adil's Blog

Mesyuarat DUN Sarawak 27 Julai 2006
Date: Jul 30th, 2006 10:02:12 am - Subscribe
Mood: captivated


PEMASYHURAN DARIPADA TUAN SPEAKER

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, I wish to make the following announcements.

First, pursuant to Standing Order 69(2)(b), the Standing Orders and Selection Committee has nominated the Chairman and Members of the following Sessional Select Committee:

The Public Accounts Committee, the Members are:

Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian anak Nguse;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah;
Y.B. Encik Gabriel Adit anak Demong;
Y.B. Encik Chiew Chiu Sing;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi;
Y.B. Dr. Jerip anak Susil;
Y.B. Dr. Haji Wahbi bin Haji Junaidi as Chairman of the Committee.

The House Committee, the Members are:

Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam;
Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg;
Y.B. Datuk Michael Manyin anak Jawong;
Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud bin Abdul Rahman;
Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie;
Y.B. Encik John Sikie Tayai;
Pursuant to Standing Order 71, I as Speaker shall be the Chairman of the House Committee.

The Public Petitions Committee, the Members are:

Y.B. Datuk Gramong Juna;
Y.B. Encik Larry Sng Wei Shien;
Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri Muran;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah;
Y.B. Encik Frederick Bayoi anak Manggie;
Y.B. Encik Tan Joo Phoi;
Pursuant to Standing Order 72, I being the Speaker shall be the Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee.

The Committee of Privileges, the members are:

Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang;
Y.B. Dato Sri Dr. James Jemut anak Masing;
Y.B. Datuk William Mawan anak Ikom;
Y.B. Datuk Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan;
Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin;
Y.B. Encik Roland Sagah Wee Inn;
Pursuant to Standing Order 73, I being the Speaker shall be the Chairman of the Committee of Privileges.

Secondly, pursuant to Standing Order 71, I being the Chairman of the House Committee, in the exercise of power under the said Standing Order, appoint the following Members as members of the Dewan Undangan Negeri Events Committee:

Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Abdullah;
Y.B. Encik Larry Sng Wei Shien;
Y.B. Encik Lihan Jok;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Hamden bin Haji Ahmad;
Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian anak Nguse;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi;
Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina;
Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Junaidi;
Y.B. Dr. Haji Wahbi bin Haji Junaidi;
Y.B. Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom;
Y.B. Dr. Jerip anak Susil;
Y.B. Encik Awang Bemee bin Awang Ali Basah;
Y.B. Encik Abu Seman bin Jahwie;
Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohamad Naroden bin Haji Majais shall be the Chairman of the Committee. This Committee shall assist the House Committee in the planning, organizing, managing and monitoring any event or matter relating to an incidental to the comfort and inconvenience of the services, amenities and facilities to the Members of the Dewan.

Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, with reference to my communication on the 25th day of July 2006 to this august House about the breach of Section 7 of the Dewan Undangan Negeri Privileges, Immunities and Powers Ordinance, 1963, by the Honourable Member for Padungan, following a complaint by the Honourable Member for Layar, the Chair had received the written explanation from the Honourable Member for Padungan.

In his written explanation of 26th July, 2006, the Honourable Member for Padungan said that he did “invite” the Honourable Member for Layar to accept service of court document or process from his staff in the Dewan or within its precinct. This means that there was clear intention on the part of the Honourable Member for Padungan to serve on the Honourable Member for Layar court documents relating to an election petition matter. The chair concludes that on the basis of what is stated in the letter from the Honourable Member for Padungan, there has been a breach of Section 7 of the said Ordinance.

The Honourable Member for Padungan said in his letter if what he did on 24th July, 2006 was wrong, he would apologize to the House and to the Honourable Member for Layar. To uphold the provisions of the said Ordinance and the immunities and privileges conferred therein the chair feels that an apology must be unqualified to be accepted by this Dewan. Before the chair calls upon the Honourable Member for Padungan, if he would be prepared to give an unqualified apology following my earlier findings that he breached Section 7 of the said Ordinance, as the Member concerned wants to apologize also to the Honourable Member for Layar, I now ask the Honourable Member for Layar whether he wishes to say anything first. The Dewan secretariat had already given the Honourable Member for Layar a copy of the letter dated 26th July, 2006 from the Honourable Member for Padungan.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to thank the staff of this Dewan for giving me in advance a copy of letter sent to you, Tuan Speaker, by the Honourable Member for Padungan. There are two matters mentioned in the letter that I need to clarify.

(a) I did not evade service of the Election Petition. I just wanted the service thereof to be done in accordance with the relevant rules governing service of such petition and not to infringe the privilege granted by Section 7 of Dewan Undangan Negeri Privileges, Immunities and Powers Ordinance.

(b) What is stated in the Honourable Member for Padungan’s letter about the incident is not correct. My own letter on 25th July, sets out correctly what happened and I would like, I want with the permission Tuan Speaker, to put the record straight by telling this Dewan what actually happened on the afternoon of the 24th July, 2006, the very same day of the official opening of Dewan sitting.

As I entered the corridor of the Dewan, just near the general desk at the Dewan lobby on the afternoon of 24th July, 2006 and about just before 2:30, on my way to perform my official duty as duly elected Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar and also to perform my duty in my capacity as Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak and Minister for Infrastructure and Communication and Minister for Rural Development, I was confronted by two gentlemen standing a few feet, standing close to one another, a few feet, I did not measure length exactly, and Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan was at the back and this gentleman whom I did not recognize but he was wearing a tie and said that, as I entered and he approached me, his words said we, he said we not I, “we want to give you election petition for you to receive.” That was their word “we” and I said I told this is my word “you know, any good lawyer will know the procedure for serving election petition.” That was my word.

So, and not wanting to be late for the Dewan session, I entered this very Dewan, Tuan Speaker and at that time, everybody was ready including the Right Honourable Member for Balingian who is our beloved Chief Minister and Ahli Yang Berhormat for Piasau was already ready in his seat who is the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Minister for Industrial Development. So as I took my seat, the very seat here, and I sat down and Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan entered that door and go straight to this very chamber here.

And he said, “Simple that you just receive, don’t be afraid, I said, “what is that to be afraid”, so he chased me to this Dewan asking me to receive the petition. So through that, Tuan Speaker, I initiated the letter which I sent to your goodself and delivered over to Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, that is on the 25th the next day. So, his version in the explanation is not correct. I stand by my word, Tuan Speaker, I have been elected for so many times into this Dewan and I have always observed the decorum. I never tell lie here. If that is the testimony, as for my record, against the testimony, against what we have heard yesterday, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan said he wants to withdraw from the federation when being asked if he wants to withdraw from the federation of applied, of electrical appliances in order to get Petronas to give us money. Well, when you compare the type of credibility with me, I don’t know, I don’t want to argue because this is not a street, this is a respectable Dewan, Tuan Speaker. So, with that I want unqualified apology not if, Tuan Speaker, because his letter said if inviting the Honourable Yang Berhormat outside the Dewan Undangan Negeri Chambers, he did not invite outside, well, he came here if this is outside in his term of the words, well, get the Honourable Members to interpret him, well, if, I read if inviting the Honourable Yang Berhormat outside the Dewan Chambers to accept a properly issued petition is wrong, then I wish to humbly extend my sincerely apologies and I, therefore, do not, and I hereby do so both to the Chambers and to the Honourable Yang Berhormat for Layar, there was certainly no intention on either me or my staff’s part to infringe any laws pertaining to the Dewan, but the word used by them including Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan when he was in the corridor, the word said by the person in front, he said, we, we is a plural not I. So, when after that he come over here, he is part of the word we, implied.

