa.

Pada 8 November lalu, seorang lagi mangsa culik warga Malaysia Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, dibebaskan selepas hampir enam bulan dalam tawanan kumpulan penculik.

Dia dibebaskan kira-kira jam 10 malam dan tiba di Sandakan jam 7 pagi hari keesokannya dengan menaiki bot dari Kepulauan Filipina.

Nyuk Fun dan Bernard dilarikan sekumpulan lelaki bersenjata dari Restoran Ocean King, pada 14 Mei lalu jam 7.45 malam.-Utusan Borneo

Pengundi Batang Ai perlu kekal sokongan kepada BN

LUBOK ANTU: Presiden Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing menasihati pengundi di Batang Ai agar terus memberi sokongan kepada calon Barisan Nasional (BN) pada Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) akan datang.

Sekiranya pengundi di Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Batang Ai memilih parti pembangkang, ia akan merugikan rakyat kerana kerajaan BN pasti akan diberi mandat sekali lagi untuk memerintah Sarawak nanti.

Jelasnya, justeru bagi memastikan DUN Batang Ai terus diwakili wakil rakyat BN maka berilah sokongan kepada Malcom Mussen Lamoh yang dijangka mempertahankan kerusi Batang Ai sekali lagi.

“Saya percaya kerajaan BN akan menerajui Sarawak sekali lagi, jadi berilah sokongan kepada Mussen pada PRN nanti untuk memastikan kawasan Batang Ai terus mendapat pembangunan berterusan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa berucap pada Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat di Rumah Jubang, Sebangki Panjai, Lubok Antu, di sini, semalam.

Turut hadir Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara Senator Datuk Doris Sophia Brodie,  Menteri Muda Pemodenan Pertanian (Penyelidikan dan Pemasaran) Datuk Mong Dagang, Ahli Parlimen Lubok Antu Datuk William Nyalau Badak, DUN Batang Ai Malcom Mussen Lamoh, Pegawai Daerah Lubok Antu Jack Aman Luat dan ketua-ketua masyakarat sekitar Lubok Antu.

Pada majlis itu JKKK dan Biro Wanita Sebangki Panjai berjaya mengumpul peruntukan projek kecil luar bandar (MRP) sebanyak RM45,000 hasil sumbangan menteri dan dan wakil rakyat yang hadir.

Selain itu Masing yang juga ADUN Baleh menasihati rakyat di Lubok Antu agar jangan mendengar hasutan parti pembangkang yang membantah tanah Hak Adat Bumiputera (NCR) mereka disukat perimeter untuk diberi geran hak milik tanah.

Beliau mendakwa bahawa individu atau parti pembangkang membantah tanah NCR yang kebanyakannya milik Dayak disukat ada tujuan tertentu untuk kepentingan mereka sendiri.

“Jangan dengar cakap pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab ini yang menghalang tanah disukat kerana yang rugi nanti adalah kita sendiri,” katanya.-Utusan Borneo

PRS bakal tampilkan calon wanita pada PRN

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) akan menampilkan seorang calon wanita pada Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) akan datang.

Presidennya Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing bagaimanapun enggan mendedahkan identiti calon wanita yang bakal ditampilkan itu sehingga tiba masa yang sesuai.

“Ada kemungkinan untuk PRS menampilkan calon wanita. Saya sendiri sebagai presiden parti menginginkan sekurang-kurangnya seorang calon wanita pada PRN 2016.

“Kerusi mana dan siapa beliau itu saya tidak dapat nyatakan dahulu. Tetapi walau siapa pun ditampilkan nanti, individu itu harus mempunyai kredibiliti sebagai pemimpin,” katanya.

Masing berkata demikian ketika ditemui selepas Majlis Pelancaran Biro Bantuan Maklumat (BBM) Pergerakan Wanita PRS Pusat di ibu pejabat parti di sini, semalam.

Tambah Masing lagi, setakat ini PRS belum mempunyai Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) mahupun Ahli Parlimen daripada kalangan kaum wanita.

Satu-satunya wakil rakyat wanita PRS ialah Ketua Pergerakan Wanita PRS Senator Datuk Doris Sophia Brodie yang dilantik sebagai Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara.

Selain seorang calon wanita, PRS juga akan menampilkan calon muka baharu di kerusi Tamin bagi mengganti penyandang sedia ada Datuk Joseph Mauh Ikeh yang mengambil keputusan bersara.

