On Today Show
— John Brian Anthony, Sarawak Political Analyst – Sarawak's Call for Inclusive Policy Representation
— Robert Muyang from Sebauh Bintulu – Urgent Call to Halt Illegal Logging in Ulu Sebau
— Jeffrey Ngui, chairman of Muda Sarawak – Revitalizing Youth Interest in Politics: Strategies for Change

Topik Pada Hari Ini

— John Brian Anthony, Analis Politik Sarawak – Panggilan Sarawak untuk Representasi Dasar yang Inklusif

— Robert Muyang dari Sebauh Bintulu – Panggilan Mendesak untuk Menghentikan Pembalakan Haram di Ulu Sebau

— Jeffrey Ngui, pengerusi Muda Sarawak – Menghidupkan Semula Minat Belia dalam Politik: Strategi untuk Perubahan

• Read More

  Special Randau

  1. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should appoint a Sarawakian to be a member of the Policy Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister. Sarawakian political analyst John Brian suggests an economics professor from Sarawak, Medeline Berma, who is qualified to advise the Prime Minister.

  2. It is time for the Sarawak government to review the outdated, unfair, and oppressive land laws that affect the original owners of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land. This is the demand of Roland Engan, the Chairman of PKR Sarawak. Roland and his colleagues will hold a Public Hearing to gather public feedback.

  3. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied media reports claiming that the government is in negotiations to open a casino in Forest City, Johor.

  4. Five Court of Appeal judges will hear Muhyiddin Yassin's application to overturn his dismissal and be acquitted in the abuse of power case involving the Jana Wibawa program. Muhyiddin faces 4 charges of abuse of power and 3 charges of money laundering related to the Jana Wibawa program worth RM232.5 million.

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  John Brian Anthony, Sarawak Political Analyst

  *Sarawak's Call for Inclusive Policy Representation*

  John Brian was surprised by the statement from the Prime Minister's Department appointing 4 policy advisors to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. All of them are from Malaya, none from Sarawak. His question is - does PM Anwar truly understand the situation in Sarawak to the extent that he does not need policy advisors from Sarawak, or does PMX only rely on GPS advice? - asks John Brian.

  John believes Professor Dr. Madeline Berma, a Dayak Sarawakian economist, is qualified to advise the Prime Minister. Prof. Madeline has conducted many studies and has been in rural areas in Sarawak.

  When asked about new policies that need to be implemented in Sarawak, John Brian believes that many reforms need to be done immediately to qualify Anwar as the Father of Reform. Among the policies currently formulated, he sees the importance of the 3 main races - Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Now is the time for the Dayaks to be included. Policies should not prioritize only one religion but instead provide assistance and attention to all religions in Malaysia.

  The role of the Malay sultans is so dominant in the administration of the country. Why doesn't the TYT of Sarawak have the same authority? Current land policies tend to grant PL to giant companies that are already wealthy. But why doesn't the government gazette land for development by poor villagers and rural areas? The same company is given the opportunity to build wealth repeatedly. The poor are left behind. It is time for the government to establish an agency focused on devising ways to develop the Dayak of Sarawak, which goes down to the ground to meet and dialogue with the poor in simple language - says John Brian.

  ---------------------------------

  Robert Muyang from Sebauh Bintulu

  *Urgent Call to Halt Illegal Logging in Ulu Sebau*

  After filing a police report a few days ago, Robert Muyang is very disappointed that no action has been taken by the police. He went to the field and saw that more and more wood had been cut by a company whose owner is still unknown. Although Robert Muyang has called the longhouse community affected by the encroachment, the number of people is very small and they are afraid to speak up and act to defend against the entry of the logging company.

  He hopes that by exposing the illegal logging activities on his ancestors' land, it will draw the attention of the Forestry Department and other government departments related to the environment.

  Although, according to Robert, this encroachment is related to the Village Chief, he will meet with the Village Chief soon to discuss the entry of the logging company and hopes that other community members will also be brave enough to speak up. He requests the attention of the Sarawak Premier after media reports are made so that this illegal logging activity can be stopped immediately for the sake of the environment that should not be destroyed due to the felling of trees.

  He said the loggers had encroached on his family land, which is in the native customary rights land category, in Ulu Sebau. They have already cut down a number of trees on the 20-hectare plot of land, he said.

  ---------------------------------

  Jeffrey Ngui, chairman of Muda Sarawak

  *Revitalizing Youth Interest in Politics: Strategies for Change*

  Young voters are not interested in being part of a political party, according to Hisomuddin Bakar, the Executive Director of Ilham Centre. Jeffrey, speaking from the perspective of the MUDA party, noted that since its establishment with the vision to amplify youth voices and enact reforms, MUDA has found that current youths are generally uninterested in political parties nationwide. However, this does not indicate a lack of concern about politics; rather, it reflects a sense of disillusionment with the political chaos that has prevailed since 2018. There is a widespread feeling of disgust towards the actions of current politicians, especially those who have remained in power for extended periods, such as in Sarawak.

  Despite this trend, MUDA is not solely focused on youth; they also have members below the age of 17. MUDA has devised plans to engage youth who are not interested in politics by introducing three drafts: service politics, value politics, and resolution politics. These drafts aim to involve youths in social and community services, as well as political services, particularly in urban poor areas. MUDA seeks to awaken the youth to the importance of political involvement through these initiatives.

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On Today Show
— Iswardy Morni, Political Analyst from Sarawak – Don't blame PMX, blame GPS and the Premier of Sarawak
— Robert from Sebauh Bintulu – Timber Theft Alert: NCR Land in Sebauh Bintulu
— Nicholas Mujah Ason, Member of the Indigenous Foundation Council (FSC) – Uniting for Land Rights: Nicholas Mujah Support The Campaign Against Section 5(7)
— Vinothan from National Marhaen Farmers Association – Defending Tradition: Farmers' Stand Against Sime Darby's Eviction

Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Iswardy Morni, Analis Politik dari Sarawak - Jangan salahkan PMX, salahkan GPS dan Premier Sarawak
- Robert dari Sebauh Bintulu - Amaran Pencurian Kayu: Tanah NCR di Sebauh Bintulu
- Nicholas Mujah Ason, Ahli Majlis Yayasan Orang Asli (FSC) - Bersatu untuk Hak Tanah: Sokongan Nicholas Mujah Terhadap Kempen Menentang Seksyen 5(7)
- Vinothan dari Gabungan Penternak Nasional Marhaen - Mempertahankan Tradisi: Penduduk Berdiri Menentang Pengusiran Sime Darby

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Don't blame PMX. Blame GPS and Premier Sarawak - says Iswardy Morni. The appointment of 4 individuals to the Policy Advisory Committee to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. No representatives from Sarawak are believed to be appointed due to Sarawak's reluctance to send representatives. Sarawak believes they will formulate their own policies different from Putrajaya. Previously, many federal government policies could not be implemented in Sarawak due to opposition from GPS.

  2. The opposition proposes a special parliamentary session to appoint the Chairman of the Election Commission. The current Chairman of the EC, Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, is due to retire in May. Member of Parliament for Indera Mahkota, YB Saifuddin Abdullah, proposed that Parliament determine/select the new Chairman of the EC.

  3. BERSIH 2.0 - proposes 19 amendments out of 40 sections of the Election Offences Act 1954. In the "100% Reform" campaign, BERSIH also proposes that the EC be given the power to issue compound notices up to RM10,000. The last review of the Election Offences Act was in 2003. That is, 21 years ago.

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  Iswardy Morni, Political Analyst from Sarawak

  *Don't blame PMX, blame GPS and the Premier of Sarawak*

  Two days ago, the office of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a media statement announcing the appointment of 4 individuals to the Policy Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister. They are PETRONAS Chairman - Hassan Marican, Economist - Professor Dr. Yeah Kim Leng, Researcher - Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, and corporate sector representative - Executive Chairman of FVSB Sdn.Bhd Ahmad Fuad Md Ali.

