Dominique Ng Kim Ho

End of Speech - Maiden DUN Speech 26 July 2006

2008-06-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

DOMINIQUE NG KIM HO
AHLI DUN – N.9

DECLARATION OF ASSETS

I, DOMINIQUE NG KIM HO, being the duly elected representative of N.9 Padungan in the recent Sarawak State Elections on 20 May 2006, do hereby declare that the following constitute the whole of my and my immediate family’s assets:-

1) one (1) active Legal Firm;

2) a medical supplies company and a small business management company which are not very active;

3) one (1) corner double storey Terrace House at Pisang Road West, worth about RM260,000.00, still under housing loan repayment;

4) one (1) three year old Pregio Van, worth about RM70,000.00, still under hire purchase repayment;

5) one (1) very old Volvo; and

6) one (1) five year old Honda Motorbike.

Dated this 17th day of July, 2006

……………………………………………..
DOMINIQUE NG KIM HO

XI. ON THE ISSUE OF THE SONGKOK AS PART OF THE UNIFORM

2008-06-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

XI. ON THE ISSUE OF THE SONGKOK AS PART OF THE UNIFORM

Tuan Speaker,
It is with the greatest of dismay that I receive your ruling on the first day of this sitting on the wearing of the Songkok.

While you have taken great pains to refer to the head wear as a hat, I think it is a songkok, and many have called it as that.

As the saying goes a hat is a hat but a songkok is songkok!

I have taken some trouble to look up some references in the internet but the consensus is that a songkok is “an apparel worn by Malay and Muslim men”, and it is perceived as such by all races including the Chinese.

I meant no disrespect for the Malay culture and Islam and neither is there any intention to. Indeed I belong to and am a very proud member of a party where there are many Malays and Muslims members and leaders. However just as I would respect the right of Malay men to wear the songkok, I would like to be accorded due respect for my choice not to wear it.

I think that I have a constitutional right as a non Malay and a non Muslim not to wear an apparel which is otherwise very deeply associated with being a Malay and a Muslim. I think that I have a right to determine what I should or should wear and no ruling would persuade me to otherwise do something that is against my nature, culture and conscience!

Press Statement dated 20 July 2006

In conjunction with the Swearing-In Ceremony for the recently elected YBs of the Sarawak DUN today, I would like to take this opportunity to declare my and my family’s assets.

As the flag bearer of the Parti KeAdilan Rakyat, which is a party dedicated to bringing about Justice for the People, I consider it my solemn duty to lead the way and set an example for all Sarawakians.

For too long, the Sarawak Government has been tarnished by allegations of corruption and favoritism in the award of massive multi million ringgit contracts and projects to companies owned or controlled by cronies or family members of our leaders.

We have currently in Sarawak serving high ranking leaders whose family members own tens of millions worth of shares in companies that are often given mega government projects without tender.

To restore the people’s confidence in the ability of our Sarawak Government to carry out its solemn duty without fear, favour or corruption, all the leaders, elected representatives and especially ministers and senior government officers must regularly declare their assets, and be required to do so by relevant laws.

I hereby call upon all the elected YBs of the current DUN, starting from the YAB Chief Minister of Sarawak, to declare his and his immediate families’ assets, on or before the start of the 1st Sitting of the 16th DUN Assembly which has been scheduled on 24 July 2006.

If we are not corrupt, and have not profited from our public office, then we should have nothing to hide and a declaration of our assets will dispel all such worries and suspicions.

There is nothing wrong with being rich, for getting rich is the objective of the most commercial and business minded people.

But it is morally wrong to use our public offices to give projects to and enrich our own family members, relatives and cronies. In Malaysian laws, such acts are also serious crimes punishable with heavy jail sentences.

Corruption is a serious blight on our society and I strongly support our PM’s campaign to wipe out corruption in Malaysia. I start now in Sarawak on this auspicious and historic occasion, taking oath as the 1st duly elected KeAdilan YB in Sarawak.

X. STATE FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR MAUSHAN LIU SHAN BAN MEMORIAL

2008-06-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

X. STATE FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR MAUSHAN LIU SHAN BAN MEMORIAL

The State Government had to its credit recognized the glorious struggles of the daughters and sons of Sarawak in their struggle against domination and oppression by foreign colonialists. The most illustrious of these are Liu Shan Ban and the Chinese miners of Bau, the Great Rentap with his last stand at Bkt. Sadok, Rosli Dhoby’s and other Malay patriots’ personal sacrifices.

In the 50s and 60s, indeed into the 70s, there were others yet to be fully documented, who conducted equally valiant struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism: Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce from the Malay community was a prominent fore-bearer.

I leave it to you YBs of SUPP on the other side, the benefit and credit of naming who your parties’ heroes were in their anti-colonialist and anti-neocolonialist peoples’ struggle. When you have put their names up, I believe we may join in our accolade for heroes from your party from this side of the House!

I hope the identification of your parties heroes will infuse your party leadership, especially the YBs in the house, yet untapped courage to fight for the rights of Sarawak and the peoples of Sarawak! I on this side would be prepared to join you and acclaim: these beloved past leaders of SUPP who have faced jail terms and made untold personal and family sacrifices, and not ever thinking of a sen of benefit for themselves. Upon their struggle, your party was built; and shame should be on anyone who squander away the legacy of their valiant pro-peoples’ struggles!

Are we, each and every YB in this house fit to carry the legacy of these heroes in their fight against colonialism and neo-colonialism?

Mr. Speaker, their struggles form the spiritual heritage which must for posterity inspire the peoples of Sarawak to defend their sacred rights and freedom from oppressive hegemony of all and any guise.

The Keadilan movement in Sarawak, of which I am the proud pioneer in this August House, draws particular strength from our illustrious past freedom fighters in our present contribution to the struggle for human rights, social justice and genuine democracy in a fully pluralistic society that Malaysia is and should rightly be. Keadilan would be too willing to cross partisan lines and support moves from your side to celebrate the legacy of genuine Freedom Heroes of all ethnic groups, and of other political parties in Sarawak.

Mr. Speaker, our call for struggle for social justice has been joined by the majority of the people at the very heart of Sarawak, the social, political and economic centre that Kuching is! In the run-up to May 20th 2006, Mr. Speaker, our candidate in Piasau put to the people of Miri the concept of Reformasi Berwarna-warni BumiKenyalang, drawing upon the legacy of our State heroes! Were he in this house today to represent Piasau, I may have let him deliver this part of the speech.

Today in this House, may I record my heartfelt appreciation for a group of dedicated persons who have so diligently and painstakingly preserved the historic site where Liu Shan Ban was buried; Liu Shan Ban, leader of the Bau gold miners’ uprising against oppressive taxation by the regime of James Brooke.

The historic uprising of the some 600 out of 4000 Chinese gold miners in Bau/ Tasik Biru in 1857 is well documented and needs little elaboration of recorded facts. These miners who had migrated from E. Kalimantan from around 1830, were imposed an oppressive Head Tax. Though the initial success of the revolt initially shook Kuching and the Brooke Regime, it was put down and was to result in the massacre of Liu Shan Ban, his men and families.

Mr. Speaker, the revolt reflects another point on which I sincerely request all honourable members of the House to ponder upon. When an obnoxious regime oppresses its subjects to the limit, through such measures as unreasonable taxation, asset confiscation, legally or through deceit, it may well provoke the people to desperate measures to protect fundamental rights. When poverty is widespread and threatens the essential needs of survival, then too, people become desperate enough to “chew up” high tension wires, road signs, drain covers, water meters, and what have you not! If these are not signs of profound sickness in Society, what is?

There must be a profound sense of alienation from mainstream society and total marginalization for such behaviour to become as widespread as it is now. We ask: Why are these people so anti-social? They may ask instead: why is the State so anti-social?

Abject poverty in a land of plenty, landlessness in an enormously vast land, evictions from homes, annexation of land, confiscation of means of livelihood, taxation beyond civilized norms, corruption of power, crony-monopolistic capitalism and State Enforcement Terror can only have castastrophic outcomes for any society and nation!