“Tidak ramai kalangan ahli politik mahu bersara secara sukarela seperti Joseph Mauh dan ia harus dipuji.

“Sebagai ahli politik kita harus tahu di mana untuk berhenti kerana masih ramai mereka yang menunggu dalam barisan untuk menjadi pemimpin seterusnya,” katanya.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, Masing yang juga Menteri Kanan bertegas tiada agenda tersembunyi dalam ‘Merger of Minds’ antara PRS dengan Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) dan Parti Demokratik Progresif Sarawak (SPDP).

Tegasnya, ‘Merger of Minds’ adalah untuk mempertahan prinsip Barisan Nasional (BN) dan ia tidak lebih atau tidak kurang daripada itu.

“Tiada salahnya untuk mempertahan prinsip BN dan jika kami PRS, SUPP dan SPDP termasuk Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) tidak mempertahankannya siapa lagi?

“Setiap ahli BN harus mempertahankan prinsip BN dan jika anda tidak, anda boleh keluar daripada BN,” tegasnya.-Utusan Borneo

PRS out to stake its claim on Bukit Goram, Murum and Samalaju

KUCHING: PRS is eyeing at least three out of the 11 newly-created state seats to be contested in the next state election.

Party president Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing listed the three as Bukit Goram in Kapit, Murum (Belaga) and Samalaju (Bintulu).

“We believe that we can deliver these three seats for BN (Barisan Nasional) as we have a strong following there,” the minister told The Borneo Post here yesterday, believing that BN’s power-sharing policy among its component parties would enable PRS to have these three seats.

He stated that as far as Bukit Goram and Murum were concerned, they should be allocated to PRS in that they were respectively carved out of Baleh and Belaga state constituencies — both belonging to the party.

For the record, Masing is Baleh assemblyman while his Belaga counterpart is Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage, Liwan Lagang.

“Both (Bukit Goram and Murum) are split from one ‘bilik’ (unit). In Iban customs, when the ‘bilik’ is divided into two, both sub-units should be allocated to PRS because the original ‘bilik’ belongs to us,” he explained.

On Samalaju, Masing pointed out PRS as the offshoot of now defunct PBDS as the justification for its right to claim the new proposed constituency.

“Based on our records, former members of PBDS are now with PRS. So with the strong presence of our members there — the majority of whom are Ibans, who also comprise 62 per cent of total voters — it would give us a real chance of winning the seat.

“On top of that, there are 23 per cent Bumiputera voters there (Samalaju) who would be inclined to vote for the BN party,” he said, adding that the remaining 15 per cent of voters would be the Chinese, whom he believed would also back PRS in the next state polls.

For the record, Samalaju has 12,927 registered voters. On the possibility of other BN component parties, especially PBB, also eyeing the three seats, Masing hoped that his party would be given the ‘fair share of assets’ among the new 11.

“We hoped that there would be no party monopolising these ‘assets’, which should be fairly shared among the four component parties.”

Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, who is also state BN secretary-general, said it was normal for all BN component parties to lobby out for all 11 seats.

However, he said it was too premature for the state BN to discuss on the allocation of seats, given that they had yet to receive approval from Parliament, to be followed by endorsement from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before gazetting.

“Still based on past experiences, all four BN component parties (PBB, PRS, SPDP and SUPP) would meet to discuss on the allocation of these seats — when the time comes,” he said when contacted.

Rundi also stressed that based on past experiences: “The bigger the party, the bigger ‘say’ they will have on the allocation of seats.”

Apart from Bukit Goram, Murum and Samalaju, the rest of the new proposed state seats are Serembu, Batu Kitang, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Stakan, Kabong, Tellian and Mulu.-Borneo Post

Penan terjejas hidroelektrik diberi bantuan pendidikan

SEB, Amanah Kebajikan Bakun tandatangani MoU bantu masyarakat Penan di Belaga yang terjejas secara langsung

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) dan Amanah Kebajikan Bakun telah menandatangani Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) untuk memberi bantuan pendidikan selanjutnya kepada masyarakat Penan di daerah Belaga yang terjejas secara langsung oleh Loji Hidroelektrik (HEP) Murum.

MoU itu menjelaskan bagaimana dana pendidikan khas sebanyak RM200,000 itu yang disalurkan setiap tahun oleh SEB dan disimpan di bawah Amanah Kebajikan Bakun akan digunakan untuk memenuhi keperluan pendidikan khusus masyarakat Penan.

