Sabotaging - SPDP, G5 and DAP playing with numbers

If the last weekend happenings could be taken as the indication, then the people in Mas Gading constituency can expect free dinners every weekend prior to the Parliamentary election.

It seem that the three groups, namely SPDP, Group 5 (G5) and DAP are playing with numbers – all trying to show they have the bigger support and using their gatherings to attract attendees.

SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan seem unhappy with action of the G5 who he accused of disrupting the party’s programmes by having coinciding events.

“Their disruptive actions to SPDP, being a component party in the BN are not the behaviour condoned by the Barisan,” said Mawan.

Mawan vowed to commit all strength and resources to wipe out all those who oppose SPDP and BN, especially in Mas Gading.

He said the party is duty bound to fight those continue to sabotage and undermine the party, and defend and safeguard all its seats and maintain solidarity within the BN.

“We have the resources and commitment to ensure that the party and BN’s interest are not undermined,” he stressed.

Mawan, who is also Senior Minister for Social Development said they have no problem with the five being elected representatives to continue serv8ing their constituencies, which are traditionally allocated to SPDP.

Meanwhile the lobby race to get nominated as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in Mas Gading constituency in the coming general election between Sarawak Progressive Democratic (SPDP) and G5 is becoming more hotter and competitive now.

Sources said the G5 are monitoring very closely to all SPDP movements and activities in the constituency.

According to the source, the G5 will do all they could to ‘sabotage’ activities and events organised by SPDP in the area by having their activities on the same day and time but at different venue.

“The obvious was the last Saturday’s night dinner when SPDP Tasik Biru held their solidarity dinner at the Dewan Suarah Bau while fthe G5 held their on the same date and time at the REEDEMS Centre in Singai.

The source said the G5 are also monitoring SPDP Tasik Biru proposed sports carnival and fun fair on April 27 and 28 at the Fiary Cave near here.

Mawan will officiate at the launching of the carnival on April 27 while Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit has been invited to officiate at the closing the next day.

Meanwhile for the last weekend dinner, the G5 claimed that they have successfully lure-in majority of the community leaders in the Mas Gading constituency, claiming 1000 people attended the dinner.

Even State Assemblyman for Opar is said to be among those community leaders who were at the G5 dinner, but the source said the dinner was given free for the community leaders and the other guests and that was why they attended it.

In another development, a source said the support to SPDP group faded after Mawan announced that the party has shortlisted Henry Jinep, a successful local businessman and Anthony Nogeh, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority's (Salcra) deputy general manager as candidate for Mas Gading.

Henry is a Bisingai while Nogeh is a Bijagoi.

Sources said the voters in Mas Gading especially the Bijagoi and the Selako are not in favour of Henry Jinep, a Bisingai as the candidate as they wanted a Bijagoi to represent them, thus made them swung their supports to the G5 group.

Previously there was an agreement among the local community leaders that the State Assemblyman for Tasik Biru to come from the Bisingai community, while the representative for Mas Gading should come from the Bijagoi community.

But the support may have changed after Nogeh was announced as the frontrunner for Mas Gading constituency by SPDP deputy president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing at the party’s solidarity dinner at Dewan Suarah Bau on Saturday’s night.

Nogeh claimed that he have the support of the Chinese community leaders and the Chinese voters in the constituency.

SPDP sacked its former secretary-general Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran on Nov 25 last year and followed by four other leaders on January 14 following the part’s Supreme Council meeting on the same day.

The four stripped of their post are Senior Vice President and Tasik Biru Assemblyman Datuk Peter Nansian, Vice President and Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, Information Chief and Batu Danau Assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and Supreme Council member and Bekenu Assemblyman Rosey Yunus.

The five including Sylvester Entri dubbed the "SPDP 5" caused a stir within the party after declaring they have lost faith and confidence in Mawan and repeatedly issued media statements attacking the party president.

Mawan said the SPDP Supreme Council also decided that Tiki would not be re-nominated to contest in Mas Gading because he was not the most winnable candidate while Nansian can kiss good bye to Tasik Biru seat in the next state election.

Meanwhile preparation for SPDP much anticipated two-day carnival “Jom Otto Birami Bisamah SPDP” at the Fairy Cave here on April 27 and 28 is progressing smoothly and expected to attract large crowd.

Plenty of activities including sporting activities, colouring contest, poco-poco dance, cultural performance and 30 stalls selling food, drinks, handicrafts and jungle produce will fill the two-day carnival.

The event is jointly organised by Respdemop Sports and Recreation Club, the Wanita, Puteri and Putera Wings of the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and the JKKK Krokong community.

Live band performance will also be held on Friday and Saturday night at the cave’s site which is expected to attract thousands of people from the nearby villages and from far.
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CM says up to SPDP to choose candidate for Mas Gading

Chief Minister’s statement that it is up to SPDP to nominate their candidate for the Mas Gading seat and the Prime Minister to endorse it has received positive response from the party members and the constituents.

“It is very good that the Chief Minister has cleared the air and that must be a big relief to SPDP. So now it is up for SPDP to close ranks, leave the past behind and really focus to win in Mas Gading and the other seats,” said PBB Opar Chairman Dato' Peter Minos.

Minos, who is also PBB assistant publicity chief said the three MP seats currently held by SPDP matter a lot to BN and must be won in the coming general election expected to be held in June.

“Think and concentrate to face Pakatan which will fight tooth and nails because Pakatan has all to gain and nothing to lose,” said Minos.

According to Minos, Pakatan can only win by default in Mas Gading or elsewhere if BN fight against each other.

Thus, Minos urged all those who call themselves BN member to do what they say and not just playing lip service or pretending to support BN.

He said members of BN from other component parties should follow those in PBB who always follow their leaders without second thought.

“Election is now at the corner and maybe held in June and so there is no more time for bad blood or recrimination or even for misunderstanding in and between BN.

“Pakatan in Kuala Lumpur side is deliberately keeping discreet silence and waiting for BN to make the mistakes and creating self-defeating issues. So BN must avoid the mistakes and stay away from self-defeatist issues,” Minos said.

Meanwhile SPDP Bengoh and Tarat also expressed their full support that SPDP should be allowed to choose its own choice of candidate for Mas Gading.

Chairman of SPDP Bengoh Sebastian Sakoi and chairman of SPDP Tarat Captain Miron Guanguly said they fully supported what the Chief Minister had said in Bintulu when officiating at the party delegates’ conference.

The party newly elected vice president Captain Zainuddin Tan Sri Hamdan Sirat said SPDP Mambong which he is the co-ordinator also fully supported the Chief Minister’s statement.

“The Mas Gading seat is for SPDP and not the so called BN’s Club championed by Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe and Datuk Peter Nansian,” said Zainuddin yesterday.

Meanwhile the people in Mas Gading said they wanted political stability and good Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them.

Several community leaders, political leaders, Bidayuh and Selako intellectuals in Mas Gading who were interviewed recently to ask on their views and opinions with regards the SPDP crisis and choice of candidate for the coming general election said they wants political stability and a good Member of Parliament to represent them in Mas Gading.

Dr Tiki is the current MP for Mas Gading but the latter was sacked from the party along with four others for subordination.

SPDP sacked its former secretary-general Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran in Nov 25 last year and followed by four other leaders on Jan 14 following the part’s Supreme Council meeting on the same day.

The four stripped of their post were then Senior Vice President and Tasik Biru Assemblyman Datuk Peter Nansian, Vice President and Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, Information Chief and Batu Danau Assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and Supreme Council member and Bekenu Assemblyman Rosey Yunus.

The five including Sylvester Entri dubbed the "SPDP 5" caused a stir within the party after declaring they have lost faith and confidence in Mawan and repeatedly issued media statements attacking the party president.


Mawan said the SPDP Supreme Council also decided that Tiki would not be re-nominated to contest in Mas Gading because he was not the most winnable candidate while Nansian can kiss good bye to Tasik Biru seat in the next state election.

