8 April 2024
On Today Show
— Iswardy Morni, Sarawak Political Analyst – The merger of PSB with PDP in GPS Sarawak will make it easier for PH to campaign in Sarawak in the upcoming election
— Mr. Robert, a social activist from Bintulu – Local Parties in Sarawak: Do They Truly Represent the People's Interests?
— Sivaranjani Manickam, National Workers Bureau Coordinator, PSM – Ministry Meeting Highlights Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Iswardy Morni, Analis Politik Sarawak – Gabungan PSB dengan PDP dalam GPS Sarawak akan memudahkan PH berkempen di Sarawak dalam pilihan raya akan datang
— Mr. Robert, seorang aktivis sosial dari Bintulu – Parti Tempatan di Sarawak: Adakah Mereka Benar-benar Mewakili Kepentingan Rakyat?
— Sivaranjani Manickam, Pengarah Biro Pekerja Kebangsaan, PSM – Mesyuarat Kementerian Menyorot Hak Pekerja dan Tanggungjawab Majikan
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*Special Randau*
1. The merger of PSB with PDP in GPS Sarawak will make it easier for PH to campaign in Sarawak in the upcoming election. PSB in the last election as an agent to break the opposition vote when campaigning to defeat and replace GPS - but it has the advantage of being a local opposition party. This tactic was successful and PH Sarawak only managed to win 2 seats, through DAP.
2. The Israeli man who entered Malaysia and possessed 6 guns and 200 rounds of ammunition will be charged this week. The police are still investigating the real motive of the man in possession of the gun and ammunition involved.
3. Eight police reports were received regarding the logo of Vern's shoes which is said to resemble the word allah. The police opened an investigation paper and investigated the matter under section 298 of the penal code and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If it is too religiously fanatical, any symbol can be interpreted as insulting religion. Malaysians are demanded to be rational and let the authorities take appropriate action.
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Iswardy Morni, Sarawak Political Analyst
*The merger of PSB with PDP in GPS Sarawak will make it easier for PH to campaign in Sarawak in the upcoming election*
Last weekend the PSB party - Parti Sarawak Bersatu was disbanded. PSB supporters and leaders were absorbed into the PDP Party which is one of the 4 GPS component parties.
Asked whether the action made the GPS stronger and eroded support for PH Sarawak? Iswardy admitted that GPS became stronger with the increase of 4 seats won by PSB. Now GPS has 80 out of 82 Sarawak state assembly seats, while 2 more seats were won by DAP.
But for Iswardy, this development makes it easier for the people of Sarawak to make decisions in the upcoming election. In the last state election, PSB disguised itself as an opposition party that was said to replace GPS, so the people are influenced by the propaganda. Sarawakians are more likely to vote for local opposition parties such as PSB (Sarawak) than for opposition parties from Malaya (DAP/PKR).
Asked why there is no formation of a unity government at the state level? According to Iswardy, GPS does not want a unity government at the state level, unless PH and DAP are dissolved in Sarawak, same as PSB, that is impossible to happen.
Thus, for Iswardy-GPS has started the election process, and PH Sarawak should be ready and do similar movements that benefit PH.
First, PH should declare that it will fight GPS in all contested seats. PH Sarawak should also find a formula/give information so that the people of Sarawak don't hate the Malayan party. Also explained that GPS Sarawak has no choice, but to cooperate with the Malayan party to rule the country. GPS is just a party that exists in Sarawak and wins only in Sarawak. On the other hand, PH won 82 parliamentary seats and won in the states of Penang, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.
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Mr. Robert, a social activist from Bintulu
*Local Parties in Sarawak: Do They Truly Represent the People's Interests?*
Robert gave his opinion on the PSB party joining PDP (GPS). He said the people should not be easily deceived by any party that calls themselves a local party fighting for the people of Sarawak and views PH as a Malayan party.
The emergence of new parties in Sarawak is not aimed at defending the people's interests. This is the result of the so-called local parties often dividing the Dayak people and aligning with oppressive parties that impoverish the people like GPS.
He said that, we must change our mindset and not easily believe in GPS's development promises. From BN to GPS, the people's fate has not changed much, and many NCR land rights are not recognized by GPS. And do not consider PH as a Malayan party because PH is a national political party that can govern the whole of Malaysia.
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Sivaranjani Manickam, National Workers Bureau Coordinator, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
*Ministry Meeting Highlights Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities*
Last week, a meeting was held by the Ministry of Human Resources under the West Malaysia Labour Department, with the presence of workers, employers, immigration officials, and representatives from JTK. The meeting aimed to address the issue of workers being arrested due to their employers failing to provide them with jobs for over seven months. Several matters were discussed during the meeting.
The employers stated that although some projects were ongoing, they were unable to provide jobs for all the workers. They admitted to holding onto all the workers' passports out of fear that the workers might run away. The Ministry emphasized that it is illegal to keep workers' passports and urged employers to take better care of their workers.
PSM viewed this development as a positive move. However, the employers expressed uncertainty about how long it would take to provide jobs for all the workers. In response, the Ministry suggested that the employers surrender all the workers to the Ministry of Human Resources, which would then seek jobs for these workers or find them new employers.
Currently, the employers have not fully agreed to this suggestion. The Ministry has requested information or data on the number of workers who have been given jobs and the balance who are still without employment.
Last week, RFS reported that Three Bangladeshi workers were arrested in Malaysia after their employer, Beak Construction Company, staged a dispute among them. These workers, part of a group of over 160 brought to Malaysia last October, were promised jobs, salaries, and accommodation but received none. Living in poor conditions for seven months, they sought help from PSM and other NGOs.