US condemns Myanmar junta for ‘abhorrent attacks’ in Chin state

US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington was “gravely concerned” about reports that Myanmar’s security forces committed human rights violations and destroyed more than 100 homes as well as Christian churches in western Chin state. – AFP photo

The United States said Sunday it is “gravely concerned” about reports that Myanmar’s security forces committed human rights violations and destroyed more than 100 homes as well as Christian churches in western Chin state.

“These abhorrent attacks underscore the urgent need for the international community to hold the Burmese military accountable and take action to prevent gross violations and abuses of human rights, including by preventing the transfer of arms to the military,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, using Myanmar’s previous name.

On Friday, local media and witnesses reported that junta troops had shelled the town of Thantlang after a confrontation with a local self-defense force.

A fire then engulfed the town, destroying dozens of homes and structures — including a Save the Children office, the London-based charity confirmed in a statement.

Most of Thantlang’s inhabitants had fled the town during clashes last month, many of them crossing the border to India.

The junta’s information team confirmed Saturday that two churches and 70 homes were burnt down in the town, but accused the local “people’s defense forces” of the blaze, after security forces had clashed with their fighters.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun telling local media the military’s role in Thantlang’s razing was “groundless accusations.”

AFP could not independently verify the reports from the remote region.

Price said Washington also expressed concern over the “intensification of military operations” by the junta throughout the Southeast Asian country, which has been plunged into chaos since a February coup, with more than 1,200 people killed as nationwide military cracks down on dissent.

So-called “people’s defense forces” (PDF) have sprung up across the country to take on the junta, escalating attacks and bloody reprisals.

The United Nations said last week it feared a wider human rights catastrophe amid reports of thousands of troops massing in the north and west of the country.

In May, government forces used artillery to flush out rebels from the town of Mindat in the southern part of Chin state, and later cut off its water supply, according to a spokesman for a local insurgent group. – AFP

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Flowers, cheers and tears as Australia’s border reopens

Families were split across continents and tens of thousands of nationals were stranded overseas during the closure. – AFP photo

Australia’s international border reopened on Monday almost 600 days after a pandemic closure began, sparking emotional scenes at Sydney airport as loved ones reunited.

Shortly after dawn, bleary-eyed passengers began to trickle into the arrivals terminal at Kingsford Smith International and were quickly wrapped up in the tearful embraces of flower-clutching relatives.

On March 20 last year, Australia introduced some of the world’s toughest border restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost all travel to the island continent halted, prompting critics to dub the country a “hermit state”.

Tim Turner, who had not seen his son for more than a year, said it was “pretty brilliant” that they were now able to reunite.

Arriving in Sydney was “beautiful, beautiful”, he told reporters at the airport.

Julie Choo, who flew back from the UK to visit her sick mother in hospital, said she was trying not to cry as the plane touched down.

“I just can’t wait to touch my mother’s hand when I see her. I can’t wait to hold her,” she said. “It’s going to be very emotional.”

For the last 19 months, Australians have been banned from travelling overseas without permission.

Families were split across continents, and tens of thousands of nationals were stranded overseas.

The few who did gain permission to enter were forced to spend thousands of dollars and agree to spend 14 days locked in a hotel room.

Those conditions have now been dropped for the country’s two largest cities — Sydney and Melbourne — which will now allow vaccinated Australians to come and go without quarantine of any kind.

– Leaving the island –

Abhi Bajaj, 35, said it was “too overwhelming” that he could now travel to the United States to celebrate Christmas with family after two years apart.

“I was waiting for this day for a long time,” he told AFP, before boarding a flight to Los Angeles.

Australian airline Qantas had grounded much of its fleet for more than 18 months, with CEO Alan Joyce calling the resumption of regular international flights “a long time coming”.

“It’s wonderful to see Australians able to reunite with loved ones after such a long time apart,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was a “big day for Australia”, posting on Facebook that the country was now “ready for take-off!”

Travel is expected to resume slowly after such a protracted shutdown, with low passenger numbers on the first flights to arrive.

More than one million foreign residents remain stuck in Australia unable to see friends or relatives overseas, with the relaxed travel rules applying mainly to citizens.