If any Government of Sarawak or of Malaysia professes to promote harmony, social stability and development, its utmost priority is to respect fundamental human rights and uphold social justice; be not fixated in promoting political and economic cronyism; not cling on to oppressive legislation such as Section 26, 27 of the Land Code to subserve such crony capitalist interests in future, and not actively devise more legislation after oppressive legislation.

Any responsible Government of Sarawak or of Malaysia, should on the other hand, govern for the welfare and progress of all people. True democratic choice informed by free media, right of organization and assembly, fair and clean elections are fundamental to progress, and vital to forestall popular revolt, be it constitutional or, God –forbid , extra-constitutional.

Keadilan’s political and social reform agenda through constitutional struggle, is, in Sarawak, to be integrally imbued with the spirit of the Freedom fighters of Sarawak. In time, we hope to promote their spirit of struggle for rights and dignity not only to Sarawak people but for all Malaysians!

I therefore call upon this House to support the erection of the Liu Shan Ban Memorial Mausoleum at his Burial Site at Tasik Biru, and that it be funded and maintained by the State Government. If the Ministry of Tourism is more ambitious, I believe the house can even support a Sarawak Gold Mining Museum to be part of a more ambitious Liu Shan Ban Museum Complex. This museum would be a fitting complement to the Petroleum Museum on Canada Hill, Miri, but bettered by the legacy of an ethnic hero.

Mr. Speaker, the fight against oppression of gold miners has also been celebrated elsewhere. In Victoria, Australia, the Eureka Stockade in the Ballarat-Bendigo region is at the very psyche of Australian nationhood, and inspires the current Australian Republican movement. The legacy of Eureka Stockade, the gold mine sites and museum brought them bountiful tourist dollars too.

That the struggle of oppression against colonial masters are common themes to the Eureka Stockade of Victoria State and to the Liu Shan Ban Bau Gold Miners’ Revolt, it would not be too far fetched for a Liu Shan Ban Museum Complex to seek association with the Ballarat Gold Museum. Malaysia would thus have a museum seeking common status with that at Ballarat.

Mr. Speaker, make no mistake that the brilliant legacy of Liu Shan Ban and other heroes of Sarawak is not the monopoly of my party, but belongs to all the peoples of Sarawak, indeed all Malaysians. I therefore sincerely hope that both sides of this house will do likewise in promoting the Spirit of Sarawak to the nation though their respective social and political channels!

Thus today I call on your support in this august House to take another important step by more prominently promoting a part of Sarawak history in her fight against oppression, and to infuse it integrally into Malaysian History proper. It is indeed a proud chapter, as proud as that of any other nation, for posterity and for the whole world to visit and see.

IX. REHONOURING MALAYSIA DAY

2008-06-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

Talking about Malaysia Day brings me to another pet topic of mine. For many years now I have taken to writing an annual press statement reminding all Sarawakians of the day Malaysia was born ie 16 September (1963) and not 31 August. This day which is enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution along with the other day of 31 August is even more symbolic for Malaysia and Sarawak for on this very day was not only Malaysia born but Sarawak became independent! In the years past, 16 September was celebrated as our most important day.

Indeed on the actual day in 1963, there were some 6000 people gathered at the Central Padang to mark this most symbolic day.

I hereby call upon the State Government to restore Malaysia Day to its full status and have it celebrated annually in Sarawak!

I have begun to commemorate 16 September since last year at the Central Padang. I will raise the Malaysian and Sarawakian flags and sing the national and state anthems there every year until the State Government takes over! It’s a great shame on ourselves that we seem to have obliterated from our memory the commemoration of such an important day, indeed the most important day in Malaysia!

VIII. AVIATION AND SARAWAK AIRLINES

2008-06-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

VIII. AVIATION AND SARAWAK AIRLINES

It is of utmost regret that the state has such little leverage in the development of aviation in Sarawak in the years that it is in the Federation. The cavaliar manner in which the State has been treated just because aviation is on the Federal list, cannot be anymore tolerated by the people of Sarawak; past, recent and intercurrent aviation events are all proving the point.

I hardly need to state the obvious that Sarawak is isolated not only by the South China Sea, but more so by the Federal BN Government leaving us in the backyard of aviation and tourism development, as in other fields.

We can shout to the world that we are Better than the Paradise here on Borneo Island, but as one Sarawak tourism player puts it, who will come to this Paradise when there is no carrier to bring tourists here! How do they get here? From Sydney, Perth, Frankfurt? How many direct international routes have we left?

Gunong Mulu Resorts, the crown jewel of Sarawak Natural Heritage and tourism, was a couple of years back omitted by MTB publicity brochures featuring mountain resorts of Malaysia.

The tourism and related tourism services industry in Sarawak are just about up in arms. MAS and the Federal Ministry of Transport had always held their stranglehold on the rights to Sarawak airspace. Ironically, through years of mismanagement and top BN crony machinations, MAS is now totally eviscerated by another airline, the Air Asia; MAS has lost its stranglehold even over Sarawak airspace to that clever new–startup AA/FAX.

Make no mistake, as every other Malaysian, I feel the pride and affection of a Malaysian for our national carrier; however I am not the least amused by its present debacle.

Upon the honour of Sarawak and the people of Sarawak, if this State does not make its strongest stand to the Federal BN Government, MAS and especially smarter- than- thou Air Asia/FAX, aviation and tourism in Sarawak will be retreating decades backwards, what with her gleaming new airport terminals.

What is the State shareholding in Air Asia / FAX ? What is there to assure that Air Asia/ FAX will deliver a better service than MAS to the people and to the tourists arriving?

Our so–called “international” KIA and MIA face the unenviable prospect of

Reduced internal connectivity with major Malaysian towns and cities;

Virtually zero international direct connections;

In-coordination in ticketing, international and domestic flight connections, and baggage handling.

The way forward for Sarawak aviation, tourism and related service economy, as I see it, needs at least two major initiatives:

1. The greater opening of Sarawak airspace to other international carriers to access Kuching, Sibu and Miri, thus capitalizing on their more comprehensive presence in the international travel market, their vast networks and their more effective international marketing. The positive impact on Sarawak tourism, would be experienced within a short period of time.

2. In the longer term, the interests of Sarawak and the people of Sarawak may be better served by the establishment of a Sarawak Airlines, or a Sarawak-Sabah Airlines, where Sarawak and/or Sabah government and private stakeholders may have major and possibly controlling share ownership.

In the history of pioneering civil aviation in Borneo, in the 1950s and early 1960s, there existed SABAH AIRWAYS, then BORNEO AIRWAYS before the absorption into Malayan Airways, which evolved as Malaysian, MSA then MAS, as the then Sarawak Minister of Communications, none other than the Honorable YAB CM today can testify.

Brunei which opted to stay out of Malaysia, inaugurated Royal Brunei Airlines in 1975, with a creditable international network for a small nation with a total population less than that of Kuching. This indeed is the major gateway to Borneo which even East Malaysians use, at the expense of missed opportunities for our own economy!

In the best Malaysian spirit of optimism, Mr. Speaker, are we to be forever contented to see BRUNEI BOLEH, and practically everyone else BOLEH, but SARAWAK TAK BOLEH?! What then does this Government have to show for V2020? What to show for the Politics of Development, Mr. Speaker?

For your V2020 sake, talk to the Great Leader of the Kadazans, the Hon. Pairin Kitingan, whose proposals for Sabah Airlines was jettisoned by Dr. M , together with his PBS –led Government. Pairin, now in the politically-correct camp, would be happy that today we are striving for his once lost cause! Given Big-Brother blessing, I bet he would be more than willing to let his aviation dream for Sabah revived. Mr. Speaker, he at least had the foresight for Sabah interests, well ahead of us!

The initial mission of Sarawak Airlines must be to better serve the people of Sarawak and address the short-comings of the inter-current arrangements, both in the domestic rural and domestic East-Peninsular Malaysia sectors, Sarawak-Singapore sector. The wider mission must be the promotion of Sarawak interests in the region and the wider world.

The competitive advantage of Sarawak Airlines or SSA are more than one:

1. Major demand on the Singapore sector; popularity of Sarawak as a destination for Singaporeans;

2. The HK, China and Taiwan sector where there is fast growing potential for business travel and tourism both ways. Some large Chinese cities would be prime targets especially Guangzhou, Fuzhou, in addition to Shanghai and Beijing.