So, that is the position, Tuan Speaker, I leave it to our good discretion, your good discretion, Tuan Speaker because I feel this Dewan, the sanctity of this Dewan need to be properly protected by everybody. This is my explanation, Tuan Speaker and, however since the Honourable Member for Padungan, if he wants to apologize, I am willing to accept since he is new to the Dewan provided he give the word is unqualified and unequivocal as well as sincere apology. There is nothing wrong with it if we are gentlemen. Lastly, I believe the Honourable Member for Padungan had also wanted to effect service of court document on the Honourable Member for Krian who had complained to me about it. Hence, the Honourable Member for Padungan should also apologize to the Honourable Member for Krian and I am not speaking for Honourable Member for Krian except I have got to draw the attention to this respectable Dewan that this is the situation and I believe Ahli Yang Berhormat for Krian is here, let him say his speechlah. Thank you very much.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Krian.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie: I confirm what the Honourable Member for Layar had said to the Dewan.

Tuan Speaker: The Honourable Member for Padungan is not here this morning. Let me hear his response whether he is prepared to offer an unqualified, unequivocal, sincere apology. Right.

PERTANYAAN-PERTANYAAN BAGI JAWAPAN LISAN

PEMBINAAN JALAN PERSISIRAN

(106) Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi bertanya kepada Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan: Berapakah jumlah kos yang telah, sedang dan akan digunakan untuk pembinaan jalan persisiran dan jalan raya luar bagi:

(a) Seluruh Negeri Sarawak; dan
(b) Kawasan Sebuyau.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Tuan Speaker, sebelum saya bertanya, saya ingin membuat sedikit pembetulan. Soalan saya sepatutnya berbunyi begini: Berapakah jumlah kos yang telah, sedang dan akan digunakan untuk pembinaan jalan persisiran dan jalan raya luar bandar, perkataan bandar tertinggal di situ. Soalan 106.

Menteri Muda Teknologi Maklumat dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Bolhassan bin Di): Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker, saya ingin memaklumkan Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Sebuyau bahawa:

(a) Under category jalan persisiran pantai, projek pembinaan jalan persisiran pantai telah dilaksanakan dalam tempoh Rancangan Malaysia Ketujuh dan Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan dan akan diteruskan perlaksanaan dalam tempoh Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan. Projek ini telah dibiayai dengan peruntukan Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Kerajaan Negeri. Jumlah kos perlaksanaan jalan persisiran pantai di seluruh Negeri Sarawak dalam tempoh Rancangan Malaysia Ketujuh dan Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan ialah sejumlah RM1,403,649,064 di mana pembiayaannya daripada Kerajaan Persekutuan sejumlah RM1,082,104,173 dan daripada Kerajaan Negeri sejumlah RM321,544,891. Sebahagian projek telah dilaksanakan di kawasan Sebuyau dan kos perlaksanaan sejumlah RM66,960,706. Kerajaan merancang untuk meneruskan projek ini kerana ia sebagai pemangkin kepada aktiviti kehidupan masyarakat di luar bandar yang tertumpu di kawasan persisiran pantai. Peruntukan sejumlah RM584,000.00 telah dilulus oleh Kerajaan Persekutuan manakala peruntukan sejumlah RM142,700,000 telah dikemukakan untuk kelulusan Kerajaan Negeri. Kajian masih dibuat mengenalpasti laluan feri untuk melintasi Batang Lupar dan penyiapan jalan yang menghubungi jambatan Sungai Sebuyau dan jalan ke Sebangan.

(b) Jalan luar bandar. Projek pembinaan jalan luar bandar telah dilaksanakan sejak Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan dan kerajaan bercadang untuk meneruskan projek ini dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan. Projek ini telah dibiayai oleh Kementerian Luar Bandar dan Wilayah Malaysia melalui agensi perlaksanaan iaitu Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak dan Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Sarawak (DID). Jabatan Kerja Raya telah melaksanakan projek ini di Negeri Sarawak dan kos projek sejumlah RM115,185,000.00 bagi 20 buah jalan. Sebanyak 13 buah jalan tersebut telah siap, tiga buah jalan masih di peringkat perlaksanaan manakala empat buah jalan telah dicadangkan semula dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan untuk pertimbangan Kerajaan Persekutuan. Setakat ini tiada pembinaan jalan luar bandar dilaksanakan oleh Jabatan Kerja Raya di daerah Sebuyau. Bermakna boleh jadi dah siap semua. Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Sarawak juga telah melaksanakan empat buah jalan luar bandar yang berjumlah RM22.01 juta dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan. Sebanyak 13 buah jalan luar bandar telah diluluskan untuk perlaksanaan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan dengan peruntukan sejumlah RM202.34 juta. Sebanyak enam buah jalan luar bandar berada di peringkat reka bentuk dan penyediaan tender manakala tujuh buah projek jalan luar bandar masih di peringkat perancangan. Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran telah melaksanakan satu projek iaitu Jalan Tongkah/Melayu/Kampung Tongkah Dayak, Arus Melayu di Sebangan dengan kos berjumlah RM6.8 juta dan telah siap pada 21 November 2005.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: (supplementary question) Memandangkan kemudahan feri di Sungai Buluh yang menyeberangi ke Kampung Seruyu di kawasan Sebuyau adalah sebahagian daripada jalan persisiran, saya ingin tahu boleh tak kemudahan feri tersebut dipercepatkan operasinya?

Menteri Muda Teknologi Maklumat dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Bolhassan bin Haji Di): Terima kasih, at the moment the ferry is still under test of commissioning and should, there will be no big improvement necessary to make it fit for public service, we hope that the ferry can be put into service by the end of the year.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kakus.

Y.B. Encik John Sikie Tayai: Tuan Speaker, berapa peratuskah jalan persisiran pantai yang belum siap?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, kalau bertanya berapa peratus mungkin agak sukar bagi kita untuk memberi angka oleh kerana apa yang kita buat sekarang untuk memastikan linkage sepanjang jalan persisiran pantai itu dapat siap dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan yang mana the critical linkages is between Kuala Tatau stretch to Kuala Balingian, a distance of about, slightly less than 39 km for which I am very thankful to the Federal Government that this critical stretch has been included in the Ninth Malaysia Plan for which I believe when this is linked you can say that the whole stretch from Northern Sarawak right over to Sematan through the coastal area will be usable. So, we can say that is the progress that will be achieved when the Kuala Tatau/Kuala Balingian stretch is completed. Some areas still use ferries, some areas depend on how much the fund allocated by the Federal Government, some areas will have bridges also, but anyway whether it is bridge or ferry for as long as that new stretch of road, the coastal linkages can be achieved it will be, it will be very useful for the opening of new areas along the coastal to provide uninterrupted communication and also to open up land development and to give transport facilities, and road linkages, transport linkages over to various kampung, longhouses, shops and various centers including rural growth centers. Thank you.

