The Election fever is growing by the day in Sarawak. The popularity of BN amongst Chinese voters in the state will soon be tested in Sibu. The demise of MP Robert Lau who was a charismatic figure amongst the predominantly Foochow population calls for a thorough scrutiny by SUUP on its replacement candidate. The by election is expected to be a straight fight between BN’s SUPP and DAP.
Fever or no fever, the State Election in Sarawak will only be announced when Sarawak’s top Warlord by the name of Taib Mahmud is fully inspired. Not until he says so, things will remain rumored as only coffee shop talk.
If BN is ever ready as claimed by Taib and BN leaders in Sarawak, it looks like the Opposition is on a tactical limbo over the allocation of seats. This is because everyone wants to have a say. The foursome PAS, PKR, DAP and the limping SNAP led by autocratic Edwin Dundang are not happy with one another. Pas has said that they want all the Malay/Melanau majority areas which have left PKR in a fix. DAP seems unperturbed because they know they have the edge over PKR with Chinese urbanites. SNAP is of course focusing in on Dayak dominated areas.
It is hoped that this election will be the most interesting ever in Sarawak. Najib cannot take any risks to field the wrong candidates. The question is, will he let the Warlord decide? He may, he may not.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Crafty Moves by Politicians? - Think Harder
Come On, you must be kidding to even propose of taking the states of Sarawak and Sabah out of Malaysia. Although I have my reservations, this is just a dream of some unhappy politicians who want publicity. We have enough bumps as it is now to think wildly of this move which is like starting an “uprising” in Sarawak or Sabah. To rebel in such a way is not my cup of tea.
Instead of showing anger on the international stage and stooping down to the British government and parliamentarians for help and assistance, it would be a lot better to focus on what needs to be done and corrected in these two states. We can absolutely move forward in many areas both politically and economically, one major initiative is right in hand and that is, to deny the BN victories in the 2 states.
Of course many bumps have to be blasted out first to make us win. It needs planning and thoughts and a lot of it. Underrating BN is not wise, bulldozing by venting our anger and belittling individual politicians may not be effective anymore. RPK did just that and he ended up marooned and a “wanted” man. We must remember that BN has all the “powers” to squash you out of sight including using the ISA. That’s enough of my rhetoric.
What I wish to point out in this post is the way BN has exploited us, the rakyat for our money through the process of government. When camouflaged by what they called “revenue”, we are made to believe that the BN government is doing the right things. We then pay all our "dues" obediently, absorbing all the taxes, levies and what have you. So whilst you dig into your pockets and sometimes figuring how to make ends meet, BN political leaders may be celebrating with easy hard cash.
Most of our BN political leaders in Sarawak and Sabah have wriggled their way to be wealthy businessmen with vested interests in corporations and private companies. It would not be good to show up their names here, that's not my intention. The fact is we know they are generating income for themselves through the legal process, their undeclared assets run into millions of ringgit. We also know that the government's call for “privatization” would normally be grabbed up and run by elected representatives and their proxies. And indirectly, when appointed to sit in the board, they are the "untouchables". The pretext that "privatization" would increase efficiency so as to render the rakyat better service is just an excuse.
Now think about this: Both you and I will have paid a little for the parking tickets imposed on us every time we park our cars, we thought it is alright. But that small sum is actually a “squeeze” on our pockets. Similarly, the unrealistically high “tolls” in West Malaysia is always thought of as mere collection to upkeep the highways. It is not. The MIC President lost his seat because of it.
Instead of showing anger on the international stage and stooping down to the British government and parliamentarians for help and assistance, it would be a lot better to focus on what needs to be done and corrected in these two states. We can absolutely move forward in many areas both politically and economically, one major initiative is right in hand and that is, to deny the BN victories in the 2 states.
Of course many bumps have to be blasted out first to make us win. It needs planning and thoughts and a lot of it. Underrating BN is not wise, bulldozing by venting our anger and belittling individual politicians may not be effective anymore. RPK did just that and he ended up marooned and a “wanted” man. We must remember that BN has all the “powers” to squash you out of sight including using the ISA. That’s enough of my rhetoric.
What I wish to point out in this post is the way BN has exploited us, the rakyat for our money through the process of government. When camouflaged by what they called “revenue”, we are made to believe that the BN government is doing the right things. We then pay all our "dues" obediently, absorbing all the taxes, levies and what have you. So whilst you dig into your pockets and sometimes figuring how to make ends meet, BN political leaders may be celebrating with easy hard cash.