  The four of them will advise the prime minister on national development and economic resilience. They will not be paid a salary. However, since the media statement was issued, the public in Sarawak has begun to criticize the prime minister for being unfair. There are no representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the Committee. Despite the fact that the states with the highest number of poor people are in Sabah and Sarawak, and Sabah and Sarawak are geographically quite far from the administrative center of Putrajaya. Don't blame PMX, blame GPS and the Premier of Sarawak - says Iswardy. Previously, many policies and initiatives that accelerated and strengthened the development of states and the country were implemented in other states but opposed in Sarawak. For example, GPS opposed the implementation of MPKK, PEDI, and the latest is PADU. Several central government proposals related to communication, education, and health could not be implemented in Sarawak because Sarawak insisted on maintaining its autonomy. I support Sarawak in maintaining autonomy over appropriate matters. But if the central government's proposals accelerate and enhance state administration, they should be approved. It seems that GPS and the Premier of Sarawak are afraid of the reforms implemented by PMX and they want to maintain their popularity in Sarawak. Iswardy advised the leaders of GPS Sarawak to accept any good proposals that can improve the living standards of the people of Sarawak. GPS wants to manage their affairs in Sarawak. This will prevent the people from being grateful to PMX.

  ------------------------

  Robert from Sebauh Bintulu

  *Timber Theft Alert: NCR Land in Sebauh Bintulu*

  Today, a call from Sebauh Bintulu from Mr. Robert informed RFS that his NCR land was encroached upon by a company to take timber. When Mr. Robert visited the site unexpectedly, only a few workers from Indonesia were present at the site, but unfortunately, these workers did not cooperate in revealing the name of the company they were operating for. A police report has been made, and Mr. Robert was informed that if not for the permission of the Village Chief, the timber company would not dare to enter. Mr. Robert is very angry, and in the near future, a media report will be made to expose illegal logging activities on Mr. Robert's NCR land.

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  Nicholas Mujah Ason, Member of the Indigenous Foundation Council (FSC)

  *Uniting for Land Rights: Nicholas Mujah Support The Campaign Against Section 5(7)*

  Nicholas Mujah has expressed his views on the campaign to repeal section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code.

  He strongly supports the campaign to repeal section 5(7). He stated that this section is not suitable for use against the Dayak community, who mostly have large NCR (Native Customary Rights) land, and that the rights to this land often lead to many losing their land. This issue has been raised for a long time, and petitions have been submitted to the Sarawak government, but so far, there has been no further action from the government. Therefore, Roland Engan's action in raising this issue again is commendable, as it has long been a source of pain for the Dayak people regarding their customary land.

  Nicholas Mujah mentioned that he has more than 50 land cases that have not been resolved due to section 5(7), which prevents these cases from being resolved. He explained in detail what is contained in section 5(7). Although there was already a law in 1958, it was more about the decisions made by the Director of Land and Survey, as the power of the Director of Land and Survey was absolute. Unfortunately, this power has been transferred to the minister in charge or the Minister's office responsible for land matters, after an amendment in 2001.

  The latest case, for example, the case of Tuai Rumah Nyutan, where the land was recognized by the government at one time and was legally valid, but because the power of the Director of Land and Survey allows for independent decisions, the customary land case of Tuai Rumah Nyutan was canceled, causing problems for the Nyutan TR community.

  Therefore, the campaign to repeal section 5(7) is timely for the people to unite and speak out for its repeal.

  This is why the unity of indigenous peoples internationally (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) is important, as this highest level can also be used to challenge the laws of the Director of Land and Survey and political power. This issue has been discussed at the Asian and international levels because land issues are also a global indigenous issue.

  Nicholas Mujah has just returned from overseas to discuss indigenous land rights issues. He said that, our hope as indigenous people is that if the laws in the UNDRIP are accepted by the Malaysian government, we can use them to challenge any laws in our country that oppress indigenous rights. What is needed now is for us to have representatives who are brave enough to speak out in the state assembly or Parliament so that land laws can be resolved through political will as a whole.

  ------------------------

  Vinothan from National Marhaen Farmers Association

  *Defending Tradition: Farmers' Stand Against Sime Darby's Eviction*

  Vinothan is one of the buffalo breeders facing forced eviction of their buffaloes from Sime Darby plantations in several states in West Malaysia. They have formed the Gabungan Penternak National Marhaen. This group will submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Agriculture to seek the intervention of the minister.

  Vinothan is the fourth generation from his great-grandfather's time, who was once a plantation worker and allowed to rear buffaloes in the plantation to eat the grass, which would lower the cost of cutting the grass in the plantation. This is part of the integration system. However, isolated cases have occurred in the plantation, and as a result, Sime Darby wants all the buffaloes to be removed. This would cause great losses because the breeders depend on the grass in the plantation to feed their buffaloes and cannot afford to buy food for them from the market. They are now categorized as trespassers. Vinothan's great-grandparents and grandparents were plantation workers and stayed in the estate.

  Vinothan is not a stranger to all the workers. However, Vinothan and his team can still enter the estate, but there is resistance from Sime Darby. Therefore, the group is seeking a win-win situation with the intervention of the Minister.

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On Today Show
— Pangai Anak Jimbai, Resident of the Longhouse Sungai Laung Bakong, Tinjar, Baram – Decades Later: Lawyer Roland Engan Brings Justice to Sungai Laung
—(call-in) Mr. Paul Wan from Long Lama – Interior communities want authorities respect villagers voting rights on village head
— Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – Bringing Punan Bah's Plight to Parliament: Senator Abun Sui's Assurance of Advocacy
— Jeffrey Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak – Rising Costs and Economic Pressures: The Call to Raise Sarawak's Minimum Wage

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Pangai Anak Jimbai, Penduduk Rumah Panjang Sungai Laung Bakong, Tinjar, Baram – Dekad Kemudian: Peguam Roland Engan Membawa Keadilan kepada Sungai Laung
—(panggilan masuk) Encik Paul Wan dari Long Lama – Komuniti di pedalaman mahu pihak berkuasa menghormati hak mengundi penduduk ke atas ketua kampung
— Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak – Memperjuangkan Masalah Punan Bah di Parlimen: Jaminan Perjuangan Senator Abun Sui
— Jeffrey Ngui, Pengerusi Muda Sarawak – Kenaikan Kos dan Tekanan Ekonomi: Seruan untuk Menaikkan Gaji Minimum Sarawak

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Building a dam on the Belaga River. The residents' agreement is not final. In fact, the residents were not informed of the proposal to build the dam and only learned of the proposal through a presentation by SEB at the Belaga District Office on 19/4/2024. Present at the meeting were the Belaga and Murum assemblymen. The question is, why did the Sarawak Premier announce that the residents had agreed when the proposal had not been presented yet? In the presentation, SEB stated that if the Belaga residents do not agree, the dam will be built elsewhere.

  2. RM2.6 billion in Najib's account, not a donation from the Saudi Arabian prince - The Kuala Lumpur High Court was informed that the MACC did not obtain any supporting documents from the 2 Saudi princes regarding the authenticity of the four letters associated with the donation to Najib Razak.

  3. Rosmah Mansor's appeal for the RM1.25 billion Hybrid Solar case in Sarawak will be heard on October 23 and 24, 2024. Rosmah is appealing to overturn the conviction and 10-year prison sentence and the RM970 million fine.