SHORTAGE OF SUGAR

(107) Y.B. Encik Tan Joo Phoi to ask the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Industrial Development: What actions are taken to prevent the shortage of sugar in some part of Sarawak?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Tuan Speaker, saya akan menjawab soalan daripada Yang Berhormat bagi Batu Kawa sekaligus dengan soalan Yang Berhormat bagi Tarat (132).

Tuan Speaker: Seratus….?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): 132.

Tuan Speaker: 132.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Dan Yang Berhormat bagi Tasik Biru (13 sebab soalan-soalan mereka ini lebih kurang sama.

Tuan Speaker: 132 dan seratus….?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): 138

Tuan Speaker: 138, Okay

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): One three eight.

Tuan Speaker: Okay.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Untuk makluman Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Batu Kawah, Tarat dan Tasik Biru, punca masalah utama kekurangan gula adalah seperti berikut:

(1) Dari analisa awal yang dibuat, menunjukkan bahawa salah satu punca kekurangan adalah disebabkan pembelian berlebihan oleh industri dari pemborong-pemborong di kawasan-kawasan tertentu. Industri yang membuat produk-produk untuk dieksport sepatutnya membeli dengan kadar eksport tetapi membeli dari pasaran dengan harga domestik untuk mengaut keuntungan. Permintaan tinggi disebabkan oleh harga gula di negara ini lebih rendah berbanding dengan negara-negara luar dan ini menggalakkan aktiviti perniagaan gula yang menyalahi undang-undang.

(2) Selain daripada itu, publisiti yang meluas oleh media massa mengenai kekurangan gula di pasaran telah menyebabkan berlaku pembelian panik (panic buying) oleh pengguna hingga bekalan tambahan yang diedarkan telah kehabisan dalam tempoh yang singkat.

(3) Peniaga yang tidak bertanggungjawab mengambil kesempatan untuk menyorok gula bagi tujuan untuk memperoleh keuntungan apabila harga gula naik atau semasa kekurangan gula. Mereka boleh menjual dengan harga pasaran gelap. Penyorokan gula oleh peniaga yang tidak bertanggungjawab ini turut menyumbang penyusutan bekalan gula di pasaran domestik.

(4) Pembocoran berlaku di kawasan-kawasan sempadan terutama di sempadan Thailand dan Indonesia di mana gula telah diseludupkan keluar. Langkah-langkah untuk memastikan bekalan gula yang mencukupi, konsisten dan berterusan, adalah seperti berikut:

(i) Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna telah mengadakan perbincangan dengan pengeluar-pengeluar gula dan Persatuan-Persatuan Perniagaan di peringkat Yang Berhormat Menteri dan pegawai bagi mendapatkan kerjasama untuk menangani isu kekurangan gula. Kementerian juga mengadakan majlis taklimat kepada pihak-pihak berkuasa negeri dan agensi-agensi kerajaan bagi menjelaskan masalah bekalan dan mendapat bantuan pihak berkenaan mengenai langkah-langkah yang diambil untuk menanganinya.

(ii) Kementerian telah mengeluarkan agar arahan segera supaya bekalan gula disalurkan kepada pemborong-pemborong di tempat-tempat yang menghadapi kekurangan. Pengeluar-pengeluar juga diminta memberi kerjasama membekalkan gula dalam tempoh yang ditetapkan dan mengambil langkah supaya bekalan tidak terputus.

(iii) Bagi memastikan bekalan gula kepada sektor domestik tidak terjejas, pihak industri yang menggunakan gula sebagai bahan asas dalam pengeluaran produk mereka dikehendaki mendapatkan bekalan terus dari pengilang atau melalui pemborong-pemborong yang dilantik.

(iv) Kementerian akan mengkaji struktur pengagihan gula di peringkat pemborong dan peruncit dengan menghadkan bilangan pemborong dan juga kuantiti had simpanan mereka.

(v) Sebagai langkah kawalselia yang lebih efektif, Kementerian bercadang mengeluarkan semula lesen perniagaan barang kawalan berjadual kepada peniaga-peniaga runcit gula. Peniaga-peniaga runcit gula telah dilesenkan sehingga ia diberhentikan pada tahun 1991.

(vi) Tindakan penguatkuasaaan bagi menangani isu kekurangan gula adalah seperti berikut:

(a) Bagi memastikan tidak berlaku penyelewengan dalam pengedaran gula pegawai-pegawai Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna telah mengawasi pergerakan pengedaran bekalan gula dari kilang kepada pemborong dan seterusnya kepada peruncit. Kementerian telah melantik beberapa pemborong yang bertindak sebagai ejen khas untuk menjual gula. Di kawasan-kawasan yang tidak mempunyai pemborong, peruncit dilantik untuk bertindak sebagai ejen khas.

(b) Pemeriksaan menyeluruh gula dijalankan pada setiap peringkat perniagaan pengedar, pemborong, peruncit dan pengguna industri untuk memastikan tidak berlaku perbuatan menyorok gula untuk aktiviti-aktiviti lain yang menyalahi Akta Kawalan Bekalan, 1991.

(c) Tindakan terhadap aktiviti penyeludupan dilakukan secara bersepadu di mana Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna bekerjasama dengan agensi-agensi penguatkuasaan yang lain terutamanya di kawasan sempadan. Bagi tujuan ini, anggota Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna ditempatkan di beberapa check-point di seluruh sempadan Malaysia/Thailand dan sempadan Malaysia/Indonesia untuk mendapat kerjasama daripada Kastam Diraja Malaysia.

(d) Penguatkuasaan oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna mengenai isu kekurangan bekalan gula telah berjaya mengesan sebanyak 81 kes di bawah Akta Kawalan Bekalan, 1991 di seluruh negara yang melibatkan peruncit dan juga orang perseorangan.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Batu Kawah.

