13 June 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Randau Khas – Kenyataan Hadi Awang adalah keterlaluan
> Cikgu Diog, PKR Puncak Borneo – Kekurangan Perancangan Kerajaan Menimbulkan Kebimbangan Sektor Pertanian Sarawak
> Nicholas Mujah, Setiausaha Agung SADIA – kerajaan GPS bagi Janji? Mana tindakannya?
> Sevan Doraisamy, Pengarah Eksekutif SUARAM – NGO Menyeru Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim Mansuhkan Akta Hasutan
>(panggilan masuk) En Romuald Siew dari Miri – Nasib Peladang Kelapa Sawit Kecil
On Today Show
> Special Randau – Hadi Awang’s statement is exaggerated
> Cikgu Diog, PKR of Puncak Borneo – Lack of Government Planning Raises Concerns for Sarawak's Agricultural Sector
> Nicholas Mujah, General Secretary SADIA – There will always be a difference between the GPS government's promises and action
> Sevan Doraisamy, SUARAM Executive Director – NGOs Call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Repeal Sedition Act
>(call-in) Mr Romuald Siew from Miri – Plight of Small Oil Palm Farmers
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Special Randau
*Hadi Awang’s statement is exaggerated*
Hadi Awang, the President of the Islamic party PAS, made exaggerated statements on his Facebook page today. He labeled the ruling government as being led by immoral individuals, including prisoners, corrupt individuals, and non-believers. Hadi claimed that the government is influenced by non-Islamic forces and surrounded by silent devils. It is possible that Hadi, due to his old age or mental state, has forgotten certain facts.
Hadi seems to have forgotten that during the first election, the PERIKATAN coalition won 51 out of 52 seats with the cooperation of UMNO, MCA, and MIC. Furthermore, the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition was formed to gain support from the people of Sabah and Sarawak. The previous governments, such as Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN), and the ruling Perikatan Nasional Bersatu-PAS-UMNO-MCA-MIC coalition, have all supported and represented people of various races, including non-Muslims. Even when PAS ruled alongside PN and BN, it received support from non-Muslim parties. Therefore, Hadi's statements are excessive and should be criticized and condemned, as they attempt to create discomfort and divisions between different races.
On another note, Iswardy Morni was recently appointed as the Information Work Secretary of the Justice Party, and we extend our congratulations to him. However, we received sad news yesterday that he was attacked by an unknown person. The police are currently investigating the case, and we are making efforts to interview Iswardy.
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Cikgu Diog, PKR of Puncak Borneo
*Lack of Government Planning Raises Concerns for Sarawak's Agricultural Sector *
According to recent reports, the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) is exploring the use of bamboo as a renewable resource to drive the timber industry in Sarawak. While this initiative holds promise, concerns have been raised regarding the government's lack of comprehensive planning and support for the agricultural sector.
Diog comment that, in the past, the government's extensive logging practices have led to a reduction in primary forests, prompting the need for alternative industries to replace timber.
The proposal to promote bamboo as a sustainable alternative has garnered attention, with potential applications in various commercial products. However, questions arise about the government's preparedness to support this transition.
Market response and the provision of market support and outlets for bamboo products remain unclear. Additionally, it is essential to determine if the government offers subsidies or agricultural supplies to facilitate the cultivation and commercialization of bamboo. Without proper support, farmers may struggle to navigate the challenges of fluctuating prices of oil palm, increasing costs of fertilizers and disinfectants, and the unsold produce, such as black pepper.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the discontinuation of agricultural courses for farmers in Puncak Borneo. The absence of courses and follow-ups indicates a lack of government commitment to providing farmer training, which is crucial for the development and success of the agricultural sector.
In light of these issues, it is imperative for the government, local representatives, and the GPS government to address these concerns and provide explanations for the lack of comprehensive planning and support for the agricultural sector. Only through collaborative efforts and proactive measures can the government ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Sarawak's agricultural industry.
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Nicholas Mujah, General Secretary SADIA.
*There will always be a difference between the GPS government's promises and action*
The Borneo Post reported an excerpt from Sarawak Premier Abang Jo's speech at a dinner ceremony in conjunction with Gawai 2023 last year. Abang Jo assured the Sarawak government to remain committed to improving the living standards of the Dayak people in Sarawak. Abang Jo also urged the Dayaks to pay more attention to Education and try to develop their vast land.
According to Nicholas such a speech by a politician is a normal speech. But we as citizens should examine and observe what exactly Abang Jo and GPS are doing in Sarawak. For example to develop Dayak land. The Dayaks need a land title deed, the land is measured and given title. In 2015, the Sarawak State Assembly amended the Sarawak land code to limit the land ownership of a Long house to only 500 hectares.
While there are some Dayak Long houses that are densely populated and reach hundreds of doors/families. Regarding the Sarawak Foundation Education scholarship, 95% of the Foundation is controlled by the Malays. This makes the Dayak people's views not taken seriously. It is even more unfortunate that all Dayak politicians do not dare to oppose all of Abang Jo's ideas because they do not want their positions and salaries to be affected. People should be aware that GPD and Abang Jo say different things but do different things.
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Sevan Doraisamy, SUARAM Executive Director
*NGOs Call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Repeal Sedition Act *
Several NGOs have written an open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing their concerns about the government's lack of commitment to repealing the Sedition Act. They argue that the act is still being employed by state actors to criminalize dissent among activists, media personnel, and opposition lawmakers. The NGOs criticize the law for its ambiguity and the excessive discretion it grants to authorities, enabling arbitrary enforcement and the suppression of speech and expression. The letter also reminds the government that many of its members had previously experienced the impact of similar draconian laws. It emphasizes that Pakatan Harapan had consistently promised the repeal of such laws during their election campaigns. Highlighting the historical origins of the Sedition Act, Sevan from Suaram points out that it was introduced by the British invaders in 1948 to suppress people's struggle for their rights, including freedom of expression and labor rights. While many countries, including Britain, have abolished similar sedition acts, Malaysia continues to employ this law to stifle opposition voices and dissent against the government and enforcement agencies. It is used to target activists who speak out against wrongdoing and the media when reporting information that contradicts the government's narrative. Furthermore, individuals who raise issues on social media platforms are also subjected to its provisions. The persistence of the Sedition Act reflects its deep-rooted historical significance and its continued use to curtail freedom of expression and suppress public discourse in Malaysia. The NGOs call for a timeline for the government to review and repeal the act, underscoring the importance of fulfilling the promise made by Pakatan Harapan to remove such laws.
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(call-in) Mr Romuald Siew from Miri
*Plight of Small Oil Palm Farmers*
Mr. Roluald, a small oil palm farmer, expresses that many fellow farmers in the same industry are currently facing distress due to the decline in oil palm prices, while the costs of pesticides and fertilizers remain unchanged. Additionally, they still need to bear the expenses of paying workers' wages. During the previous Movement Control Order (MCO), it was evident that the price of palm oil surged due to high demand. However, palm oil exports were halted during the MCO period as factories were closed. Exploiting this situation, suppliers of fertilizers and pesticides took advantage and increased their prices. Now, despite the decrease in oil palm prices, the costs of pesticides and fertilizers have not decreased. This poses significant challenges for the livelihoods of small oil palm farmers. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to address this matter seriously.