6 September 2024

On Today Show
— Tonny Ung, Bintulu DAP Chairman – The Impact of Split Votes: Why GPS Triumphed in Samalaju

— Joseph Jinggut from Kapit – Crowdfunding Abroad for Village Repairs: What is the Role of GPS?
— Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage – Ensuring Impartiality: Reforming the Speaker Selection Process in Parliament

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Tonny Ung, Pengerusi DAP Bintulu – Kesan Undi Berpecah: Mengapa GPS Menang di Samalaju
— Joseph Jinggut dari Kapit – Mengumpul Dana di Luar Negara untuk Pembaikan Kampung: Apakah Peranan GPS?
— Thomas Fann, Pengerusi Engage – Memastikan Kecenderungan Tidak Terhadap: Mereformasi Proses Pemilihan Speaker di Parlimen

  • Special Randau
                    1. The MACC has not decided whether it will summon the 2 former prime ministers of Malaysia, namely Najib Razak and Mahyuddin Yassin, regarding the 1BestariNet false claims investigation. According to MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, the case is being investigated and he has not yet decided to summon the two. BestariNet Project 1 was awarded to YTL Comm SDN.BHD in 2011 by the Ministry of Education to equip 10,000 schools throughout Malaysia with broadband services with a RM4.47 billion contract. At that time Muhyiddin was the education minister while Najib was the prime minister.

                    2. The formula to beat GPS is one to one. A split vote will win GPS. Said former DAP candidate in DUN Samalaju - Tony Ong.

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    Tonny Ung, Bintulu DAP Chairman

    The Impact of Split Votes: Why GPS Triumphed in Samalaju

    Tonny shared his experience of competing in the 12th Sarawak state election in 2021 and losing badly in a 5-cornered contest in Samalaju state assembly. Acknowledging that Samalaju is a Dayak Iban majority area. But preliminary surveys show the attitude of Iban voters who can and will vote for anyone regardless of race. However, the DAP candidate for this area was initially DAP CEC John Anthony Brian. But because John Brian wants to compete in his own village in Kemena state assembly. So I was given the task of competing in Dun Samalaju. I prepared for a year. But because the area is very wide. I think even if given 5 years is not enough time. I only had time to campaign for one round, before the voting. The strongest factor wins the GPS by a large majority of errors - the 5 corner competition. According to Tony, the Iban people are smart in politics. They know- if 1 against 1. I have a chance to win. Many iban longhouses are not satisfied with GPS. But when there are 5 candidates volunteering. Then they can predict the vote will split and GPS will win. So they will decide to vote for GPS so that it is easy to get the project. But according to Tony, DAP will make a decision soon to determine the candidate who will represent DAP in the next state election. The formula according to Tony is one to one against GPS. Chances of winning are bright. Because the people of Sarawak know that GPS is not a reliable party.

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    Joseph Jinggut from Kapit
    *Crowdfunding Abroad for Village Repairs: What is the Role of GPS?*

    A photo exhibition, spearheaded by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos), successfully raised funds for upgrading facilities at Rumah Sambon in Nanga Kesit, Lubok Antu. Despite the longhouse already having modern amenities like treated water and electricity, there is still a need for further improvements, according to a statement. The funds raised will be used to purchase and install 27 wall fans for the longhouse’s ruai (communal area).

    Joseph Jinggut expressed strong support for any organization willing to contribute funds towards upgrading longhouses. He noted that it has become clear that even Dayak representatives themselves are unable to assist their people effectively through government funding from Sarawak. As a result, the Dayak community has often been denied their rights in various matters.

    As understanding, the fund raising is for essential materials such as zinc, pipes, and other supplies should be provided for longhouse renovations.

    He further emphasized that, regardless of whether a longhouse supports the opposition, the government should work harder to gain the trust of the people and help upgrade any longhouses in need.

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    Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage

    Ensuring Impartiality: Reforming the Speaker Selection Process in Parliament
    Thomas opined that the Speaker of Parliament must be impartial, especially when making decisions, such as in the case of the six Bersatu MPs who crossed over to the Madani government without vacating their respective seats. Many people, including those from Project SAMA, felt this was a wrong decision, which tarnished the Speaker's image in Parliament.

    In light of this, Project SAMA held discussions on how to ensure that future Speakers remain impartial. Thomas emphasized the importance of having an impartial Speaker because MPs represent the people, and the Speaker must provide equal space for all MPs—whether they are from the government or the opposition—to voice their concerns.

    If there is a perception that the Speaker is biased towards the government, it could undermine the voices of the opposition and affect parliamentary fairness. Thomas Fann hopes that those following this panel discussion will understand the complexity and significance of this issue.

    He suggested reforming the selection process for the Speaker of Parliament to ensure greater impartiality.

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