3. Major Australian destinations for Sarawak Students and their relatives provide a strong bottom-line seat occupancy several months in a year. The cities of Perth, Melbourne and Sydney should be prime initial targets. Every Sarawak student in Australia may be a potential promoter for Sarawak to augment the promotion already done by this Government –here my appreciation from this side of the House to Tourism Ministers concerned!

4. Sarawak and Sabah are strategically located in the ASEAN region; Thailand and Vietnam connections may have particular potential.

5. The legacy of the Sovereign State of Sarawak under the Brookes and of British Borneo provides the lure for some in the Western World. Routes to EU and N. America will however have to depend on good connections with Australasia and East and North-East Asia respectively.
Mr. Speaker, in the months ahead the people of Sarawak will be keenly watching the policy direction of this so-called Politics of Development Government in a matter as important as the lifeline to the people.

The people want to see real mettle of the State BN Government in persuading the Federal BN Government to truly respect Sarawak as a full partner of the Federation, a partner which will be proud to celebrate in the Golden Jubilee year, on Sept.16th 2013.

VII. Call To Stop The Excessive Number of Draws By 4-Digit Companies

2008-06-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

VII. Call To Stop The Excessive Number of Draws By 4-Digit Companies

There are four (4) such companies, namely Magnum 4D, Big 4 Cash Sweep, Toto and Damacai.

Each company currently conducts three (3) draws per week, thus giving a total frequency of 12 draws a week or almost 50 regular draws. With a special draw thrown in by each company each month, there are some 54 draws in Sarawak per month.
This situation is most absurd, and leads to an excess culture of gambling. The draws drains crucial funds meant for essential family up-keep expenditure and reduces consumer spending in the broader retail and services economy. And the poorer the family, the more they are likely to be the punters.

The State Government has also imposed a 10% supplementary tax on 4D tickets, making each ticket costing RM1.10. This is a classic example of the very unfair situation of a double taxation.

Based on the numerous and ceaseless public appeals received by Parti KeAdilan Rakyat, I propose:

(1) 4D regular draws be limited to 1 draw per week by each company;

(2) Special 4D draws be totally stopped; and

(3) The 10% State Government Tax be abolished.

VI. SPECIAL ANNUAL GRANTS FOR CHINESE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AIDED CHINESE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND AIDED MISSION SCHOOLS.

2008-06-27T01:41:00.002-07:00

VI. SPECIAL ANNUAL GRANTS FOR CHINESE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AIDED CHINESE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND AIDED MISSION SCHOOLS.

Sarawakians well versed in the Chinese language provide the state with a major competitive advantage in the globalised world of today. This fact is recognized not only by the ethnic Chinese, but by many other Sarawakians as well. Chinese secondary education is also the key to the preservation of Chinese culture, and the importance of the Chinese language to all Malaysians is now nationally recognized.

In recent years, the 14 Chinese Independent Secondary Schools in Sarawak have seen steady annual rises in enrollment in Sarawak; from 4,564 to 5,099 in 2006, testifying to widespread community demand. Nationally, some 50,000 are enrolled at 60 non-profit Chinese Independent Secondary Schools. The Chinese Independent Secondary Schools try their very best to comply with curricular standards laid down by the Ministry of Education. BM, and English are compulsory subjects.

In the last 30 years or so, of the some 150,000 students who completed schooling with Chinese Independent Secondary Schools , many have gone on to tertiary education locally and overseas, or become entrepreneurs. They have made significant contributions to national progress in all fields of political, social and economic life. Government should thus accord recognition and encourage community initiatives in organizing quality education to complement the fully National type schools. It is time the Federal and State Governments both step in to share the burden that has fallen so heavily on the Chinese community.

Aided Chinese Primary Schools

While the Federal Government provides limited funding for Aided Chinese Primary Schools, the State Government could well give further financial assistance to the Aided Chinese Primary Schools in areas such as buildings and material, maintenance, IT and sports facilities.

The Aided Chinese Primary Schools are facing the prospect of increased demand in enrollment from all communities, and this I consider a good thing. There is indeed an urgent need for new Aided Chinese Primary Schools building projects to decongest class-rooms bursting with 60 or more students. However, since the establishment of Chung Hua Primary No. 6 in Kuching, there has not been an increase of Aided Chinese Primary Schools.

Chinese Independent Secondary Schools

It is the faithful individuals and associations in the Chinese community, who toil to raise funds for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the State. Yet the Chinese Independent Secondary Schools still face a collective budget deficit of some RM 5 million a year. So the so called initiative that the SUPP announced a couple of days ago that they will come up with RM500,000 a year is far too little and too late. RM 500,000 is not enough.

Mr. Speaker, for the sake of the continued survival and progress of Chinese Independent Secondary Schools, public sector funding, and not the dependence on charity, must be the only way forward.

And ample precedence throughout Malaysia exists for State Governments providing funds for Chinese Independent Secondary Schools:

States with BN State Governments making annual grants or have alienated land to Chinese Independent Secondary Schools include Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah;

The Malacca BN Government grants scholarships annually for the students from poor financial backgrounds attending Chinese Independent Secondary Schools.

In Sabah the PBS, then BN Government has been making annual grants for the 9 Chinese Independent Secondary Schools since 1991.
SABAH BOLEH, SARAWAK TAK BOLEH!

The Kelantan PAS Government is even more dedicated to the principle of mother tongue education by solving the funding problem once and for all. It generously donated 1000 acres of land for agricultural development to Chinese School association, proceeds from which will see Chinese education go a long way. And this for a Government which others in this House enjoy vilifying, so often and so wrongly.
KELANTAN BOLEH, SARAWAK TAK BOLEH!

Does Sarawak not have a greater percentage of ethnic Chinese, than Kelantan and Sabah?

Does the Sarawak BN Government not have a stronger Chinese political partner than the Chinese partnership in the Kelantan PAS Government?

Why then if Kelantan can, Sarawak cannot deliver for Chinese education?

Aided Missionary Schools

If one has the opportunity to travel widely in Sarawak, one would be able to see many a Missionary schools; they are in almost every corner in Sarawak. This is a result of the selfless sacrifice of the Christian missionaries, be they Catholic or Protestant. They have diligently taught and brought up entire generations of well educated and rounded students and who are now leaders of today.

I am one such proud product, of no less a school than that of St Joseph’s Kuching. Indeed I dare say that half the present cabinet and most of the previous cabinets are products of such schools, from the CM down.

Yet despite all their contributions and having all the people in the highest of places, the need for sufficient funding continues to haunt practically every one of them.

Two years ago, SMB St Teresa raised an amazing sum of RM450,000. This was the largest ever raised in any fund raising event it had undertaken. That came about because there was a donation of RM250,000 from the State government. However that kind of magnanimity came but once in a blue moon. And despite that the school still lacks in several key areas. They could only renovate parts of the assembly hall, buy some furniture to replace broken ones and etc, but the school is still desperately in need of funds for many other smaller and much needed projects.

The PTAs and esp the teachers of such schools spend a significant amount of their efforts on raising money. Sometimes the fund raising is throughout the year! Surely this is no way for schools to be run, taking precious resources away from the education of the children which should be foremost on the agenda of any school!

The only solution is again public funding and annually too, and its time that the state government take up its responsibility to ensure that the education of our children in such schools be not compromised.

5.) V. A Proposal for an Old Age Monthly Allowance

2008-06-27T01:41:00.001-07:00

V. A Proposal for an Old Age Monthly Allowance

With the RM 2 billion a year, we can also contemplate social welfare for our poor and elderly.

The average person works from about 18 years till about 60 years of age, each in his/her own way toiling and contributing to our community, state and nation. By their 7th decade, many would have been weakened by sickness or infirmity and would not be able to further apply themselves to gainful work. Thus, it is societal responsibility, it is Government responsibility to repay and look after them in their twilight years.

The young parents of today face formidable pressure in providing for the upkeep of their own nuclear family, what with the ever rising cost of living. They find themselves in severe hardship, if they have aged parents to support, especially should they e infirm or need more medical care as they age. The young and the aged both need a break!

I would like to call upon the Government to consider for Senior Citizens aged 60 years and above, a Monthly Welfare Allowance of RM200.