And some Australian states with lower vaccination rates will remain virtually closed to the world, as they still have mandatory and costly 14-day hotel quarantine requirements in place. – AFP

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Biden lauds Pope Francis, calls him man ‘of great empathy’

This photo taken and handout by the Vatican Media on October 29, 2021 shows Pope Francis shaking hands with US President Joe Biden during a private audience at the Vatican, ahead of an upcoming G20 summit of world leaders. – AFP/Handout photo

US President Joe Biden praised Pope Francis on Sunday for his empathy and humanity, calling the pontiff “a fine, decent, honourable man”.

“This is a man who is someone who is looking to establish peace and decency and honour, not just in the Catholic Church but just generically,” Biden said during a press conference at the culmination of the two-day G20 summit in Rome.

Biden, a devout Catholic who regularly attends church, choked up while describing how the pope comforted his family following the 2015 death from cancer of his son, Beau, when Biden was vice president.

During a visit by the pope to the United States later that year, Francis asked if he could meet with Biden’s family, the president recalled.

“And we met in a hangar at the Philadelphia airport and he came in and met with my family for a considerable amount of time… and he talked about my son Beau,” said Biden.

“And he didn’t just generically talk about him, he knew about him… he knew what a man he was,” he said. “It had such a cathartic impact on his children, on my wife and our family. It meant a great deal.”

On Friday ahead of the G20 talks, Biden met Francis for more than an hour at the Vatican, where he presented the pontiff with a presidential coin recalling the regiment in which Beau served.

The pope, Biden said later, had told him he was “happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving Communion”.

Biden said on Sunday that the pope was “everything I learned about Catholicism from the time I was a kid going from grade school through high school”.

“I have great respect for people who have other religious views but he’s just a fine, decent, honourable man, and we keep in touch.” – AFP

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Nine firefighters dead in Brazil cave collapse

A handout picture released from Sao Paulo state’s Military Police shows firefighters working to rescue other firefighters buried in a cave after a collapse near the Brazilian city of Altinopolis. – AFP photo

Brazilian authorities said Sunday that nine firefighters had died in a cave after the roof collapsed while they were training inside.

The accident occurred as a group of 26 firefighters were on a training exercise in a cave near the city of Altinopolis, the Sao Paulo fire department said on Twitter.

“There were 9 dead and one person rescued. There are no more victims at the site,” it said.

Earlier, officials had said there were three dead and six missing. The identities of the victims were not disclosed.

A previous report from the Altinopolis mayor’s office said 15 firefighters were still buried, and that three of the victims who were rescued suffered fractures and hypothermia.

Five people in total were taken to a local hospital and discharged, according to the mayor’s office.

Police and emergency health teams had joined firefighters earlier Sunday in a desperate effort to free those still trapped, but the work was hampered by heavy rains.

Access to the remote site was difficult, and threats of new collapses complicated the rescue attempts.

Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria had said on Twitter he would provide “all the support and resources necessary for the rescue of the victims.”

Speaking to GloboNews, Cristina Trifoni, mother of one of the instructors participating in the training event, explained that the group had planned to spend the night inside the cave.

“What happened is that the entrance to the place they were in collapsed. I’m desperate,” she said, standing next to relatives of other firefighters who anxiously awaited word on the rescue effort.

Altinopolis is known for its caves, a major regional tourist attraction. – AFP

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Covid-19: Malaysia logs 36 more deaths; Sarawak has highest fatality rate

Forensics personnel transfer the body of a recently deceased Covid-19 patient out of the morgue at the Penang General Hospital, August 24, 2021. – Malay Mail photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): The Health Ministry recorded yesterday 36 more deaths from Covid-19, including seven that were brought-in-dead — a big drop from 44 the previous day.

This brings the total number of deaths in the country from Covid-19 to 28,912, with 5,846 of those being brought-in-dead.

Sarawak continues to lead states with the highest deaths, with 62 for every one million people over the past two weeks.

This is followed by Perlis, with 35 deaths per million, and Kelantan and Penang, with 34 deaths per million respectively.

The national death rate stands at 23 deaths per million, with only two other states aside from those mentioned earlier featuring a higher death toll, including Perak, with 29 deaths per million and Terengganu, with 25 deaths per million.

Kuala Lumpur’s death rate over the past two weeks stands at 10 deaths per million, while Selangor’s is the second lowest, at nine deaths per million.

Melaka — which will hold its statewide poll next month — has a fatality rate of 16 deaths per million over the past two weeks.

Only Labuan and Putrajaya have zero deaths.