Mawan has also said the party had at least four candidates to replace Tiki. They are State Tourism and Heritage Ministry's permanent secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Rayan Narong, an accountant with a private sector here; Anthony Nogeh, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority's (Salcra) deputy general manager, Henry Jinep, a successful local entrepreneur and his brother William Jinep, a senior government servant.

Tiki and Nansian’s camp has formed what they called BN’s Club and has already started their round of meeting the people session in the constituency but The Star recently reported that the Registrar of Societies (ROS) here has not received any application to register such club here.

Opar State Assemblyman Ranum Mina has also said that he hoped the quarrel between the two camps can be solved before the general election so as not to create confusion among the voters.

“I hope the two groups can reconcile and work together for the sake of Barisan Nasional (BN) and the people in Mas Gading constituency,” added Ranum.

When the time arrived, he hoped the two factions can work together for the benefit of BN in facing the coming general election.

“Whoever BN’s leaders chose and nominated as the candidate we should support.

“As for me whoever is nominated as a BN’s candidate in Mas Gading I will give my full support, even if he is to be Datuk Dr Tiki re-nominated to contest,” said Ranum.

He advised voters in Mas Gading not to be too involved in the issue, adding that it will not bring any good to them and the constituency.

“Leave it to the party and BN’s leadership to decide the candidate. Whoever is the candidate let us give our full support,” he added.

A community leader for the Selako community in Lundu, Pemanca London Tasin said Mas Gading need a good MP who is able to serve the constituents.

“The constituents are wiser now and they knew very well who shall be the best person to serve them and they will vote for that person when the election comes,” said London.

Thus, he said the top BN’s leadership should pick the most winnable candidate for Mas Gading seat.

A political analyst from the constituency opined that Mawan should announce his candidate fast in order not to let the five aspiring candidates to wait until the last minute.
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Mas Gading constituents wants good MP

From left: Datuk Dr Tiki  Lafe, Datuk Peter Nansian, Datuk Richard Riot and
 Datuk Seri Michael Manyin at the "Ngarum Udung Bidayuh 2012" dinner in
Bau last Sarturday's night (Feb 26). 

The people in Mas Gading said they wanted political stability and good Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them.

Besides the statements made by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) Tan Sri William Mawan and group as well as Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie and Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, several community leaders, political leaders, Bidayuh and Selako intellectuals in Mas Gading were interviewed to ask on their views and opinions with regards the SPDP crisis and choice of candidate for the coming general election.

From the interviews, it was concluded that they all wants political stability and a good Member of Parliament to represent them in Mas Gading.

Should Dr Tiki not re-nominated for the coming general election, they preferred Pahon to be fielded to replace Dr Tiki, while Ryan came in as their second favourite.

“Mawan has announced the sacking of Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe from the party but the Mas Gading MP is still moving around in his constituency to garner support from the constituents,” said Opar State Assemblyman Ranum Mina.

He hoped the quarrel between the two camps can be solved before the general election so as not to create confusion among the voters.

“I hope the two groups can reconcile and work together for the sake of Barisan Nasional (BN) and the people in Mas Gading constituency,” added Ranum.

When the time arrived, he hoped the two factions can work together for the benefit of BN in facing the coming general election.

“Whoever BN’s leaders chose and nominated as the candidate we should support.

“As for me whoever is nominated as a BN’s candidate in Mas Gading I will give my full support, even if he is to be Datuk Dr Tiki re-nominated to contest,” said Ranum.

He advised voters in Mas Gading not to be too involved in the issue, adding that it will not bring any good to them and the constituency.

“Leave it to the party and BN’s leadership to decide the candidate. Whoever is the candidate let us give our full support,” he added.

A community leader for the Selako community in Lundu, Pemanca London Tasin said Mas Gading need a good MP who is able to serve the constituents.

“The constituents are wiser now and they knew very well who shall be the best person to serve them and they will vote for that person when the election comes,” said London.

Thus, he said the top BN’s leadership should pick the most winnable candidate for Mas Gading seat.

SPDP sacked its former secretary-general Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran last Nov 25 and followed by four other leaders on January 14 following the part’s Supreme Council meeting on the same day.

The four stripped of their post are Senior Vice President and Tasik Biru Assemblyman Datuk Peter Nansian, Vice President and Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, Information Chief and Batu Danau Assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and Supreme Council member and Bekenu Assemblyman Rosey Yunus.

The five including Sylvester Entri dubbed the "SPDP 5" caused a stir within the party after declaring they have lost faith and confidence in Mawan and repeatedly issued media statements attacking the party president.

Mawan said the SPDP Supreme Council also decided that Tiki would not be re-nominated to contest in Mas Gading because he was not the most winnable candidate while Nansian can kiss good bye to Tasik Biru seat in the next state election.

Mawan has also said the party had at least four candidates to replace Tiki. They are State Tourism and Heritage Ministry's permanent secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Rayan Narong, an accountant with a private sector here; Anthony Nogeh, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority's (Salcra) deputy general manager, Henry Jinep, a successful local entrepreneur and his brother William Jinep, a senior government servant.

Tiki and Nansian’s camp has formed what they called BN’s Club and has already started their round of meeting the people session in the constituency, while Mawan has not started theirs except two including the one held on Jan 13 at Dewan Suarah Bau, a dinner hosted for the Jagoi Bratak community leaders.

A political analyst from the constituency opined that Mawan should announce his candidate fast in order not to let the five aspiring candidates to wait until the last minute.

He said SPDP and Mawan shouldn’t under estimate Tiki support in the constituency following his sacking from the party.

He claimed that Tiki support in the constituency was down before the sacking but has risen up after the sacking due to several invisible hands in trying to deny SPDP’s victory in the constituency in the coming general election.

“Pick and announce your candidate fast to enable the selected one to start moving around because time is short, otherwise Dr Tiki will get all the mileage,” he added.

Another prominent community leader in Lundu who preferred anonymity said Dr Tiki popularity has dropped, saying the BN’s leadership shouldn’t even be re-nominated him to defend the seat.

He claimed that Tiki has failed to serve his constituents satisfactorily, the accusation which Tiki denied.

Incumbent Tiki confidently said his political fate actually lies with two persons – the Prime Minister who is national BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Taib, who is state BN’s chairman.

“But if Tiki is allowed then it will set precedent for other to fight their party leaders, then get sacked and form BN’s Club and re-nominated to defend their seat in the election,” said a Bidayuh intellectual who declined his identity to be revealed.

Chairman of the Bung Bratak heritage Association Datuk Peter Minos said local sentiments and ground issues should be carefully considered in choosing winnable candidate in the coming general election, especially for Mas Gading.

He said BN leaders should listen well and think well on what the voters want and desire, including the local sentiments and the issues on the ground.

“Knowing and appreciating local or ground sentiments is a necessary and essential ingredient for victory,” stressed Minos.

The Jagoi Bratak clan is lobbying that the candidate for Mas Gading seat in the coming general election should come from among them.

Minos pointed out that in the 2008 Parliamentary election many BN candidates lost and one of the reasons was the failure of understanding and appreciating local sentiments and ground issues.

Minos said the voters in Mas Gading has always stand ready in ensuring BN’s victory.

“We in Mas Gading pray and hope that the top BN leaders will exercise their intelligence and wisdom in choosing a winnable candidate for the parliamentary constituency,” he said.

He said the Bidayuh in Mas Gading believe in BN and the concept of winnable candidate, adding they want winnable BN candidates because they wanted BN to continue ruling Sarawak and Malaysia.

“A winnable candidate must of course be credible and acceptable to the voters and he or she must be respected by the people and worthy to be voted,” he added.

According to Minos, BN leaders had done well for Tasik Biru and Opar, the two State constituencies under Mas Gading.

He said in the last State Election the voters of Mas Gading voted for BN and BN also won the Tasik Birui and Opar seats.