There are currently some 160,000 Sarawakians who are 60 years and above. A breakdown of figures according to the Sarawak Year Book of Statistics for 2004 is as follows:

Age range Number
60-64 53,800
65-69 39,100
70-74 26,800
75+ 34,300
Total 154,000

If we are to give RM200 per month to each and every 60 year old in Sarawak, it will only incur an expenditure of some RM384 million a year. This is a figure which is only about half the amount we are wasting through the 1st Silicon annually!

A caring society, true to description, should incorporate such concept of care under an institutionalized framework. In an Asian society traditionally respectful of elders, an obligation of an elected Government is surely the support, care and protection of the older citizens. Such concept of societal concern and care must not be left to the limited resources of charitable individuals, organisations or religious linked groups, though their contribution is praiseworthy, edifying and to be encouraged.

A start has to be made, and made right now, if the Government is to establish its position as the fountain of care and concern of the people. Such must also necessarily be the precondition for a government to remain relevant for it to be fit to govern; for it to be creditable in promoting desired societal culture such as caring society.

It is fitting that, a start to be made with the aging and aged citizens as our flag-bearing social sector initiative, to be expanded in scope and greater comprehensiveness as we go along.

4.) IV. TIME for STATE CONTROL OF OIL AND GAS RESOURCES

2008-06-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

IV. TIME for STATE CONTROL OF OIL AND GAS RESOURCES

Mr. Speaker, the concept of a federation of partners is for resources and wealth to be shared. It can only be on the basis of equitable sharing that a Federation can grow and progress in a dignified and meaningful manner for all the partners.

For several decades now Sarawak, along with Sabah and Terengganu, the states endowed with enormous oil and gas resources, has over-accommodated herself to the well being of the Federation. The average daily output from Sarawak fields amounts to some 128,600 barrels of crude, and 2.94 billion cu. ft. of LNG. For the decades past, the Federal BN Government has arrogated to itself our state’s vast oil wealth! To the detriment of the peoples of Sarawak, there has been no equitable sharing. The tragic proof is the acknowledged development gap between East and Peninsular Malaysia.

The massive resources were signed over to the federation by the State government, so that it may be better managed by the national corporation, PETRONAS. Over the last 20 years or so, Sarawak received just 5% of the national oil and gas revenue.

Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government, through PETRONAS, has utterly failed in responsible stewardship of our invaluable resources. Deliberate policy aberrations, especially using PETRONAS repeatedly to bail out other failed corporations, are in violation of the trust Sarawak vested on the Barisan Nasional controlled Federal Government. The State Barisan Nasional Government has all along stood in silent consent and in blatant dereliction of their mandate to oversee and safeguard the judicious use of our oil and gas wealth.

PETRONAS has gained massively from the rise in world oil prices as Malaysia is a nett oil exporter; so should have the Government revenues jumped. In the financial year to 31st Mar. 2006, Petronas raked in over RM 70.2 billion in pre-tax profit, a 21% increase over the RM 58 billion of the previous period. After- tax profit amounted to RM 43.6 billion, an increase of 22% over the RM 35.6 billion of the previous period.

The Case for Increasing the Royalty from 5% to 20%

Currently distribution of the gross value of the petroleum as prescribed by the Petroleum Development Act is as follows:
Government of Producing State 5% royalty on gross value of output
Federal Government 5% royalty on gross value of output
Producer company 20% for cost recovery
Total 30%
Producer company 21% (30% of remaining 70%)
PETRONAS 49% (70% of remaining 70%)
100%

The question that begs to be asked is why should we continue to give PETRONAS 49% when it has done nothing for us? Shouldn’t it be us who should be given the 49%?

The issue of increasing the petroleum royalties of the producing states has often been raised. For instance, during the election campaign of October 1990, the CM of Sabah argued that the rate of petroleum royalty to the state should be increased from 5% to 50%!. As for Sarawak, in 1969, the then CM claimed that the Federal Government has orally assured Sarawak that we could have all the revenue from off-shore petroleum in return a lower federal grant. Since most of the petroleum in Sarawak is found off shore, if all revenue accrued to the state government, its revenue would be boosted tremendously! Based on the principle of ownership of the continental shelf by adjoining regions, Sabah and Sarawak could claim ownership before the incorporation of Malaysia in 1963. The status quo could have been maintained insofar as the Malaysian Constitution is silent on the matter. Thus the claim to its ownership by the Federal Government may be construed as an annexation! (See Sabah and Sarawak in the Malaysian Economy by Wee Chong Hui, 1995).

There is a clear breach of the Malaysia Agreement where the consent and agreement of Sarawak was not obtained. The Sarawak Government should consider taking up the case, legally if necessary to get back Sarawak’s rights over our oil resources.

So the claim for just 20% would be considered quite low and therefore reasonable.

According to the Speech of the Hon YAB CM for the Supply Bill (06) 05, the state government has been paid a total of RM1.1671 billion for the year 2005 for its 5% royalty. It is expected that from 2006 onwards we shall get at least RM1.2 billion a year in royalties. If we are able to raise the royalty payment to 20% then it would result in a massive RM4.8 billion, or a surplus of RM2.2 billion after we deduct the Annual Budget which is currently costing us for the current year a total of RM2.645 billion.

What can we do with RM2 billion a year you might say!!!

But first before we think about spending the RM2 billion, we can already do away with the 10% tax for 4D, which took from us a sum of RM80 million, do away with the 5% State Sales Tax which cut into us a sum of RM163 million and we can also do without land premiums which is netting the government a sum of about RM180 million annually! Sarawakians will for the first time really enjoy the fruits of Sarawak! With the lifting of such taxes. And on a short calculation, the 80 million plus 163 million plus 180 million which now we are taking from the people of Sarawak, if we want to give it back to the people of Sarawak will save every Sarawakian an average of RM192 a year.

And with the RM 2 billion a year, we can subsidise petrol prices at the pump and keep it to the pre 2000 figures or before the latest round of price increases! With the RM2 billion a year, we can contemplate improving our really atrocious public transport system in Sarawak.

We can even contemplate a rail and light rail transport in Sarawak, beginning in the densely populated Kuching, Padawan, Serian region. Or, more cheaply, in a Rapid Transit Bus Network system, currently introduced with great success in some foreign cities.

A safer double lane international grade highway from Lundu to northern Sarawak, with double lane feeders into larger towns, can be planned and be built in the next 10 years!

I therefore call for A TOTAL REVIEW OF OUR OIL, GAS AND ENERGY POLICY!

And I urge the Sarawak Government that is now across the floor, to hear this plea of Sarawakians. Please stand up for Sarawakians. Please fight for our rights!

The State BN Government must put it to the Federal BN Government to set an immediate timetable for the either the return of Oil & Gas Resources to Sarawak, or to give us 20% in royalty. When there is a political will there is a political way!

3.) III. LAND

2008-06-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

III. LAND

I now go on to the next most important area of my speech, that of Land. Again the BBS have a policy which calls for nothing short of a revolution of the Concept of Land in Sarawak!

10-POINT LAND POLICY OF THE BARISAN BERSATU SARAWAK
THE RETURN OF LAND TO SARAWAKIANS

Preamble: We the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak (BBS) acknowledges and recognises that all lands in Sarawak belong to the people and that the government only holds the land in trust for the people. In this respect if elected, a BBS government will put as its top priority the passing of the relevant laws that will return all lands to the people of Sarawak

1. The term “state land” ought to be changed to “people’s land” or “tanah rakyat”. This will reflect the original and traditional status of land in Sarawak, which is that land belongs to the people and not to the government, except for “waste or unoccupied lands”.

2. Land ought to be made available to all landless and needy Sarawakian families. NO Sarawak families should become squatters in their own land.

3. All residential lands should be issued with grants in perpetuity and other categories of lands, for 999 years. All lands currently held with 60 or 99 year lease periods should be automatically converted to lands with such leases, with no further payment of premiums except for a nominal administrative charge.

4. We are totally opposed to the BN government’s imposition of high premiums on the renewal of leases, with a minimum of 25% (for agricultural lands), to 60% (for residential lands) and up to 75% (for commercial lands), of the current market value. A BBS government will abolish such premiums.