Inisiatif tersebut juga bagi mendorong golongan muda daripada masyarakat berkenaan berusaha mencapai kecemerlangan dalam pendidikan.

Menurut Menteri Kemajuan Tanah selaku Pengerusi Amanah Kebajikan Bakun Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing, dana itu akan digunakan khusus untuk memberi bantuan pendidikan kepada masyarakat Penan di daerah Belaga termasuk tujuh buah kampung penempatan semula yang terjejas akibat HEP Murum.

“Bantuan ini adalah untuk penduduk di enam perkampungan Penan dan sebuah perkampungan Kenyah Badeng dari penempatan semula Murum dan 19 masyarakat Penan lain dari seluruh daerah Belaga.

“Kami mahu meletakkan mereka ke dalam abad 21 dan saya berharap masyarakat Penan yang sebelum ini hidup sebagai pemburu menyertai kita ke dalam abad 21 serta menjadi ahli masyarakat yang terpelajar,” kata pada Majlis Menandatangani MoU tersebut di Menara Sarawak Energy di sini, semalam.

Upacara menandatangani MoU itu disempurnakan oleh Masing dan Menteri Muda Kebudayaan dan Warisan merangkap ADUN Belaga Liwan Lagang bagi pihak Amanah Kebajikan Bakun manakala SEB diwakili Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit dan Ketua Jabatan Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat Jiwari Abdullah.

Manakala Torstein berkata pendidikan dan golongan muda merupakan salah satu teras utama dalam strategi tanggungjawab sosial korporat SEB.

“Kami menyedari tentang kepentingan pendidikan untuk memajukan pembangunan ekonomi dan sosial.

“Dalam matlamat kami untuk menyokong kerajaan mengembangkan ekonomi negeri dengan memacu Koridor Tenaga Diperbaharui Sarawak (SCORE), kami mahu memastikan masyarakat yang terjejas akibat projek-projek kami mendapat manfaat secara lestari,” katanya.

Torstein mewakili SEB dalam jawatankuasa yang ditubuhkan khas untuk mengurus dana berkenaan yang akan memberi fokus kepada cara untuk sentiasa meningkatkan kadar kehadiran dan pendaftaran pelajar, prestasi akademik, kaunseling, motivasi dan program ‘outreach’ bagi pelajar, guru dan ibu bapa.

Ahli jawatankuasa lain termasuk Liwan, Ahli Parlimen Hulu Rajang Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Pegawai Daerah Belaga Abdul Halim Abdullah dan Pegawai Pendidikan Belaga Henry Usat Bit.

Sementara, dana RM200,000 tersebut adalah untuk menjalankan program seperti anugerah insentif akademik bagi pelajar di sekolah rendah dan menengah.

Selain itu, ia juga sebagai bantuan kewangan untuk pelajar yang mengambil sijil atau diploma dalam latihan di institusi pengajian tinggi atau pusat kemahiran selain program diploma atau ijazah di institusi pengajian tinggi yang diluluskan di Malaysia.

Ia turut akan digunakan untuk sebarang program pembangunan pendidikan lain atau bagi menyediakan kemudahan pengajaran dan pembelajaran jika dianggap perlu seperti yang dipersetujui jawatankuasa.

Dana pendidikan khas itu merupakan pendekatan SEB dalam menyokong inisiatif pendidikan masyarakat yang terjejas di Murum dan ia termasuk kerjasama dengan Kementerian Pendidikan untuk membina dua sekolah rendah di penempatan semula Metalun dan Tegulang.

Ini telah membawa kepada peningkatan yang signifikan dalam kadar pendaftaran murid sekolah rendah daripada masyarakat tersebut sebanyak empat kali ganda berbanding sebelum penempatan semula disediakan.

SEB turut menyediakan bantuan seperti pengangkutan ke sekolah, pakaian seragam, kasut, beg sekolah, buku latihan, alat tulis dan peralatan sukan.

Syarikat tenaga itu juga telah mengurangkan jurang literasi di kalangan golongan dewasa Penan menerusi program literasi Penan Murum.

Program yang memenangi anugerah itu telah membolehkan kira-kira 400 orang dewasa belajar membaca, menulis dan mengira secara asas sebagai sebahagian daripada peralihan mereka ke dalam arus pembangunan aliran utama.

