8 December 2023
On Today Show
> YB Violet Yong, Assembly member of Pending – Concerns Arise as Petros Niaga Gains Monopoly Power in Sarawak's LPG Gas Distribution
> Dominic Langat, activist from Lonng Tungan Baram – Life After Subsidies: Interior Residents Worry About Increased Diesel Costs
> Baru Bian, Assembly member of Ba' Kelalan – Infrastructure Progress in Sarawak: Unfinished Business Beyond Pan Borneo Highway
> Abun Sui, PKR Sarawak Senator – Promoting Fair Aid Distribution: Urging GPS to Address the Issue
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> YB Violet Yong, Ahli Dewan Negeri Pending - Kebimbangan Muncul Ketika Petros Niaga Memperoleh Kuasa Monopoli dalam Pengedaran Gas LPG Sarawak
> Dominic Langat, Aktivis dari Lonng Tungan Baram - Hidup Tanpa Subsidi: Penduduk Pendalaman Risau Tentang Kenaikan Kos Diesel
> Baru Bian, Ahli Dewan Negeri Ba' Kelalan - Kemajuan Infrastruktur di Sarawak: Tugas Belum Selesai Selepas Lebuhraya Pan Borneo
> Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak - Memajukan Pengagihan Bantuan yang Adil: Mendesak GPS untuk Menangani Isu Ini
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*Special Randau*
1. Lawyer for Najib Razak, Shafee, accuses Bank Negara Malaysia analyst Adam Arif Mohd Roslan of conspiring with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) to frame Najib Razak in the RM2.27 billion corruption case. Shafee is vigorously working to exonerate Najib Razak. However, the Malaysian public is aware that Najib received billions of ringgit in his personal accounts and used his power as prime minister to avoid prosecution.
2. Opposition Members of Parliament openly express support for PMX without officially defecting from their parties. Party hopping, as defined by anti-party hopping laws, occurs when members of parliament formally leave their parties to support another. In this case, MPs are remaining in their parties while offering support. This distinction is emphasized by the Law Minister Azalina Othman Said.
3. The impact of the 2023 amendment to the Gas Distribution Act gives significant power and a monopoly on the gas market in Sarawak to Petros Niaga, according to YB Violet Yong. Currently, the price of LPG remains at RM26.60, but there is no guarantee that it will not increase in the future. There is also no assurance that additional fees will not be imposed. The monopolistic business practices of CMS in the cement industry have resulted in property/housing prices in Sarawak being the highest in Malaysia.
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YB Violet Yong, Assembly member of Pending
*Concerns Arise as Petros Niaga Gains Monopoly Power in Sarawak's LPG Gas Distribution*
Many problems will arise when Petros Niaga becomes the sole distributor of LPG Gas in Sarawak. Through the Gas Distribution (Amendment) Bill 2023 which was approved by the Sarawak State Assembly recently. PETROS NIAGA has full authority over LPG GAS distribution activities in Sarawak. According to Violet Yong- anything monopolistic will affect the market and consumers in the long run. Give an example of the monopoly power possessed by CMS cement. Making the price of cement and houses in Sarawak one of the most expensive in Malaysia. Although the Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Sarawak Julaihi Narawi assured the price of LPG Gas will remain at RM26.60 (the federal government's subsidy control price) Petros Niaga has become so powerful that it can choose any business partner who cannot object to any PetrOs Niaga directive. In the future, PETROS niaga has the authority to raise the price of gas barrels or charge any fees if deemed necessary. What the market needs right now is open competition. Where all parties have the same rights and powers in the sale and distribution of LPG Gas in Sarawak. YB Chong Cheing Jen and I protested at the State Assembly. But GPS has almost 100% majority. The GPS government should not bring or approve such a law in Sarawak which has a negative impact on the people of Sarawak.
