6 November 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> John Brian Anthony, Pakar Politik Dayak - Ketidakadilan dalam Perkhidmatan Awam Sarawak: Cabaran Perwakilan Dayak
> George Laeng dari Uma Akeh Baram - Abang Jo Menggunakan Pembasmian Buaya sebagai Alasan Pembinaan Empangan
> Nasir Dollah, Timbalan Pengerusi Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (JKOAK) - Aktivis Orang Asli Seru untuk Penyelesaian Berkongsi dalam Isu Hak Tanah
> Chiew Choon Man, MP PKR Miri - Harmoni Budaya di Sarawak: Bahasa Ibunda sebagai Jambatan
On Today Show
> John Brian Anthony, Dayak Political Analyst – Inequities in Sarawak's Civil Service: The Dayak Representation Challenge
> George Laeng from uma Akeh Baram – Abang Jo Using Crocodile Eradication as a Dam Construction Excuse
> Nasir Dollah, Deputy Chairman of Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (JKOAK) – Orang Asli Activists Call for Collaborative Solutions to Land Rights Challenges
> Chiew Choon Man, PKR MP of Miri – Cultural Harmony in Sarawak: Native Languages as a Bridge
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*Special Randau*
1. Sarawak's 35 assemblymen, the majority of Dayak voters, should dare to meet PMX to request special allocations for Sarawak's Dayaks, in the 2024 budget.
2. The Premier said the construction of an artificial waterfall is a good method to prevent the increase in the crocodile population. In fact, the Premier wants to find an excuse to build a cascading/high-rise dam.
3. The court allowed the application to pinch charges against Najib in the 1MDB case trial.
4. Members of Parliament from Melaka suggested that Ambiga be the new EC chairman
5. Gobind Singh Deo questioned when the government will establish a committee to investigate the misconduct of MACC Officers.
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John Brian Anthony, Dayak Political Analyst
*Inequities in Sarawak's Civil Service: The Dayak Representation Challenge*
In a recent parliamentary session, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Armizan Mohd Ali, unveiled a startling statistic: only 4.8% of Sarawak's bumiputras are employed in the federal civil service, totaling 48,645 individuals out of a workforce of 1.1 million. This revelation sheds light on the underrepresentation of Sarawak's indigenous Dayak community in the government sector, prompting calls for a more equitable and merit-based approach.
The term "Bumiputra Sarawak" encompasses both Sarawak Malays and Sarawak Dayaks. Traditionally, Malays claim a 70% quota, leaving the remaining 30% for the Dayaks. This allocation indicates that only about 12,000 Dayaks serve in the federal civil service.
John Brian, a vocal advocate for the Dayak community, asserted that many qualified, highly educated, and accomplished Dayaks feel they face discrimination. He passionately argued for a shift away from racial quotas towards an evaluation system based on merit and qualifications. This plea for meritocracy resonates with many who believe that the best person for the job should be hired, irrespective of their ethnicity.
John's concerns extended beyond employment disparities. He raised the issue of the development of Dayak land and trade in Sarawak. Despite there being 35 Dayak state assembly seats, all of which were secured by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), there have been no substantial provisions for the development of Dayak lands and businesses. This disparity highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure the economic and social well-being of the Dayak community.
As we look to the future, it's crucial to consider how government allocations impact various communities. In the 2024 budget, it was noted that the Orang Asli community, while certainly deserving of support, received a significant increase in funding from 305 million ringgit in 2023 to 333 million ringgit in 2024. This allocation covers socio-economic development projects, infrastructure improvements in Orang Asli villages, and the provision of social assistance.
John Brian has called upon all YBs representing the Dayak people to meet with the PMX and other relevant authorities. He seeks to ensure that the 2024 budget includes special provisions for the Dayak community, aligning with their unique needs and aspirations. He is confident that, in a unity government, PMX will allocate resources accordingly, enabling the Dayak community to flourish and contribute to the development of Sarawak.
The disparities highlighted by John Brian's statements serve as a reminder that true progress and inclusivity are achieved when all communities have an equal opportunity to participate in the civil service and benefit from government policies and provisions. The call for merit-based employment practices and targeted development support for the Dayak community reflects a growing commitment to addressing historical imbalances and ensuring a more equitable future for all of Sarawak's residents.