In terms of age, 76.5 per cent of the deaths involved those above 60, while 23.1 per cent were between the ages of 18 and 59.

Selangor continues to be the state with the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 1,128 detected over the last 24 hours

This is followed by Sarawak with 616 confirmed cases, and Sabah with 447.

Remaining states recording new cases are Kedah (371), Kelantan (370), Johor (363), Terengganu (277), Pahang (256), Penang (255), Melaka (225), Perak (224), Kuala Lumpur (215), Negri Sembilan (175), Putrajaya (33), Perlis (16) and Labuan (eight).

Yesterday, Malaysia logged 4,979 new Covid-19 cases, the second time daily infections dipped below the 5,000 mark this month. – Malay Mail

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Budget 2022 to be debated in Parliament beginning today

Members of Parliament will debateBudget 2022 tabled byFinance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz last Friday. 

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): Budget 2022 tabled by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on last Friday, will be debated by Members of Parliament at the Dewan Rakyat beginning today.

The debate session is scheduled to be commenced by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after the Oral Question and Answer session, and as per convention, the second debater would be from the Government Backbenchers Club (BBC).

Based on the Parliamentary sitting calendar, Budget 2022 is scheduled to be discussed at the policy level for seven days, and will be wound up by the ministers or deputy ministers of the relevant ministries for four days before being discussed at the committee level for 13 days.

Apart from that, the focus of today’s sitting would also be on the issue of whether high wage rates in Australia and South Korea is the reason why many Malaysians are willing to work illegally in the two countries.

Datuk Shabudin Yahaya (Bersatu-Tasek Gelugor) will pose the question during the Oral Question and Answer session, and he will also ask the Minister of Human Resources to state the actions taken to prevent more Malaysians from becoming forced labourers in those countries.

Questions related to vaccination will still be entertained at the sitting as Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof (Bersatu-Alor Gajah) asks the Minister of Health to state in detail the safety measures taken to ensure the vaccine received is suitable for the recipient.

He also wishes to know the form of compensation received by vaccine recipients if there were side effects after being vaccinated.

Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh), meanwhile, will ask the Minister of Health to state the ministry’s efforts to regulate all HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) DNA programmes, which are now partly run by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).

She will also seek the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all students aged 13 and 14 who missed the HPV vaccination were given the vaccine in the near future.

Issues related to Sabah and Sarawak will also be in focus when Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian) asks about efforts to increase clean water and electricity supply in rural Sarawak, while Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) will raise a question on the encroachment of illegal immigrants in Sabah waters.

The Dewan Rakyat session will last for 32 days until Dec 16. – Bernama

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PSB Kota Sentosa disappointed over RM4.6 bln allocation for Sarawak’s development in Budget 2022

Datuk John Lau

KUCHING (Nov 1): Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Kota Sentosa has expressed disappointment over the RM4.6 billion allocation for Sarawak’s development in Budget 2022 tabled last Friday.

PSB Kota Sentosa representative Datuk John Lau said Sarawak should be given more allocation as the state contributed 30 per cent of the nation’s annual revenue in past years through taxes paid to the federal government.

“Sarawak should be allocated with at least one-third of the total development budget of RM75.6 billion.

“We are disappointed and perturbed to learn that Sarawak is only allocated RM4.6 billion development funds in 2022,” he said in a statement yesterday.

According to him, many people in Kota Sentosa have been asking why is Sarawak allocated with so little money for development considering that the state’s suburban and rural infrastructure are very far behind compared to Peninsular Malaysia?

Lau said although the RM4.6-billion allocation is more than the RM4.5-billion development allocation for last year, but in real value, it may be much less than the latter allocation due to inflation and rising cost of living.

“During the Prime Minister’s visit to Sarawak recently, he has made known that Budget 2022 has some surprises for Sarawak. The surprise is that we are allocated with only 6.08 per cent of the total RM65.6 billion development budget.

“The RM4.6 billion is only 1.4 per cent of the nation’s annual budget of RM332.1 billion. The Prime Minister’s Keluarga Malaysia concept promoted inclusivity, command ground and contentment, but when we see the 2022 development funds allocation, the concept is lacking.

“The development expenditure amounts to 23.5 per cent of the Annual Budget of RM332.1 billion, but operation expenditure is 233.4 billion, which is 67.3 per cent of the annual expenditures.

