14 December 2023
On Today Show
> Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist – Energy Transition Challenges: Advocating Ministerial Transparency and Community Involvement
> Lim Hui Ying, Former Senior Journalist – Pressing for Change: Evaluating Malaysia's Legislative Reforms After One Year
> Ms. Agnes from Dijih Selangau – Sarawak's Firm Stand: Rejecting PAS's 2R Politics
> Mr James of Kampung traditional Tukau Jaya – Broken Promises: The Plight of Tradisi Usaha Jaya Tukau Miri Residents
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Barnie Lasimbang, Pengasas Tonibung, aktivis alam sekitar – Cabaran Peralihan Tenaga: Membangkitkan Ketelusann Menteri dan Penglibatan Komuniti
> Lim Hui Ying, Mantan Wartawan Senior – Menekan Perubahan: Menilai Reformasi Undang-Undang Malaysia Selepas Setahun
> Puan Agnes dari Dijih Selangau – Pendirian Teguh Sarawak: Menolak Politik 2R PAS
> Encik James dari Kampung Tradisional Tukau Jaya – Janji Kosong: Penderitaan Penduduk Tradisi Usaha Jaya Tukau Miri
-
*Special Randau*
There has been no approval for the redelineation of electoral constituencies in any state in Malaysia, according to the Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission, Dr. Azmi Shahrom. The addition of parliamentary seats can only occur through an amendment to the federal constitution. Media reports mention that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) claims to potentially gain at least 12 new parliamentary seats after the redelineation of electoral constituencies.
Constitutional expert Tan Sri Azizan Harun stated that any effort to redelineate parliamentary and state constituency electoral areas is subject to Article 113 of the federal constitution. Only the Election Commission (EC) has the authority to propose the number of additional seats. Redelineation can take place after 8 years and must be completed within 2 years. This implies that the last redelineation of parliamentary electoral constituencies occurred in 2018, and the next redelineation will commence in 2026, to be completed by 2028. If the 15th parliamentary term ends in 2027, the elections at that time will still use the old electoral format/constituencies. The redelineation of electoral constituencies is entirely guided by the federal constitution, not state constitutions, according to Azizan Harun. Contact us at 013-5515219. Your opinions are valued.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist
*Energy Transition Challenges: Advocating Ministerial Transparency and Community Involvement*
In the recent cabinet reshuffle, the Ministry of Environment underwent a transformation, being split into the Ministry of Energy Transition and Public Utilities, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. Deputy Prime Minister Fadhilah simultaneously assumed the role of Minister of Energy Transition and Public Utilities. Barnie Lasimbang expressed that the addition of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Public Utilities by the government reflects a heightened focus on energy transition, and there are expectations regarding the achievements this department will make in areas such as dams and solar energy.
However, he also voiced concerns about Fadillah Yusof's appointment as the leader of this ministry. He pointed out that Fadillah Yusof hails from Sarawak's GPS, and the current GPS state government appears to be actively promoting projects such as carbon trading and the construction of giant dams. However, a critical issue arises when these projects lack transparency, potentially leading to significant environmental damage and adverse impacts on the land rights of indigenous communities.
Barnie Lasimbang urged Fadillah Yusof to engage more actively in dialogue and communication, to listen attentively to the opinions of the communities, and to conduct more effective communication. Simultaneously, he called on the government to allocate funds to non-governmental organizations and the general public to collectively promote green energy, enabling broader societal participation in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. He believes that only sustained pressure from the people can prompt the government to act swiftly and fulfill its commitments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Lim Hui Ying, Former Senior Journalist
*Pressing for Change: Evaluating Malaysia's Legislative Reforms After One Year*
Hui Ying told that her name is the same as the name of a deputy minister in Anwar Ibrahim's PMX cabinet. But she is just a former senior journalist of a newspaper.
Hui Ying gave a view in conjunction with the 1 year PMX administration and analyzed the report published by CIJ - Center for Independent Journalism. The CIJ survey related to the Madani government's commitment to the level of freedom of expression in Malaysia, is still far from fulfilling the promise of reform.
She agree with the view of the CIJ, the Sedition Act of 1948 is still in place, despite pre-election promises that it will be repealed. In fact in 2023, 184 investigations were conducted and 29 of them were investigated under the sedition act. Not only the government has not abolished, in fact, no act to replace it has been proposed. If it is maintained? what is the reason and should there be a special provision. Not a one-size-fits-all/all-issues act. In addition, the amendment to the Official Secrets Act of 1927 has not yet materialized. The printing press and publishing act was still in force and there were several raids on bookshops. The amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act and the 2010 Whistleblower Act amendments have not yet appeared in Parliament. The protection of whistleblowers should be taken seriously. Failure to do so will affect the outcome of cases being investigated in court, Hui Ying summed up.
Although the government seems to be trying and there have been efforts, However, the failure to amend or improve these acts after a year, causes the government to be seen as a failure. Hui Ying believes that only pressure from the people can force the government to act quickly and fulfill their promises.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Agnes from Dijih Selangau
*Sarawak's Firm Stand: Rejecting PAS's 2R Politics*
Ms. Agnes shares her perspective on PAS, which she believes often plays on religious and racial issues. She responds to Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang's statement regarding non-Muslims being able to become Prime Minister, criticizing PAS for rebuffing such statements.
Ms. Agnes emphasizes that politics should not involve playing the "2R" card, as this can destroy unity. She expresses gratitude that PAS is not accepted in Sarawak, as she perceives that PAS remains unchanged and continues to use the "2R" issue in their political agenda.
She asserts that individuals from other ethnicities can become Prime Minister, as what matters most is the sincerity and cleanliness of a leader, free from corruption and power abuse.
Ms. Agnes urges the Malaysian people not to be swayed by the "2R" issue frequently raised by PAS. She cites Singapore as an example of advancement, attributing it not to race or reflecting the religion of a leader.
She concludes with a plea not to exploit politics to spread religious ideologies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr James of Kampung traditional Tukau Jaya
*Broken Promises: The Plight of Tradisi Usaha Jaya Tukau Miri Residents*
Once again, the issue of evicting villagers from Tradisi Usaha Jaya Tukau Miri has resurfaced, and those who still reside there will be taken to court for questioning. What is surprising is that despite several houses, including Mr. James's house, being outside the company's designated area, why should he follow the directive to leave his area? During the agreement session with the Land and Survey office, they were accompanied by representatives from the ADUN office, Sibuti Parliament office, police, and Parabena company for a dialogue session and agreement between Parabena and the villagers. The developer agreed to replace the land taken by Parabena with a relocation area to help the villagers rebuild their homes. However, now the villagers are asked to leave peacefully, or their houses will be demolished without mercy or compensation. The question is, why not follow the terms of the agreement during the dialogue session?
On 05.01.2024, the villagers were summoned to court for a case involving five villagers, raising concerns as to why only five residents who have been living on Lots 187 and 188 are involved. Regardless of winning or losing, information suggests that no compensation will be given for each demolished house.
If the villagers go to court, they will not be represented by any lawyer. If they need legal services, the cost for each family to pay the fee is RM2,000 per unit, and there are more than 90 families.
The villagers cannot afford to pay for lawyers, so they are highly stressed by the eviction threats from the developer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------