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George Laeng from uma Akeh Baram
*Abang Jo Using Crocodile Eradication as a Dam Construction Excuse*
George Laeng bluntly states that the suggestion made by Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg is baseless and unrealistic. He believes that the construction of dams and artificial waterfalls, as proposed by Abang Jo, will bring destructive consequences to the interior population, unrelated to development, and will only exacerbate the challenges faced by interior communities, possibly leading to forced relocations.
He points out that if the dams were constructed to provide electricity for the interior areas, it could be a subject for discussion. However, as the dams seem to be built to supply power to industries, and possibly even to foreign countries, without benefiting the interior people, it raises questions about the sacrifice of the livelihoods and land of the interior communities.
George Laeng contends that there are many alternative methods to control the proliferation of crocodiles, making the construction of dams to create artificial waterfalls an unreasonable solution. He also questions the Premier's decision to participate in the Mega Cable project with Singapore and Indonesia as part of the dam project.
George Laeng's perspective highlights the lack of consideration for the interior communities in the development projects undertaken by the GPS, despite Abang Jo's claims of Sarawak's prosperity. In the eyes of the interior people, they continue to face problems like the lack of clean water sources, unreliable electricity supply, deteriorating infrastructure, and under-equipped schools, while the government engages in discussions about international ventures and power exportation.
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Nasir Dollah, Deputy Chairman of Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (JKOAK)
*Orang Asli Activists Call for Collaborative Solutions to Land Rights Challenges*
In a recent development, Orang Asli activist organizations have strongly pushed back against allegations made by the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director-general, Sapiah Mohd Nor. She had suggested that certain indigenous NGOs were receiving external funding with the deliberate intention of stirring up land-related issues within the Orang Asli community. Leading Orang Asli NGOs, including Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Joas), Persatuan Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia (Poasm), and others, have fervently denied these claims.
Nasir Dollah, Deputy Chairman of Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (JKOAK), expressed the collective frustration felt by all Orang Asli NGOs regarding the director's statement. As the figure responsible for overseeing the development, economic well-being, and overall welfare of the Orang Asli community, allegations of this nature have been deeply disheartening.
She said that the Orang Asli activist organizations categorically deny the allegation that Orang Asli NGOs are being financially supported to instigate chaos and discord concerning land-related issues. They have deemed these accusations as baseless and driven by ill intentions.
The Orang Asli NGOs are calling for transparency regarding the specific NGO that had reported the alleged activities to the Jakoa director. They believe that transparency would help shed light on the origin of these allegations and foster open dialogue on the issue.
She emphasize that they have been actively and persistently advocating for issues related to land, economic well-being, and development despite numerous challenges. These issues have endured without resolution, compelling them to exercise their right to express their concerns through any available platform.
The issues related to land rights and other challenges affecting the Orang Asli community remain a matter of great concern. Activists argue that the lack of recognition of Orang Asli land rights, as well as disputes over land use, continue to impact their communities significantly.
Moreover, the Orang Asli are calling for increased collaboration between NGOs, activists, and the government to collectively address these pressing issues and work toward a more equitable and sustainable future for their communities.
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Chiew Choon Man, PKR MP of Miri
*Cultural Harmony in Sarawak: Native Languages as a Bridge*
Chiew underscores the vital role of native languages in preserving the cultural heritage and ethnic identity of Sarawak's diverse population. He expresses concern over the growing trend among modern and educated individuals, from various ethnic backgrounds, who now use English as the primary language within their families. YB Chiew advocates for the inclusion of all ethnic languages in Sarawak's school curriculums, emphasizing that it should be a collective effort involving both the central and state governments to safeguard these native languages throughout society.
According to YB Chiew, native languages serve as a crucial link to one's cultural roots, contributing to the ethnic identity of Sarawak's indigenous groups and the rich tapestry of its culture. By emphasizing the significance of native languages, opportunities are created for people of all races to learn and appreciate each other's cultural backgrounds. Moreover, using one's mother tongue fosters unity, mutual respect among different ethnic groups, and enriches the region's cultural heritage.
These sentiments were expressed during YB Chiew's address at the launch of the MIRIfm 3.0 Night of Cultural Enhancement and Christmas Three Voices event, held at Pustaka Miri as part of the Sarawakiana Festival 2023. This program was organized by RTM Miri Iban, Kayan, and Kenyah services in collaboration with Pustaka Miri.
YB Chiew commends the program's hosting as a testament to how Sarawakians of various backgrounds come together to safeguard their unique cultural traditions. He stresses that it is the collective responsibility of the community to preserve and promote these ethnic languages, as some of them face the risk of extinction due to the effects of modernization.