29 January 2024
On Today Show
— Voon Lee Shan, President of Bumi Kenyalang Party (PBK) – Voon Raises Questions on Legitimacy: Is the 8th TYT Appointment Constitutional?
— Jeffrey Ngui of MUDA Sarawak –5G's Limited Reach Interior: Prioritizing Fundamental Communication Networks
— Barnie Lasiimbang, activist from Sabah – Neglected Roads and Forgotten Villages in Kota Marudu Sabah
Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Voon Lee Shan, Presiden Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) - Voon Menimbulkan Persoalan Mengenai Kewajaran: Adakah Pelantikan TYT Ke-8 Menepati Perlembagaan?
- Jeffrey Ngui dari MUDA Sarawak - Jangkauan Terhad 5G di Dalam Tanah: Mengutamakan Rangkaian Komunikasi Asas
- Barnie Lasiimbang, aktivis dari Sabah - Jalan Terabai dan Kampung Terlupakan di Kota Marudu Sabah
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*Special Randau*
1. The appointment of TYT Sarawak is unconstitutional - according to PBK President Voon Lee Shan. The Sarawak Constitution should be amended so that the appointment of the Sarawak TYT does not require the intervention of people outside Sarawak (Agong/King or Prime Minister in the Federation).
2. The case of the traffic police asking for bribes from 2 foreign tourists was investigated by Bukit Aman. The case is believed to occur in December 2023.
3. Tycoon and millionaire Daim Zainuddin pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with the MACC notice to declare hate. There were 71 properties that failed to be declared by Daim. Including 38 companies, 25 real estate and hotel units, 7 luxury vehicles and 2 bank accounts. Daim was charged with deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of the SPRM notice dated 8 Nov 2023. He was charged according to section 36(2) of the SPRM Act 2009. Daim urged the public to oppose the PMX Anwar Ibrahim administration which he described as carrying out false and wrong reforms exercise power with selective prosecution.
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Voon Lee Shan, President of Bumi Kenyalang Party (PBK)
*Voon Raises Questions on Legitimacy: Is the 8th TYT Appointment Constitutional?*
With the awarding of the letter of appointment by the Agong/King and the swearing-in ceremony of the TYT at the Sarawak state assembly at 3 pm 29 Jan 2024. The issue of the appointment of the 8th TYT Sarawak has been completed.
But for PBK President - Voon Lee Shan, there are still too many unresolved issues. The question arises whether Tun Taib was fired or resigned? No official announcement from the state Astana in Kuching or Announcement by Istana Negara, no resignation letter submitted.
Voon said that, before the appointment of the new TYT is made, the old (existing) TYT must resign first. Tun Taib's term of office still remains until Feb 2024, is Tun Taib forced to resign or refuses to resign, even though he is old, infirm and sick.
Voon also raises another question – Is the appointment of the new TYT through discussion with the Premier of Sarawak? If that is, the Premier of Sarawak should bring the matter up for discussion in the Sarawak state assembly meeting. From the public information we know, that is not the case.
Voon claims that what is happening now is turning his back on the Sarawak constitution or the appointment of the 8th TYT is unconstitutional. Voon suggested that Sarawak move to a more mature and democratic governance. That is by amending the Sarawak constitution so that the power to appoint Sarawak TYT is no longer given to the Agong/King.
Second, The appointment of TYT must be through a motion and vote in the Sarawak state assembly. All parties have the right to nominate candidates in the Sarawak state assembly conference. According to Voon, Leo Mogie, Alexander Nanta Linggie and Richard Riout are also eligible to be considered for the post of TYT, apart from other parties who contributed a lot outside the political radar.
Voon's final assertion is, if the Agong/King is found to be doing something that violates the constitution, he can also be prosecuted in a special court according to article 33(a) of the federal constitution.
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Jeffrey Ngui of MUDA Sarawak
*5G's Limited Reach Interior: Prioritizing Fundamental Communication Networks*
Jeffrery Ngui describes the statement claiming Malaysia's 5G as the fastest in the world as highly dismissive of the sentiments of the people in the digital age. Many in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak, according to his colleagues, will lose connectivity when returning to their villages. Jeffrey acknowledges the government's substantial investment in Telco towers in Sarawak but questions their functionality.
Jeffrey Ngui also believes that there may be hidden hands from certain politicians in the internet projects in rural areas, aiming to obstruct telecommunication services to the people in those areas. Moreover, in semi-urban areas, the 5G network is reportedly unusable. Jeffrey suggests that it would be better to utilize the 4G network, funded by the people's money, rather than investing in 5G that doesn't fully function.
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Barnie Lasiimbang, activist from Sabahh
*Neglected Roads and Forgotten Villages in Kota Marudu Sabah*
On the road leading to SK Mengandai in Kota Marudu, a recent viral video highlighted the challenging conditions faced by primary school students and one of their teachers returning to their hostel. They had to spend the night at a farm hut due to the poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season. This issue is not new, but it has gained attention through social media.
The villages in Magandai, located in the Kota Marudu area, face difficulties exacerbated by the inadequate road infrastructure. It is noteworthy that Kota Marudu, despite being one of the poorest districts in Malaysia, has Dr. Maximus Ong Kee Lee as its Member of Parliament, who is also a long-serving minister.
The road, originally a logging road, has seen little to no maintenance since the logging company ceased operations for an extended period. Even Barnie, himself, has experienced such road conditions and spent nights on the roadside. The surrounding communities rely on oil palm companies for minor maintenance.
Given the circumstances, there is a call for the Public Works Department and other state agencies to identify roads connecting to urban schools and prioritize the upgrading of these roads to ensure better accessibility and living conditions for the local residents.
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