“We are pretty certain that the Mas Gading voters will repeat the same trend in the coming Parliamentary Election,” he said.

Tiki said his constituency could only be successfully defended with support from all BN component parties because SPDP only had a limited number of members there.

“But why only now he declared that the party had a limited number of members. Why not before?” he asked.

Tiki had said that there are only 5,000 to 6,000 members of SPDP in Mas Gading, adding that he was elected under the BN’s ticket.

As such, he stressed that as the incumbent he will carry on the mandate by BN and the people.

Tiki said this to reporters covering the launching of the first batch of PLKN for the year at Kuching Civic Centre recently.

Tiki said he still wanted to contest, and he firmly believed that he could still serve well if given another chance by the BN leadership.

He even claimed that ketua kaum there or even Opar Assemblyman Ranum Mina is behind him, but the claim was denied by a prominent community leader from the constituency and Ranum made it clear that he had never siding anyone in the issue.

Tiki was re-elected in the 12th general election in 2008 in a four cornered fight.

He garnered 8,551 votes, leaving Dr Patau Rubis (SNAP) with 4,250 votes and Independents Favian Tisen (1,476) and Apin Baeng (306).

Mas Gading, with 21,968 voters as of the 2008 election, houses two state seats - Opar and Tasik Baru.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Feb 4 has said that he has no wish to intervene in the internal strife plaguing both Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).

On SPDP, A Barisan Nasional (BN) component party with internal disputes, Taib also said he would leave the situation alone for now.

He said the party’s problems were part of its efforts to organise its structure and leadership.

Mawan said the five sacked YBs will not be re-nominated but the Chief Minister said he will decide on who should contest in Mas Gading.

Thus, making the issue looks more complicated now.

SPDP secretary-general Nelson Balang Rining had said SPDP is a political party with principles as it adheres to the constitution and principles of Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said it is therefore relevant in the society despite the ‘misperception’ which two independent representatives, namely Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie and Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, tried to create in the minds of people in Bau.

Balang said he had not received any resignation letter from members of SPDP in Mas Gading division.


So technically, the 1,000 members said to be siding Nansian and Tiki are still very much party members, he pointed out.

Balang was responding to a public query on whether SPDP or other BN parties for that matter would lose their relevance when five independent representatives tried to champion the setting up of a BN club.

He said SPDP is still relevant to society. “Those who said they are not are trying to play down BN’s relevance in society too. BN is a coalition of political parties.”

To him, formation of BN clubs would only open the floodgates and set a bad precedent in the government fold.

“Such approval does not augur well for BN’s future. BN is a coalition of political parties and clubs would only set to make all 14 parties in BN irrelevant one day, he stressed.

“Even if these clubs later on spring into action and turn BN into a single entity or party, there will be no more power-sharing concept which is practised by the fold now,” he added.

SPDP will be holding its Triennial General Meeting (TGM) on March 17 and 18 in Bintulu to regularise their actions apart from reconsolidating members from all over Sarawak. The party now has around 90,000 members.

The infamous ‘SPDP 5' who were sacked from Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) are claiming that the party is no longer relevant especially in the Mas Gading and Tasik Biru constituencies.

They are claiming that the dissolution of the two SPDP branches in Tasik Biru and Mas Gading, has paved the way for them to set up BN supporters clubs in the constituencies.

However the setting up of the club been criticised by several quarters and Nansian and the group were also criticised for luring community leaders into their style of politics.

Among those against the formation of such club were the Deputy Parliament Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Wan Jaafar and a Bidayuh community leaders Pemanca Austin Dimin who said community leaders shouldn’t be dragged in into the dispute.

Dimin has voiced out that politicians should instigate community leaders into the quarrel.

Such comment by Dimin was logic despite certain people from Tiki and Nansian’s camp were unhappy with Dimin’s comment.

Dimin had said that since the formation of the club has not been approved it is considered illegal and nobody should be recruited as members yet.

The battle for the ‘hearts and minds’ of voters in these constituencies has become increasingly fierce as both sides try to justify their existence.

While the five claim they are BN elected representatives, SPDP however is insisting that they are independent representatives and are outside the BN now that the party has sacked them. SPDP is a member of the Barisan Nasional coalition in Sarawak.

The five meanwhile have formed a BN club which is awaiting Registrar of Societies’ (ROS) approval.

Nansian said with the dissolution of the branches, thousands of SPDP members and families will be joining the club.

Thus, he claimed that they have already signed an agreement of support with 34 community leaders who they claimed represent some 1,000 followers.

Currently SPDP has about 10,000 members in the constituencies.

Entrie took a swipe at a UNIMAS lecturer Dr Jeneri Amir whom he described as unprofessional, baseless and wrong description of the BN spirit.

He said Dr Jeniri had failed to address the real BN spirit of inclusiveness, consensus, good leadership and serving the people.

Entri was unhappy that they be called BN independents, saying that they were elected on BN ticket, and not on independent tickets.

Dr Jeniri had said that the formation of the club was a bad medicine for BN and a portend of disgruntled BN party members making a similar move to disrupt the BN spirit and understanding.

Meanwhile opposition Sarawak DAP blamed SPDP president William Mawan’s weak leadership for the party’s strive.

Mordi Bimol, who is the special assistant to Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen said Mawan is not effective within the BN.

He alleged that as president, Mawan has no autonomy to make decision on who he is going to put as a candidate for SPDP in the (Mas Gading) constituency.

Instead he confidently said Tiki is going to defend his seat with or without the blessing of SPDP because his candidacy depends on the BN chairman and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Bimol statement was regarded as no basis and was just Bimol assumption for his political mileage.

Mawan is adamant that incumbent Mas Gading Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe will not stand in the coming election as a direct Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate without the party's endorsement.

Mawan also made another statement recentky that SPDP will not give up its Mas Gading parliamentary seat. It will instead nominate a new candidate for the constituency.

He said the name will be forwarded to the chairman of Barisan Nasional for endorsement.

SPDP has four allocated parliamentary seats – Mas Gading, Saratok, Baram and Bintulu – in accordance with the spirit of BN.

Tiki, meanwhile, said yesterday that he will defend his seat in the 13th general election.

Mawan being gentlemen enough said he cannot prevent Tiki from contesting.

“If that is his choice (to contest), then I cannot stop him. It is up to him to contest as an independent candidate.”

Tiki said that his candidacy does not depend on SPDP, but on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is the BN chairman and on Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, both of whom have the final say in fielding or dropping him in the next election.

A Bidayuh politician said it will be very difficult for the BN to make a decision.

“Supporting Tiki will mean that SPDP will be ‘out’ of BN at least in the constituency and not supporting Tiki will mean that he is going to contest as an independent candidate.

“Whatever it is, and whoever is using the BN ticket, the Mas Gading seat where voters are mostly Bidayuhs is heading for a major split,” he said.

“This will greatly enhance the chance of the opposition in the area,” he added.

He pointed out that the opposition has been actively campaigning for the seat in the past one year or so.


“The opposition members have been visiting the villages almost nightly,” he added.

Tiki and four other elected representatives known as Rentap or G5 (group of 5) have crossed paths with Mawan since the beginning of last year.


The prolonged crisis led to the expulsion of the G5 leader Sylvester Entri from the party and the dropping of Lafe from the list of candidates for the coming election.

Other members of the G5 are Peter Nansian (Tasik Biru Assemblyman), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu) and Paulus Gumbang (Batu Danau).

Taib ghad also made it loud and clear that Barisan Nasional (BN) will field only a winnable candidate in Mas Gading in the coming general election.

He said that it was useless to field a candidate unless one was really sure that the person could win.

“What is the use of fielding a candidate unless you are really sure that he will win? Fielding a candidate who will not win is just like helping the opposition,” he had said.

But Taib said that the problem in SPDP was not really pervasive because despite the prevailing crisis, both sides were still very devoted to playing their roles in serving the people through BN.