“We would like the authorities to enlighten us as to why operation expenditure is 3.1 times higher than development expenditure. In a developing country like Malaysia, we need to have more development funds, particularly Sarawak and Sabah who are equal partners in the formation of Malaysia in 1963,” he said

Noting that Malaysia’s annual expenditures were always more than the revenue collected between 2010 and 2020, Lau said that the annual expenses for this year is expected to be RM322.54 billion where revenue would only be RM236.90 billion.

He added that for next year, Malaysia is expected to generate a revenue of RM234 billion and the annual expenditure is expected to be RM332.10 billion.

Meanwhile, Lau said the RM1.5 billion for rural infrastructure development for Sabah and Sarawak would definitely be insufficient to bring the two Malaysia’s partners to be on par with Peninsular Malaysia.

“It was stated that RM200 million would be allocated to help the Chinese Community. It did not mention what type of assistance. Is it to help the Chinese Middle Schools or otherwise? We hope the authorities would enlighten us more with transparency and accountability.

“RM11.4 billion would be allocated to empower Bumiputera. This is a piece of good news; we hope that the Bumiputera living in Sarawak can have an equal share of the RM11.4 billion,” he said

He expressed his hope that the Ministry of Finance could allocate more development funds to Sarawak in 2022 within the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia.

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New collection model for Sarawak to boost coffers – Abg Johari

Abang Johari (fifth left) presents the SRBN gadget to a representative of a Trusan village as Awang Tengah (fourth left), Mohd Morshidi (second right) and others look on.

LAWAS (Nov 1): The Sarawak government is drawing up a new collection model to further boost the state’s coffers with higher revenue collection, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this would be part of the ongoing revenue re-engineering efforts which has substantially increased the state’s coffers with the collection of sales tax for petroleum products exported from the state.

“We will get additional revenue in 2022-2023. There is a new model created by us which we will use to help the people especially in rural areas,” he said when launching the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran-MySRBN) coverage in Kampung Tengah, Trusan in Lawas yesterday.

Abang Johari did not provide details of the new model but said the bigger coffers would help transform Sarawak into a developed, digital economy-compliant state with high income by 2030.

SRBN, using very small aperture technology, has been tapped to provide broadband services to rural areas in the state for high-speed internet connectivity needed for rural children’s access to education and opening up more economic opportunities.

Abang Johari said state government is investing RM 1 billion to provide the infrastructure through SBRN and is complemented by the federal Jendela programme to bring this service to all parts of the state.

“Now with SBRN in Long San, a father can send or receive money electronically from his children in Kuching,” he said.

The chief minister said another 150 locations for MySRBN is in the pipeline and there would be continuity in socio-economic development under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) if given another mandate after the next state election.

He also dismissed claims by detractors accusing GPS being afraid to face Undi18 voters.

“Some people say GPS is afraid of Undi 18 but we are not as we are planning for our young people today who need to know where their future lies and the long-term policy of the government,” he said.

Among those present at the function were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Rural Development Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

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Big challenges await GPS in the next state polls — Sharifah Hasidah

Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali

KUCHING (Nov 1): Three big challenges await the state’s current ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the next state election, says Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.

The Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring) points out that GPS would be contesting for the first time using its ‘Kenyalang’ (hornbill) symbol.

“Secondly, the polls are expected (to be called at) any time; it’s going to be held amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The other challenge is how to ensure a good (voters) turnout,” she said this during a ‘Meet-the-People’ session at the community hall in Spaoh yesterday, where Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, his wife Dato Doreen Mayang and political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu were also present.

Adding on, Sharifah Hasidah pointed out that the grassroots leaders and members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone party of GPS, each had a big role to play in overcoming these challenges.

“Since our Kenyalang logo is new, some elderly supporters and voters may not be familiar with it as they’re more familiar with the Barisan Nasional (BN)’s ‘dacing’ (scale) symbol.

“So please do your best in explaining and promoting to them our symbol.

“Again, there’s an opposition political party that also has the Kenyalang symbol.

“Explain to them (supporters and voters) the differences so that they would not make any mistake when casting their votes,” she said.

Sharifah Hasidah said amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it was for everyone to continue complying strictly with the standard operating procedures (SOP) to stay safe and protected.

“On the turnout, I hope our GPS workers could convince all to turn up in full force to allow our expected candidate Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah to retain the (Bukit Saban) seat with even bigger majority,” she said.