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Dominic Langat, activist from Lonng Tungan Baram
*Life After Subsidies: Interior Residents Worry About Increased Diesel Costs*
In Parliament, MP Oscar Ling from Sibu has raised a crucial question regarding the government's strategies to assist residents in the rural areas of East Malaysia who heavily rely on four-wheeled vehicles. The primary objective is to ensure that the lives of these individuals are not adversely affected and burdened. This inquiry becomes particularly relevant in light of Prime Minister Anwar's statement on November 3. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, announced the phased re-targeting of diesel subsidies, specifying that this initiative would solely be implemented in the peninsula. He further clarified that Sabah and Sarawak would be excluded from this plan due to the extensive use of diesel in these states.
Dominic Langat underscores that the proposed cancellation of diesel subsidies would pose a significant burden for users of four-wheel drives in the interior and interior regions. Notably, approximately 80% of the roads in these areas are logging routes, characterized by challenging terrains rather than smooth surfaces. Consequently, reaching destinations in the interior requires covering longer distances and navigating through more demanding landscapes, leading to heightened diesel consumption.
In addition to expressing concerns about the subsidy cancellation, Langat advocates for a reduction in road taxes specifically for four-wheel-drive vehicles. This appeal stems from an awareness that such a measure would contribute to alleviating the financial strain on users in both interior and interior regions. By addressing these issues comprehensively, Langat seeks to promote policies that recognize and accommodate the distinctive challenges faced by individuals heavily reliant on four-wheel drives in the interior and interior areas.
He emphasizes that diesel is not only used in four-wheel-drive vehicles but also in interior areas for powering generators. He mentions that while most interior villages have installed solar panels, the capacity is limited to 3000 watts per household, essentially depleted after half a day. As a result, diesel generators are needed to generate power for daily activities. This undoubtedly adds to the burden for the inhabitants of the interior areas as well.
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Baru Bian, assembly member of Ba' Kelalan
*Infrastructure Progress in Sarawak: Unfinished Business Beyond Pan Borneo Highway*
All sections of the Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway are on track to be fully accessible to the public by the end of this month. Alexander Nanta Linggi, the Minister of Works, has confirmed that the project has achieved an impressive 98 percent completion. This significant milestone ensures a smoother travel experience for the public, especially those returning to their hometowns during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In response to this development, Baru Bian expressed his elation and gratitude for the imminent completion of the Pan Borneo project. While acknowledging the importance of the trans Pan Borneo highway, he emphasized the need to prioritize other critical infrastructures in Sarawak. Specifically, he drew attention to the pressing issues in the education sector, such as the ongoing problem of dilapidated schools, particularly in rural areas. Baru Bian highlighted that even in urban areas, some schools remain unrepaired since Najib's tenure, during which Sarawak was allocated one million annually. He underscored the persistent challenges with computers and internet connectivity in these educational institutions.
Beyond education, Baru Bian raised concerns about the state of healthcare infrastructure in Sarawak. He urged for a prioritized focus on rural clinics and hospitals, noting the ongoing shortage of doctors in these areas. Addressing these essential issues, according to Baru Bian, is crucial for the overall well-being and development of Sarawak.
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Abun Sui, PKR Sarawak Senator
*Promoting Fair Aid Distribution: Urging GPS to Address the Issue*
Abun Sui responds to Gerawat Jala, the ADUN (Member of the Legislative Assembly) for Mulu, after Abun Sui stated that development assistance from the federal government should be directly provided to the people without going through each Member of Parliament. This is because the distribution has been uneven for longhouse communities, with village chiefs being criticized for not allocating any funds to opposition voters.
Due to the prevalent culture of criticism within the GPS, Gerawat Jala claims that Abun Sui's statement is an unfounded accusation.
Abun Sui perceives Gerawat Jala as being sensitive to his remarks, likening it to someone who has eaten spicy chili. Abun Sui will continue to emphasize that every allocation from the federal government should not be politicized. Abun Sui issues a biased statement against the village chief based on his real experiences, as he frequently engages directly with the community throughout his career in politics.