Most of our BN political leaders in Sarawak and Sabah have wriggled their way to be wealthy businessmen with vested interests in corporations and private companies. It would not be good to show up their names here, that's not my intention. The fact is we know they are generating income for themselves through the legal process, their undeclared assets run into millions of ringgit. We also know that the government's call for “privatization” would normally be grabbed up and run by elected representatives and their proxies. And indirectly, when appointed to sit in the board, they are the "untouchables". The pretext that "privatization" would increase efficiency so as to render the rakyat better service is just an excuse.
Now think about this: Both you and I will have paid a little for the parking tickets imposed on us every time we park our cars, we thought it is alright. But that small sum is actually a “squeeze” on our pockets. Similarly, the unrealistically high “tolls” in West Malaysia is always thought of as mere collection to upkeep the highways. It is not. The MIC President lost his seat because of it.
1Malaysia Political Bums in Sarawak
How on earth are you going to unite Malaysians under 1Malaysia when some BN quarters symbolize it as a BN entity? Yes, 1Malaysia has been politicized and circumcised by BN. You cannot expect a PAS or DAP member to put on the 1Malaysia badges with the BN logo in the background. Perhaps this has not caught anyone's attention. It doesn’t matter really because we know that 1Malaysia from the day it was launched, has been questioned and ridiculed by the opposition and not fully understood by the majority of Malaysians at large. The recent news that it is “copycat stuff” from Israel is very disturbing, certainly amongst hard core Muslims.
1Malaysia is not as bumpy in Sarawak as it is in West Malaysia. The bumps here are obnoxiously different. In fact we do not need to go heads over heels with 1Malaysia in Sarawak where people of all races have enjoyed their lives and carry on living in peace and tranquility over the decades ever since the days of the white Rajahs.
However, Sarawakians are in no way a bunch of crimpy Homo sapiens who accept things passively. There is truth in the older generation of the natives who are accustomed to the “adat” of respecting their “bosses” taught to them and inherited from the British colonial rule. This is good value appreciated by the young but it must not be taken as a rule of thumb that Sarawakians are born to be followers of their bosses. Let me put it right, we have no damn bosses.
When there are bumps in the system, it is only a natural instinct for people to protest and they can opt to do this in many ways. That accounts for all the barbarous "cow head" and "pig head" acts seen in West Malaysia.
The bumps in Sarawak are not religious in nature nor is it racial, let’s all be clear on that. Our bumps created by crafty BN political leaders are about the inadequate infrastructure, roads, clinics, schools etc etc after 40 years of plastered rule by UMNO dictators. To the natives, it's about the BN government abusing NCR land belonging to the Dayaks. But most importantly it’s about political power in the hands of a few BN political bums who are filthy rich and not wanting to hand over political leadership to the younger generation.
1Malaysia is not as bumpy in Sarawak as it is in West Malaysia. The bumps here are obnoxiously different. In fact we do not need to go heads over heels with 1Malaysia in Sarawak where people of all races have enjoyed their lives and carry on living in peace and tranquility over the decades ever since the days of the white Rajahs.
However, Sarawakians are in no way a bunch of crimpy Homo sapiens who accept things passively. There is truth in the older generation of the natives who are accustomed to the “adat” of respecting their “bosses” taught to them and inherited from the British colonial rule. This is good value appreciated by the young but it must not be taken as a rule of thumb that Sarawakians are born to be followers of their bosses. Let me put it right, we have no damn bosses.
When there are bumps in the system, it is only a natural instinct for people to protest and they can opt to do this in many ways. That accounts for all the barbarous "cow head" and "pig head" acts seen in West Malaysia.
The bumps in Sarawak are not religious in nature nor is it racial, let’s all be clear on that. Our bumps created by crafty BN political leaders are about the inadequate infrastructure, roads, clinics, schools etc etc after 40 years of plastered rule by UMNO dictators. To the natives, it's about the BN government abusing NCR land belonging to the Dayaks. But most importantly it’s about political power in the hands of a few BN political bums who are filthy rich and not wanting to hand over political leadership to the younger generation.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Lousy Roads in Sarawak
If you were to ask any Sarawakians who have been to KL about the condition of our Sarawak roads or its infrastructure as compared to those in West Malaysia, you will get a "negative" answer. They will agree that the West Malaysian roads in peninsular are a lot better than what we have here in Sarawak. Besides being well constructed with our oil money, their roads are well maintained too.