Y.B. Encik Tan Joo Phoi: (Soalan tambahan) Tuan Speaker, according to my observation, it is due to the high price of sugar in Kalimantan Barat. The traders from the other side of the border are coming to Sarawak to purchase sugar in large quantities. This result in the shortage of sugar. So is there any means taken by the government to eliminate this malpractice? Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: You have to rephrase it.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Memang pihak Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna ada membuat kawalan-kawalan yang tertentu kepada pihak-pihak peruncit misalnya, baru-baru ini berlaku permintaan berlebihan di Bau. Oleh kerana permintaan berlebihan ini adalah lebih daripada apa keperluan biasa di Bau, maka pihak Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri telah menghadkan penjualan gula di Bau supaya untuk keperluan-keperluan untuk mereka di Bau sahaja. Jadi pihak Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna memang memantau dari masa ke semasa. Jika didapati there is a sudden surge of increase in the amount of sugar bought by each particular peruncit, then we will take some action to stop the supply of sugar to that particular peruncit.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kota Sentosa.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: (Soalan tambahan) The shortage of sugar problem has been going on for quite some time and I agree with Yang Berhormat for Batu Kawah about the smuggling out of the sugar to our neighbouring country. So far has there been any smugglers being arrested or convicted in court in respect of the smuggling of sugar out of the country.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): So far we don’t have any smugglers being caught but Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri is monitoring on this. So far we have not caught any smugglers and we found out in Sarawak the amount of sugar smugglers according to Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, the quantum of smugglers is not that big and the shortage of sugar in Sarawak now is under control and then the officers from Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri are monitoring the situation daily in each particular Division and they are going to every peruncit everyday every Division and they are monitoring from pemborong to peruncit the quantities, how much the quantity being sold to the peruncit and they monitor the peruncit from place to place and we know the actual amount used per year, the average amount daily. And if they seem to be ordering more, then we start to cut the supply from them and this has been done daily by the officers of Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna and I can see that the situation in Sarawak now is under control.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Batu Lintang.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: (Soalan tambahan) Yang Berhormat Minister, despite of the action taken, why is there still shortage of sugar in Sarawak?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): As far as I can see and I was informed by Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, there was slight shortage before and as it is today there is no shortage. What was happening before was there was panic buying as what I mentioned to you, was panic buying by the people. In fact there is no shortage of sugar in Sarawak. The only problem is in the Klang Valley areas. Therefore, to say that there is a shortage of sugar in Sarawak is not really true. There may be some disruption of supply but actual shortage is not happening in Sarawak and if there is any particular problem or shortage in each particular area and if the officers from Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri find out the shortage in that particular area, we will supply the sugar immediately. And from the information we have, for instance, like now the usage for Kuching, for instance, keperluan bulanan in Kuching is only 2,500 tonnes and we have from January we supply 6,000 tonnes, in February 4,000 tonnes, in March 3,000 tonnes. Therefore, we are supplying more than the average amount used by the people in Kuching. Therefore, I think the shortage is not real.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Asajaya. Sesudah itu Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Sebuyau.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: (Soalan Tambahan) Terima kasih Tuan Speaker. Saya amat bersetuju dengan apa yang telah dikatakan oleh Menteri bahawa shortage di Sarawak adalah tidak benar jadi kalau tidak ada kekurangan gula ataupun shortage di Sarawak adalah tidak benar, kenapakah amat susah sekali untuk mendapat gula di kedai-kedai? Dan di sinilah saya rasa apakah tindakan pihak Kementerian Perdagangan untuk menangani masalah ini? Kalau tidak ada shortage, bererti gula ada di kedai, tetapi apabila kedai tidak menjual gula, bererti ada orang yang menyorok gula. Di manakah tindakan-tindakan yang telah, berapa banyakkah tindakan yang telah diambil, berapa banyak kes hoarders yang telah dibawa, ditangkap, hoarders of gula yang telah ditangkap supaya masalah ini dapat ditangani.

Satu lagi soalan saya, penggunaan berlebihan gula ini adalah satu perkara yang tidak baik. Jadi apakah tindakan Kerajaan Negeri terutama sekali Kementerian Kesihatankah, untuk memberi penerangan kepada rakyat terutama sekali rakyat Sarawak supaya mengurangkan penggunaan gula, apakah tindakan-tindakan yang telah dibuat supaya mengurangkan penggunaan gula supaya kita tidak begitu…(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Yang Berhormat, apa soalannya? Jangan memberi hujah.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Soalan tambahan daripada Yang Berhormat bagi Asajaya, apakah tindakan-tindakan yang diambil oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, kita sentiasa memantau seperti apa yang saya katakan tadi tentang peruncit-peruncit. Pemantauan dibuat secara harian, misalnya pada dua hari yang lepas, pihak Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri pergi ke 43 peruncit untuk melihat sama ada gula adakah tidak ada tersebut. Jika didapati peruncit-peruncit tersebut ada menyorok gula dan tidak ada pemborong tidak mempunyai rekod, kita akan membawa mereka, mengambil tindakan undang-undang. Setakat ini, lima pemborong telah diambil tindakan kerana they don’t keep their record properly. Tetapi setakat ini saya diberitahu tidak ada masalah tentang gula di Negeri Sarawak. Jadi, jika Yang Berhormat bagi Asajaya menghadapi masalah gula di kawasan Yang Berhormat, bolehlah beritahu dengan saya, kita boleh tolong supply di kawasan-kawasan tersebut.

Tuan Speaker: Soalan tambahan terakhir daripada Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Sebuyau.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: (Soalan tambahan) Tuan Speaker, boleh tak saya tahu berapakah jumlah ataupun bilangan pemborong yang terdapat di Negeri Sarawak? Dan siapakah pemborong-pemborong tersebut? Ada tak senarai yang terdapat di pihak Kementerian? Itu yang pertama. Kedua, berapakah jumlah yang boleh diedar dan dibeli oleh pemborong, berapakah jumlah minimum yang boleh dibeli dan diedar oleh pemborong dan jumlah minimum yang boleh dibeli oleh setiap pengguna?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Jumlah pemborong-pemborong di Negeri Sarawak ini banyak kalau saya nak bacakan banyak. Misalnya di Kuching. Kita ada Lian Hua Sendirian Berhad, yang selalu mengambil 500 tan sebulan. Jadi kita ada Kim Chuan An Sendirian Berhad dari Kuching dan kita ada pemborong-pemborong di seluruh Negeri Sarawak. Kuching, kita ada lima. Mereka mengambil terus daripada pengilang-pengilang, misalnya Lian Hua Seng Sendirian Berhad terus mengambil daripada pengilang serta Sugar Sendirian Berhad, Kim Chuan An Sendirian Berhad mengambil sugar daripada Malayan Sugar Manufacturing Sendirian Berhad, Lee Chuan Hong mengambil terus daripada Malayan Sugar Manufacturing Sendirian Berhad, Lian Liat Sdn Bhd, mengambil gula terus daripada pengilang Kuda Padang Terap Sendirian Berhad, Joe Supplier Sendirian Berhad, jadi mereka ada pengilang-pengilang mereka dan ada kuantiti-kuantiti. Dan kalau hendak di seluruh Sarawak, mungkin sampai pukul 10:30 baru habis. (Laughter) Jadi cukuplah ini. Dan kita tidak menghadkan pembeli-pembeli runcit untuk membeli gula, tidak ada had, there is no limit if you want to buy but I think don’t waste so much money to buy the sugar. We can assure you we have enough stock.

PENGGANTIAN JAMBATAN KAYU

(10 Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina bertanya kepada Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan. Mengapa kerja pembinaan penggantian lima buah jambatan kayu kepada jambatan konkrit di sepanjang jalan Jalan Biawak mengambil masa yang terlalu lama untuk disempurnakan?

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y. B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Tuan Speaker, saya ingin memaklumkan Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Opar bahawa pembinaan lima buah jambatan di sepanjang Jalan Biawak telah dirancang dengan jadual pembinaan tamat tempoh kontraknya pada 14 Oktober 2007. Setakat ini tiga buah jambatan telah siap dibina manakala dua buah jambatan yang lain yang masih dalam pembinaan. Ini bererti tempoh pembinaan lima buah jambatan masih belum tamat.

Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina: (Soalan Tambahan) Soalan tambahan. Apakah tahap atau peratusan yang sudah siap?

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y. B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Tuan Speaker, untuk menjawab soalan tambahan tadi, pada keseluruhannya tahap peratusan siapnya ialah 90%.

YB Encik Ranum anak Mina: (Soalan Tambahan) Satu lagi soalan tambahan.

Tuan Speaker: Dua saja.

YB Encik Ranum anak Mina: (Soalan Tambahan) Tuan Speaker, berapakah kos keseluruhan pembinaan kelima-lima buah jambatan tersebut?
Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (YB Encik Lee Kim Shin): Tuan Speaker, untuk pembinaan lima buah jambatan, kos pada keseluruhannya ialah sejumlah RM5, 146,020.00.

PEMBINAAN PADANG BOLA SEPAK

(109) YB Encik Abdul Wahab bin Aziz bertanya kepada Menteri Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi: Apakah perkembangan selanjutnya pada masa kini tentang cadangan membina padang bola sepak untuk orang awam mahupun pusat rekreasi bagi Pekan Kabong dan Roban?

Menteri Muda Pertanian dan Menteri Muda Sukan (YB Encik Dublin Unting anak Ingkot): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kalaka, cadangan bagi membina Kompleks Sukan Mini peringkat Daerah Kecil Kabong dan Roban telah dikemukakan untuk dipertimbangkan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan. Sekiranya cadangan projek ini diluluskan, perlaksanaan akan dimulakan dalam tempoh Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan. Komponen projek-projek termasuklah sebuah padang bolasepak, trek larian dan trek lompat jauh, grandstand yang boleh memuatkan 100 penonton dan sebuah Dewan Sukan yang boleh memuatkan 500 orang.

Y.B. Encik Abdul Wahab bin Aziz: (Soalan tambahan) Soalan tambahan, sudahkah tanah untuk “site” projek-projek tersebut diambil alih oleh Kerajaan?

Menteri Muda Pertanian dan Menteri Muda Sukan (YB Encik Dublin Unting anak Ingkot): Tapak tanah yang dirancangkan untuk membina padang bolasepak dan grandstand ini atau Dewan belum lagi dikenalpasti dan sekiranya projek ini dilaksanakan ianya akan dianggarkan menelan belanja sebanyak RM2 juta.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Narawi: (Soalan tambahan): Soalan Tambahan.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Sebuyau.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Narawi: Boleh saya tahu dari Yang Berhormat Menteri, berapa sebenarnya kos untuk membina sebuah padang bolasepak?

Tuan Speaker: Soalannya di Pekan Kabong dan Roban? Berapa kos? (Laughter) Bukan di Sebuyau, ya? Di Roban.

Menteri Muda Pertanian dan Menteri Muda Sukan (YB Encik Dublin Unting anak Ingkot): Kos untuk membina padang sukan ini termasuk dalam kos pembinaan RM2 juta tadi dan saya tidak pasti berapakah kos sebenarnya untuk membina satu padang bolasepak. Kalau nak tahu tentang ini, boleh berhubung dengan Kementerian saya.

CONSTRUCTION OF BATANG SETERAP BRIDGE

(110) YB Encik Snowdan Lawan asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications: There is apparent need to construct a bridge over the Batang Seterap river to improve accessibility to Pantu Bazaar by the people from the longhouse that are situated along the other side of the river and vice versa. Is there allocation under the Rancangan Malaysia Ke Sembilan to construct a bridge over the Batang Seterap?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Balai Ringin that the site for the proposed bridge has been identified at the end of Pantu access road next to the reinforced concrete landing jetty. The proposed bridge will serve as a link for 23 longhouses and four primary schools with approximately 3,000 people dwelling at the opposite bank of Batang Seterap to Pantu Bazaar. The project is to construct a 3 span RC bridge of 120 metre long crossing the Batang Seterap. The cost of the bridge is RM10 million. The project was put up in the Ninth Malaysia Plan. However the implementation of the project would be based on the availability of sufficient funds approved for the overall project throughout the State of Sarawak.

LOW COST HOUSING SCHEMES

(111) Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt asked the Minister for Housing: How many low cost housing schemes have been planned for Miri in the next five years?

Menteri Muda Perumahan dan Menteri Muda Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dr. Soon Choon Teck): Tuan Speaker, for the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) have proposed to implement two affordable schemes in Miri, one in Tudan and one in Kuala Baram, in the next five years. I think we would like to draw the attention of all the Ahli Yang Berhormat, that we don’t like the word “low cost housing”. My Minister, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Satok has advocated we use “affordable housing” which removes the stigma for those staying in those housing schemes.

Now for the two housing schemes in Miri, one in Tudan and one in Kuala Baram, the proposed for Tudan is 1,662 units with an approximate cost of RM122 million and Kuala Baram, 500 units with the cost of RM15 million and there will be a proposal for 500 units of flats for rentals and this is of course all proposed for the Ninth Malaysia Plan, depends on the allocation available.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai. Soalan ini tertumpu… kepada Pujut, ya?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: (Soalan Tambahan) Thank you, Tuan Speaker. I would like to ask the Honourable Minister does the government have any plans to provide parks and recreational facilities in these, “affordable housing scheme”? Thank you.

Menteri Muda Perumahan dan Menteri Muda Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dr. Soon Choon Teck): Tuan Speaker, the ministry has looked closely into all these affordable housing schemes in the past and the present and the future. Therefore, we like to incorporate in most of these housing schemes, even to include some libraries, kindergartens and parks. This is to encourage the interaction among the residents. You know we like for example, those housing schemes in Singapore for example, they always have some area for these people to have some recreation facility and also for residents to meet each other and we are implementing that and actually in the last few years, I think a lot of kindergarten has been opening and we are encouraging the regionalized small size libraries for all these schemes.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Junaidi: (Soalan tambahan) Tuan Speaker, apakah dasar ataupun pra-syarat yang diletakkan oleh pihak Kementerian sebelum memulakan satu skim Program Rancangan Rumah Mampu Milik seperti yang diadakan di Miri ataupun di mana-mana bahagian di Sarawak?

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Pra-syaratnya kita melaksanakan skim perumahan ini berdasarkan kepada dasar yang telah ditentukan oleh pihak SPA kerana selalunya Kerajaan Barisan Nasional hendak mewujudkan satu prasarana yang baik di antara penghuni rumah dan juga persekitaraannya. Bermakna, apabila satu kawasan dibangunkan, kita masukkan faktor-faktor prasarananya termasuklah kemudahan-kemudahan lain. Syaratnya ialah kalau kita membangunkan 10 ekar, kita berkehendakkan “open space green” dalam kawasan-kawasan tersebut.