  ------------------------------------

  Pangai Anak Jimbai, Resident of the Longhouse Sungai Laung Bakong, Tinjar, Baram

  *Decades Later: Lawyer Roland Engan Brings Justice to Sungai Laung*

  In 2013, the palm oil plantation company Asam Bumi Plantation opened a palm oil plantation in the NCR land of the Sungai Laung residents. The majority of residents opposed it because it affected their livelihoods.

  Most of the residents' land is included in the PL granted to the Asam Bumi Plantation company. Despite objections and several police reports being made, the company still encroached on the residents' land and started planting palm oil.

  Pangai Anak Jimbai and his family (6 doors/6 heads of families) own a 6.5-hectare garden that was affected. Asam Bumi Plantation did not pay any compensation. They are trying to regain the seized land.

  Pangai and his siblings hired a lawyer named Yong Wong. However, after several years, Pangai found that the lawyer was conspiring to defraud the villagers. The villagers felt cheated and had lost tens of thousands of ringgit.

  Pangai said that, thanks to the help of Lawyer Roland Engan, the case of the Sungai Laung Longhouse residents will be heard in the coming months.

  Therefore, I fully agree and support the demand for Section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958 to be repealed - said Pangai Anak Jimbai.

  ------------------------------------

  (call-in) Mr. Paul Wan from Long Lama

  *Interior communities want authohrities respect villagers voting rights on village head*

  After hearing the RFS broadcast about the village head or "tuai rumah" appointment issue, Paul Wan from Long Lama wants to share about the recent appointment of a village head in Kuala Tutoh, Baram. According to Paul, the appointment among the Orang Ulu community there happened similarly to what occurred in Selangau. During the nomination process for the village head in Kuala Tutoh, there were 3 nominees, and the results were 58, 30, and 10 votes respectively.

  However, what happened during the appointment letter presentation in Pekan Long Lama by the representative of the people surprised the people of Kuala Tutoh. The candidate who only received 10 votes was appointed as the new village head, which was very disappointing. According to Paul, this seems more like a political appointment, and this is very concerning as it tarnishes the traditional practices with political agendas.

  ------------------------------------

  Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak

  *Bringing Punan Bah's Plight to Parliament: Senator Abun Sui's Assurance of Advocacy*

  Abun Sui explained the hardship faced by the community in Punan Bah, who find it difficult to travel for various purposes, including sending their children to SMK Belaga. This is due to the termination of express boat services from Punan Bah to Belaga. The people of Punan Bah are forced to use the land route, which takes a safe 8-10 hours of travel, and furthermore, the Jiwa Murni Road project has been interrupted. As a senator, he promises to bring this complaint to parliament during the upcoming session.

  Additionally, Abun will negotiate with the express boat operators to continue their services to facilitate the movement of the Punan Bah community to Belaga.

  ------------------------------------

  Jeffrey Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak

  *Rising Costs and Economic Pressures: The Call to Raise Sarawak's Minimum Wage*

  Jeffrey Ngui comments on whether the minimum salary in Sarawak should increase, highlighting that the wage is essential for basic living needs rather than luxury. He points out that the current situation, with rising costs and people feeling pressure, is the right time for MUDA in West Malaysia to join the rally, lead by PSM In the context of Sabah and Sarawak, Ngui believes there is a need to raise the minimum wage due to the higher living costs compared to West Malaysia.

  He suggests increasing the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM2,000. With the weak Ringgit value and high inflation rate, coupled with the lack of food subsidies and an 8% SST increase, Ngui sees increasing the minimum wage as the best solution.

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On Today Show
— Malang Laing, Resident of Long Keseh, Baram – Standing Firm: The Battle Against Timber Companies
— Roland Engan, Land Rights Lawyer Activist and Pangai anak from Bakong, the victims of section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958 – The Battle for Sarawak's Land: Roland Leads Communities' Call to Abolish Section 5(7)
— Puan Agnes from land rights activist from Selangau – Community Concerns: Longhouse Chief Appointments

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Malang Laing, Penduduk Long Keseh, Baram – Berdiri Teguh: Perjuangan Menentang Syarikat Balak
— Roland Engan, Peguam Aktivis Hak Tanah dan Pangai anak dari Bakong, mangsa-mangsa Seksyen 5(7) Kanun Tanah Sarawak 1958 – Perjuangan bagi Tanah Sarawak: Roland Memimpin Panggilan Masyarakat untuk Mansuhkan Seksyen 5(7)
— Puan Agnes dari aktivis hak tanah dari Selangau – Keprihatinan Komuniti: Pelantikan Ketua Rumah Panjang

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Malang Laing was released without being acquitted of the charge of committing violence against timber truck drivers in the logging area of Long Keseh. I requested the logging to be stopped because it did not benefit us, the villagers. Before I detained these timber trucks, I had requested politely and had reported to 3 separate police stations.

  2. Zafrul seeks permission to file an affidavit correcting the facts of the affidavit of Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, which was said to be inaccurate. This relates to the case of a judicial review application by Najib Razak to seek clarity on his house detention for the remaining prison sentence.

  3. Najib did not disclose his meeting with the Saudi Arabian King in 2018 to the MACC. This was revealed by the 49th witness in the trial of the RM2.27 billion 1MDB Corruption case.

  4. Anwar would be a foolish Prime Minister if he claimed not to know about the addendum or additional decree of pardon for Najib. This is according to former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Anwar has repeatedly stated that he does not interfere in court matters, pardon boards, or royal decrees.

  ---------------------------------

  Malang Laing, Resident of Long Keseh, Baram.

  *Standing Firm: The Battle Against Timber Companies*

  Accused in court of committing violent crimes causing fear to timber truck drivers in 2021, Malang Laing is grateful to have been released without being acquitted, but somewhat disappointed for not being able to sue the police and timber companies that made baseless accusations against him.

  "I fought against timber companies and blocked the timber truck drivers around 2021, 2022, and 2023 (I blocked timber truck drivers several times)," said Malang Laing.

  "I blocked 5 timber truck drivers (along with trucks loaded with timber) because their work was disrupted. Then the truck drivers, along with the Camp manager, filed a police report against me. However, before I blocked the trucks, I made 3 police reports at 3 different police stations to stop logging in Long Keseh (KM15) because it did not bring any benefits or goodness to the villagers. However, my reports were ignored. I was also accused of assaulting and intimidating truck drivers. However, all those accusations are false. I was represented by lawyer Roland Engan, and I was released without being acquitted on April 17, 2024.

  Malang Laing said to all indigenous land rights activists in Sarawak to rise up and defend their rights. He said, "Timber companies have no right to enter your customary land." Activists must be brave because they are right, patient because they are right, diligent because they are right, persevere because they are right, and loyal because they are right.

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  Roland Engan, Land Rights Lawyer Activist and Pangai anak from Bakong, the victims of section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958

  *The Battle for Sarawak's Land: Roland Leads Communities' Call to Abolish Section 5(7)*

  Last Friday, Roland, the land rights activist, launched a campaign to abolish section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958. About 50 people supported the event, and he urged more and more people to become aware of this act.

  Roland questions why the rights of the Bumiputra, who are the majority in Sarawak's administration, regarding land ownership are not being respected. This section of the Land Code, inserted or amended during Taib Mahmud's administration, has caused delays in resolving 3,000 Native Customary Rights (NCR) cases in the Sarawak Bumiputra Court.

  He stated that this law is very cruel, requiring people to produce proof of land ownership, but ignoring the customary rights of generations who have used and proven their land. He stated that this law was added in 1996, when Taib Mahmud became chief minister. Now that Taib has passed away, Roland stated that the GPS government should not bear this irresponsible law and called for its abolish.

  Pangai stated that in 2013, his land was categorized as non-NCR land by the government using section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958. Crops he had been cultivating for decades were destroyed, yet reporting to the police yielded no results. He mentioned that to this day, he has not received any compensation for his land. He attended the launching called by Roland and expressed that as long as this law exists, more customary land will be sold off.

