26 September 2024
On Today Show
— Mandau ak Dinggat- Nanga Ingu Kabo, Saratok – The Saratok Equation: How GPS and Ali Biju Shape the Future of Iban Politics
— Munan Laja from Kapit – Addressing Long-Awaited Rural Concerns: PMX's Visit to Kapit
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Mandau ak Dinggat- Nanga Ingu Kabo, Saratok – Persamaan Saratok: Bagaimana GPS dan Ali Biju Membentuk Masa Depan Politik Iban
— Munan Laja dari Kapit – Menangani Isu-isu Luar Bandar yang Lama Tertunggak: Lawatan PMX ke Kapit
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Special Randau
1. 2-day working visit to Sarawak by prime minister anwar ibrahim. Several programs are organized in the cities of Miri and Kapit. The prime minister will attend 2 events in Miri and 4 events in Kapit. The public is invited to welcome the arrival of prime minister Anwar Ibrahim at Miri airport on 28 Sept 2024 at 2pm in their traditional clothes. In Miri, there will be a Madani Rakyat program and a dinner with the Sarawak state leadership. In Kapit, PMX is expected to attend a meeting of leaders with the people at the Kapit community hall, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Kapit police headquarters complex, a site survey of the new Yong river bridge project, Kapit and a friendly meeting with the people at the home of Robert Nanga Sebatu Kapit.
2. Yb Ali Biju has a chance to lose in Saratok Parliament and Dun Krian if he continues with PN. The news that is currently circulating states that Bahaea Ali Biju will contest in the Krian state seat which he won before. However, the chances of winning have decreased due to several issues, particularly the issue of the Islamic supremacy of the Malay party and GPS, which is increasingly sprinkled with many projects.
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Mandau ak Dinggat- Nanga Ingu Kabo, Saratok.
The Saratok Equation: How GPS and Ali Biju Shape the Future of Iban Politics
Mandau gives a brief overview of the Saratok parliament and the 3 duns included in this parliamentary area. The Dun concerned are Krian, Kelaka and Kabong. Krian represented the majority of Iban voters. Makala Dun Kalaka and Kabong voters are majority Malays. But if all 3 duns in the Saratok parliament are combined. Iban is still the majority of 65%. The rest is gone. Therefore, YB Ali Biju's position in the Saratok parliament in the next general election may not necessarily win, even though he is quite popular among the locals. But according to Mandau GPS has an advantage in Kabong and Kalaka because GPS is a local party, the majority of Melanau voters and GPS is seeding many projects at the moment and before voting day - surely money politics will dominate. Although YB Ali Biju is quite popular among the local residents of the Kerian State Assembly area - because before he was the YB of the area. YB Friday ak Belik is increasingly competing with him now with GPS sowing many projects. YB ALi Biju is still popular among Krian residents for supplying residents with 2 kobelco excavators to help residents level house sites, build roads and bridges and to help residents in palm oil plantations for free. GPS has implemented many infra projects for local residents. Because of that there is a possibility if a 3-cornered competition is held between GPS, PH and PN Ali Biju. It is possible that GPS will win - said Mandau. But if PH is given a similar allocation by the Prime Minister - like GPS has. PH also has bright hopes because the vote will be split. Mandau said that residents are aware that Ali Biju represents the PN party - the party of Malay supremacy. Ali Biju will not be able to do anything related to good policies for the Iban people because this party is dominated by Muslim Malays. But many will still vote for Ali Biju because of his service and goodness. It can be concluded that GPS is leading in Kerian, followed by ALi Biju - PN and Ph/PKR far behind. Asked if Iban voters will win ALi Biju in Krian if he stands using an independent party that fights for Dayak/Iban interests. Mandau thinks that not only in Krian, but also in other places, support for Dayak candidates who are believed to be fighting to defend the Dayaks will be given victory.
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Mr. Munan Laja from Kapit
Addressing Long-Awaited Rural Concerns: PMX's Visit to Kapit
Munan Laja is extremely pleased with the upcoming visit of Prime Minister PMX to Kapit this Sunday. This long-awaited visit brings hope to the local community, as they have been waiting for an opportunity like this for years. Many important issues affecting the people in the rural interior of Kapit have been ongoing, and the presence of PMX signals that these matters may finally receive the attention they deserve. The people are optimistic that PMX is aware of their struggles and is in a position to bring about the changes they need.
There are two primary concerns that the people of Kapit hope PMX will prioritize during his visit:
1. Issuance of NCR (Native Customary Rights) land grants under Section 18: This is one of the most pressing issues for the indigenous communities in Kapit. For years, the Sarawak government has failed to respect and acknowledge the customary land rights of the native people, a fundamental aspect of their identity and livelihood. The GPS government has not only ignored their claims but has also allowed land encroachments, issuing licenses for commercial activities on ancestral lands. This has led to disputes, displacements, and the erosion of the indigenous people's heritage and connection to the land. The people hope that PMX will address this injustice and push for the rightful issuance of land grants under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code, ensuring that the land is protected and returned to its rightful owners.
2. Improved infrastructure and essential services in rural areas: The rural communities in Kapit suffer from a severe lack of infrastructure, particularly when it comes to roads and transportation. Most of the roads in the area are in poor condition, making it difficult for residents to travel, especially since many cannot afford four-wheel-drive vehicles, which are necessary to navigate the rugged terrain. For those living in these remote areas, proper infrastructure is not a luxury but a lifeline. In addition to roads, there is a dire need for better access to healthcare facilities, such as clinics, which are often too far away or inadequately staffed to serve the population's needs. Similarly, the state of rural schools needs serious attention. Many of the schools in these areas are in disrepair, with outdated facilities and limited resources, depriving children of a quality education.
The people of Kapit are hopeful that PMX’s visit will not only shine a spotlight on these critical issues but will also result in concrete actions to improve their lives. They believe that with PMX’s leadership, there is a real opportunity to address the land rights issue and to ensure the rural population has access to basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education—necessities that should be a given for all citizens, regardless of their location.