“Despite the internal party problem, none of them want to even think outside BN. So that shows the leaders who have been sacked including their followers still want to support BN,” he said.

He also said that the proposal by the former SPDP leaders to form Sarawak BN Club was a good sign that clearly indicated that no matter what problems they faced within the party, they still wanted to stay within BN and serve as BN elected representatives.

Now just wait to see who will make trhe final call.

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'Ngarum Udung Bidayuh' kick-off in Bau

The first of the three series of the ‘Ngarum Udung Bidayuh 2012’ or in English ‘Bidayuh Forum Night’ was successfully held at the Dewan Suarah Bau on February 26, which is seen by many as a series of campaigns to drum the Bidayuh supports for Barisan Nasional (BN) prelude to the 13^th Parliamentary election.

With the theme “United a lot we can achieve, divided nothing we can do”, the dinner was well attended with more than 1,000 guests and was also attended by all the three Bidayuh MPs and six State Assemblymen.

Beside Infrastructure and Communications Development Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin who delivered a speech at the gathering, others present were Foreign Deputy Minister Datuk Richard Riot Jaem, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos, Deputy State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Minister of  Estate Development and Community Development Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie, Public Health  Assistant Minister Dr Jerip Susil, MP for Mas Gading Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, State Assemblyman for Opar Ranum Mina, State Assemblyman for Kedup Martin Ben, Temenggong Datuk Stephen Jussem, Temenggong Robert Sulis and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.

The function was jointly organised by the Bidayuh community leaders led by  Temenggong Datuk Stephen Jussem and DBNA lead by Datuk Ik Pahon.

In his speech, Manyin who is also DBNA chief advisor in expressing gratitude and thanks to the organising committee said: “On behalf of all Ahli Yang Berhormat and the entire Bidayuh community, we wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the organising committee, the ketua masyarakat lead by Temenggong Datuk Stephen Jussem and DBNA lead by its president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.” 

Several Bidayuh had expressed unhappiness that for another time DBNA is being used as a political vehicle although Manyin himself had said that DBNA is a non political organisation and shouldn’t be used as political vehicle for any group or individual.

Manyin said it was the first time the Bidayuh community had such gathering,  adding it was one of the three series going to be held with the second gathering planned in Serian and the third series in Siburan.

He also called on the Bidayuh voters to maintain the current political status quo in the 13th general election – meaning that they should continue to ensure that BN candidate win in the three parliamentary seats in the Bidayuh area.

“To avoid any political split in the community, and to continue enjoying the benefits from the rapid development brought about by BN government, the Bidayuh therefore must rally behind BN and must vote for BN candidates during the coming 13^th Parliamentary election,” he said.

He later called on the Bidayuh to together make a pledge that the Bidayuh will continue to support BN and will vote for BN candidates during the coming parliamentary election.

“This is our pledge, the pledge we will fulfil. The names of candidates and where they come from are not relevant. What is relevant is that they are individuals whose hearts and minds are with the community, and they are BN candidates nominated by BN leadership.

“That is important and that is what all of us should look at while campaigning for the candidates and casting our votes during the election,” he said.

Saying that BN candidates won handsomely in all the six seats in the Bidayuh area during the last state election,  Manyin urged the Bidayuh voters to give the same support to BN  candidates in the three seats, namely Mas Gading, Serian and Mambong in the 13^th general election which expected it will be held this year.

Manyin also expressed gratitude to the past political and community leaders for their farsighted policy of getting the community working together and starting the journey towards creating a united Bidayuh community.

“Their policy of giving full co-operation with the government had brought a lot of changes and development to the Bidayuh community.

“We know their times were tough and very challenging but they had managed to lay the foundation for Bidayuh unity and bring them to be with the mainstream of development. Their efforts and hard work will ever be remembered by the community,” he said.

He said through BN government and the Bidayuh past and present farsighted leaders, within a relatively short period of time, the situation has changed tremendously.

In stark contrast with the situation in the 1950s, 60s and 70ps, he said almost all Bidayuh villages are accessible by roads, supplied with electricity through grid and water supply at least through gravity feed.

“We also enjoyed good education and health care facilities and telephone services. In another words, the Bidayuh already enjoyed the basic infrastructures and amenities which are required to enable them to accelerate their material progress,” he pointed out.

Manyin also mentioned that the Bidayuh has been given more appointments in the state cabinet and well as in the federal cabinet – two deputy ministers in the federal cabinet, one full minister and two assistant ministers in the state cabinet, and also a deputy speaker in the State Legislative Assembly.

He said so far this was the best political situation the Bidayuh has ever had, adding that it did not happen by chance.

This happened, according to Manyin because of the Bidayuh past and present farsighted political and community leaders who were able to bring the community together and working very closely with the government.

He said since 1999 all the six state seats and three parliamentary seats have been with BN and this clearly demonstrated that the majority of the Bidayuh are BN strong supporters.

“Thus, what we have today, whether it is in the form of appointments or physical development, it is a direct reciprocal reward, recognition and appreciation of our strong and continuous support for BN government,” he added.   

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Sarawak new cabinet line-up

KUCHING: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is still Sarawak Chief Minister. In announcing his new cabinet line-up on Wednesday Taib did not drop anyone from his post-April 16 state election “temporary cabinet” nor did he name anyone to fill the vacant second deputy chief minister's post, previously held by Tan Sri Dr George Chan who lost in the election.
He instead announced the creation of one new ministry, three elevated as senior minister and seven assemblymen appointed as new assistant ministers
He announced the creation of three senior ministers posts held by Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Local Government and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan.

The full list of the Sarawak Cabinet effective 29 September 2011:
Chief Minister: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
Deputy Chief Minister: Tan Sri Alfred Jabu
Ministry of Welfare, Women & Family Development
Minister: Datuk Fatimah Abdullah
Assistant ministers:
*Rober Lawson Chuat (welfare)
*Rosey Yunus (Early Childhood Education & Family Development)
Ministry of Industrial Development
Minister: Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Peter Nansian (Industrial Estate Development)
*Julaihi Narawi (Investment & Promotion)

Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Communications
Minister: Datuk Seri Michael Manyin
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman (Infrastructure Development)
Datuk Lee Kim Shin (Communication)

Ministry of Public Utilities
Minister: Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi (Electricity & Telecommunications)
Datuk Sylvester Entri (Public Utilities)

Ministry of Social Development
Senior Minister: Tan Sri William Mawan
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Lee Kim Shin (Sports)
*Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Youth Development)
*Liwan Lagang (Culture & Heritage)

Ministry of Rural Development
Minister: Tan Sri Alfred Jabu
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Francis Harden
*Julaihi Narawi

Ministry of Resource Planning & Environment
Minister: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
Second Minister- Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais (Resource Planning)
*Datuk Len Talif Salleh (Environment)

Mnistry of Chief Minister's Office
Minister in Chief Minister's Office & Minister of Special Functions: Datuk Amar Adenan Satem
Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman (Islamic Affairs)
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development)
Datuk John Sikie (Native Adat & Penan Affairs)
*Datuk Len Talif Salleh (Promotion of Technical Education)

Ministry of Finance
Minister: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
Second Minister – Senior Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh

Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture
Minister: Tan Sri Alfred Jabu
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Mong Dagang (Research & Marketing)
Datuk Sylvester Entri (Farmer's organisation)

Ministry of Land Development
Senior Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Gramong Juna
Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz

Ministry of Government & Community Development
Senior Minister: Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Peter Nansian (Community Services)
Datuk John Sikie (Local Government)
*Dr Jerip Susil (Public Health)

Ministry of Housing
Minister: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg
Assistant Ministers:
*Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
Datuk Francis Hardin

Ministry of Tourism
Minister: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg
Assistant Ministers:
Datuk Talip Zulpilip (Tourism)
Datuk Gramong Juna (Local Events & Products)

Note: * indicates new assistant ministers
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Taib denies BMF allegations

KUCHING: The Chief Minister of the State of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has denied allegations by the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) that the Swiss government is investigating his assets held in Swiss banks. 