  ---------------------------------

  Puan Agnes from land rights activist from Selangau

  *Community Concerns: Longhouse Chief Appointments*

  Madam Agnes confirmed an incident at a longhouse through a viral video regarding the appointment of a Village Chief at the former TR James Medan longhouse, where the losing candidate was appointed by the District Office as the new longhouse head. Puan Agnes is very disappointed with the District Office's action in appointing a Village Chief who was not the winning candidate.

  However, Puan Agnes emphasized that if the District Office has appointed a longhouse head who is not the choice of the longhouse community, then the District Office must ensure that this appointment does not lead to division among the longhouse residents. Under the new law, every longhouse head must be changed every two years, and within those two years, minutes of meetings must be sent once every two months as a report on the village's progress under the leadership of the longhouse head to ensure that the longhouse head is performing their duties as the Village Chief and not leading to division among the longhouse residents.

  It is very detrimental if a longhouse head is appointed for political agenda.

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On Today Show
— Jeffery Baudi, Resident Representative of SFI Housing Park – Facing Eviction: A Year in Darkness
— Gebriel Atong, activist from Punan Bah, Belaga – GPS slogan: Sarawak First? Lets see what happened in Bakun Dam
— Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – Seeking Justice: The Ongoing Legal Battle Over Bakun Dam Compensation
— S Arutchelvan, deputy chairperson of PSM – Combatting Inflation: The Case for Increasing Malaysia's Minimum Wage to RM2,000

Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Jeffery Baudi, Wakil Penduduk Taman Perumahan SFI - Menghadapi Pengusiran: Setahun dalam Kegelapan
- Gebriel Atong, Aktivis dari Punan Bah, Belaga - Slogan GPS: Sarawak Pertama? Mari Kita Lihat Apa yang Berlaku di Empangan Bakun
- Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak - Mencari Keadilan: Pertempuran Undang-Undang Berterusan Mengenai Pampasan Empangan Bakun
- S Arutchelvan, Timbalan Pengerusi PSM - Memerangi Inflasi: Hujah untuk Menambah Gaji Minimum Malaysia kepada RM2,000

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Najib Razak and his son Mohd Nazifuddin must settle their tax arrears amounting to RM1.7 billion for the years 2011 to 2017. The decision was reached after a panel of 5 judges from the Federal Court convened last Monday. Led by Tan Sri Iskandar Abang Hasyim, the judges unanimously rejected Najib and his son's appeal against the LHDN assessment of the tax amount.

  2. An attempt to smuggle red onions into Indonesia was foiled by the Malaysian Army in the Bau area, Sarawak. A vehicle driven by two men was found to be carrying 53 boxes of red onions believed to be intended for smuggling into Indonesia. The value of the red onions was RM3,180. Previously, items such as flour, rice, cooking oil, as well as petrol and diesel, were also smuggled from Bau to Indonesia.

  3. SW Corp is currently investigating rice and kitchen items being dumped at the garbage disposal site in Rympun Makmur, Temerloh, Pahang. Hundreds of sacks of rice and piles of kitchen items being dumped have raised questions among residents.

  4. Several lawyers have expressed opinions and raised questions. Can the Agong/King issue a house arrest order, grant pardons, and reduce sentences? Is it within the power to instruct a criminal to serve a sentence in a specific way, such as house arrest? Lawyers Andrew Khoo and Go Cia Yee believe that only the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the Prisons Department have acts that cover such matters.

  ---------------------------

  Jeffery Baudi, Resident Representative of SFI Housing Park

  *Facing Eviction: A Year in Darkness*

  Residents of the SFI Housing Estate received info that the Sabah Foundation and the Sabah Forest Department will evict residents from the SFI Housing Estate in the near future.

  We are waiting, but they have not come - Jeffery Baudi said. We will not move until there is an order from the court. Even if there is an order from the court. We will still challenge the order through legal channels. In terms of rights, our rights are still guaranteed by GTI- through agreements with several Banks. Therefore, the actions of Yayasan Sabah and the Sabah Land Department to kick us out are very irresponsible.

  Jeffrey said that, next May, it's been 1 year since the residents of Taman Perumahan SFI live in darkness and without clean water. The water and electricity supply has been cut off by the SFI management to force us to move in May 2023. During the last month of fasting and Eid, they are in dire straits.

  he said that they live in poverty. For now only Warisan party representatives came to visit them.

  ---------------------------

  Gebriel Atong, activist from Punan Bah, Belaga

  *GPS slogan: Sarawak First? Lets see what happened in Bakun Dam*

  ¬¬¬The completion of the Bakun Dam 25 years ago has not resolved the challenges faced by the children of Punan Bah, downstream of Bakun, who still need to take boats to school due to the lack of express boat services and unrepaired roads. Gebriel Atong stated that GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) has been the state government for over 50 years and should understand the situation and difficulties of the inland people, with sufficient time to address the infrastructure problems they face.

  He mentioned that even the schools there still rely on generators for electricity. Education is a fundamental right, yet children are learning in facilities without complete equipment. He expressed that GPS's slogan is "Sarawak First," but this is just a slogan without real action. This raises doubts about who the "first" is focused on. Sarawak is rich in natural resources, but the inland people live in poverty.

  He called on communities in areas where dams are being constructed to consider the difficulties faced by the people of Bakun Dam.

  ---------------------------

  Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak

  *Seeking Justice: The Ongoing Legal Battle Over Bakun Dam Compensation*

  The Senator stated that this case has been ongoing since the construction of the Bakun Dam. Some communities have been dissatisfied with their compensation since the relocation to Sg ASAP in 1998. A total of 15 villages from Ulu Sg Balui were affected. The amount of compensation given at that time was deemed inadequate, so several groups filed lawsuits for their compensation in court. During the initial claims, several law firms represented the villagers, and now the villagers have asked the Senator to bring their case to the Attorney General. Although this case has been settled, the dissatisfaction of the people regarding this compensation has not ceased because there is still one last witness who has not testified in court as the case has been transferred to the Attorney General. This means that only one last witness is left to testify. Therefore, the lawyers handling this case need to recall all parties involved, including the Attorney General who was involved at that time. Hence, this case should be reheard with the decision of the judge and the testimony of the last witness

  ---------------------------

  S Arutchelvan, deputy chairperson of PSM

  *Combatting Inflation: The Case for Increasing Malaysia's Minimum Wage to RM2,000*

  Why is there a need to increase the minimum wage to RM2,000? The minimum wage needs to be reviewed every two years. The current minimum wage is RM1,500. We suggest RM2,000 because if we look at our poverty line, it is RM2,589. According to the Minimum Wage Act, there is a formula to calculate the minimum wage, which considers productivity wage, inflation, and other factors. For example, if we consider a 3% consumer price index and unemployment rate, the minimum wage for the urban sector should be RM2,568, while for rural areas, it should be RM1,884. Therefore, the overall national minimum wage should be RM2,244. Our suggestion is much lower than these indexes. Even the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) suggests RM2,000 for civil servants, which is lower than what Bank Negara has suggested. Currently, with a minimum wage of RM1,500, the victims are those with very low income.