Adding on, Sharifah Hasidah said Uggah had done a great deal in bringing progress to the constituency, and also Spaoh town.

“The list of projects already and to be implemented, as well as those still on the drawing board, is very long.

“We have the physical developments and his (Uggah’s) next focus in on socio-economic development. He wants to help the people generate more stable income through modern agriculture.

“All these are for the benefits of our future generation.

“The continuity of his (Uggah’s) leadership and GPS administration in Bukit Saban should be the main motivating factor for the voters in continuing to support him,” she said.

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CM: Govt out to boost road connectivity devt across Baram

Abang Johari (right) holds a beam while taking part in a ritual conducted by the Kayans prior to building any longhouse. Seen from his right are Elizabeth and Dennis.

MIRI (Nov 1): Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has pledged to complete the construction of roads connecting Miri, Marudi, Long Terawan, Limbang and Lawas, covering most parts of Baram.

He said Sarawak’s revenue had increased over the last three years, making it possible for the government to plan more developments in the state, especially in the rural areas.

According to him, the state’s reserves now have an additional RM7 billion.

“That’s why I have the courage to build this road network. This stretch from Marudi to Long Terawan costs over RM1 billion and we are confident that we can build it for the people of Baram.

“Of course, this would take time. (It) cannot be immediate – just like building a longhouse, as what we have done today, by installing the beams first.

“Give me five years, and I will show you,” he told reporters after officiating at the ‘Negereng Jihe Uma Maring’ yesterday in Long Laput, Baram, which is about a three-hour four-wheel drive (4WD) journey from the city.

The ‘Negereng Jihe Uma Maring’ is a traditional ceremony conducted by the Kayans before commencing any longhouse construction.

Adding on, Abang Johari said the road network would connect all villages and settlements across Baram and such development would have a great impact on the agriculture and tourism sectors in those areas.

“We want to build roads that would cover the entire Baram, meaning they would span across Miri to Marudi (including construction of Baram Bridge), as well as Marudi to Long Terawan near Mulu.

“From Mulu, they would connect to Limbang and Lawas and from there, they would proceed to Gunung (Mount) Buda and then, to Sabah. With that, the agriculture sector could be developed further because by then, we would have good logistical access; secondly, it would benefit the tourism sector.

“Economically, this would have huge impact on the livelihood of the people of Baram,” said Abang Johari.

The Chief Minister also rubbished the claims by certain parties about Sarawak going bankrupt in three years because he had spent RM10 billion for Sarawak Budget in a year.

“So, this season of boat racing, I guess more stories would come out from them. So, (I would) Ieave it to the people to decide our future.

“When I say it, I would deliver it,” he stressed.

He also reaffirmed Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’s stance of fairness to all Sarawakians, especially in terms of development.

“We cannot be developing other areas alone, but leaving Baram out. We want to develop Baram, not let it sink,” he added.

Later at the function, Abang Johari announced RM2 million in allocation for the villagers of Long Laput in response to their request for a RM1-million funding to run wiring repair works on the longhouse, RM500,000 for construction of a building to display heritage and treasures of the Kayan community in Long Laput, and another RM500,000 for the Middle Baram Development Committee to set up an agriculture hub.

Prior to joining others in the ‘Negereng Jihe Uma Maring’, Abang Johari led those attending to observe a one-minute moment of silence in remembrance of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who passed away early yesterday.

The Chief Minister said he was in Lawas when he received news about Masing’s passing.

Among those attending the ceremony in Long Laput yesterday were State Secretary Datu Jaul Samion, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, and Kayan paramount chief Temenggong Elizabeth Deng.

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One missing after longboat capsizes, 9 others swim to safety

SAR team searches for the missing victim.

SONG (Nov 1): A 69-year-old farmer is missing while nine others managed to swim to safety after a longboat capsized at Giam rapids in Ulu Sungai Katibas here Saturday.

According to Song police chief DSP Rowney Michael Jalak, the victim in the 10am incident has been identified as Tataw Najong from Rumah Engkamat, Nanga Tada in Kanowit.

“Our early investigation found the longboat bound for Song town was carrying 10 individuals aged between four and 69.

“According to the longboat skipper, they departed Rumah Enggong at Tapang Nancham in Ulu Sungai Katibas at about 9am to Song town to send their relatives back to Nanga Tada after a visit.

“When they reached Giam rapids, water entered the boat causing it to overturn,” he said in a statement.