But that didn't impressed the people of Sarawak especially Taib's enemies who still insisted that.the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to continue with their investigation and charge the Chief Minister. 

Taib told the State Legislative Assembly yesterday that he had no secret Swiss bank account nor any asset or investment of any description in Switzerland.

"II wrote to Swiss president Micheline Calmy-Ray last month asking her to confirm if she had ordered an investigation by the Swiss Financial Marketing Supervisory Authority (Finma), as alleged by BMF, and to furnish me  with a copy of the allegations so that I could seek appropriate legal redress.

"I also pledged to render my fullest cooperation to the Swiss federation to swiftly bring the truth to light so as to nail down all malicious reports," he told the Assembly.

BMF claimed on its website last month that Finma had been alerted to investigate Taib’s alleged assets in Swiss banks.

Taib added that the allegations by BMF were “utterly false and evidently politically motivated”.

He said BMF had a track record of making “scurrilous and scandalous” allegations against the state government.

“This includes the allegation of cutting down 90% of our rainforest, although local and international forestry experts have certified that 70% of our forests are still being preserved and sustainably managed.

“Therefore BMF’s false allegations about assets held in Switzerland by me are a continuation of their malicious efforts to smear the state, the government and the leaders,” he said.

Taib also said BMF’s allegation had been used by local politicians to advance their own political agenda against him and the state government.

He said as head of the state government and a member of the legislature, it was only right and proper for him to make a personal statement to the State Assembly on the allegation by BMF, a foreign NGO, which he said was not at all accountable to the people of Sarawak.

State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said members of the august house would not be allowed to bring up the allegations against the Chief Minister in their debates during the sitting after Taib had given his explanation.

MACC has confirmed that it is currently investigating Abdul Taib following allegation of timber corruption.

Its commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said MACC was in the process of gathering more information regarding the matter.

Abu Kassim was responding to a question on whether the MACC was looking at carrying out a similar action as the Swiss Anti-Corruption Agency, which recently froze the assets of Taib Mahmud over the allegation of timber corruption.

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MoCS case: Police has started investigation

The police has started its investigation following the police reports lodged against the Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) and its leader Francis Siah by the ruling Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Salleh confirmed that the investigation has started but could not tell when it will be completed.

“There is no specific time frame to complete the investigation but the investigation is going on now,” he said.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 4 of the Sediction Act, adding that both Siah and other members of MoCS will be investigated.

Asked whether the police will issue the permit for MoCS proposed mass protest, involving 200,000 people, he said there was no way the permit will be issued for such public assembly.

Hence, he warned members of the public not to participate in the rally, adding it is illegal and the police will not hesitate to take action against those involved.

MoCS and Siah’s call for Chief Minister Taib Mahmud to step down by Aug 13, failing which the movement would mobilise a mass protest, has raised the ire of the PBB Youth wing.

The wing described Siah’s intention to organise a 200,000 strong rally as a public “threat” and wanted Siah to be put under “house arrest” and MoCS investigated.

Siah had said that he would not apologise nor retract his statement.

Siah said BN people had also asked Lim Guan Eng and Khalid Ibrahim to resign as Penang Chief Minister and Selangor Menteri Besar respectively but no action was taken against them.

He also asked PBB Youth to adopt a new political culture and not follow its party leaders or masters blindly, adding that if it feels that the party leaders had done wrong, it should have the courage to tell them.

The PBB Youth gave Siah seven days to apologise and retract his statement, failing which it would meet with Home Ministe Hishammuddin Hussein and advise the latter to put Siah under “house arrest”.

Sarawak DAP has described as “ridiculous” the number of police reports lodged against MoCS and Siah.

DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen had said that there was nothing wrong for MoCS to call for Taib to resign, adding that there was no law against it.

Chong said that DAP fully supported MoCS’ call for Taib to step down and will also take part in the demonstration if there is a police permit.
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Words are mightier than sword, says Jerip

Re-elected State Assemblyman for Bengoh, Dr Jerip said words are mightier than sword.He was referring to the Opposition propaganda during the 10th State election’s campaign.
Dr Jerip described the recently concluded State Election as a very challenging moment and was not an easy fight.
“It was indeed an uphill battle but together we had fought a good battle and together we have retained Bengoh for BN with 3, 646 votes majority.

“I appreciate your alertness, hard work, commitment and partnership during the 10-day campaigning period. I know that all of us were under tremendous stress and strain,” he said at a thank you dinner for the party’s election workers at a restaurant in Mile 11th Kuching-Serian Road yesterday night.
Constantly and relentlessly there was this urgent call of duty to neutralize irrelevant propaganda of the Opposition, to clarify perceptions which were non issues, to explain various measures taken by the State government in addressing the grievances of the people and to emphasize the importance, relevance and furtherance of politics of development in Bengoh.
“While we rejoice over BN victory in Bengoh, we were not unaware of the onslaught of urban opposition propaganda – fueled by a great many orators from their counterpart in West Malaysia.
“In Siburan and Siniawan we lost 850 votes. Words are mightier than sword. The word of DAP have turned into a mighty double-edged sword – with one side slashing their opponents and with the other side almost slashing away Chinese representation in BN,” he added.
Thus, he urged the party members and supporters to spread words around that they want to maintain autonomy and do not want West Malaysian Opposition parties to interfere in the State Government affairs.
“We do not want to have any part or used as pawn in the power struggle, and unfulfilled ambition of Anwar Ibrahim.
“We pledge to uphold BN brand of politics of development, no matter what.
“We Sarawakians in Sarawak do not need PKR or DAP to fight for us. BN constitution and government policy guarantee our rights and privileges.
Let us arm ourselves with this words/sword and start whispering,” he added.
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Song SUPP questioned why Soon Koh accepted Cabinet appointment

Song SUPP wants Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh to explain to the party’s central committee why he had agreed to accept a state Cabinet appointment.
In a letter to SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sim Kheng Hui yesterday, branch secretary Toh Tze Bin requested for a central committee meeting to be held within two weeks.
He also proposed a motion for the committee to discuss Wong’s Cabinet appointment.
The motion reads: “To direct Wong to explain to the central committee meeting why he had, on his own action, accepted the appointment as a Cabinet minister on the afternoon of April 18, contrary to the central working committee decision made in the morning which had resolved unanimously to direct the two Chinese assemblymen not to accept any Cabinet post.”
Toh also proposed that after hearing Wong, the central committee should proceed to decide via secret ballot whether to accept or reject his explanation.
“If the committee rejects his explanation, Wong has to resign as a Cabinet minister within two weeks of the committee’s decision,” Toh said, adding that Wong’s acceptance of the Cabinet post had tarnished SUPP’s image.
Wong, who retained his Bawang Assan seat in last week’s state election, was sworn into the state Cabinet on Monday. He was retained as Second Finance Minister and Environment and Public Health Minister.
Wong accepted his re-appointment as a minister despite the party leadership’s decision to nominate only its bumiputra assemblymen for Cabinet positions.
SUPP subsequently described Wong’s acceptance of the Cabinet appointment as his personal decision.
Wong and Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who won in Senadin, are SUPP’s only Chinese representatives after the party lost 13 of 16 seats it contested. The party also has four bumiputra representatives.
Meanwhile PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said BN's defeat in Chinese-majority seats in last week’s polls has caused racial polarisation which is unhealthy for Sarawak, said
“Barisan lost in Chinese-majority seats to the Opposition while it won in bumiputra-majority seats. This is not good for our multi-racial political landscape,” he said at Samariang PBB’s polls appreciation dinner here last Friday night.
In the April 16 polls, Barisan contested in 71 seats and lost 13 Chinese-majority seats to DAP and PKR, two bumiputra seats to PKR and one to an independent candidate.
Johari, who is Housing and Urban Development Minister and Satok assemblyman, said he was glad that bumiputra youths and the middle class in urban seats like Pantai Damai, Samariang, Tupong, Demak Laut and Satok stood by Barisan.
He said the Opposition was very confident of taking away votes from Barisan but was proven wrong.
Johari slammed opposition candidates who claimed to be young intellectuals but failed to see the good Barisan was bringing to the people.
Citing examples, he said the government had plans to turn Samariang into a township with better basic infrastructure including a new general hospital, while Jalan Sultan Tengah which used to be congested during rush hours had been widened.
“We have a vision to transform the city. Barisan delivers for the people. We don’t just talk, we act. We walk the talk,” he said.
He said since voters in Chinesemajority seats in the city had rejected Barisan, the government would channel more development to seats that are Barisan strongholds.
Thanking voters for their support, Johari said he was confident that come the next parliamentary election, PBB Youth chief Datuk Fadillah Yusof would retain Petra Jaya with a comfortable majority. Petra Jaya comprises Tupong, Samariang and Satok.
Earlier, Samariang election operations director Datuk Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki said assemblyman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali thanked the party’s election machinery and 21 sub-branches for their hard work throughout the campaign period.
Khalid said Hasidah’s victory would finally shut her critics up, some of whom claimed that she was not a popular candidate and seldom went to the ground.
“She polled 8,008 votes and increased her majority from 2,488 votes in 2006 election to 5,431 votes. More people have supported her because she has done her job well,” he said.
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Masyarakat Bidayuh mahu Dr Jerip dan Ranum anggotai Kabinet Negeri