---

On Today Show
— Dennis Along, PKR Baram Communications Director – Join Us Tomorrow: Kick Start Campaign to Repeal Section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958
— John Bampa, activist from Belaga – Sarawak's Ambitious Hydroelectric Plans: Broken Promises and Skepticism
— S Arutchelvan, deputy chairperson of PSM – Building a Fairer Economy: PSM Advocates for Wealth Tax to Address Social Issues

Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Dennis Along, Pengarah Komunikasi PKR Baram - Sertai Kami Esok: Memulakan Kempen untuk Tarik Balik Seksyen 5(7) Kanun Tanah Sarawak 1958
- John Bampa, aktivis dari Belaga - Rancangan Hidroelektrik yang Ambisius di Sarawak: Janji Kosong dan Skeptisisme
- S Arutchelvan, Timbalan Pengerusi PSM - Membina Ekonomi yang Lebih Adil: PSM Mecadang Cukai Kekayaan untuk Menangani Isu Sosial

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. The campaign to repeal section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958 will kick off tomorrow (April 19, 2024) at 3 pm in the parking lot of Wisma Madani, Jalan Tanjong Lobang, Miri.

  2. BERSIH 2.0 and the ICJ are urging for the court proceedings for Najib Razak's house arrest case to be open to the public. According to IGC and BERSIH, the judicial review of this case is of public interest and involves a high-profile individual.

  3. DAP has established the Karpal Singh Scholarship with an initial fund of RM100,000 to assist law students. DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced this at an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of Karpal Singh's death.

  4. Lawyer to the Malaysian Bar, Dato Ambiga Sreenevasen, demands that the AGC and MACC take responsibility following the Attorney General's decision to seek an acquittal without discharge (DNAA) in the case of Zahid Hamidi/the Yayasan Akal Budi case. Ambiga, through the Malaysian Bar, seeks permission to initiate a judicial review to overturn the DNAA granted to Zahid Hamidi.

  ------------------

  Dennis Along, PKR Baram Communications Director

  *Join Us Tomorrow: Kick Start Campaign to Repeal Section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958*

  The Kick Start campaign to repeal section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958 will start tomorrow - 19 April 2024, at the parking lot of Wisma Madani Jalan Tanjong Lubang, Miri. All parties are invited to attend. Especially the parties whose rights are affected by the seizure of NCR land and also those who are dealing with NCR land claims in Court.

  This is the best opportunity to meet and hear the explanation of the effect of the use of section 5(7) of the Sarawak land code over the years. With this repeal directly the NCR Bumiputra Sarawak land ownership is recognized and in any dispute. The party challenging the right of ownership must bear the burden of proof. Let us all bury section 5(7) together with Taib Mahmud - Said Dennis Along. Dennis further explained that section 5(7) was created and included in the Sarawak Land Code during the administration of former chief minister Taib Mahmud. It is the most effective method of legally seizing NCR bumiputra land.

  ------------------

  John Bampa, activist from Belaga

  *Sarawak's Ambitious Hydroelectric Plans: Broken Promises and Skepticism*

  On April 15, it was announced that Sarawak has plans to develop up to 10 river basins statewide into sources of hydroelectric power. State Public Utilities and Telecommunication Minister Julaihi Narawi made this announcement during a Hari Raya gathering in Kuching, stating that the mega plan is already in progress.

  However, the Sungai Asap community, affected by the Bakun Dam, has expressed their skepticism towards the promises of development brought by dams. After 25 years, the state government has yet to fulfill its promises of basic infrastructure and electricity for Sungai Asap, let alone economic development.

  John Bampa, who was once a member of the Develop Bakun Committee representing the villagers of Bakun, quit the committee when officials failed to respond to his inquiries about logging company licenses on indigenous customary land. He stated that since the construction of the Bakun Dam, the community has not received any share of its revenue. This money was supposed to be used for community development and children's education. Additionally, many electric poles from Bakun to Bintulu have been erected on the villagers' land without any compensation.

  The Punan Bah community downstream from Bakun still has children who need to cross the river by boat to attend school. John questioned why the state government, which claims Sarawak is rich, has not addressed the hardships faced by inland children.

  He urged communities about to be affected by dams to think carefully, citing the situation at Bakun Dam as evidence that they should not be easily swayed by the government's promises.

  ------------------

  S Arutchelvan, deputy chairperson of PSM

  *Building a Fairer Economy: PSM Advocates for Wealth Tax to Address Social Issues*

  PSM is urging the government to implement a wealth tax. In many countries where GST has been implemented, it is very popular, affecting everyone. This is what the rich want.

  From PSM's perspective, during Annuar's tabling of the finance last year, he said he would implement two types of taxes. One would be a tax on luxury goods, but somehow this tax was not implemented. Instead, he raised SST from 6 to 8 percent. At the end of the day, the people bear the burden.

  According to Asia Forbes, the 50 richest individuals in Malaysia are gaining the highest wealth. The rich are getting richer. A wealth tax would include all their assets. If just a small percentage, say one or two percent, were placed on these 50 richest individuals, that amount would be enough to address many of the issues we are facing today.

  Arul comment that, when Annuar says he is concerned about the poor and wants to tax the rich, we don't seem to see that materialize in practice, but rather it remains a theory. That's why PSM is urging the government to introduce a wealth tax, as several other countries have done. Globally, many people want the government to implement wealth tax, luxury tax, and capital gains tax. These three taxes would not affect ordinary people. Now, the government is being pressured to reinstall GST.

---

On Today Show
— Iswardy Morni, Political Analyst – Controversy Surrounding Najib Razak's Home Arrest for Remaining Prison Sentence
— Nicholas Mujah Ason, Member of the Indigenous Foundation Council (FSC) – The Path to Indigenous Rights: Challenges and Opportunities in Sarawak's NCR Cases
—(call-in) Mr. Robert, Social activist from Bintulu – Environmental Concerns: Sarawak's Hydropower Expansion Criticized
— Mr. Kiyok, a Fire and Rescue Department officer – Ensuring Fire Safety in Sarawak's Rural Longhouses: A GPS Responsibility Ignored for Decades


Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Iswardy Morni, Pakar Analisis Politik - Kontroversi Mengenai Penahanan Rumah Najib Razak untuk Sisa Hukuman Penjara
- Nicholas Mujah Ason, Ahli Majlis Yayasan Asli (FSC) - Jalan ke Arah Hak Asasi Orang Asal: Cabaran dan Peluang dalam Kes NCR Sarawak
- (telefon) Encik Robert, Aktivis Sosial dari Bintulu - Kebimbangan Alam Sekitar: Kritikan Terhadap Perluasan Tenaga Hidro Sarawak
- Encik Kiyok, Pegawai Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat - Memastikan Keselamatan Daripada Kebakaran di Rumah Panjang di Sarawak: Tanggungjawab GPS yang Diabaikan Selama Dekad

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Media are prohibited from reporting on Najib Razak's judicial review application to serve the remaining 6 years of his prison sentence at home. Najib's legal team claims there is an addendum allowing him to serve the remaining 6 years at home. However, the Minister of Home Affairs denies this. Najib's lawyer, Mohammad Shafee Abdullah, accuses the government of hiding "additional instructions" for Najib's pardon.

  2. According to the Sarawak Premier, Sarawak will start building healthcare and education infrastructure first. Only then will they make further demands to the Federal Government. Sarawak will use state funds and will start the projects this year. The Premier also mentioned that there is already a formula for making demands to the Federal Government.

  3. Tun M questions MACC, asking if MACC will ask Anwar's family to explain their sources of wealth. This follows MACC's action of requesting Tun M's sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, to declare their assets.

  -------------------

  Iswardy Morni, Political Analyst

  *Controversy Surrounding Najib Razak's Home Arrest for Remaining Prison Sentence*

  The media is prohibited from covering the judicial review of the application for Naib Razak to spend the remainder of his 6-year prison sentence at home. Judge Amarjeet Sigh - today allowed Muhammad Shafee Abdulah's application for the open proceedings of the application to be changed to a trial in chambers. The question is why the trial in the room? Najib claimed that there was an addendum (supplement) to the king's order ordering that the remaining 6 years of prison be served at home and Najib wanted the court to confirm the existence of the addendum and the implementation of the addendum instructions immediately. Why does Najib's lawyer want a trial in chambers? And is it true that the addendum exists?

