1 December 2023
On Today Show
> Boyce Ngau Anyie, Vice Chairman of GCRAC (Gerenai Community Rights Action Committee) – SIRIM QAS Defends Samling's Sustainable Timber Certificate Despite Local Opposition
> Bruce Yee Chin Kui, Chief of PKR Sarikei Branch – Sarawak's Gas Cylinder Monopoly: Bruce Yee Advocates for Fair Market Practices
> Nasiri Sabiah of Pacos Trust Sabah – Bridging the Gap: Urban and Rural Methodologies in Youth Political Engagement
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Boyce Ngau Anyie, Naib Pengerusi GCRAC (Jawatankuasa Tindakan Hak Komuniti Gerenai) – SIRIM QAS Membela Sijil Kayu Lestari Samling Walaupun Mendapat Tentangan Tempatan
> Bruce Yee Chin Kui, Ketua Cawangan PKR Sarikei – Monopoli Silinder Gas Sarawak: Bruce Yee Membela Amalan Pasaran yang Adil
> Nasiri Sabiah dari Pacos Trust Sabah – Metodologi dalam Penglibatan Politik Belia di Bandar dan Luar Bandar
-
Special Randau
1. Many Special Task Force counters have been set up throughout Sarawak to assist the Sarawakian population in applying for MyKad and resolving citizenship issues. The PKR/PH administration is perceived to be more serious about helping the indigenous people who have been victims for so long. Certification from a resident of Rumah Panting, Sungai Kelikok-Marudi. Vote for PKR in the upcoming elections - he said.
2. Boyce invites SIRIM to come down and visit Gerenai-Baram and hear the complaints of the residents. We disagree with logging activities in the Gerenai area.
3. Najib's lawyer requests the Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) for the RM27 million SRC illegal money conversion case. This is fair for Najib, who has already been sentenced to prison in the RM42 million SRC International corruption case. These are two different cases. Najib should be tried - says the prosecution.
-------------------------------------
Boyce Ngau Anyie, Vice Chairman of GCRAC (Gerenai Community Rights Action Committee).
*SIRIM QAS Defends Samling's Sustainable Timber Certificate Despite Local Opposition*
Audit body SIRIM QAS International said that there was no reason to cancel the sustainable timber certificate given to Samling, despite the dispute in the FMU Gerenai area - but it was handled well. Sirim said this in response to BMF and The Borneo Project's call for international timber buyers to boycott Sarawak timber, especially those produced by the Samling Group company. According to Boyce, for decades Samling has been logging in our area and causing various problems. Now is the time for all the agencies to go to the field and see the damage done by Samling. I have met the majority of residents in the FMU Gerenai area. They have never seen a SIRIM representative come to their area to clearly see their problems. As an audit and certification body, SIRIM should hold open meetings and encourage residents to submit opinions and views. Samling entered our forest, took logs and after profiting hundreds of millions. They left us to inherit forests and broken roads. Is this sustainable? Boyce Ngau question. Samling withdrew from a RM5 million defamation suit in court a few months ago. This proves that Samling is not ready to face the people of Gerenai - brings evidence that Samling does not implement a transparent approach to get the consent of the people of the Gerenai area.
-------------------------------------
Bruce Yee Chin Kui, Chief of PKR Sarikei Branch
*Sarawak's Gas Cylinder Monopoly: Bruce Yee Advocates for Fair Market Practices*
Bruce has voiced concerns over the potential drawbacks of a monopoly in the gas cylinder business in Sarawak. While acknowledging the current benefits of a subsidized gas top-up rate for Petros and Petronas at RM26.60, he questions the sustainability of this pricing and expresses worry about the lack of consumer choice if the government monopolizes the gas cylinder market with Petros and Petronas.
Recently, Bruce Yee visited several LPG gas cylinder distributors in Sarawak to gain insights into the latest state government policies. A new policy, stemming from the approval of the Gas Distribution (Amendment) 2023 Bill during the Second Session of the Second Term at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on November 21, designates PETROSNiaga as the sole distributor of subsidized LPG gas cylinders in Sarawak from December 1, 2023.
Contrary to this, MYGAZ distributors claim that PETROSNiaga has approached them, requesting a switch and encouraging them to apply as new distributors. MYGAZ distributors assert that customers with yellow gas cylinders can still obtain PETROS (red cylinder) or PETRONAS (green cylinder) branded subsidized LPG gas cylinders at the familiar price of RM26.60 from MYGAZ distributors without any additional charges.
Nevertheless, unconfirmed rumors circulate, suggesting that the new sole distributor might not accept exchanges of yellow LPG gas cylinders without an added fee in the future. Concerns are also raised about potential job losses for MYGAZ distributors and speculation regarding an increase in subsidized LPG gas prices due to a lack of healthy competition resulting from the monopoly.
As of December 1, 2023, PETROSNiaga will exclusively control the distribution of subsidized LPG gas cylinders in Sarawak, effectively creating a monopoly in the market.
Bruce Yee urges the GPS to reassess this new legislation, emphasizing the need to create a business environment that fosters harmony, attracts foreign investment, and encourages fair market competition to meet global demands. The Sarawak government should not use autonomy as a pretext to revoke MYGAZ's license, appreciating its historical contributions since the 1960s and its role in providing employment opportunities throughout Sarawak.
-------------------------------------
Nasiri Sabiah of Pacos Trust Sabah
*Bridging the Gap: Urban and Rural Methodologies in Youth Political Engagement*
Recently, Mohamad Sabu expressed in the media that a good youth leader is not only skilled in theory but also demonstrates resilience and commitment when put to the test. When questioned about the qualities of a youth leader desired in Amanah, Mohamad explained that this is because, in political reality, the role of a leader necessitates someone who can exhibit a very high level of commitment.
Nasiri commented that the statement by YB Mohammed Sabu is true. As a youth leader, one should not only be proficient in theory but also capable of navigating various challenges and remaining committed to the struggle. The needs in the current situation, both as a leader and a youth, should exceed what YB Mohamed Sabu has articulated.
Regarding the current political climate in Malaysia, Nasiri pointed out that if the youth are more politically aware, it presents a challenge given the prevailing trend where they can anticipate encountering dirty politics. There is a need to understand how current politics is being interpreted.
To engage more youths in politics, Nasiri emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the significance of politics among them through campaigns or modern methods such as TikTok or short videos. Recognizing the current trend where youths are more inclined towards new technology and social media, conveying messages on real politics becomes crucial to clarify the mindset of the youth.
The extent to which youths actively participate in political discussions depends significantly on the methodology, with differences between rural and urban areas. In urban areas where youth awareness is more prevalent through social platforms and forums, providing space for youths to think is essential. In rural areas, where face-to-face methods prove most effective, traditional means remain the best approach.