Program ini sudah mencapai peringkat ketiga yang merangkumi kemajuan peribadi, kebersihan, nutrisi dan kesihatan, kemahiran hidup asas seperti pengiraan mudah, ekonomi rumah tangga dan bengkel keibubapaan.

Selain sumbangan kepada Amanah Kebajikan Bakun, SEB menyediakan program biasiswa tahunan yang terbuka kepada semua rakyat Sarawak.

Program biasiswa ini bertujuan melengkapi usaha kerajaan negeri bagi memastikan tenaga kerja tempatan yang mencukupi untuk SCORE.

SEB juga aktif menyokong pelajar universiti dalam projek-projek penyelidikan dan pembangunan.-Utusan Borneo

‘Merger of Minds’ for the good of Chinese community — Masing

KUCIHNG: PRS president Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing believes that the concept of ‘Merger of Minds’ between his party, SUPP and SPDP is not against Chinese unity.

In fact, he pointed out, it would ensure that the community would have better representation in the state Barisan Nasional (BN) government after the next state election.

As such, he commended Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s initiative in getting both UPP and SUPP to talk out their differences during their recent closed door meeting, so that both parties could represent the Chinese community as a united entity.

“The chief minister’s advice to UPP and SUPP to talk out their political differences is good and practical. But it must be done quietly and out of the glare of publicity.

“When UPP and SUPP meet, they must not meet as party representatives. They must meet as (member of the) Chinese community trying to work out a practical system so that they fight as one Chinese entity (in the next state election) to have any chance of reclaiming their lost seats. If they don’t, there is a danger that the next state BN government would have no Chinese representation,” Masing told The Borneo Post yesterday.

In the last state election in 2011, the three BN component parties were allocated 36 seats — SUPP (19 seats), PRS (nine) and SPDP (eight). The remaining 35 in the 71-seat State Legislative Assembly were allocated to PBB.

However, SUPP was dealt a heavy blow when it lost 13 of its seats. PRS managed to retain eight, while SPDP won five. This time around, the four components of state BN will have 11 additional seats, which the ruling coalition has yet to decide how they would be allocated.-Borneo Post

Talks will not derail ‘merger of the minds’ pact – Masing

KUCHING: ‘The merger of the minds’ a pact between Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) will continue despite the recent closed door meeting between SUPP and United People’s Party (UPP).

PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said the meeting between SUPP and UPP had not altered the course of the merger of the minds.

“Of course, it will depend on SUPP’s reaction towards outsiders interfering into its business. As for us, the merger of the minds continues and outsiders should not interfere,” Masing who is the Land Development Minister told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Masing was responding to the latest development where SUPP and UPP met in a closed door session on Monday in the presence of state BN chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to iron out their differences and to talk over seat allocation for the coming state election which must be called by June next year.

There were speculations that meeting may impact the merger of the minds agreement if SUPP decided to work with UPP instead of with SPDP and PRS.

Following the meeting of SUPP and UPP, speculations were also rife that Adenan could call for a similar meeting between SPDP and Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras), a splinter party of SPDP.

When contacted, SPDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing agreed with Masing that the ‘merger of the mind’ should be maintained and that both parties would work with SUPP to win the seats for BN in the coming state election.

For SPDP and PRS the ‘merger of the mind’ pact could be a prelude to the actual merger of the two parties, an idea that was mooted several years ago but had been put on the back burner until recent efforts by both parties to relook into the proposal.

However, Masing recently stated that the PRS-SPDP merger would take place only after the state election as both parties had to concentrate on the coming polls and that there still many issues to be ironed out.

Tiong concurred with Masing that the actual merger of their parties should take place only after the next state election.

“What is important is that both parties have agreed to merge but we are also realistic enough to know that it would not be a simple process and time is needed to fine tune our agreement to reach the right formula for the eventual merger,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Tiong pointed out when the idea was first brought up both parties moved too fast and many members from both parties were not prepared for the merger.

The grassroots members must be properly briefed and consulted before the leaders could go ahead with the merger, he added.

“This should be a decision of the whole party not just by the leaders that is why both parties need to go down to the ground to gather feedback from grassroots members before taking the next step.”

He added for the time being SPDP and PRS would concentrate on the ‘merger of the mind’ and work with SUPP in strengthening BN.

Meanwhile, as of press time, SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian could not be reached for comments.-Borneo Post

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