  According to Iswardy, the main reason why Najib's lawyer wanted the trial in chambers was because he did not want to expose evidence that there might not be an addendum as alleged. although it is possible that if Najib fails the review - Najib's campaign team can still play the propaganda.

  Second. The Minister of Home Affairs has confirmed that there is no addendum as alleged. On the other hand, Najib's application letter to request that the remainder of his sentence be served at home does exist.

  The next question is, why is there inconsistency in the statements of some ministers in the unity government? The simple answer from Iswardy is - in UMNO there are several teams that support and some oppose Najib. The team that supports Najib has a number of members in the cabinet of the unity government. They fought hard to free Najib and believe that Najib is innocent and persecuted.

  Regarding Tun M's question to MACC. Will the MACC ask Anwar and his family to explain the source of their wealth like the MACC asked Mirzan and Mokhzani to declare their wealth. Iswardy asked Tun M to submit evidence to the MACC that did Anwar give contracts or projects to his family members and is there evidence that Anwar's family has extraordinary wealth? If Tun M is able to include evidence. So the MACC should also act against Anwar - Iswardy said.

  -------------------

  Nicholas Mujah Ason, Member of the Indigenous Foundation Council (FSC)

  *The Path to Indigenous Rights: Challenges and Opportunities in Sarawak's NCR Cases*

  Sarawak has important NCR (Native Customary Rights) cases that we must not forget, Nicholas Mujah said. This is a good time to recall these cases for those of us who still have forest. These cases have set precedents.

  First is the case of Tr. Nor anak Nyawai, which has been completed. In this case, it is very clear that our ancestral domain (pemakai menoa) is within our half-day walk. This is something we must bear in mind. However, our current policy, made in our state Assembly in 2015, limits us to only 500 hectares, which is contrary to the Tr. Nor case. So, we still insist that our ancestral domain is as per the Tr. Nor Nyawai case.

  In the case of Tr. Nyutan, it is important to clarify what happened. The Judge stated that it is Tr. Nyutan's NCR (pemakai manoa). However, the issue now is that the area was titled to a plantation company registered in the Land and Survey Department within three years. In the foreign system, the company becomes the rightful owner. The reason is that whoever registers the land first in the land office will be the owner. Within those three years, there was no complaint made by the communities.

  So, in this case, land title is more powerful than NCR. The villages can only get compensation at market value. However, the villages insist that they want NCR rights under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, where they refuse compensation and seek the return of their land. The case is currently in the Judicial Review stage. Mujah reminds the communities that if their land is issued a title to a company, they must immediately file a complaint with the Land and Survey Department before the title is issued.

  -------------------

  (call-in) Mr. Robert, Social activist from Bintulu

  *Environmental Concerns: Sarawak's Hydropower Expansion Criticized*

  Robert from Bintulu is dissatisfied with GPS's plan to destroy the environment by wanting to build 10 more hydropower projects in Sarawak. Enough is enough!

  Why is the government so determined to generate up to 10,000 megawatts of electric power by 2030?

  Isn't Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum, and Baleh (in progress) enough, while there are still many people, especially in rural areas, living in darkness at night ... the environment is increasingly destroyed due to human cruelty for development ... rural people have been waiting for 24-hour electricity but unfortunately, they can only rely on small solar panels and candles to be used every night. On the other hand, the government is proud to supply electricity to neighboring countries such as Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia in the future. Is this fair to the people?

  The government only cares about themselves!

  Not only that, clean water supply is still not implemented by the government for the people. Is GPS really a government for the people of Sarawak or for their own interests and cronies?

  -------------------

  Mr. Kiyok, a Fire and Rescue Department officer

  *Ensuring Fire Safety in Sarawak's Rural Longhouses: A GPS Responsibility Ignored for Decades*

  The recent fire that razed Gerawat Gala's house in Kampung Pa Umor, Bario, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by remote communities in Sarawak. Firefighters from Marudi took approximately 20 hours to reach the village, underscoring the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in these areas. This tragic incident, along with similar fires in Ulu Baram, highlights the vulnerability of rural longhouses and the critical need for proactive measures to prevent future disasters.

  The GPS government must take decisive action to address these challenges and protect its rural communities. Mr. Kiyok, a Fire and Rescue Department officer, has outlined key steps that can be taken to improve fire safety in remote areas. He emphasized the importance of providing longhouse communities with high-powered engine pumps, hoses, and nozzles to prevent fires. Additionally, he recommended that communities without access to rivers should create water reservoirs for emergency use and pump water using high-powered engine pumps.

  Furthermore, Mr. Kiyok suggested that the GPS government should implement regular inspections of electrical systems in longhouses over 10 years old to prevent fires caused by faulty wiring. These proactive measures are crucial in ensuring the safety of rural communities and preventing future tragedies.

  It is imperative that the GPS government takes immediate action to implement these recommendations and prioritize fire safety in rural areas. By doing so, they can help prevent devastating fires and protect the lives and homes of Sarawak's rural communities.

---

On Today Show
— Roland Engan, Customary Land and Human Rights Lawyer – Justice Delayed: Campaign to Repeal Land Code Section for NCR Resolution
— Jeffery Ngui, Chairman of MUDA Sarawak – Building Confidence: The Opposition's Role in Strengthening Sarawak
— Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan, Ulu Baram – Challenges of Remote Living: Bridge Collapse in Sarawak's Interior

Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Roland Engan, Peguam Tanah Adat dan Hak Asasi Manusia - Keadilan Terlambat: Kempen untuk Memansuhkan Bahagian Kod Tanah bagi Penyelesaian NCR
- Jeffery Ngui, Pengerusi MUDA Sarawak - Membangunkan Keyakinan: Peranan Pembangkang dalam Memperkukuhkan Sarawak
- Anyi Lah dari Long Tebangan, Ulu Baram - Cabaran Hidup Terpencil: Runtuhnya Jambatan di Pedalaman Sarawak

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Roland Engan challenges GPS to include dam construction projects in their state election manifesto to test the people's support. If GPS wins in areas where dams are proposed to be built, it would serve as a referendum on GPS's support for dam construction.

  2. Describing Muslims who consume McDonald's fast food products as dogs is sinful, according to Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, a lecturer in the Department of Quran and Sunnah at UIA Malaysia. He made this statement when asked to comment on a viral poster that equated Muslims who eat McDonald's products with dogs.

  3. A court case involving two former prime ministers, Najib and Muhyiddin Yassin, is ongoing. Najib will have the opportunity on August 20 to present oral arguments to disqualify Judge Colin Lawrence Sequerah from presiding over the 1MDB corruption trial. The Court of Appeal this morning set the date for this. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has requested for 5 Court of Appeal judges to hear his judicial review application to overturn the decision to release and acquit (DAA) in a case of abuse of power in the Wibawa program.

  ------------------------

  Roland Engan, Customary Land and Human Rights Lawyer

  *Justice Delayed: Campaign to Repeal Land Code Section for NCR Resolution*

  Sarawak plans to construct 10 more dams in areas with strong river currents identified as potential sites for generating electricity. The Minister of Public Utilities and Telecommunications, Sarawak, Julaihi Narawi, announced that three areas - Tutoh, Belaga, and Gaat - have been approved for dam construction following agreement from the local residents.

  However, Roland Engan expressed disappointment, stating, 'I am very disappointed by the repeated statements regarding the dam construction projects and the claims that the local communities have agreed to these projects.' He mentioned that he had personally surveyed the opinions of the communities and found that the majority disagreed with the construction of the dams. Many residents were unaware of the projects, and there had been no consultation or request for their opinions. This lack of consultation indicates a failure of the GPS government to respect the basic rights of the people and to acknowledge their rights to the land they inhabit.