KEDUDUKAN JAWATAN KETUA MASYARAKAT

(112) Y.B. Dato' Seri Haji Mohamad Ali Bin Mahmud bertanya kepada Ketua Menteri: Apakah dasar yang jelas mengenai kedudukan jawatan Ketua-Ketua Masyarakat. Adakah dibenarkan jawatan-jawatan tersebut dibuat secara pemilihan masyarakat kampung?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Muara Tuang, setakat ini jawatan-jawatan Ketua Masyarakat hanya diisi melalui proses perlantikan. Kerajaan tidak berhasrat untuk menukar dasar yang sedia ada kepada sistem pemilihan kerana daripada pengalaman silam, sistem pemilihan seringkali menimbulkan konflik dan perbalahan di kalangan masyarakat setempat. Gejala pecah rumah merupakan salah satu fenomena yang timbul daripada konflik dan perbalahan tersebut.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Junaidi: (Soalan Tambahan) Soalan tambahan. Terima kasih. Apakah faktor yang menyebabkan beberapa jawatan Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua-ketua Kaum di beberapa tempat termasuk kawasan saya begitu lambat disahkan hingga ada yang menunggu sehingga dua tahun?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, dalam mengisi jawatan Ketua Masyarakat perlu daripada peringkat bawah, daripada pihak Tuan Pegawai Daerah mengemukakan kepada Tuan Residen yang mengemukakan kepada pihak Setiausaha Kerajaan untuk dikaji oleh kerana kriteria-kriteria, dan lebih-lebih lagi sekarang kita pesat membangun, kita memerlukan Ketua-Ketua Masyarakat lebih berkaliber, peningkatan juga dan kebolehan mereka adalah satu daripada kriteria yang penting untuk memastikan projek dan dasar kerajaan yang akan dilaksanakan di peringkat kampung-kampung dan juga keupayaan Ketua-Ketua Masyarakat dilantik ini dapat mengawasi segala cara-cara, the normal kampung administration, adat-adat resam kampung dan mungkin juga tidak kebiasaannya akan mengambil masa begitu lama. Probably one, few isolated cases yang ada disebutkan oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai tadi memang ada berlaku juga. I must admit that. Terima kasih.

YB Encik Abdul Wahab bin Aziz: (Soalan Tambahan): Soalan tambahan.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kalaka.

YB Encik Abdul Wahab bin Aziz: (Soalan tambahan) Memandangkan Ketua-Ketua Kaum akan menerima elaun-elaun tertentu daripada kerajaan. Adakah cadangan oleh Kementerian berkaitan untuk memastikan lantikan mereka dihadkan kepada lima tahun saja supaya dapat dianalisa kepentingan mereka untuk dilantik semula?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, apabila perlantikan Ketua Masyarakat dibuat biasanya dua tahun ataupun tiga tahun dan dalam pada masa perlantikan itu, prestasi Ketua-Ketua Masyarakat akan dikaji dari masa ke semasa. Sekiranya tidak memuaskan, adalah wajib bagi kerajaan untuk memberi amaran kepada Ketua Masyarakat yang dilantik untuk memberi peluang untuk improve themselves. If they don’t improve, it is only proper that this Ketua Masyarakat to be replaced in order to ensure that the efficiency at kampung level and the local adat administration will be effectively carried out. So purely based on performance of each individual.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat Encik Nelson Balang Rining, Ba’ Kelalan.

Y.B. Encik Nelson Balang Rining: Tuan Speaker, my question is (113) but before that I would like to make a correction here. It should be “to ask the Deputy Chief Minister”. There is a typing error there.

Tuan Speaker: Yes?

Y.B. Encik Nelson Balang Rining: To ask the Deputy Chief Minister, not “ak”. There’s a typing error there.

Tuan Speaker: Okay, okay, “ask”.

AGROPOLIS DEVELOPMENT

(113) Y.B. Encik Nelson Balang Rining asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernization of Agriculture: Recently, Y.A.B. Ketua Menteri have mentioned that the Northern Highlands in Ba'Kelalan constituency will be developed into an agropolis. What would be the role of the government in this agropolis development and how would the local community participate and benefit from this agropolis development?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Tuan Speaker, Agropolis is our new initiative and mechanism whereby the private sector will undertake the lead role in the undertaking of commercial agriculture development. The main role of the government is to act as facilitator and provider of technical information, advisory and regulatory services.

With regard to the Northern Region, the Department of Agriculture had carried out the “Highland Development Study” in 1985. The findings of the study indicated that there are potentials for planting sub-tropical vegetables, fruits, beverages crops, such as highland tea and coffee and tea, spice, highland wet paddy and livestock such as buffalo. On the other hand, the study also reveal that the economic viability of undertaking this recommended agriculture activities was critically constrained by the high air transportation costs and poor accessibility of the area by land transport.

However, in view of the current interest in the development of agropolis in the region, the Department of Agriculture shall re-visit the above study to review the findings and recommendations as well as other new information, knowledge and other enabling factors.

In this agropolis development concept, the local community is expected to participate and benefit by venturing into commercial agriculture undertaking, either on their own or tied-up with other viable private ventures.

KEMUDAHAN BEKALAN AIR BERSIH DAN ELEKTRIK

(114) Y.B. Puan Rosey binti Haji Yunus bertanya kepada Menteri Kemudahan Awam: Apakah rancangan menyediakan kemudahan asas bagi rumah panjang/kampung di kawasan N.61 �" Bekenu khususnya dari segi bekalan air bersih dan bekalan elektrik?

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bekenu penyambungan paip air utama ke Kampung Ulu Gatas, Kampung Janggu, Kampung Bungai, Kampung Tengah, penempatan semula sepanjang Jalan Janggalas, Kampung Rancah-Rancah dan Kampung Masjid di Daerah Sebuti telah dimasukkan di bawah projek Bekalan Air Bekenu, Fasa III yang masih dalam peringkat pembinaan.

Penyambungan bekalan air bersih ke Kampung Upak, Kampung Terahat, Kampung Pelapi, Kampung Juyanggu, Kampung Lumut, Kampung Tusan dan Kampung Bakong telah dikemukakan untuk dimasukkan ke dalam RMK9 dan pelaksanaan projek ini bergantung kepada adanya peruntukan daripada Kerajaan Negeri di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Peruntukan sebanyak RM16.8 juta telah dicadangkan untuk pertimbangan Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan untuk perlaksanaan penyambungan paip utama ke Kampung Butir, kawasan Kampung Tiris, Kampung Sinuk, Kampung Mutap, Kampung Bulau, Kampung Matthew, Kampung Abom, Sungai Liam dan Kampung Kuala Sebuti di Daerah Kecil Sibuti, Kuala Niah, Kampung Baru, Kampung Bumiputera, Kampung Chang, Kampung Kuala Niah dan Saeh dan juga penempatan di sepanjang Jalan Sebato di dalam daerah kecil Niah, Suai. Perlaksanaan projek-projek ini adalah bergantung kepada adanya peruntukan daripada Persekutuan di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Penyiasatan awalan telahpun dijalankan untuk mengetahui akan kebolehsaknaan teknikal di dalam penyambungan paip-paip utama ke kampung-kampung di kawasan Kelulit sepanjang jalan pesisir Miri-Bintulu. Peruntukan untuk pelaksanaan projek ini akan dikemukakan untuk pertimbangan Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah sepanjang tempoh 2007 ke 2010 di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Berhubung dengan program bekalan elektrik luar Bandar untuk menyambung elektrik dari talian yang sedia ada ke kampung-kampung di rumah panjang di kawasan Bekenu yang belum dibekalkan bekalan elektrik akan dilaksanakan. Untuk kawasan N.61�"Bekenu beberapa kampung telah dikenalpasti dan dimasukkan di dalam cadangan senarai projek BLB untuk dilaksanakan dalam tahun 2006/2007. Kampung-kampung tersebut termasuk Kampung Agus, Kampung Rambai, Kampung Tanjung Berlipat, Kampung Subak dan Kampung Banyang.

