21 March 2024
On Today Show
— Paul Wan from Long Lama – Decades-Long Issue: Why is Sarawak Spending Money on Container Clinics?
— Voon Lee Shan, President of Bumi Kenyalang Party (PBK) – Judicial Review Sought for Appointment of Sarawak TYT
— Nick Kelesau, Penan Activist – Empowering Penan Unity: Addressing Internal Regulations and Rights
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Paul Wan dari Long Lama – Isu Berdekad: Mengapa Sarawak Menghabiskan Wang untuk Klinik Kontena?
— Voon Lee Shan, Presiden Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) – Semakan Kehakiman Dicari bagi Pelantikan TYT Sarawak
— Nick Kelesau, Aktivis Penan – Memperkasakan Persatuan Penan: Mengatasi Peraturan Dalaman dan Hak
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*Special Randau*
1. Voon Lee Shan urged the Sarawak Advovate Association to file a judicial review against the appointment of the new TYT Sarawak Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar which he described as not in accordance with the Sarawak constitution.
2. By-elections in the Kuala Kubu Bharu state assembly in Selangor following the death of the local representative Lee Kee Hiong (DAP). Lee died of cancer.
3. Former UMNO Information Chief Isham Jalil made a police report at the Dang Wangi Police Station claiming that Farhash Wafa Salvador (former assistant to Anwar Ibrahim) may have misused his power and misbehaved. Isham said he would make another report to MACC. Isham claimed that Farshash made an investment of RM40 million in Syarikat Hei Tech PADU Bhd. A company shortlisted for a government immigration system contract. According to Isham, government contracts worth more than RM50 million must go through the finance ministry, where Anwar is the minister, and Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, whose minister is Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Both of these ministers are from the PKR. For the record, PMX Anwar Ibrahim's administration is actively cleaning Malaysia from corruption and abuse of power.
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Paul Wan from Long Lama
*Decades-Long Issue: Why is Sarawak Spending Money on Container Clinics?*
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has approved RM951,200 to purchase and modify high cube containers for use as an interim clinic in Long Lama, Baram. In a written reply to a question raised by Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau in the Parliament recently, MoH said that the project is expected to take at least six months to be completed and will kick off as soon as the process to acquire the site is completed.
This decision comes after longstanding issues with the clinic's facilities, dating back 20 to 30 years. Initially, the clinic was a wooden structure on the riverbank, but it has since fallen into disrepair, with the old site eroded and abandoned.
Paul Wan from Long Lama comment that, despite the need for repairs, the old clinic site has remained untouched. Instead, the clinic was relocated across the river, where only staff quarters were built, leaving the community without a proper clinic. For the past five years, the Long Lama clinic has been operating out of the Long Lama Community Hall, causing inconvenience during events held there.
The Sarawak government has previously expressed self-reliance, yet the lack of action on the clinic issue raises questions. The old clinic, established in the 1960s-80s, should have been upgraded to a hospital, given Long Lama's importance as the central area of Baram. The area relies heavily on the old road, and with the completion of the Sabah/Sarawak link road, Long Lama is set to become a central point between the two states.
However, instead of addressing these pressing needs, the government's focus seems misplaced. There are concerns that the decision to use containers for the clinic is a temporary solution, indicating a lack of long-term planning. Furthermore, plans to build a DAM to control river flow raise suspicions of land grabbing under the guise of development.
Paul emphasize that, The people of Sarawak deserve better, and it is time for action to address these longstanding issues.
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Voon Lee Shan, President of Bumi Kenyalang Party (PBK)
*Judicial Review Sought for Appointment of Sarawak TYT*
On 17 March 2024, the Majority (238 in favor/1 against) of the members of the Malaysian Bar agreed that a judicial review be filed against the reduction of former prime minister Najib Razak's sentence. For Voon- it is clear that Malaysia is a country of "constitutional kings" where the king has no absolute power. When this matter is brought to court, the public will know how the Board of Pardons advised His Majesty the King/King and whether His Majesty the King/King followed their advice.
Basically, the people need to be informed that the decision-making process is transparent and institutionalized.
Likewise with the appointment of the new TYT Sarawak - Voon think that there is a violation of the Sarawak constitution. According to the Sarawak constitution, the proposal of the TYT candidate should be brought in the Sarawak state assembly meeting first. After being approved, it is presented to the Agong/King.
But in the case of the appointment of TYT Sarawak Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, there was no discussion in the Sarawak State Assembly and the name of the prospective TYT was sent directly to the Agong. In this matter, Voon think that Sarawak Advocates Association should dare to use judicial review and then correct past mistakes. While the appointment of senators from Sarawak will be discussed in the Sarawak state assembly first. This is also a much more important post like TYT.
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Nick Kelesau, Penan Activist
*Empowering Penan Unity: Addressing Internal Regulations and Rights*
Dayak Daily reported that the Penan village of Sedin Laeng in Data Bila has established rules to regulate visits to a tourism attraction in Ulu Baram, citing them as part of their local Penan rights.
Nick Kelesau commented on a statement by Daud Sedin from Data Bila, which he found concerning for the Penan community. Daud Sedin suggested that even if the Agong were to visit the Tekiwit waterfall, a fee would be required. This approach of creating and enforcing their own regulations appears to be aimed at personal benefit, as it involves charging fees to all tourists wishing to visit the Tekiwit waterfall. It is important to note that Daud Sedin cannot unilaterally create laws, and it is essential to consider the well-being of all community members. Such actions may give the impression of living without governance. It would be more beneficial for the Penan community to make decisions that align with the common good, ensuring unity among all Penan, including the Penan or Punan, in the future.