You would agree with me that a high percentage of our roads here in Sarawak are in a deplorable state. By all measure, many have definitely engineering flaws that resulted in bad construction. They have claimed hundreds of lives and some unfortunate victims could still be alive today had the roads been built well. Indeed some stretches are death traps with pot holes that have ruined tires, rims and taken lives.
Many are in a state of neglect, the Sibu ones being notoriously dangerous. I don't need to mention where they are, there is no need to because you have travelled on them and you know how bumpy the ride would be even for a short outing to Santubong from Kuching. In terms of infrastructure, our roads fall short of lighting, road signs and drainage. Look around you to believe me. Forget about proper rest stops along highways, ours here are run down shacks offering quick meals and filthy toilets.
Such is the condition of our roads in Sarawak, I would not want to delve on those unsealed ones like the infamous "Lapok Road" in Tinjar, Baram which the late Datuk Luhat Wan didn't do much about during his long tenure in office as a Deputy Federal Minister. The present Baram BN MP who is also enjoying the same status has promised many times over that something would be done to get this supposedly "trunk" road tar sealed. It has been 15 years now and nothing has materialized. And the road seems doomed.
With the Elections coming soon as predicted by some inner BN circles, our bumpy Sarawak roads will once again be a solid subject to talk about in derailing BN's popularity. Of course, PM Najib is focusing in on Sarawak which has over the past 40 years been raped and robbed of its wealth by the UMNO goons. Of late he has been scrambling for funds and pouring them into the State. Everyone in their right mind knows why he is doing this. He knows our roads are lousy, he's not a fool. We are his bastion.
You would agree with me that a high percentage of our roads here in Sarawak are in a deplorable state. By all measure, many have definitely engineering flaws that resulted in bad construction. They have claimed hundreds of lives and some unfortunate victims could still be alive today had the roads been built well. Indeed some stretches are death traps with pot holes that have ruined tires, rims and taken lives.
Many are in a state of neglect, the Sibu ones being notoriously dangerous. I don't need to mention where they are, there is no need to because you have travelled on them and you know how bumpy the ride would be even for a short outing to Santubong from Kuching. In terms of infrastructure, our roads fall short of lighting, road signs and drainage. Look around you to believe me. Forget about proper rest stops along highways, ours here are run down shacks offering quick meals and filthy toilets.
Such is the condition of our roads in Sarawak, I would not want to delve on those unsealed ones like the infamous "Lapok Road" in Tinjar, Baram which the late Datuk Luhat Wan didn't do much about during his long tenure in office as a Deputy Federal Minister. The present Baram BN MP who is also enjoying the same status has promised many times over that something would be done to get this supposedly "trunk" road tar sealed. It has been 15 years now and nothing has materialized. And the road seems doomed.
With the Elections coming soon as predicted by some inner BN circles, our bumpy Sarawak roads will once again be a solid subject to talk about in derailing BN's popularity. Of course, PM Najib is focusing in on Sarawak which has over the past 40 years been raped and robbed of its wealth by the UMNO goons. Of late he has been scrambling for funds and pouring them into the State. Everyone in their right mind knows why he is doing this. He knows our roads are lousy, he's not a fool. We are his bastion.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Longhouses without the Basic Amenities
Sadness surrounded me during my travel by road recently to Northern Sarawak. I stopped at 4 longhouses along the way and 3 are without the basic amenities, clean water supply and electricity. I saw the children bathed in rivers of mud, they have to make do with dirty water from erosion as a result of logging activities. There was no other choice as rain water was reserved for drinking. I thought then that what was once rivers of fish are now rivers of hell.
To deduce that the authorities are not aware of the plight of these longhouses is simply nonsense. Our BN YBs aren't blind and deaf. I can only arrived at one conclusion and that is, they have failed to serve their constituency and looked after the interest of the rakyat. They have failed to bring the basic amenities to the longhouses. BN failed to fulfill their promises to these longhouse folks in Sarawak.
My bumpy ride was made worst on some stretches of what we called "trunk roads" that are poorly tar sealed, obviously the works of unscrupulous contractors and poor supervision by JKR. They deserved to be labelled "Jangan Kerja Rajin" in this instance.