  Roland emphasized that in the proposed dam construction sites, there are 'custodians' whose rights must be respected. He stressed that any development project must adhere to the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the affected communities. Engan challenged the GPS to include the dam construction projects in their manifesto for the upcoming elections, allowing the people to evaluate and decide whether they support GPS's stance on dam development.

  Furthermore, Roland is campaigning to repeal section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958. He questions why the rights of the Bumiputra, who are the majority in Sarawak's administration, regarding land ownership are not respected. Section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code was inserted or amended during Taib Mahmud's administration, resulting in delays in resolving 3,000 NCR (Native Customary Rights) cases in the Sarawak Bumiputra Court. Engan believes that repealing this section will lead to the quick resolution of these cases and, most importantly, restore justice to the original landowners, as 'Justice delayed is injustice.'

  ------------------------

  Jeffery Ngui, Chairman of MUDA Sarawak

  *Building Confidence: The Opposition's Role in Strengthening Sarawak*

  Jeffery Ngui believes that the merger of PSB and PDP will mainly impact Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) internally, without significantly altering the Sarawak political landscape. He noted that GPS has maintained a stronghold on power in Sarawak since Tun Taib Mahmud's administration, giving the opposition a long history of facing major disadvantages.

  With the current unity government, the Premier of Sarawak can directly address local issues with the Prime Minister, further diminishing the opposition's standing in local politics. Ngui advised the opposition in Sarawak to focus on strengthening people's confidence in them, emphasizing that it is the opposition's responsibility to build this confidence.

  Ngui highlighted that the challenge is not lack of political awareness among Sarawakians but rather what the opposition has done to convince them to support a change. He emphasized that MUDA, introduced in Sarawak in late 2022 and expanding from Kuching to Miri, is a symbol of the people's voice as a third force. MUDA faces challenges in Sarawak's multi-party system, particularly with GPS and BN holding the majority of seats in the DUN.

  Despite being labeled as a small party, MUDA is expanding at the grassroots level and believes that unity, starting from the Sheraton Move, is crucial to forming an alternative bloc in Sarawak. Ngui expressed confidence in MUDA's ability to make a difference, especially with the support of other opposition parties like DAP, PH, and Amanah. He believes that the main hope for change in Sarawak lies with PH Sarawak and stressed the importance of unity in achieving this goal.

  ------------------------

  Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan, Ulu Baram

  *Challenges of Remote Living: Bridge Collapse in Sarawak's Interior*

  On Sunday, heavy rain caused a bridge in the interior to collapse, leaving the villagers of Ba Abang, Long Tap, and Long Tebangan stranded. Coincidentally, the next day was the end of the school holiday, and the villagers had returned to the city for work and to send their children back to school. However, due to the bridge collapse, they were unable to cross.

  Anyi said that the heavy trees weighing several tons could not be moved by manpower, and even four-wheel-drive vehicles could not pass through. The villagers had to wait for a logging company to come and repair the bridge. However, they were concerned that the logging company, having already depleted the resources of the interior forest, might not be willing or able to repair the bridge.

  It wasn't until the next day that the logging company arranged for a slope road to be opened next to the broken bridge, allowing four-wheel-drive vehicles to cross the river. However, due to another rainstorm and the rising river water, vehicles could not easily pass, and the villagers had to stay in the village again.

  Anyi said that logging activities in the interior have decreased now that the forest resources have been depleted. As a result, logging companies are less willing to take responsibility for repairing broken bridges promptly. Currently, many bridges in the interior of Ba'nan are at risk of damage and collapse, but logging companies have not carried out repairs.

  Anyi emphasized that it is the responsibility of the logging companies and the government to repair the bridges. He hopes that the government will take this issue seriously and ensure that the bridges are repaired promptly to facilitate the villagers' passage.

---

On Today Show
— Roland Engan, Human Rights and Land Lawyer NCR – Empowering Indigenous Communities: Suggestions for Amending the Sarawak Land Code
— Nick Kelesau, Penan activist – Long Belok Fire: GPS Government Faces Criticism for Failure to Aid Rebuilding Efforts
— Tharma Pillai, Co-Founder and Advocacy Director of Undi18 Malaysia – Undi18 Calls for Expert Election Commission Chair Amidst Calls for Electoral Reform


Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Roland Engan, Peguam Hak Asasi Manusia dan Tanah NCR - Memperkasakan Komuniti- Komuniti Pribumi: Cadangan untuk Meminda Kod Tanah Sarawak
— Nick Kelesau, Aktivis Penan - Kebakaran Long Belok: Kerajaan GPS Menghadapi Kritikan Kerana Gagal Memberi Bantuan dalam Usaha Pembinaan Semula
— Tharma Pillai, Co-Founder dan Pengarah Advokasi Undi18 Malaysia - Undi18 Mendesak Pengambilan Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya yang Pakar di Tengah Seruan untuk Reformasi Pilihan Raya

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Singapore's Prime Minister will step down in May next year. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced through a social media post that his deputy, Lawrence Wong, will be sworn in as Prime Minister on the evening of 15 May 2024.

  2. Six different celebrations are observed in a week, reflecting Malaysia's diversity, said Minister of Unity Aaron Ago Dagang. The six celebrations referred to are Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Ugadi, Tamil New Year, Vaisakhi, Hari Vishu, and Songkran.

  3. No compromise in making Malaysia a multicultural country - says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

  4. Boycott MD campaign - 3 men arrested for threatening customers. The arrests were made by police in Kuantan, Pahang, and Kelantan.

  5. The reform of the Sarawak Land Code 1958 needs to be expedited. Abolish section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code - says NCR lawyer and Human Rights lawyer Roland Engan.

  -----------------------

  Roland Engan, Human Rights and Land Lawyer NCR

  *Empowering Indigenous Communities: Suggestions for Amending the Sarawak Land Code*

  Roland explained that section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code is not only unfair but also cruel to the people of Sarawak. He suggested that section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code be repealed.

  According to Roland- currently if there is a dispute over the ownership of NCR land, the land is automatically considered government land.

  With the repeal of section 5(7) when there is a dispute, so it is the government that should prove they are entitled to the land with written evidence/letters or maps kept at the land office.

  With the current situation, the biggest losers are the bumiputras of Sarawak and the biggest winners are developers who are awarded PL. It should be when the Bumiputra people become the Premier and dominate the state administration. The rightful rights of land owners should be restored.

  However, Roland also suggested that the amendment of the Sarawak Land Code involves all non-grant land being considered as customary land. Traditional village boundary land is a custom that has the force of law. Customary land rights cannot be abolished. The Bumiputra of Sarawak can lease their land to the government as well as to non-bumiputra parties and the Indigenous Land Development Fund must be established.

  Lastly, Roland suggested that tribal leaders and community leaders must be chosen by themselves according to local community customs and traditions and tribal leaders and community leaders be empowered under the Native Court Ordinance to hear customary land cases.

  -----------------------

  Nick Kelesau, Penan activist

  *Long Belok Fire: GPS Government Faces Criticism for Failure to Aid Rebuilding Efforts*

  Kampung Long Belok in Apoh, Baram, faced a fire incident on 5 April, leaving 28 villagers from eight families homeless, with six doors destroyed. The value of losses has yet to be established. Kampung Long Belok is approximately 209 km from the Marudi fire station, estimated to be a four-hour journey via logging roads.

  The Baram NGO-Pewaris promptly donated clothes, food, and kitchen utensils to the victims, allowing them to cope with their immediate needs. However, it has been 10 days since the fire, and the victims are still sleeping in the church or with relatives. What they currently need are materials to rebuild their homes.