Rowney said the 54-year-old longboat skipper managed to rescue three children while other passengers swam to shore except the victim who was clinging to the capsized longboat.

He said efforts to rescue the victim failed as he was swept away by strong river current before disappearing 100 metres from the scene.

The longhouse residents then sought help from other river users passing by the area to search for the victim but to no avail.

“The survivors were brought to SK Nanga Selibut while waiting for the search and rescue (SAR) operation team to arrive and subsequently taken to Song police station,” he said.

He added police later received a report of the incident from the school headmistress.

Meanwhile, Song Fire and Rescue Department chief Rashid Songli said that a search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched after they received a report on the incident from Song police station at 2.54pm.

He said SAR in the downriver area from the scene continued yesterday.

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Prove that I did nothing for Bukti Saban, Uggah tells detractors

Uggah presents Sharifah Hasidah with a local mat as a memento.

KUCHING (Nov 1): Bukit Saban assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has challenged his detractors to show proof that this Iban-majority seat had little progress and development under him.

The deputy chief minister said they had often harped on this issue each time they moved around in the constituency.

“I wonder which roads they took which made them said they seem not to notice anything.

“They are actually resorting to telling lies to discredit me, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, and to instigate the people,” he said at a meet- the-people session at the community hall in Spaoh yesterday.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali was among those present.

Uggah said since 2017, more than RM465 million had and would be spent in the constituency for various infrastructure, social amenities, housing and modern farming projects.

He said Bukit Saban and Spaoh are seeing increasing developments and progress now because the people had rightly chosen to be with the government.

“I believe the people will again make the same choice in the coming election. They will reject the opposition again because they do not have the agenda for them at all.

“They (opposition) are only good at bad-mouthing the government and its leaders.”

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Masing a great leader of Dayak community, says SUPP sec-gen

Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting

MIRI (Nov 1): The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) was saddened by the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing yesterday morning, describing the news as ‘shocking to all Sarawakians’.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, who is also SUPP secretary-general, said Masing would always be remembered as ‘a great leader of the Dayak community’.

“Sarawak has indeed lost a great ‘Anak Sarawak’ (Son of Sarawak), a long-serving statesman, and a wise leader among the politicians.

“For SUPP, we have lost a true, genuine and trustworthy friend.

“I have known him (Masing) since he was in PBDS (Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak). He was a wonderful personal friend too – we had played golf together and shared many political views and issues, of which he was always very frank about – being straight to the point, without ever mincing his words.

“Most importantly, he had always been honest, speaking his mind without fear or favour,” said Ting in his message of condolences.

Masing, who was also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, was pronounced dead at 7.05am yesterday at Normah Medical Specialist Centre in Kuching.

He was 72.

It is reported that the cause of death was heart complications, and his last Covid-19 test was negative.
Masing is survived by his wife, Puan Sri Dato Corrine Masing, and their four daughters and one son.

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Senator shares experience with late Masing

Photo of the Pua Kumbu presented by Masing, hanging in St Leonard Chapel in Sheepstor, England – Photo via WhatsApp/Senator Robert Lau

SIBU (Nov 1): Sarawak, in particular, the Iban Community, has lost a true son, following passing of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing yesterday.

According to Senator Robert Lau, he first learnt of the first Iban PhD holder in anthropology from the local newspaper.

“Masing had dedicated his life to serve his people and Sarawak as a shining example of how education was the way to uplift the welfare and living standard of the people, especially those from the rural community where opportunities were very limited.

“We shared similar interest in history. When I visited the Chapel in Sheepstor, England, the home of James Brooke in 2017, I saw a Pua Kumbu hanging on the wall with the inscription that said it was a gift from Dr James Masing.

“He had visited Sheepstor in 1996 as state Assistant Tourism Minister. I shared photos and my experience of my visit with him later and we had good exchanges of our experience,” said Lau.

He recalled the last time they were together was the ground breaking of the road from Sungai Bidut to Nanga Tutus one year ago.

“We had very good chat on the boat ride to and from Nanga Tutus. Farewell Tan Sri and rest in peace,” Lau reminisced.

Masing, 72, the president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), died at Normah Medical Specialist Centre in Kuching at 7.05am yesterday.

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RM1.5 mln restoration of hospital memorial museum proposed – Dr Annuar

The front view of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum.

SIBU (Nov 1): Conservation works have been proposed to restore the historical Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum which is the pride of Sibu folk, said Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee.