Well over 40 years have passed since we joined up to form Malaysia and Sarawak is still on this bumpy ride to development. Yet BN leaders have got the cheek to call it "Politics of Development" whenever there is some announcement of a new project in the state. It is sad and misleading.
To deduce that the authorities are not aware of the plight of these longhouses is simply nonsense. Our BN YBs aren't blind and deaf. I can only arrived at one conclusion and that is, they have failed to serve their constituency and looked after the interest of the rakyat. They have failed to bring the basic amenities to the longhouses. BN failed to fulfill their promises to these longhouse folks in Sarawak.
My bumpy ride was made worst on some stretches of what we called "trunk roads" that are poorly tar sealed, obviously the works of unscrupulous contractors and poor supervision by JKR. They deserved to be labelled "Jangan Kerja Rajin" in this instance.
Well over 40 years have passed since we joined up to form Malaysia and Sarawak is still on this bumpy ride to development. Yet BN leaders have got the cheek to call it "Politics of Development" whenever there is some announcement of a new project in the state. It is sad and misleading.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The NCR Land Issue
The political scenario in Sarawak looks good but is really not so good. Leaders from the BN have failed in many areas to fulfill the peoples' wishes. Sometimes their incompetency is glaring. Their words are often accepted as a norm. It seems no one dares to challenge the BN leaders because for many Sarawakians, their "rice bowl" comes first.
One topic that has always been of concern and has caught attention again when Elections are near is the NCR Land Issue. Such "Native Customary Rights" land in Sarawak may cover vast areas that run into hundreds of acres of virgin jungle fauna. They span throughout the breath of interior Sarawak where the natives comprising the predominantly Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kayans, Kenyahs and other indigenous groups reside.
The NCR land issues are a never ending feud between landowners and wealthy companies who have been given lucrative land leases by the government. How and who got what are never revealed and made transparent to the public, such information will remain somewhat "classified", the eventual real losers are the rakyat, the gainers are some wittingly self serving leaders of the BN government. Many of these companies, purportedly "contractors" have bulldozed everything in their path and their encroaching activities have caused annoyance amongst NCR landowners. Sometimes compensations are meted out and paid without the notice of the authorities but more often than not, landowners are taken for a ride. Many too ended up "swindled". Those who can afford it find their way to the courts and this protest action have increased the number of court cases in the state. NCR land matters pending hearings in the courts are all really uncalled for if the so called "NCR Land Task Force" had made a good job of handling things. But it has failed because of one Iban. For up teem years it was headed by DCM Alfred Jabu whom it was reported, resigned recently to make way for Dr.James Masing who is the land Development Minister. What Masing will do is left to be seen. He's expected to perform and perform ceremoniously well if Najib's KPI is to be of any good. Or will he, like his predecessor be cowed into submission by the works of another man?
The irony of it all is that Land matters are under the care of the Chief Minister of Sarawak and he does what he pleases when he pleases.
One topic that has always been of concern and has caught attention again when Elections are near is the NCR Land Issue. Such "Native Customary Rights" land in Sarawak may cover vast areas that run into hundreds of acres of virgin jungle fauna. They span throughout the breath of interior Sarawak where the natives comprising the predominantly Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kayans, Kenyahs and other indigenous groups reside.
The NCR land issues are a never ending feud between landowners and wealthy companies who have been given lucrative land leases by the government. How and who got what are never revealed and made transparent to the public, such information will remain somewhat "classified", the eventual real losers are the rakyat, the gainers are some wittingly self serving leaders of the BN government. Many of these companies, purportedly "contractors" have bulldozed everything in their path and their encroaching activities have caused annoyance amongst NCR landowners. Sometimes compensations are meted out and paid without the notice of the authorities but more often than not, landowners are taken for a ride. Many too ended up "swindled". Those who can afford it find their way to the courts and this protest action have increased the number of court cases in the state. NCR land matters pending hearings in the courts are all really uncalled for if the so called "NCR Land Task Force" had made a good job of handling things. But it has failed because of one Iban. For up teem years it was headed by DCM Alfred Jabu whom it was reported, resigned recently to make way for Dr.James Masing who is the land Development Minister. What Masing will do is left to be seen. He's expected to perform and perform ceremoniously well if Najib's KPI is to be of any good. Or will he, like his predecessor be cowed into submission by the works of another man?
The irony of it all is that Land matters are under the care of the Chief Minister of Sarawak and he does what he pleases when he pleases.
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