  Nick Kelesau stated that so far, the GPS government or its representatives have not provided direct assistance. The victims initially requested materials to build their homes but later lowered their request to just tools so they could cut the basic wood needed for construction. However, even this request has not been fulfilled, as the logging company, which only verbally promised assistance, has not followed through.

  Nick expressed shame over the situation, especially since the fire station is so far away from the village, making it unable to respond in time. Additionally, the resources provided by the government are inadequate. This has left the victims of Long Belok still in dire conditions.

  -----------------------

  Tharma Pillai, Co-Founder and Advocacy Director of Undi18 Malaysia

  *Undi18 Calls for Expert Election Commission Chair Amidst Calls for Electoral Reform*

  Undi18 has called on Putrajaya to appoint an electoral expert with experience and knowledge in elections to fill the Election Commission chair when Abdul Ghani Salleh retires next month.

  Undi18 feels that it is crucial to choose the best candidate for this critical post, especially in the long run. The new chair will carry the responsibility to ensure that the redelineation process for Sarawak, Sabah, and West Malaysia takes place in 2025 and 2026. Undi18 urges for law reform, especially in terms of the Election Offences Act, financial audits for every candidate, and other necessary reforms.

  Secondly, the best candidate is needed to bring about reforms to upgrade the current systems. Currently, there is an issue where individuals with no experience in the election process, often retired high-ranking officers, are appointed to the Election Commission. They may lack interest in addressing issues within the SPR. Lastly, Undi18 emphasizes that the candidate should not be from any political party to avoid bias.

  The Malaysian Election Commission is currently very rigid and conservative, lacking the ability to handle repeated errors in overseas postal voting and unwilling to consider allowing East Malaysian voters to vote in West Malaysia or allowing nearly hundreds of thousands of Malaysian voters living in Singapore to vote in Singapore.

  NGOs have proposed electronic voting as a solution to the longstanding issue of postal voting, which would extend the registration of postal voters and automatically renew their status, but these proposals have not been addressed.

  -----------------------

---

On today show
— Mutang Tuo, Ketua Kampung Penan Long Iman Baram – Profit over Preservation: The Samling Project Critique
— Linggang Mengga, Iban from Nanga Ridan, Marudi – Protesting SaraCarbon's Carbon Trading: Breaking the Silence
— Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – PKR Slams 'Unhealthy' Politics as PSB Assemblymen Absorbed into GPS
— Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan – PAS Gov Resuming the Nenggiri Dam Project: Ignoring the Voice of the People

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Mutang Tuo, Ketua Kampung Penan Long Iman Baram – Kritikan Projek Samling: Keuntungan Lebih Penting daripada Pemeliharaan?
— Linggang Mengga, Iban dari Nanga Ridan, Marudi – Protes Terhadap Projek Perdagangan Karbon SaraCarbon: Memecah Kegagalan
— Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak – PKR Mengutuk Politik 'Tidak Sihat' Apabila Ahli Majlis PSB Diserap ke dalam GPS
— Nasir Nash, aktivis dari Gua Musang Kelantan – Kerajaan PAS Meneruskan Projek Empangan Nenggiri: Mengabaikan Suara Rakyat

• Read More

  *Special Randau*

  1. Met Malaysia issued a level one hot weather warning in 14 areas in Malaysia. That is 10 in the peninsula, 2 in Sabah and 2 in Sarawak. Two areas in Sarawak are Telang Usan and Mukah. The Telang Usan area is the Dennis Ngau State Assembly area, one of the largest oil palm logging and plantation areas in Malaysia and the hub of the aluminum smelting industry. So no wonder the weather will be hotter there. Heat alert is categorized when the maximum daily temperature in an area reaches 35 to 37 degrees Celsius for 3 consecutive days.

  2. Chong Cheing Jen Slams Soon Koh. After the dissolution of the PSB Party and joining the PDP. Soon Koh quickly attacked DAP with the suggestion that Chong declare DAP as a local opposition party and cut ties with DAP Malaya. However, Chong criticized Soon Koh with the argument that DAP will not change its principles just for the comfort of the leader. According to Chong, DAP's duty in Sarawak is to check the balance and ensure that the Sarawak GPS government is responsible to the people. PSB's excuse with GPS for state and federal political stability is absurd. Because GPS is already stable with 76 seats and in the federation PSB has no seats. So the role of PSB in stabilizing federal politics is irrelevant. Chong said.

  3. Carbon trading if implemented, penan people will be victims. We will be banned from entering the forest and our life will be more difficult. The people of Sarawak and Samling will get richer - Mutang Tuo said. Penan Village Chief Long Iman. If you want to advance the pen. Build Roads and schools for us.

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  Mutang Tuo, Ketua Kampung Penan Long Iman Baram

  *Profit over Preservation: The Samling Project Critique*

  Mutang Tuo knew about the Samling Project (SaraCarbon) in Long Linai Marudi from Radio Free Sarawak and strongly disagrees with it. They argue that only Samling and the Sarawak Government will benefit financially from the project, whereas the Penan people, who have cared for the forest for generations, should be the ones rewarded for their conservation efforts.

  Mutang Tuo believes that the Penan people are far superior in maintaining the sustainability of the forest compared to companies like Samling. They emphasize that the Penan only take what is necessary from the forest and do not destroy animal habitats, unlike the Sarawak government and the Forestry Department, which grant licenses for commercial logging and plantations, leading to habitat destruction.

  Mutang Tuo expresses concern that the carbon trading project will restrict their access to the forest and make their lives more difficult.

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  Linggang Mengga, Iban from Nanga Ridan, Marudi

  *Protesting SaraCarbon's Carbon Trading: Breaking the Silence*

  Nanga Ridan is about 3 hours away by speed boat to Sungai Linai. However, not many people know the news related to the Carbon Trading project by SaraCarbon - said Linggang.

  According to him, most projects involving the acquisition of land will be done confidentially and not discussed openly. It will be told in private to village heads who support GPS. Most of these village heads will agree and do not dare to protest. Therefore, Linggang asked that the people themselves should protest if they disagreed with something. They can no longer depend on the village head who is paid by the GPS Sarawak Government.

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  Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak

  *PKR Slams 'Unhealthy' Politics as PSB Assemblymen Absorbed into GPS*

  SARAWAK PKR is calling for the immediate resignation of the three assemblymen from the former opposition outfit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), which has now been absorbed into the ruling coalition.

  Abun Sui comment that GPS had "absorbed" these assemblymen, calling it a very unhealthy political development in Sarawak.

  These three state assemblymen from the now-dissolved PSB who are now part of GPS should resign from their state assembly seats immediately. The voters elected them during the last state election because they contested under the PSB logo, which was associated with the opposition.

  He said that, the voters in their constituencies wanted an opposition voice. Now, these assemblymen have joined the ruling GPS, the very party they contested against in the last state election, without seeking a new mandate from the voters. This is a very unhealthy chapter in Sarawak's political landscape.

  Three remaining assemblymen are Wong Soon Koh(Bawang Assan), Baru Bian (Ba'Kelalan) and Johnical Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili).

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  Nasir Nash, activist from Gua Musang Kelatan

  *PAS Gov Resuming the Nenggiri Dam Project: Ignoring the Voice of the People*

  The Nenggiri dam construction is currently at 40% completion and is expected to be finished in 2026. The construction almost stopped during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government's tenure in 2018 but resumed when the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government took over.

  Nasir Nash believes there is corruption or abuse of power involved in the project. She hope that the current Madani government will consider taking action to stop the construction, as the community believes the project is not necessary.

  There is a consensus among the Network of Orang Asli Kelantan to meet the Prime Minister, and they still waiting for a response from the department. The Prime Minister has the power to cease construction with immediate effect, if he is truly concerned not only for the Orang Asli communities but for all citizens.

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