MASYARAKAT Bidayuh di Sarawak mahu supaya Ketua Menteri Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud melantik kedua-dua Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri kaum itu dari Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP), iaitu Dr Jerip Susil dan Ranum Mina dilantik menganggotai Kabinet Negeri.

Ranum berjaya memenangi semula kerusi Opar sementara Dr Jerip (gambar kiri) mengekalkan kerusi Bengoh.

Mereka turut menyuarakan harapan agar Ketua Menteri melantik Dr Jerip sebagai menteri penuh dalam Kabinet Negeri sementara Ranum sekurang-kurangnya sebagai pembantu menteri.

"Sudah sampai masanya Ketua Menteri menghargai sokongan padu masyarakat Bidayuh kepada Barisan Nasional dan sebagai menunjukkan penghargaan itu maka wajar kedua-dua ADUN berkenaan dilantik menganggotai Kabinet Negeri," kata seorang pemimpin kaum Bidayuh.

Setakat ini hanya Datuk Seri Michael Manyin dilantik sebagai menteri penuh sementara sebelum ini Datuk Peter Nansian dilantik sebagai pembantu menteri.
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Joo Phoi refutes allegation having affair with a popular singer

Former Batu Kawah assemblyman Tan Joo Phoi clarified that he did not have an affair with a popular singer as alleged in a widely circulated SMS.
The former assistant minister said the rumours disseminated before the state election had influenced him badly in the polls because it was sent to so many people especially in his constituency..
Tan, 59, failed to retain his seat and lost to DAP newcomer Christina Chew by 543 votes in a straight fight.
Admitting that he knew the woman as a popular singer, but said "there is no relationship between us.”
Tan explained that the woman, Iren Tam, 51, who rose to fame after winning an Astro singing competition, was invited to perform in many dinners but there was no other interaction between them.
“My family is also aware of this. They do not believe this at all,” Tan added.
Nevertheless, Tan said he would not seek legal action nor lodge a police report as the other party was already taking action.
On Tuesday, Tam, accompanied by her husband and son, went to lodge a police report against the defamatory rumours implicating her in an alleged affair with Tan.
The message alleged that Tam’s husband Pei Sung Po, a you zha kuehseller, found out about their affair and took RM50,000 to cover up the matter.
Tam said the SMS had tarnished the couple’s reputation and urged the police to investigate the source of the rumours.
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Nomination of non-elected representatives not possible - Wan Junaidi

Dewan Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the nomination of non-elected representatives into the State Legislative Assembly is not possible as it will set a precedent to change the Constitution as a result of failure.
He said the decision made by the electorate must be respected because “if we keep amending the Constitution just because some people demand it, we will end up not needing elections.”
Wan Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, believed that tweaking the constitution to accommodate those who had lost in the election could backfire on the Barisan.
“All this leads to a two-edged sword. If ever the Opposition forms the government, then it too can do the same. No, don’t mess with the constitution,” he said.
On SUPP, Junaidi said he believed the Chinese community should have a representative in the government despite SUPP’s big defeat in the just concluded state election.
He however stressed that the party should also appreciate those who had done well in the election, indicating the four SUPP Bumiputra assemblymen who won. The four were Ranum Mina (Opar), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Jonical Rayong and Francis Hardin.
He said this should be the same for PBB too.
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Dayak voters saved SUPP

KUCHING: The Dayak representatives in the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) turned savior of the party but can they take control of the party?

The joke was that the Chinese based party is now the Dayak party following four of their representatives in the State Legislative Assembly were Dayak – two Ibans, two Bidayuhs and two Chinese.

The four Dayaks representatives from SUPP are Ranum Mina (Opar), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden Hollis (Simanggang) and Johnical Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili).

While for the Chinese representation only Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (Bawang Assan) and Datuk Lee Khim Shin (Senadin) was lucky enough to retain their respective seat with reduced votes majority.

Soon Koh won with 1,808 votes majority while Khim Shin with only 58 votes majority.

As predicted earlier all the six Bidayuh seats were swept clean by the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the just concluded 10th Sarawak Election.

The Bidayuh voters also played their role in saving the ‘dilapidated’ Chinese based Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).

Although the Bidayuhs were very much against SUPP they still returned the party candidates Ranum Mina in Opar and Dr Jerip Susil in Bengoh as the State Assemblyman for both constituencies,

They voted for Ranum and Jerip because of their love to Barisan Nasional (BN) and not SUPP.

The six Bidayuh seats all won by BN were Opar, Tasik Biru, Bengoh, Tarat, Tebedu and Kedup.

Tarat, Tebedu and Kedup are Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) seats while Tasik Biru is for Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).

“SUPP survived because of the Dayak seats but the question asked now is what would the Chinese leaders do for the Dayak after the election and if they still want to survive in the next election,” said Open University Malaysia (OUM) director Professor Dr Frank Kiong.

He said SUPP still get the Dayak votes in the just concluded stated election but not in the next election unless SUPP listen to the voice of the Dayaks and do something for the community.

He said by the next few years there will be more young registered Dayak voters and by then the Dayak voice will be heard.

Dr Frank who is also the president of the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA) said the younger generations of the Dayaks were more vocal following the many issues cropping and affecting the community.

Dr Frank said initially the Bidayuh support toward PKR was strong but after one by one of the problems crops, the real colour of the opposition party was exposed and the Bidayuh were confused.

He said PBB was able to retain all the Malay/Melanau seats because the leaders had brought a lot of development to the communities.

“This is because the older voters will again play the role as they are always staunch supporters of BN.

“That is already the attitude of the old people who always feel ‘berhutang budi” (indebted) to BN for bringing the development to their village and area,” he said.

According to Dr Frank the older voters always make comparison of the hard life during their younger days and the development taking place these days as well as the better living they are enjoying now.

For SNAP, Dr Frank said the opposition party really needs to clean its image.