5. All NCR lands must be surveyed and proper titles issued to the rightful owners. NCR must be accorded with full and complete recognition under the Sarawak Constitution and such other Laws like the Sarawak Land Code.

6. A Native Customary Rights Land Commission should be set up to identify, determine and settle all NCR lands issues and it should be vested with powers to issue full titles to the NCR land owners.

7. The BBS undertakes to have a complete review of the Sarawak Land Code, with firm objectives of removing all “anti people” and unjust provisions that are designed to confer arbitrary powers on authorities like the State Planning Authority, which has now the power to take away land from the people and give it to those who are well connected with the government of the day.

8. There ought to be a Land Acquisition Ordinance in Sarawak in order to regularise and to ensure that Land Acquisition in Sarawak will be properly carried. The current practice of a declaration under section 48 (of the Sarawak Land Code) which is of the government’s intention to resume land, imposes hardship and causes blatant injustice to the land owner as there is no time limit. As such no such declaration should be allowed to be valid for more than 2 years.

9. Land of any category of holdings may and should only be acquired for truly public purposes (and not at the whims and fancy of any person) and be properly and fairly compensated by the government. No persons may be deprived of their lands without fair compensation. This is a constitutionally guaranteed right.

10. No land should be acquired without the affected land owner having been given the opportunity to be heard first, and the government must be required to justify its acquisition.

2.) II. BBS DECLARATION AND MANIFESTO

2008-06-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

II. BBS DECLARATION AND MANIFESTO

As the flag bearer and the representative of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak in this August House, I would like to take this opportunity to proclaim for the solemn and permanent records of this August House the Declaration and the Manifesto of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak (as a foot note I would like also to inform this August House that I am one of the proud authors of both the said documents):

THE BARISAN BERSATU SARAWAK DECLARATION

Whereas according to the Nine Cardinal Principles as bequeathed by the Rajahs, and which have been honoured by the British Colonial Government*, Sarawak is the Heritage of all Sarawakians and is only held in trust by the Government of the Day for them,

Whereas despite the fact that we have been independent and self governing for 40 over years, Sarawakians have increasingly been denied and deprived of the rights that have been granted to them by the previous governments of Sarawak,

We the undersigned parties representing our respective parties do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare and do pledge that:

We as loyal and patriotic Sarawakians have come together in common cause and to struggle for our beloved state of Sarawak

We will struggle to restore and to return all the rights and privileges that rightly belong to all Sarawakians, and which have been progressively taken away by the Barisan National government

We will not detract or stray from our noble cause no matter what, and until our objectives we have set for Sarawak have been achieved

Towards this objective we have formed the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak (BBS) and will in due course register and contest under a common logo and common manifesto

To ensure the success of our set objectives, we shall work with all like minded parties and individuals who share our objectives

We shall work under a sharing and collective leadership which will ensure that no races or regions in Sarawak will ever be neglected or forgotten again.

Dated this 6th day of May 2006

(signed) (signed) (signed)
------------------------------ -------------------------------- ---------------------------
Hj Wan Zainal Abidin Edwin Dundang ak Bugak Nicholas Bawing ak
Bin Wan Senusi Anggat
Chairman, Liaison Committee, President, Protem President,
Parti KeADILan Rakyat Sarawak National Party Malaysian Dayak Congress

*According to Tan Sri Datuk Ong Kee Hui in the first volume of his Memoirs “Footprints in Sarawak”, the Nine Cardinal Principles were embodied in the 1941 Constitution of Sarawak and Accepted by the British Government in 1946.

MANIFESTO OF BARISAN BERSATU SARAWAK

Barisan Bersatu Sarawak consists of 3 component Parties: Sarawak National Party, Parti KeAdilan Rakyat and Malaysian Dayak Congress, and is open to and embraces All Sarawakians committed to bringing about changes to the political environment in Sarawak.

1. THE MISSION OF BARISAN BERSATU SARAWAK

1.1 To build a New Sarawak that will be one for all Sarawakians, and allow them to assume their rightful and proud position in the Malaysian entity.

1.2 To ensure justice, freedom and equality of treatment, fair distribution of wealth and equal opportunity for all Sarawakians irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.

2. SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

2.1 To establish a clean, fair, truly democratic and transparent government and one devoid of corruption, nepotism and abuse of power.

2.2 To restructure the State Civil Service with the objective of ensuring optimum transparency and accountability in the running of the State Administration.

2.3 To implement a ruling limiting the tenure of office of the Chief Minister to a period not exceeding 10 years as part of the strategy to prevent corruption and abuse of power by anyone entrusted to serve in that capacity.

3. LAND

3.1 We, the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak (BBS) acknowledge and recognise that all lands in Sarawak belong to the people and that the Government holds the land in trust for the people. In this respect if elected, a BBS government will put as its top priority the passing of the relevant laws that will return all lands to the people of Sarawak.

3.2 To amend the Sarawak Land Code with a view to upgrade the Native Customary Rights land owners from mere licensees to proprietors of land issued with documents of titles and to ensure that all residential leases are converted to grants in perpetuity.

3.3 To introduce smart partnership policy to ensure all land based developments be participated by and for the maximum benefits of land owners and financiers alike.

4. EDUCATION

4.1 To introduce the award of financial aids by the State Government and its agencies to deserving students and enhances text book assistance scheme in order to benefit a greater majority of the middle and low income group.

4.2 To provide annual state grants to all Religious Schools, Mission and Chinese Medium Schools in recognition of their century long contribution to Education in Sarawak.

4.3 To negotiate for sufficient placements for local students in all institutions of higher learning in Sarawak, and to give potential and deserving Sarawak students opportunity for overseas education and training, irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.

5. ERADICATION OF POVERTY

5.1 To be totally committed to the eradication of rural and urban poverty and to narrow the economic gap between the rich and the poor by way of expanding the economic cake and ensuring fair and equitable distribution of business and job opportunities.

6. HOUSING

6.1 To establish an efficient housing policy aimed at increasing the production of comfortable low-cost and medium cost houses, to cater for the needs of even the poorest segment of the Rakyat and towards this end ‘a one housing lot per family policy’ shall be adopted.

7. INFRASTRUCTURE

7.1 If Malaysia’s vision of attaining a developed status by 2020 is to have any meaning, then roads and basic infrastructure and amenities should reach every village in Sarawak by then since development is a right, not a privilege, of all Sarawakians.

8. AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND OTHER SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES

8.1 To intensify the use of natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, timber, agriculture produce and marine resources in the development of small and medium industries.

8.2 To intensify the use of science and technology as catalysts in industrial development.

8.3 To set up more training centres to train local entrepreneurs to enable them to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the fields of Agriculture and Fishing and other industries.

8.4 To increase financial assistance to local farmers and fishermen and entrepreneurs involved in small and medium industries.

9. NATURAL RESOURCES

9.1 To review and renegotiate the existing agreement with the Federal Government to enable the State to have a greater share and control of the rich petroleum resources.

9.2 To review and examine existing policy and practice relating to issuance of timber licences to guarantee maximum benefit from these rich resources goes to the Government instead of undeserving politically connected individuals.

10. LABOUR

10.1 To ensure Sarawakians enjoy all the benefits that all other Malaysians have, the Sarawak Labour Ordinance should be implemented without any delay and full and proper protection accorded our workers (at all times).

11. REVIEW OF ALL LAWS

11.1 To expedite examination of all State Legislations and to repeal all unjust laws.

11.2 To re-amend the Interpretation Ordinance in order to reinstate the Dayak Races as Natives of Sarawak.

12. GENERAL MATTERS

12.1 To ensure and promote firm State-Federal relationship in the governance of Sarawak and its people, based on the true spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, fully acknowledging the roles, rights and responsibilities of each as enshrined in the Federal and State Constitutions.

12.2 To re-affirm the true spirit of the 20 Point Agreement when Sarawak formed Malaysia with the territories of Malaya and the North Borneo (Sabah).

12.3 To ensure that development fund approved by the Federal Government for a specific project be utilized for that project and not diverted to unapproved purposes.

A VOTE FOR THE BARISAN BERSATU SARAWAK IS A VOTE FOR A NEW SARAWAK!!!