Tuan Speaker: Soalan tambahan ya? Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bekenu.

Y.B. Puan Rosey binti Haji Yunus: (Soalan tambahan) Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker. Soalan tambahan saya, adakah kapasiti yang ada ini boleh menampung untuk tempoh 10 tahun yang akan datang? Terima kasih.

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Loji rawatan Bekenu yang sedia ada adalah beroperasi dengan kapasiti 3.1 juta liter sehari, beroperasi dengan maksima, pada kapasiti maksima. Untuk memenuhi permintaan yang sentiasa meningkat dan penyambungan ke kampung-kampung dan rumah-rumah panjang di Sebuti maka kaedah terbaik ialah untuk menyambung bekalan air dari loji rawatan Lambir ke Bekenu. Oleh itu, projek bekalan air Bekenu Fasa 3 melibatkan penyambungan paip air utama sejauh 31.5 kilometer bersaiz 500mm, 35km paip-paip air agihan dan penyeleretan ke kampung-kampung dan rumah-rumah panjang. Sebuah kemudahan pump booster dan kolam perkhidmatan RC5 juta liter.

Cadangan sistem ini akan dapat menampung permintaan bekalan air ke 10 juta liter sehari dari Lambir ke Bekenu dan ke Beluru dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Tuan Speaker: Ya, silakan.

Y.B. Puan Rosey binti Haji Yunus: Terima kasih Tuan Speaker. Berapakah anggaran kos untuk bekalan elektrik bagi Kawasan Bekenu untuk tahun 2006/2007 ini nanti?

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Untuk dalam tahun 2006 ke 2007 bagi penyambungan bekalan elektrik sepertimana yang saya telah sebutkan tadi iaitu ke Kampung Agus, Kampung Rambai, Kampung Tanjung Berlipat dan Kampung Subak dan juga ke Kampung Banyang adalah dua juta lapan ratus enampuluh ribu ringgit Malaysia.

RANCANGAN MEMBAIKI RUMAH PANJANG DI LINGGA

(115) Y.B. Puan Hajah Simoi binti Haji Peri bertanya kepada Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar: Adakah terdapat usaha atau perancangan untuk membaiki rumah panjang yang kebanyakkanya masih dalam keadaan agak daif di kawasan N.23 Lingga?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Lingga, setakat ini hanya rumah perseorangan sahaja yang menerima Program Bantuan Rumah. Bantuan tersebut melibatkan baik pulih rumah dan bina semula rumah di atas tapak rumah asal. Bagi rumah panjang pula, bantuan hanya akan diperuntukkan sekiranya keseluruhan rumah tersebut didapati dalam keadaan yang daif. Namun demikian, jika terdapat sesebuah rumah panjang mengalami kerosakan yang teruk dan di luar kemampuan penghuni-penghuni terbabit, permohonan bolehlah dikemukakan untuk dipertimbangkan atas kes-kes bersendirian.

MASALAH SOSIAL DI PERSEKIRATAN BANGUNAN BAITULMAL

(116) Y.B. Puan Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali bertanya kepada Ketua Menteri: Apakah langkah-langkah pihak berkuasa untuk mengatasi dan seterusnya mengurangkan masalah sosial ataupun maksiat yang sering berlaku di persekitaran Bangunan Baitul Makmur?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Semariang, Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak melalui Unit Penguatkuasaan sering menjalankan operasi dan pemantauan bagi membanteras masalah sosial dan maksiat di persekitaran Bangunan Baitul Makmur terutamanya sebelah malam dan hujung minggu termasuk secara bersepadu dengan Polis DiRaja Malaysia.

Sehingga Jun 2006, sebanyak 25 operasi cegah maksiat telah dilakukan di kawasan tersebut dan langkah ini akan terus diteruskan dari masa ke semasa. Sebanyak 15 tangkapan telah dibuat melibatkan 12 kes di bawah Seksyen (16) Ordinan Kesalahan Jenayah Syariah 2001, minum minuman yang memabukkan dan tiga kes di bawah Seksyen (24) Ordinan Kesalahan Jenayah Syariah Khalwat. Sebanyak lima kes telah didakwa di Mahkamah Syariah dan didenda.

Untuk menangani masalah sosial di kalangan remaja, kerajaan adalah komited untuk menangani masalah gejala sosial ini terutamanya di kalangan anak-anak muda. Selaras dengan usaha ini, Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi dan Jabatan Belia dan Sukan telah berkerjasama menyusun dan melaksanakan langkah-langkah bagi menghalang anak-anak muda daripada terjebak ke dalam gejala sosial seperti meminum arak dan menghidu gam. Antara langkah-langkah tersebut ialah:
(1) Memberikan sesi-sesi ceramah, ceramah umum mengenai gejala social;
(2) Mengadakan taklimat kesedaran jenayah Syariah ke sekolah-sekolah;
(3) Mengadakan khemah-khemah belia, seperti khemah remaja Al-Quran dan kem motivasi;
(4) Membuka ruang kaunseling terhadap golongan ini; dan
(5) Menguatkuasakan Seksyen (16) Ordinan Kesalahan Jenayah Syariah 2001.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Semariang.

Y.B Puan Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali : Yang Berhormat Menteri, saya difahamkan bahawa street lighting di kawasan tersebut ditutup agak lebih awal, say around pukul 9:00 ke 10:00. Saya ingin bertanya adakah ini benar dan jika benar kenapa? Terima kasih.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Setahu kita street lighting dibuka seluruh malam, jika ada street lighting itu ditutup, kita harap Yang Berhormat bagi Semariang beritahu kepada kitalah. Kita sama-sama jalan malam ini nak check. (Laughter)

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kota Sentosa.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: (Soalan Tambahan) Thank you Tuan Speaker. Having heard the steps taken by the government to reduce, untuk mengurangkan masalah sosial dan masalah maksiat, how would the Kementerian rate the success of the steps taken, given that nowadays, hooliganism not only happened in the society but even in schools and in Miri there are even girls they are ganging up to practice gangsterism. So how would the Kementerian rate the success of the steps being taken and if not very successful, how would the Kementerian propose to improve further, to lessen, all these bad elements in our society?

