6 May 2024
On Today Show
— Nicholas Bawin, a former Deputy Chairman of the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) – The Hidden Issues Behind Sarawak's Hydrogen Export Plans
— Romuald Siew from Tahabas – One Leader, One Village: Revisiting the Role and Function of Traditional Village Leaders
— George from Uma Akeh – Communities Call for State Representatives to Prioritize Constituency Needs
— Madhavi from the Marhaen group – Workers' Rally: Fighting for a Living Wage and Indigenous Rights
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Nicholas Bawin, bekas Timbalan Pengerusi Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) – Isu-isu Tersembunyi di Sebalik Rancangan Eksport Hidrogen Sarawak
— Romuald Siew dari Tahabas – Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung: Meneliti Semula Peranan dan Fungsi Pemimpin Kampung Tradisional
— George dari Uma Akeh – Komuniti Meminta Wakil Negeri untuk Mengutamakan Kepentingan Kawasan Pemilih
— Madhavi dari kumpulan Marhaen – Perhimpunan Pekerja: Berjuang untuk Gaji yang Membela dan Hak Asasi Orang Asal
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*Special Randau*
1. The interference of politicians in the appointment of village chiefs or "Tuai Rumah" affects the quality of administration and the harmony of village residents. According to Nicholas Bawin, before and during the Brooke administration, Rajah Brooke did not interfere in the appointment of village chiefs in Sarawak. GPS should stop actions that damage the customs and culture of the people of Sarawak - Nicholas Bawin.
2. The 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting will take place from May 6 to 15, 2024. A total of 352 questions were received from 43 assembly members. In this sitting, 5 Bills will be presented, namely the Supplementary Supply Bill (2023) 2024, Supplementary Supply Bill (2024) 2024, Sarawak Port Authority Bill 2024, Public Health Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2024.
3. The decline in media freedom in Malaysia, as assessed by RSF, has prompted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to cooperate with RSF and consider appropriate measures to improve Malaysia's position.
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Nicholas Bawin, a former Deputy Chairman of the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais)
*The Hidden Issues Behind Sarawak's Hydrogen Export Plans*
Nicholas Bawin has raised concerns over the District Office's failure to reappoint 12 tuai rumah/longhouse chiefs and 2 Kapitans. A handover ceremony for appointment letters and certificates was scheduled for May 7, 2024. According to a report by Borneo Post, they had received appointment letters but were instructed to return them due to technical issues. However, the latest list released dropped the names of the 12 tuai rumah and 2 Kapitans. The association alleges third-party interference. Bawin, citing historical precedent, stated that before or after James Brooke's rule, the appointment of village chiefs/tuai rumah or community leaders was entirely determined by the villagers themselves. The administrative role of the district office or resident's office was only to confirm the appointment by issuing certificates or letters of authority. This was because the past administration understood that the villagers were the ones who best knew who was the most authoritative and skilled leader. The problem faced now is due to political interference by the ruling party. They only appoint village chiefs who support their political party. Regarding the expectation that Sarawak will export 240,000 tonnes of hydrogen to Japan and Korea by 2028 - as mentioned by Sarawak Premier Johari Openg during the Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber Of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. Bawin said that very little information is known by the people of Sarawak regarding hydrogen technology. The Sarawak Premier should explain to the people of Sarawak how they will benefit from this technology. Or is hydrogen energy only beneficial to giant companies? Because as residents of longhouses, they don't know what machines they have that use hydrogen power. Bawin mentioned serving on the board of directors of Sesco/SEB and being from Lubok Antu, where the Batang Ai hydroelectric dam is located. Until the end of his service, many longhouses were still not connected to electricity. This led him to believe that the hydro power generated in Sarawak is intended for industrial use, while longhouse residents are only supplied with solar-based electricity at 3000 watts for 12 hours, which he considers insufficient. Rural residents also need sufficient electricity for their daily lives.
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George from Uma Akeh
*George's Call for State Representatives to Prioritize Constituency Needs*
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that every leader in the country, including the Prime Minister, should be accountable for overseeing a village to directly understand the issues faced by the community in that village. Speaking at the Unity Aidilfitri Celebration at the Cherok Tok Kun Warrior Gallery in Bukit Mertajam today, Anwar said that the proposal would also involve members of the cabinet, government leaders, and government-related companies.
George suggested asking each village whether their state representatives have visited to listen to the voices of the people. He said that if even the state representatives have not taken good care of their constituencies, then the idea of leaders taking care of villages may not be feasible.
He mentioned that he has repeatedly informed the state representatives that the inland villages do not have 24-hour electricity, but after so many years, there has been no progress. If there are leaders willing to adopt villages, can the voices be conveyed and improvements be made?
He expressed that if Sarawak continues to be governed by GPS, then he believes there will not be much difference.
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Romuald Siew from Tahabas
*One Leader, One Village: Revisiting the Role and Function of Traditional Village Leaders*
Mr. Romuald gave his opinion on the statement by PMX suggesting that one leader should oversee one village.
Romuald believes that the suggestion is good to be implemented because if the leaders are pro-people, they can work for a village regardless of their political support. Currently, there is an imbalance in the progress of villages. Villages that support the ruling party receive better treatment from representatives, while hardcore opposition villages are often sidelined from development.
However, it may not be necessary for the PMX proposal because what is the function of the existing village chiefs, headmen, pemancha, and Temenggong? Does the government need to allocate more budget for allowances for each leader who only oversees one village?
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Madhavi from the Marhaen group
*Workers' Rally: Fighting for a Living Wage and Indigenous Rights*
Madhavi was one of the organizing committees, along with several other NGOs, for the wage for living event on 1st May, in conjunction with Labour Day celebrations, to express the demands of the workers. The rally was attended by 1,500 participants, representing two important issues.
Firstly, Labour Day is celebrated for workers who work hard to build this nation, to remember those workers who have contributed their efforts to what we are enjoying now.
Secondly, it was to express the need for a decent living. Everyone has the right to live in harmony, which is why this year's theme is "living wage". The current wage is insufficient due to the high cost of living. This marked the 30th year of Labour Day celebrations. The 1,500 participants consisted of over 20 coalitions, including Indigenous peoples, plantation workers, contract workers, urban settlers, farmers, youths, women's groups, environmental groups, students, and CSOs, representing very diverse groups. Along with previous demands, there were additional demands. While the minimum wage was implemented after long struggles, the implemented minimum wage of 1,500 is not sufficient, especially post-COVID economic crisis, and many employers have yet to implement it. Therefore, our demand is now a living wage. Other demands include the recognition of Native Land. Post-COVID, there are gig workers, but there are no laws to protect them. Therefore, part of the demand was to create a Gig Workers Act. Another demand is to declare a climate crisis.