Those were the text of the Declaration and the Manifesto of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. Together they could be said to lay the blue print of our Vision for a New Sarawak!

Of a New Sarawak that will be one for all Sarawakians, and one where there will be justice, freedom and equality of treatment, fair distribution of wealth and equal opportunity for all Sarawakians irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.

1.) TEXT OF THE MAIDEN SPEECH OF DOMINIQUE NG KIM HO, THE MEMBER FOR PADUNGAN, IN THE DUN OF SARAWAK 26 JULY 2006

2008-06-27T01:23:00.000-07:00

Tuan Speaker,

I. PREAMBLE

Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to address this August Assembly and to participate in the Motions of Thanks for the Address of the TYT. It is with the deepest of humility and the greatest of honour that I assume this heavy yet most noble responsibility, that of representing the people of Sarawak from the seat which is my birth place and my home town, of Padungan.

I also note with the greatest of pride that I am the first duly elected YB from my Party, Parti KeADILan Rakyat, to take my place in this August House. Even though Parti KeADILan Rakyat is a very young party indeed in Sarawakian politics and this only the 2nd time we have participated in a Sarawak State elections, already it has shown that it can win the confidence, respect and trust of the people of Sarawak. Even more significantly is that it can win in an overwhelmingly Chinese majority (over 90% Chinese) constituency, thus dispelling once and for all that Parti KeADILan Rakyat is a Malay party or worse, that it is a Muslim party, as some mischievous parties were wont to distort during the elections.

For the very first time in the short political history of Sarawak we are witnessing the emergence of a new Sarawak Political Alliance, that of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. And this Barisan Bersatu Sarawak is a Barisan that will one day, God Willing, replace the BN as the government of Sarawak as surely as the fact that the day will follow the night and replace the darkness of the BN rule with the sunshine brought by the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak, and as surely as the sun will rise in the east and set in the west!

The possibility of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak replacing the BN? You might laugh and even deride. Yes the DAP is not with us yet. Yes there are only 2 of us and true even as we speak, we might be reduced to only 1. But the DAP too started with only 1 in the last election. Look at them today. There are 6 of them now in this August Chamber. I call them the Magnificent 6 because every one of them has proven to be a very ardent and dedicated advocate of the people that they represent. Who knows by the next round they would be 16! So is it so impossible a feat? Everyone in and outside Sarawak thought that the Opposition would be wiped out again in the recent elections. Or at most get only 1 or 2 seats. As we did in the last elections. But against all predictions and against all odds the opposition has prevailed, nay and even caused an upset victory, instead. It was in all accounts a political earth quake in Sarawak, and in Kuching, it was a political tsunami, wiping out all but one of the 5 seats held by the SUPP!

The victory in Kuching for the opposition is particularly sweet and historic for this is the first time in some 30 years that the opposition has won in a Kuching state seat. The last time there was a victory esp in Padungan was in 1974 when Tan Sri Datuk Stephen Yong Kuet Tze the founder of the SUPP lost to a relatively unknown SNAP candidate by the name of Lo Foot Kee.

As for the magnificent victory of the DAP, my first party, over the SUPP in Pending, it could almost be said as being an impossible feat. Who would have expected Datuk Sim Kheng Hui a long time veteran and strong man of SUPP, who had won his previous elections with majorities in the thousands, and the last time with a 6000 vote majority over me and Voon Lee Shan, to have lost this round and with a thumping majority of 4372, a turn around of some 10,000 votes!

In politics if my over 20 years involvement has taught me anything, it is that nothing in politics is impossible and that nothing can be taken for granted. Indeed politics is all about the art of the possible and of turning impossibilities into realities.

6. 999 YR OR PERPETUITY LEASES FOR SARAWAKIANS.

2008-05-18T17:56:00.001-07:00

6 999 Yr or Perpetuity Leases for Sarawakians

That was our election slogan in the 2006 state elections. Return Land to the Rakyat, is what Parti KeADILan Rakyat will implement as its first objective upon assuming the reins of government for Sarawak! Yes I say Sarawak! We are now preparing to go all out to capture Sarawak, so that it will no longer be left out in the mainstream of development!

Until March 2008, Parti KeADILan Rakyat is the only party on both sides to champion perpetuity or 999 yr land titles, esp for all residential titles, in addition to automatic land lease renewal. All other political parties, it may be recalled were campaigning on 90 or 99 year land leases, with or without paying lease renewal premiums.

It stands today, not as a fantasy, but as a non-negotiable position of the people of Sarawak, who have witnessed the implementation of such a land policy in Perak in just three weeks after Pakatan Rakyat formed government in Perak.

It stands today as the only just and permanent solution to land lease problems in Sarawak.

The land policy as advocated by Parti KeADILan Rakyat will relieve people affected from overwhelming financial hardship, and stimulate the property and related sectors of the economy, thus increasing government receipts from stamp duty, assessment and other taxes.

As for the NCR lands, it is our policy that upon our assuming government, we would order the immediate surveys for all NCR lands and to settle them, and issue native titles in perpetuity to the rightful owners. This is something that has long been denied them by the BN government. With the titles they would be liberated to use their land properly, go to the banks to apply for loans, or enter into genuine joint ventures with plantation companies to plant oil palm or other crops. Its only in such ways that Sarawakians may once again become the real owners in their own lands.

The people of Sarawak are now ready for a regime change in Sarawak.

Many Sarawakians have approached me, almost on a daily basis since 8 Mar 08, to ask for forms to join PKR! Thousands have been joining us and are actively helping us form our Divisions through out Sarawak. We expect that no less than 10,000 Sarawakians will join us by the end of the year. In KL we are receiving some 5,000 to 10,000 new members every month!

Sarawakians are convinced now, especially after 8 Mar 08, that only a Pakatan Rakyat or PKR led government will deliver an early and just solution to all their problems

Allow me now to repeat what I have said before in my maiden speech to this August House 2 years ago,

IN POLITICS NOTHING IS POSSIBLE, &

POLITICS IS THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

And this is a new phrase

We in PKR will be friendly to all who wants to be friends with us, but do not fault us if we are less than friendly to those who continue to treat us like the enemy.

Its time for change in Sarawak. Hidup KeADILan Rakyat!!!

Selamat Gawai to all our Dayak friends. Gaya guru gerai nyamai. Agi idup agi ngelaban!

5. A NEW DAWN IN BUMI KENYALANG - A CROSSING OF THE RUBICON.

2008-05-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

5 A NEW DAWN IN BUMI-KENYALANG - A CROSSING OF THE RUBICON

In a way I am aware of the fact what I am about to perform is a step that is as significant and symbolic as a crossing of the Rubicon, as was done by Julius Caesar in 49 BC. This is but a political crossing thereof, perhaps of the Sarawak River, albeit with just a humble army of 1, but with the full knowledge and confidence that legions of Sarawakians are forming behind me!

Mr. Speaker, my heart cannot be more joyous, my mood more elated than today. Making my 5^th speech since 2006, I share with the people of Malaysia and Sarawak in witnessing the momentous turning point in the history of this beloved land of ours!

After the long decades of darkness, our countrymen, women and children now revels in the clearest of blue sky which has been brought about by Parti KeADILan Rakyat, and Pakatan Rakyat, which is but a new kid on the political block.

Need I recapitulate the facts and events of this glorious Malaysian Spring which occurred on 8 Mar 2008, which is a celebration of god-blessed Malaysian Peoples’ Power!

Even some of you on the other side would marvel at the scale of the victory of the combined political and civil forces for democracy, human rights, equality, social justice and good governance. The peoples’ victory over the forces of evil. corruption and nepotism, racism and oppression has culminated in the emergence of a new political force, the Pakatan Rakyat, on the centre stage of Malaysian national life.

8 Mar 08 testifies to the stature and wisdom of the one man who wrote “The Asian Renaissance” in the mid-1990s. And 15 Apr 08 marks the legal return of that man, DS Anwar Ibrahim to public life, who is now our Ketua Umum, and is also now the undisputed Malaysian Prime Minister-in-waiting. Malaysians of all races are overjoyed, and I count myself as the fortunate few from Sarawak to witness the fervour of over 20,000 Malaysians of all races who gathered on that historic night the 14 of April 2008, to welcome his return. That was in a way, his crossing of the Rubicon towards an ‘eventual conquest’ of the Malaysian Parliament.