He revealed that the proposed conservation works and the initial budget of RM1.5 million for the project was presented in the presence of Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum Association Sibu chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming, during a briefing here yesterday.

“Today’s briefing was by our consultant UCTS, which is helping with the restoration works of this historical building besides coming up with the proposal budget.

“The briefing was entirely on the restoration of this building and not about extension works to accommodate part of the exhibition area. They (UCTS) will come back to us on the proposal for the exhibition including the proposed budget as well later.

“However, we prefer the exhibition part to be fully digitalised so that it is easier for visitors to the museum to understand what the equipment exhibited were used in the past – this is the historical part of it,” Dr Annuar, who is Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, told reporters after the briefing by University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS).

On the proposed building extension, he said the public toilet beside the museum might make way for such purpose.

“We want to also extend the building as agreed by Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau just now during the briefing.

“It has been proposed for the public toilet beside the building to make way for the proposed extension as part of the exhibition area.”

Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, pointed out there is another public toilet at Skate Plaza housed in the multi-use park Sibu Active Youth Space (SAYS), which is under construction at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase Two.

He also spoke on the proposal to convert the open space beside the museum for landscape and housing of a miniature Lau King Howe Hospital.

“This is a miniature of the entire Lau King Howe Hospital – the original hospital setting. People might not be able recall how the hospital was like previously,” he said.

Among other matters discussed during the briefing was the setting up of a committee to look into the ‘Babies of Lau King Howe’.

Elaborating, Dr Annuar estimated some 200,000 people were born at the hospital, which served Sibu folk from 1936 until 1994.

“So, the idea is to get those born in this hospital to register as ‘Babies of Lau King Howe’, and contribute some token – RM1 or RM10 – to this hospital where their names will be put up on display.

“But we have yet to decide which place in the museum will be allotted for such purpose,” he said before informing that he too was born in Lau King Howe Hospital.

He stressed what was more important was for the people of Sibu to take ownership of the museum and appreciate the contribution of Lau King Howe.

Political secretary to the chief minister Michael Tiang, Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun, UCTS School of Built Environment dean Assoc Prof Haris Fadzilah Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association president Lau Pek Kii, paediatrician Dr Toh Teck Hock, and museum manager John Ting were among those present.

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Govt mulls building racing track for motor sports

Karim (second left) with (from right) Ong, Ahmad, Freddy and Lamat after signing the plaque. — Photo by Ting Tieng Hee

KUCHING (Nov 1): The Ministry of Youth and Sports is looking into the possibility of building a proper racing track in the state so that Sarawak can host major events in motor sports.

Its Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah cautioned, however, that it is a matter that requires careful consideration.

“Racing tracks can be very very costly but of course this is something that we are willing to listen and look into when there is proper management for motorised events.

“We just cannot build a track and leave it there under-utilised and there must be proper motorsports events organised,” he told reporters in a press conference after launching the Sarawak Motorsports Association (SMA) at a local restaurant yesterday.

According to Karim, motorised events can be nice to watch but they can also be dangerous not only to the participants but also members of the public.

“The time is quite right (for a racing track) but we need a proper club/association to be able to fully utilise facilities like this and manage it properly and organising competitive motorsports events,” he added.

On the temporary go-kart racing track at the car park adjacent to the Sarawak Stadium, Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said it was not a proper track for go-kart racing.

“We are looking into having a much more proper site for a go-kart track. There have been a few proposals being submitted and we are looking into it and, hopefully if things materialise, we will be able to have a proper go-kart track in Kuching.

He further observed that the go-kart racing track can also be used for other purposes such as motorcycling and motor car racing.

“We are looking into building sports facilities which can accommodate more than one sport such as the Rugby and Cricket Field at the Petra Jaya Sports Complex.

“It would be pointless to build a field/pitch and that is is hardly being used,” he pointed out.

Earlier, Karim expressed happiness that SMA was finally registered as a sports body.

With SMA in place, he noted, motorsports events can be organised and sanctioned by the state governing body.

“It is important that motorsports events be sanctioned by a sanctioning body so that problems and matters can be resolved.

“For Sarawak, I do hope that with the registration of SMA, it would put to rest a lot of problems.

“But whether we can move forward in motorsports will depend on how SMA and the committee are going to manage it,” he said.

The minister also advised SMA to stick to its objectives and not become a profit-making body so that motorsports in the state can be sustained.