“More professionals should be invited into the boat to get ready for the next election. Majority of the Dayak wants to revive the party but they wanted to see new and younger group of people leading the party,” he said.
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DAP will increase seats, PKR and SNAP zero

DAP would be able to increase its seats while PBB will retain all but both PKR and SNAP will get zero.
With DAP contesting in Padungan, the prospect of the opposition party winning extra seats looks even brighter, said the director of Open University Malaysia (OUM), Professor Dr Frank Kiong.
Meanwhile the opposition dream of capturing the Bidayuh seats in the April 16 state election will remain a dream as the voters support towards the opposition is eroding from day to day.
Dr Frank said initially the Bidayuh support toward PKR was strong but after one by one of the problems crops, the real colour of the opposition party was exposed and the Bidayuh are now confused especially voters in seats contested b

y SUPP candidates (Bengoh and Opar).
All the six Bidayuh seats will still go to Barisan Nasional (BN) although it was very obvious the Bidayuh are against SUPP,” said Dr Frank in an interview with Sarawak Mirror.
The six Bidayuh seats are Opar, Tasik Biru, Bengoh, Tarat, Tebedu and Kedup.
Dr Frank said that more Chinese seats will be taken away from SUPP by DAP in the coming election as the Chinese voters are no longer believing in SUPP.
“SUPP is going to survive because of the Dayak seats but the question asked now is what would the Chinese leaders do for the Dayak after the election or if they still want to survive in the next election,” Dr Frank said.
He believes SUPP will still get votes from the Dayak but not in the next election because by the next few years there will be more young registered Dayak voters and by then the Dayak voice will be heard.
Dr Frank who is also the president of the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA) said the young generation of the Bidayuh were more vocal following the many issues cropping and affecting the community.
In the Malay/Melanau seats, Dr Frank said PBB would be able to maintain all the seats because the leaders had brought a lot of development to the communities.
He said DAP will be quite domain party in the opposition front while PKR have to settle their internal disputes and really have to work as a team with consistent contact with the grass root supporters.
Dr Frank also said Baru Bian and Nicholas Bawin will not win the seats there going to contest but will be able to reduce the votes’ majority of the BN’s candidates in Ba’kalalan and Batang Ai respectively.
“This is because the older voters will again play the role as they are always staunch supporters of BN.
“That is already the attitude of the old people who always feel ‘berhutang budi” (indebted) to BN for bringing the development to their village and area,” he said.
According to Dr Frank the older voters always make comparison of the hard life during their younger days and the development taking place these days as well as the better living they are enjoying now.
For SNAP, Dr Frank said the opposition party really needs to clean its image.
“More professionals should be invited into the boat to get ready for the next election. Majority of the Dayak wants to revive the party but they wanted to see new and younger group of people leading the party,” he said.
Commenting of the failed attempt by the Opposition Front to compromise on seats allocation among them, Dr Frank said it was because of their ego.
“They all said they have winnable candidates and they have the fund but let see if the money are really coming,” he said.
Dr Frank if only the opposition parties could resolve the seat’s allocation and straight fights in all the 71 seats then it would be tough for BN and there would possibility the Opposition Front forming the next state government
He said there are two factions of professionals in the Dayak communities, with one group talking about reviving SNAP as party “asal” for the Dayak and the same group that did not agree to West Malaysian parties coming to rule the state.
The other group, he said wanted to use the West Malaysian parties as the mean to topple the present state government since SNAP is still not ready to play that role.
“This group wanted to revive, strengthening and prepare SNAP for the big way in the next election,” said Dr Frank.
Dr Frank said initially PKR’s candidate line-up were all professionals but now they are Tom, Dick and Harry.
He said PKR also has yet to reveal its manifesto, thething which the people of Sarawak are anxiously waiting.
On Bengoh seat, Dr Frank said BN’s Dr Jerip will still win as he believes the Opposition are split, and will further split with the inclusion of an Independent candidate joining the fray for a-four-corner fight.
With both SNAP and PKR placing their candidates in all the six Bidayuh seats to contest against BN’s candidates, Dr Frank believes the chances of the Opposition winning any one of the seats are as good as zero.
“With fours candidates expecting in the fray in Bengoh, it will be an advantage for Dr Jerip but if it is straight right with PKR’s Willie Mongin, PKR may win,” he added.
As for SNAP, he said the party should put a more creditable candidate, someone who can do changes and transformation if he won.
Dr Frank pointed out that in the Bidayuh area the people who are making the ‘huh ha’ are the young people or the x generation who themselves are not registered voters.
Thus, he suggested that effort should be made to encourage young Bidayuh to register themselves as voters.
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PKR names candidates, half are new faces

KUCHING: PKR has announced 48 candidates for the state election, over half of whom are new faces.
State PKR chief Baru Bian will contest in Ba’Kelalan, election director Nicholas Bawin in Batang Ai, information chief See Chee How in Batu Lintang and former state liaison chief Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi in Pantai Damai.
There are three women on the list - former state PKR Wanita chief Ibi Uding in Balai Ringin, Suriati Abdullah who will take on Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in Balingian and Zolhaidah Suboh in Lambir.
The new faces include former diplomat Datuk John Tenewi Nuek in Tasik Biru, medical doctor Christopher Kiyui in Tebedu and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president Mengga Mikui in Tamin.
However, the party’s sole incumbent Dominique Ng was not on the list. Ng won in Padungan in the 2006 state election but PKR swapped the seat for Batu Lintang with DAP in a surprise deal last week.
PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who announced the list on Monday said the candidates were of high calibre and upheld Pakatan Rakyat’s principles and ideals of justice.
He said the party’s national leadership did not make any decision on the candidates but merely endorsed the recommendations of the state leaders.
“They are the ones who know best the potential and abilities of each candidate for the constituencies we are contesting,” he said.
Azmin, who presented letters of authorisation to 24 of the candidates, also said there would be overlapping seats between PKR and SNAP except in Pakan and Marudi.
The party also did not name any candidate for Jemoreng.
“According to my list, only two constituencies will not be contested by PKR. These are Marudi and Pakan, which we will leave to SNAP in the spirit of Pakatan.
“We tried very hard to achieve a consensus with SNAP but unfortunately they insisted on contesting 27 Dayak-majority seats, leaving no options to PKR to be represented in those areas,” he said.
As such, he said PKR decided to name candidates all but two of the Dayak-majority seats claimed by SNAP based on the winnability factor.
“After studying SNAP’s candidates compared to ours, we feel our candidates can bring change and get the support of the people,” he added.
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LIST OF PKR CANDIDATES

N.1 Opar – Boniface Willy Tumek
N.2 Tasik Biru – John Tenewi Nuek @ John Tenewi
N.4 Pantai Damai – Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi
N. 5 Demak Laut – Ali Hossen Abang
N. 6 Tupong – Baharuddin @ Din Shah Mokhsen
N. 7 Semariang – Zulrusdi Mohamad Hol
N. 8 Satok – Ahmad Nazib Johari
N. 11 Batu Lintang – See Chee How
N. 14 Asajaya – Arip Ameran
N. 16 Bengoh – Willie Mongin
N. 17 Tarat – Peter Ato Mayau
N. 18 Tebedu – Dr Christopher Kiyui
N. 19 Kedup – Lainus Andrew Luwak
N. 21 Simunjan – Mashor Hossen
N. 23 Lingga – Abang Ahmad Arabi Abang Bolhassan
N. 25 Balai Ringin – Ibi Uding
N. 26 Bukit Begunan – Jimmy Lim @ Jimmy Donald
N. 28 Engkilili – Marudi @ Barudi Mawong
N. 29 Batang Ai – Nicholas Bawin Anggat
N. 30 Saribas – Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh
N. 31 Layar – Stanny Embat Pharoh Laja
N. 32 Bukit Saban – Jerah Engkiong @ Edward Jerah
N. 33 Kalaka – Mohd Yahya Abdullah
N. 34 Krian – Ali Biju
N. 35 Belawai – Abdul Wahab Abdullah
N. 36 Semop – Kiprawi Suhaili
N. 37 Daro – Jamaludin Ibrahim
N. 42 Meluan – John Brian Anthony Jeremy Guang
N. 43 Ngemah – Aris Alap
N. 44 Machan – Chen Nguk Fa
N. 49 Nangka – Norisham Mohamed Ali
N. 50 Dalat – Sylvester Ajah Subah @ Ajah Subah
N. 51 Balingian – Suriati Abdullah
N. 52 Tamin – Mengga Mikui
N. 53 Kakus – Paul Anyie Raja
N. 54 Pelagus – Edward Sumbang Asun
N. 55 Katibas – Munan Laja
N. 56 Baleh – Bendindang Manjah
N. 57 Belaga – Basah Kesing @ Ali Basah Kesing
N. 58 Jepak – Abdul Jalil Bujang
N. 60 Kemena – Bernard Binar Bayang Rading
N. 61 Bekenu – Ishak Mahwi
N. 62 Lambir – Zolhaidah Suboh
N. 65 Senadin – Michael Teo Yu Keng
N. 67 Telang Usan – Ngau Laing
N. 69 Batu Danau – Lau Liak Koi
N. 70 Ba’Kelalan – Baru Bian
N. 71 Bukit Sari – Japar Suyut
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"Stop gossiping about my private life"