Believe me not, he was even given a rousing welcome by some UMNO friends when he attended the opening of Parliament on April 28^th! Baffled if you need be, at how the world regards DS Anwar, who is now our Prime Minister in waiting.

Time magazine has picked Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2008. The citation for his nomination reads: “His future role can be determined only by Malaysians. One can hope that they will embrace his brand of tolerance, valuing dialogue across political differences, and that this courageous leader will continue to play a leading role on the world stage."

The world largest Muslim website: Islamonline.net celebrates Anwar's inclusion in the list along 10 other Muslims, as thus:
"Malaysia's former deputy prime minister and current opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim led the Muslim figures, ranking ninth coming in the world's most influential leaders."

Far away in UK, the Economist reports on May 2nd “AS MALAYSIA'S new parliament opened this week, a mood of change was in the air not felt since the country's independence from Britain in 1957. The governing coalition, led since then by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), is panicking----A change of government in Malaysia—a fanciful notion until recently—now seems a real possibility.”

Peoples’ Power have thus, through the stature of Anwar Ibrahim, put our country on the world stage for noble reasons.

If Malaysian people, and the world at large, are able to see the good and the inevitable, we must now ask ourselves “How long should we continue to pretend not to see the a New Dawn that has begun in Malaysia, and also in Sarawak?”

The multi-ethnic, multicultural spirit championed by Parti KeADILan Rakyat has now found expression and substance through numerous peoples-centred actions of the young Pakatan Rakyat state governments. The over-riding principle of Ketuanan Rakyat as distinct from Ketuanan Malayu, as freshly enunciated by no less than DS Anwar Ibrahim, has by the day, captured the imagination of even the skeptics among the rakyat.

As the leader of Parti KeADILan Rakyat, DS Anwar has pledged to raise the oil and gas revenue for Sarawak from 5 to 20%. Yes to 20%. When the BN in Sarawak has been unable to raise the paltry 5% to a miserable 10% despite many so called appeals, over several decades. In one fell swoop, PKR has promised an increase to 20%, quadrupling that of the original and double of what the BN in Sarawak would dare to imagine. Are we morally correct as leaders entrusted by the people to act on their best interest, to deny Sarawak of this unprecedented benefit. Are we not always very pragmatic about funds for the development of Sarawak?

PKR, esp via its Tambunan Declaration, has also pledged of a post a 2^nd Deputy Prime Minister for East Malaysia. And I and Doctor Jeffrey Kitingan, the PKR Vice President and leader in charge of Sabah and Sarawak, have come to the agreement that the post should be rotated between Sabah and Sarawak. Imagine that, a Deputy PM eventually coming from Sarawak! Shall we now deny a Sarawakian the long-overdue right to hold the post of a second Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia? We therefore need not shout about getting an additional paltry post of the Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat. That said, it is my pleasure to heartily congratulate YB Datuk Wan Junaidi b. Tuanku Jaafar, who is a personal friend of mine, for his appointment to the post, as he truly deserves it.

I am thus not encouraging anyone to be an opportunistic party-hopper, for vested personal interests. I am appealing to a higher moral imperative, in the interest of Sarawak, Malaysia and her people whom we are elected to serve. Any BN YB crossing to join Pakatan Rakyat, is told in no uncertain terms that there is no personal benefit to be gained, no government position to be reserved.

You will be crossing as a matter of public-spirited conscience in the interest of the people, State and Nation. You will be hailed by the Rakyat, the final arbiter of history, as wise leaders setting Sarawak and Malaysia on the course of wholesome development and revival in all spheres.

I wish to humbly and most solemnly recommend to the BN State DUN members and Sarawak BN MPs, to join the ranks of Pakatan Rakyat to fulfill the phenomenal expectations of the Rakyat after 8 Mar 08.

This is the crucial moment for you to help the people of Sarawak realize the full meaning and dimensions of Merdeka in Malaysia, after decades of hardship and unjust subservience. You shall raise Sarawak to centre stage in our nation; to a respected position in the Asean Region and even beyond!

I shall now whisper in my softest but clearest voice in this August House, yes we ie the Pakatan Rakyat, have the numbers to take over the Federal Government, and there is a very great possibility in due course of the First Female PM of Malaysia! How fitting, as the Malaysian political tsunami had occurred on 8 Mar, which is International Women’s Day. When is this great deed or event going to take place? Its very, very soon and it will not be one moment sooner!

And how many MPs from East Malaysia are going to cross over to join us? I am only at liberty to reveal that there are over 10 from Sabah. From Sarawak, yes there are, but I am not at liberty to reveal even the number!

Besides the increase in Oil Royalty to 20% and the post of a 2^nd Deputy PM for East Malaysia, we in Sarawak promises to overhaul the Land Policy of the BN government by Returning Land to the People of Sarawak!

4. RESTORATION OF THE GAMBIER STREET MARKET.

2008-05-18T17:51:00.001-07:00

4- RESTORATION OF THE GAMBIER STREET MARKET

I would like to propose to this August House to consider preserving the historical heritage of the Gambier St. Hawkers Market, and this could be made fully compatible with the Kuching riverfront extension project, by replacing it with a modern multi-storey new market, fitted with sufficient car parks and which would benefit incumbent hawkers, greatly revive the area and nearby businesses, benefit consumers and become an added attraction for foreign tourists. The modern Sibu Central Market is a model of a successful market in the Central Business District of Sibu.

Let me convey to this August House the unanimous and resolute opposition of the hawkers against their proposed relocation to Tabuan Laru. I can therefore confirm what the member for Kota Sentosa has told this August House only yesterday. There is therefore great doubt on the so called 290 hawkers who allegedly supported the move, as claimed by the Asst Minister yesterday. The hawkers also fully support my proposal to rebuild and restore the Gambier St. Market and to let them continue trading at the same market once ready for use. They have voiced their real concerns repeatedly to me, including loss of customers as many clients come from across river, wasted lifetime effort in building existing business goodwill, the distance they have to travel to the proposed new site at Tabuan Laru and the unknown rentals at the Tabuan Laru market which reportedly may be privatized. While the Hon Asst Minister has assured that the rentals would not be increased, we would like to know for how long. The concern of the hawkers is that the rentals would be increased soon and to exorbitant rates, thus eventually forcing them out of their livelihoods.

Apart from the hawkers’ refusal to be relocated, it has to be recognized that Gambier Street reflects the multicultural vibrancy of Kuching and Sarawak.

The diversity and cultural intermingling is something we should be celebrating and proud to show to our ever eager foreign tourists. Our Sarawak markets have their own uniqueness and exotic cultural flavour, just as those famed old markets in foreign cities, such as the buzzling Victoria Market in Melbourne CBD or Fremantle Market in West Australia, which I believe the Minister of Tourism and others would be familiar with.

Several historic buildings at the site deserve to be preserved, namely the Godown built in 1929, the vegetable market façade of 1935 and the old information office building.

As a retail business centre and a sampan ride from across-river, this place is intimately woven into the life of our own charming local people especially the kampong folks. Let us not take this wonderful aspect of their daily living from them. I therefore call for a serious rethink of the plans of the government for the area.

I have several issues which are equally important but which due to time I may have to raise later. Among them are that on that of crime and the recent spate of armed robberies in and around Kuching and elsewhere, which luckily has been covered very well by several YBs on both sides of the this August House. I only hope that the police will continue to increase their patrols and efforts to rid us of the armed gangs that are terrorizing us. In my area some houses have started to not only put barb wires on the tops of their fences but also to put up electric wires! Making them look like a war zone. Or some place in Iraq rather than in Sarawak.

Another area which I will not cover now due to time factor is that of my Motion on Funds for Chinese and Missionary schools, but I hope one day to get a good reply from the Honorable Minister from Bawan Assan on why he and his party has not risen to the occasion of supporting my Motion. I hope they will not wait till they are no longer in power!

I will also leave for a future time what I have called the “3 Wise Monkeys” of this August House!