He also urged SMA to try get other clubs and associations to be affiliated to the state governing body.

Karim also pledged a grant of RM10,000 for SMA to run its activities.

Also present were SMA president Ahmad Ibrahim, SMA deputy president Freddy Lawan, Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee and Youth and Sports Department Sarawak director Lamat Nyalau.

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Dr Annuar: Masing more than a mentor to me

Dr Annuar Rapaee

SIBU (Nov 1): Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee expressed sadness over the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing yesterday morning.

Describing Masing as more than a mentor, Dr Annuar said the late Baleh assemblyman was like a father in politics who gave him advice on numerous occasions.

“I actually learned a lot from his (Masing) skills in State Legislative Assembly (DUN) as he was one of best eloquent speakers during winding up speech.

“Indeed, it is a sad day for Sarawak as we have lost one of the leaders who had contributed immensely to the state,” the Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research told reporters here yesterday.

Dr Annuar shared that he had communicated with Masing every morning prior to his illness on matters related to Covid-19 and the future development of the state.

He added Masing had encouraged him to put his thoughts and feelings on paper when he wanted to write a book.

Masing, who was Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, 72, passed away at Normah Medical Specialist Centre in Kuching 7.05am.

He is survived by his wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Dato Corrine Masing and five children.

His remains were brought back to his residence at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee in Kuching around 12.20pm.

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Tech companies laud govt’s 5G initiatives under Budget 2022

Goh Chee Hoh

KUCHING: Tech companies lauded the government’s commitment in its 5G nationwide rollout with allocations given under the recently announced Budget 2022.

“Budget 2022 is clear in its intent to maximise the potential of the digital economy, particularly in its focus to expand the 5G ecosystem under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela).

“It is, therefore encouraging to see the government investing funds of up to RM700 million to improve connectivity across 47 industrial locations and 630 schools nationwide,” said Trend Micro Malaysia and Nascent Countries managing director Goh Chee Hoh commented.

However, he pointed out that as the government ramps up its bold initiatives to intensify digitalisation, it is imperative that cybersecurity stays top-of-mind for enterprises as they defend against the ever-increasing onslaught of cyber threats. The past year especially has seen cyber attacks escalating in complexity.

“While it is laudable that the Defense Ministry has been allocated RM16 billion to fortify our national borders, efforts should also go into strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity stance. This is especially critical when security-related incidents in recent times illustrate cybersecurity as a key infrastructure priority.

“As e-commerce and mobile devices and apps become an integral part of our lives, there are increasing concerns about data privacy with the prevalence of breaches and unauthorized sharing of personal information. We also urge the government to continue enhancing the nation’s existing cybersecurity regulations and privacy protection policies as a further deterrent to malicious activities.

“As more Malaysian organisations embark on their digital transformation journey, the need to be response ready in the event of an attack becomes even more pressing. The best option for them is to prepare in advance – protect critical assets and IT infrastructures, put in place detection technology to identify these attacks before they happen, and ready a plan for recovery and response should an attack be successful. These steps help organisations stay in control of the situation even if they have been compromised,” Goh said.

Eric Quah

Meanwhile, Red Hat Malaysia highlighted that there is a clear recognition of this in the 2022 National Budget. The Malaysian government is fortifying the country with strategic investments to be ready for Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and to welcome the global digital economy.

“We applaud the government’s commitment to expand 5G services to 36 per cent of high-density areas including major cities in Johor, Selangor, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak in 2022. This commitment, tied with the investment of 30 billion ringgit through government-linked companies (GLCs) under the Perkukuh Pelaburan Rakyat (PERKUKUH) initiative, will be critical to Malaysia’s transition to 5G and infrastructure modernisation.

“We see tremendous opportunity for us to further accelerate and power the digital journey with our customers across Malaysia.

“We believe 5G will be the foundation for a new wave of innovation and opportunities. Across the world, the telecommunications industry is testing 5G innovations and multi-access edge computing (MAEC) technology.

“The dawn of 5G exponentially expands the capabilities and potential of connected IoT and business applications, boosted by the consistency of low latency and higher bandwidth availability to all.

“Adopting 5G-driven IoT technologies will benefit multiple industries, including the public sector, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation – all of which are also key investment areas outlined in the 2022 National Budget,” Red Hat Malaysia Country manager Eric Quah commented.

 

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