12 December 2023
On Today Show
> Iswardy Morni, Activist and political analyst – Leadership Strategies: Anwar vs. Muhyiddin's Approach to Cabinet Expansion
> Baru Bian, Lawyer and Adun of Ba’kalalan – The Necessity of Redelineation in Sarawak
> Madam Alice, co-ordinator of Iron Women Padawan – Education, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment: The Iron Women Padawan Initiative
> (call-in) Mr. Jack from Niah – Navigating Economic Hardships During the Festive Season
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Iswardy Morni, Aktivis dan Analis Politik – Strategi Kepimpinan: Pendekatan Anwar vs. Muhyiddin terhadap Pemantapan Kabinet
> Baru Bian, Peguam dan Adun Ba'kalalan – Keperluan Persempadanan di Sarawak
> Puan Alice, Pengkoordinator Iron Women Padawan – Pendidikan, Keusahawanan, Pemberdayaan: Inisiatif Iron Women Padawan
> (panggilan masuk) Encik Jack dari Niah – Menangani Kesukaran Ekonomi Semasa Musim Perayaan
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*Special Randau*
1. Analysis of the Malaysian Cabinet reshuffle - Anwar strengthens administration, to be evaluated by the people in the next General Election in 4 years.
2. Police confirm investigation into Lim Kit Siang tomorrow - for stating in his speech to Malaysian students in the UK that a non-Malay could become the Prime Minister. Why is he being investigated - is it considered illegal?
3. Redelineation of Sarawak electoral constituencies to take place. There will be an increase in electoral constituencies and the number of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) members. Consequently, there will be an increase in allocations to pay the salaries of elected representatives, and the session duration will be extended. Currently, the Sarawak DUN only meets for 16 days a year with 82 YB (Yang Berhormat) members.
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Iswardy Morni, Activist and political analyst
*Leadership Strategies: Anwar vs. Muhyiddin's Approach to Cabinet Expansion*
Iswardy described the cabinet reshuffle by PMX today to streamline the administration to face another 4 years of administration before the next general election. Although there was an increase in the number of ministers from 55 to 60. It was still less than 70 during the administration of Muhyiddin Yassin. PAS information chief criticized Anwar by saying. When he downsized the cabinet, he said thrift. When he enlarged the cabinet, he said the government was concerned. He is always right- said Fadhli Shaari, According to Iswardy. The difference between Anwar's administration and Muhyiddin's are Muhyiddin increased the size of the cabinet to get support. Anwar increased the size of the cabinet to tidy up the government's administration.
In relation to the order of the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar wants more responsibility to be given to the Yang Di-pertuan Agong - including direct monitoring of MACC and Petronas. The future intention of the Agong is good, he wants to help and fight corruption. But that is not his job according to the constitution. Also it is important to maintain separation of powers and avoid centralization of power. The best suggestion is for MACC to report to the cabinet. Iswardy saw that PMX Anwar had obtained everything in life. Now he only wants to give justice and eradicate the poverty of the people.
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Baru Bian, Lawyer and Adun of Ba’kalalan
*The Necessity of Redelineation in Sarawak*
On the redelineation issue, after eight years since 2015, additional parliamentary and state seats are being drawn this year in accordance with the law. Sarawak has experienced an increase in population, particularly in cities like Kuching, Miri, and Sibu, leading to a rise in the number of voters."
Baru Bian commented that, while acknowledging that redelineation will impose a heavier financial burden, it is a necessary move considering the population growth. Ensuring fair representation is crucial, especially in areas with increased population, in contrast to rural constituencies with vast areas and fewer voters. The migration of rural residents to urban areas further emphasizes this need."
He also noted that the current allocation of 16 days for DUN sittings is deemed sufficient. Representatives must diligently serve as the voice of the people in their respective constituencies, adhering to the mandate given by the voters. Despite some weaknesses in our system, redelineation is a crucial step for a comprehensive overview and fair representation.
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Madam Alice, co-ordinator of Iron Women Padawan
*Education, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment: The Iron Women Padawan Initiative*
The issues faced by women are indeed numerous, including children's education, personal entrepreneurship, and the balancing act of managing both family responsibilities and economic burdens. Women urgently need a platform to assist them and create opportunities. Alice expressed that she recently joined the "Iron Women Padawan" organization, primarily focused on women in Padawan Kuching. The goal is to encourage women to participate and join this group, aiming to collectively address societal issues and reflect them to the government, while also pooling resources for mutual assistance.
Alice pointed out that the organization plans to collaborate with ROSE and organize various activities for women to participate in. She emphasized that women have many responsibilities, especially those who are married with children, and they also need to enhance their self-worth. Therefore, the organization will host various events, and they also welcome donations from the public, such as backpacks, to assist underprivileged children in obtaining school supplies and alleviate their economic burden.
She welcomes the establishment of similar women's groups in more areas, providing women with a platform for learning and receiving assistance. Such organizations contribute to building a supportive community for women to collectively face challenges and share resources to improve the overall quality of women's lives. This is also to empower women to confidently participate in various aspects of society, family, and the workplace.
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(call-in) Mr. Jack from Niah
*Navigating Economic Hardships During the Festive Season*
Mr Jack, a father of four children, feels that the Christmas spirit this year will not be celebrated on a grand scale due to economic constraints and the significant impact of soaring prices on the entire family. Furthermore, after Christmas, the New Year celebration is imminent, followed by the enrollment of his children in school. Therefore, Mr. Jack appeals to the government to assist the people by reducing the prices of goods, which have become increasingly worrisome
Despite owning 500 oil palm trees, Mr. Jack is facing the challenge of extremely low palm oil prices, which, when compared to the rising cost of living, create additional financial burdens.