I will also not for now venture into another area which I have already written up, which is that of the Legacy of our current CM, where I contemplate a post Taib era. WHICH IS COMING SOON!

3. THE PLAZA MERDEKA PROJECT: DISMAY, TRAFFIC CHAOS IN THE CITY CENTRE.

2008-05-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

3- THE PLAZA MERDEKA PROJECT : DISMAY, TRAFFIC CHAOS IN THE CITY CENTRE

It is of great regret that the ongoing Plaza Merdeka Project has resulted in chaos and traffic jams around and beyond the project vicinity, as well as a marked downturn of business experienced by small businesses in the area. By the area I mean India Street, Gambier Rd, Court House Rd and Electra House and all the streets in between, and even to some extent, Carpenter Street and Main Bazaar.

Shop rentals are relatively high in the area affected; it is unjust to subject businessmen in the area to hugh and crippling financial pressure for some 3 years to come.

The closure of Barrack and the Courthouse Roads and some absurd lane and traffic direction in the Khoo Hung Yeang St. / Electra House area has added to the confusion. Key outgoing routes are inexplicably closed, adding to the massive jam and mess. Even the far away Reservior Rd from the Tabuan Rd junction has been reversed in direction! Drivers and shopkeepers in the area are daily cursing the traffic and the project. The authorities have given the project developers too much latitude at the expense of the public and small business. It is as if all of the shopkeepers and people living in the area can go to hell for all the authorities care, but this project must be allowed to go ahead.

Before this project was given the go ahead, there was another project which had been approved, and was nearly completed. However due to some alleged encroachment of a feet or so into the foot path by the building, the project had been shelved by the powers that be. However this time this current project encroaches so far into the road as to shut up the entire road and yet it is allowed to proceed! The double standard is appalling. How can the relevant authorities approve such a closure of a public road which has inconvenienced and affected the livelihood of thousands, for the sake of a private project?

Is there a Black Hand behind all of these inexplicable developments and redirections? Is there a plot to make the area less attractive and cause the shopkeepers affected to give up and be forced to go away in frustration, like what has happened to the nearby Kuching Plaza? Already I hear of rumours that the Open Air Market will be or has been taken away too and its only a matter of time that even that landmark will be history, literarily? Allow me therefore to ask and request the Minister concerned to ensure and reassure us that all these rumours are baseless and that there is no design to frustrate and “chase” and otherwise remove the shopkeepers and small traders away from the area, which is the oldest and most valuable part of Kuching City?

On behalf of the people of Padungan, I wish to call for

1. An immediate re-opening of the Courthouse and Barrack Roads;

2. A comprehensive Review of the project scope and design

3. an immediate restoration of the original traffic lanes and directions;

4. A continuation of the dialogue between local small business, the authorities and project developers;

5. Just compensation to small business affected to cover loss of earnings.

2. THE CHRONIC CONGESTION IN THE SGH.

2008-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

2- THE CHRONIC CONGESTION IN THE SGH

The night before I had an urgent call from an old comrade whose father had landed up in the SGH. It turned out that his old wheel chair bound father was unable to get into the SGH! They had been waiting for some 3 hours to be attended to, but even after some attention they still are not able to get their father the required medical treatment, which require regular injections and hospitalization. Why? Because the SGH is short of beds!

I have over the years repeatedly made calls for the State and Federal governments to make long-term plans to deal with the acute problem of insufficient beds in the Kuching Metropolitan area. When the then Federal Health Minister, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, visited Kuching in Sept. 2007, I had personally handed over related memoranda to the Minister. Apart from the use of Sarawak International Medical Centre (SIMC) as a public hospital, other proposals made were ones made since early 2006, for the planning of 3 new general hospitals and 3 new polyclinics in and around Kuching including Petra Jaya, Batu Kawah and Padawan. To meet expected needs from rapid population growth in and around Kuching, the new general hospitals and polyclinics should be built in the next 5-12 years!

After another visit to the SGH and meeting with the Hospital Director Dr. Raja Lope Ahmad I had just in April 18^th 2008 in a press statement called on both the State and Federal Governments to coordinate in planning for short and long term solutions to the patient overcrowding and car parking shortage at Sarawak General Hospital.

I hope that the second phase renovation works at SGH could be expedited so that the patients cramped in the existing wards could be more comfortably accommodated in the more spacious block now under renovation.

I have been told that the SGH has 800 official and unofficial beds. This number well exceeds hospital planning norms in western countries, and excessive hospital bed size results in the loss of a more congenial atmosphere needed by patients and staff, among other drawbacks.

The car parking shortage is the result of the 3000 strong staff, thus numbering up to 1000 in a shift, hundreds of outpatients, and relatives and visitors of 700-800 inpatients competing for the 600 parking lots made available. According to the SGH Director, a five-storey storey car park has been approved on one part of the current car park lots. As tender and work will only begin when funds are allocated under the mid-term review of the 9MP, I would like to repeat my call here on the authorities to expedite the building of the car park.

However, the fastest way to solve the hospital bed problem is to make use of the 200-300 beds at the soon-to-be completed RM350 million Sarawak International Medical Centre at Kota Samarahan for use by the Ministry of Health for the general public, especially the lower income groups who cannot afford private sector medical care. This will most directly benefit not only the residents of Kuching but also the residents of Kota Samarahan, Sentosa, BDC, Tabuan, Pending, Padawan and beyond. I therefore urge the state government to seriously consider this request

1. FLOODING AND THE SG PADUNGAN DRAINAGE SYSTEM PROJECT.

2008-05-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Speech by Dominique Ng, Member for Padungan, on May 08

On Motion of Appreciation for the TYT’s Address

Dato Sri Speaker,

Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to participate in the Motion of Appreciation for the TYT’s Address at the beginning of this Sitting

I am sure that all of you must be quite intrigued by what is happening in the political situation in West Malaysia and to some extent to us here in Sabah and Sarawak! Which is the possibility of the Pakatan Rakyat taking over the Federal Government. Lend me your ears and I will tell you some exciting news!

However, allow me first of all to address a few pressing constituency problems.

1- FLOODING AND THE SG PADUNGAN DRAINAGE SYSTEM PROJECT

I have raised this in my last year’s May Speech to this August House.

The said project was meant to alleviate the flood prone areas in and around the Padungan constituency, namely

Chawan Road (around Chong Hua Primary School No 5), Ellis Road, Jln Mendu, Tan Sri William Tan Road, Kampong Simpang Tiga, Jln Lumba Kuda, Central Road and etc

Every year for the past few decades or so they have been suffering annual floodings which would come upon an hour or so of sustained rain. And this is a situation which is well known to the government.

On 12 April 2006, just before the last state elections, the DID had announced that the tenders had already been called and would close on 17 April 2006, and the project would commence on June 2006 and will finish on October 2007. The whole project would cost RM20 million.

On 31 July 2006 in this very August House, the Hon Minister from Bawang Assan, had in his Ministerial Reply confirmed the existence of such a project This is what he said:

“…DID has studied and proposed to upgrade Sungai Padungan to mitigate the flooding problem in the Sg Padungan catchment which includes areas around SRB Chung Hua No 5, Jln Ellis and Jln Sekama etc. This proposal costing RM20 million has been included under the 9^th Malaysia Plan proposal which has been submitted to the Federal Government.” (pg 89 of unedited Hansard)

The question is, why has the BN government turned around to say that a project which they promised would start in June 2006 and to complete on October 2007 is apparently still in the proposal stage? What has happened to the money and the tenders that had been called?

This DUN session after I had to run the wrath of the Speaker and was named twice in 2 minutes by him, the good Minister had then told this August House that it is now part of the Kuching Flood Mitigation Project!

First of all, what is the time frame now? When in the past it had a definite time table of completion of October 2007, when will be the time that this Project will be completed?

Secondly this is quite mystifying. The Sg Padungan flood prone area is located well below the diversion envisaged in the Sarawak River which is much further upstream. How is the new project going to help alleviate flood waters around the Ellis Rd, Chawan Rd area which are further downstream? Can the long suffering people of Padungan be assured that when this project is finally completed, it will finally solve the perennial flood problems they have been facing/

I would therefore like to seek a further explanation from the Minister For Urban Development please!

first testing blog

2008-05-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

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