The President of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) who is also Sarawak's Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan has been the target of certain quarters to spread rumours and gossips about his private life.
The gossips has been going on for the past few months in the run-up to the state election.
Dr Chan had said the “badmouthing” of him and his wife Datuk Lorna Chan must stop immediately.
“I did not know that people would use this (his marriage to Lorna) to spread rumours and gossips, especially in the Internet.
“We got married a few years ago. I kept quiet about it because it is a personal matter and out of respect for her (Lorna), my children and family members.
“I really hope people will not harp on this again,” he said.
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All Village headmen supporting Barisan Nasional candidate in Bengoh

ALL the 17 village headmen in the Krokong, Gumbang and Tringgus area in Bau district are strongly behind the government.
A community leader for the three areas, Penghulu Dihoi Ak. Nyawen said all the 17 ‘ketua kampung’ and all the Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members of the 17 villages had expressed their support to the government during their meeting with him and Temenggong Datuk Stephen Jussem recently.
“All the ketua kampungs and the JKKK members were told to give their fullest support to the BN and they all had agreed.
“It is crucial for the Bidayuh in the Bengoh state constituency to support and vote for BN because if we support the opposition we will be suffering for another five years without development from the government,” he said.
He said the voters in the rural area shouldn’t follow the voting trend in the town constituencies.

“We are thirsty for development so we cannot follow the voting trend in the towns. We are still far being left behind. We got to be one for BN. “We should support whoever the candidate as long as he is from the Barisan National,” he added.
Touching on the development in the area, Dihoi said the 10km road from Krokong up to Tringgus is now being tar-seal.
“The water supply from Kampung Serumbu up to Kampung Buak is also under implementation and is expected to be completed by next year,” he said.
Another project in progress is the electricity supply to Kampung Gumbang and Tringgus where the wiring has been completed except waiting for the installation of the meter.
The total population there is more than 9,000 people with more than 4,000 voters.
He reminded the young voters in the area to also support BN’s candidate in the constituency.
“They should think of the future of the community and not to be easily influenced by the sweet and empty promises from the opposition,” he reminded.
The area falls under the Bengoh constituency of which Dr Jerip Susil is the incumbent State Assemblyman.
Dr Jerip will be challenged by at least two opponents in the coming election, namely his former personal assistant Richard Peter from Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and his nephew Willie Monggin of PKR.
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SNAP candidates are ready for nomination

SARAWAK National Party (SNAP) said that its 27 candidates are now ready for nomination day on April 6, 2011.
SNAP expresses its regret that till today, 3 days before nomination day, PKR has not commenced negotiations with them on overlapping seats which they may or may not have with the seats for which they had had announced their intention to run.
“PKR has been given our total list with names of candidates and constituencies.
Till today, we have not received their list which makes it impossible for any negotiations to be pursued,” said SNAP’s president Edwin Dudang yesterday.
In the absence of the above, he said SNAP believes that PKR either do not have any overlapping seats with SNAP or they have decided that they do not want to negotiate the matter in order for an opposition electoral pact to be a reality.
“We have been promised that PKR would have announced their decision on Thursday, March 31st.
“However, they had postponed it to Monday, April 4th. SNAP finds it difficult on a last minute basis to accommodate any administrative and logistical changes,” he adeed.
Edwin said SNAP has stayed away from the Malay/Melanau and Chinese-majority constituencies out of their serious intent for an electoral pact, even though their members have expressed a desire to contest in these areas.
He said SNAP do not have any problem with DAP and PAS and will urge voters, in constituencies we do not contest, to give their full support to these two opposition parties.
Edwin said it was sad that an opposition electoral pact, something of utmost importance, is treated in a lackadaisical manner by PKR.
“It is becoming apparent that PKR does not want an electoral pact with SNAP at all.
Nevertheless, SNAP is still hopeful in spite of the stated difficulties, that PKR and SNAP will find an amicable accommodation.
God bless the people of Sarawak,”he concluded.
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Penganalisis percaya kerusi Biadyuh gugur ke tangan pembangkang

RAMALAN yang sebahagian kerusi Bidayuh akan gugur ke tangan pembangkang pada pilihan raya negeri 16 April ini mustahil akan menjadi kenyataan.
Itu pendapat penyandang kerusi di kawasan Bidayuh dan penyokong Barisan Nasional (BN), tapi bagi penganalisis politik mereka percaya ‘tsunami kecil’ akan melanda kawasan Bidayuh pada pilihan raya kali ini.
Penganalisis politik Profesor James Chin, misalnya cukup berani menyatakan bahawa undi kaum Bidayuh akan beralih hala dan berpihak kepada parti pembangkang pada pilihan raya akan datang.
Beliau meramalkan separuh daripada kerusi Bidayuh akan ditawan pembangkang.
Enam kerusi Bidayuh ialah Opar, Kedup, Tebedu, Tarat, Bengoh dan Tasik Biru.
Dua kerusi yang dikatakan mungkin jatuh ke tangan pembangkang ialah Kedup dan Bengoh.
Sementara itu, pensyarah kanan sains politik di Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Dr Ahi Sarok berpendapat BN masih boleh memenangi kesemua enam kerusi berkenaan tapi dengan majoriti undi yang menurun.
Katanya, terlalu banyak isu yang boleh diekploitasi pembangkang untuk menimbulkan rasa benci rakyat terhadap kerajaan seperti isu pengambilan Tanah Hak Adat Bumiputera (NCR), masalah kelewatan perlaksanaan kemudahan asas untuk rakyat seperti projek bekalan air dan elektrik serta kemudahan jalan raya.
Beliau berkata, isu pembayaran pampasan tanah NCR dan tanaman yang tidak setimpal dengan harga pasaran juga akan menjadi bahan berkempen pembangkang.
Namun bagi penyandang kerusi Tebedu Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, beliau cukup berkeyakinan masyarakat Bidayuh kuat di belakang BN dan BN boleh mengekalkan kesemua enam kerusi berkenaan.
“Kita (BN) akan mengekalkan keenam-enam kerusi berkenaan walaupun saya mengaku bahawa masih ada isu dan masalah di kalangan masyarakat Bidayuh yang belum diselesaikan,” kata Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Komunikasi itu.
Penyandang kerusi Bengoh Dr Jerip Susil pula berkata kadang kala ramalan penganalisis politik tidak menggambarkan keadaan sebenar di peringkat akar umbi.
Katanya, kadang-kadang penilaian mereka adalah berdarkan apa yang didengar tapi mereka tidak tahu apa yang sebenarnya berlaku di peringkat akar umbi.
“Memang benar masih ada isu yang belum diselesaikan tapi ia tidak cukup untuk mengalihkan undi masyarakat Bidayuh untuk berpihak kepada pembangkang,” katanya.
Dr Jerip mengaku bahawa di kawasannya sendiri (Bengoh) isu seperti penempatan semula penduduk berikutan perlaksanaan Empangan Bengoh dan kegiatan pembalakan haram telah menimbulkan rasa tidak puas hati di kalangan penduduk tapi berjanji ia akan diselesaikan dalam sedikit masa lagi.
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