Tuan Speaker: Soalannya adalah…

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): Baitul Makmur…

Tuan Speaker: Maksiat di sekitar Bangunan Baitul Makmur bukan seluruh Sarawak.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): This is what I have explained already, at Baitul Makmur. The rest I think we leave it to your…

Y.B.Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Masalah sosial. This is a social problem.

Tuan Speaker: The question is social problem, it is around Baitul Makmur. That is the question.




NUMBER OF GENUINE RURAL COMMUNITIES

(117) Y.B. Dr. Johnichal Rayong Ngipa asked the Minister for Social Development and Urbanisation: Whether the State Government fully realizes that there are still a great number of genuine rural communities who do not possess identification document/card. What is/are the State Government doing about this in support of any measures taken by the Federal authorities?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Belia dan Menteri Muda Pelancongan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Hamden bin Haji Ahmad): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Engkelili, Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara, Negeri Sarawak memang menyedari masalah ketiadaan dokumen pengenalan diri penduduk di kawasan pendalaman Sarawak. Peraturan yang sedia ada tidak mengkehendaki Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara ataupun JPN menjelajah ke seluruh pelusuk negeri ataupun negara untuk urusan pendaftaran dokumen pengenalan diri.

Bagaimanapun, sebagai agensi Kerajaan yang berorientasikan perkhidmatan mesra rakyat, Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara Negeri Sarawak telah mengambil langkah turun padang untuk membantu penduduk di pendalaman yang layak untuk mendapat dokumen pengenalan diri.

Sebagai langkah bagi mengatasi masalah ini, JPN telah mengadakan lawatan khas sejak tahun 1980 lagi. Bagi mengemaskan pendaftaran dokumen pengenalan diri penduduk di pendalaman, Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara telah menubuhkan Unit Khas Bergerak ataupun UKB pada tahun 2004.

Dalam menjayakan operasi seperti ini Kerajaan Negeri melalui Pejabat Residen dan Daerah, Ketua Masyarakat, Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung ataupun JKKK memberi kerjasama kepada Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara dengan mengatur lawatan ke kawasan pendalaman seperti Daerah Kapit, Belaga, Marudi dan Limbang dan mengadakan sesi dialog dengan Ketua-Ketua Masyarakat dan JKKK.

Y.B. Dr. Johnichal Rayong Ngipa: (Soalan tambahan) Adakah pihak kerajaan ataupun Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara dapat mengambil kira untuk mengecualikan apa-apa bayaran terhadap permohonan kad pengenalan baru ataupun Mycard? Terima kasih.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Belia dan Menteri Muda Pelancongan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Hamden bin Haji Ahmad): Boleh ulangkan soalan?

Tuan Speaker: Pengecualian pembayaran.

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Belia dan Menteri Muda Pelancongan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Hamden bin Haji Ahmad): Tuan Speaker, setakat ini Jabatan JPN tidak ada memberi pengecualian.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pantai Damai

Y.B. Dr Abdul Rahman bin Junaidi (Soalan tambahan): Baru-baru ini Kementerian di Kuala Lumpur telahpun menetapkan satu peraturan bahawa sekiranya sesiapa tidak membawa pengenalan diri atau ditangkap. Mereka akan didenda dan ianya pun telah diubah, boleh membawa satu fotostat. Jadi soalan saya: Adakah pihak Kerajaan Negeri telahpun berhubung dengan pihak Kerajaan Persekutuan mengenai masalah yang akan dihadapi oleh saudara-saudara kita yang datang daripada luar bandar yang tidak, ataupun yang belum memiliki dokumen diri?

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Belia dan Menteri Muda Pelancongan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Hamden bin Haji Ahmad): Tuan Speaker, buat pengetahuan Yang Berhormat dari Pantai Damai, memanglah Kerajaan Negeri sentiasa peka akan rakyat mereka. Oleh itu, disini saya nyatakan bahawa Kerajaan Negeri memanglah berurusan dengan Kerajaan Pusat bagaimana untuk mendapat pertimbangan sewajarnya dalam hal ini. Terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat. The question time is up.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I must apologise because I came in late just now. But I’ve been told outside and inside here that something was said in your communication that referred to me.

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: And that requires my reply. May I know it, so that I may reply?

Tuan Speaker: The Honourable Member for Layar deliberated in the Dewan the details of the incidence and he is not satisfied with a qualified apology. He is prepared and together with the Honourable Member for Krian, if your goodself are prepared to give an unqualified, unequivocal and sincere apologies. If you do, they are prepared to accept and that will be the end of the matter. Because you put the word “if” in your letter.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Do you want me to reply now? If I may. Okay. First of all, I do realize the importance of the law that respects immunity and ….

Tuan Speaker: Dewan Undangan Negeri Privileges Immunities Ordinance.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I respect that law because it is important that when a Member is doing, coming to the Dewan, which is actually doing the business of the State, he should not be interrupted, he should not be stopped from doing his duty which is to the people of Sarawak. Now, I am not saying anything bad about it. I believe this is very important, that’s why I must respect the law and I will respect the law.

Now, this until today we have a process server trying to serve two election petitions on both the Yang Berhormat that you just mentioned and these two election petitions relate to their election to this Honourable house. And time is running out. Now, they have tried their best to go to their house, to their office, I think day and night and time is running out, I think tomorrow. I believe, I believe that while a Member should not be stopped from doing his duty to this Dewan and to the people, this immunity should not be used, I am saying that, it should not be used as a shield to prevent them from meeting what would be, I believe, a properly issued court summons. Now, I hope, I hope sincerely hope that the two YBs will, in due course, after the sitting allow themselves to be served so that the process of court be continued, I mean at the appropriate place and to be arranged.

Tuan Speaker, after having said that ….

Tuan Speaker: That means that you are using this Chamber as a forum to enhance and in furtherance of service…

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: No, No. Tuan Speaker, I am saying that I respect the law and I respect their rights and immunities within but I believe that it should not be used as a shelter to prevent them from facing what they should face outside. Now, having said that…

Tuan Speaker: You have done your explanation in written form in your letter. You have done your explanation.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.

Tuan Speaker: That explanation was written to me. I have received it. I have conveyed to the Honourable Member for Layar and he had replied in your absence. The gist is this, are you prepared to offer an unqualified, unequivocal sincere apology?. It is simple.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker. Yes. I am prepared and I am offering.

Tuan Speaker: You are offering?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.

Tuan Speaker: An unqualified …

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: An unqualified …

Tuan Speaker: An unqualified and sincere apology.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.

Tuan Speaker: Now is my turn to ask the Honourable Member for Layar and Krian whether they accept? Member for Layar, do you accept that apology?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, as I have said, my credibility in this Dewan since elected, since 1974 speaks for itself and for the incidence that particular day on the 24th of July, that afternoon, when I was confronted by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan and one other gentleman, when this one other gentleman said “we” implying that together, and when I come into this Dewan, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan came over here and what he did was mentioned by me this morning for which he has no excuse not to be in the Dewan, if he is really sincere wanting to know.

But you have been very patient, I would like, one, to say thank you very much for the understanding to get things in a proper way but during this incident, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan try to put the picture that the incidence outside does not happened as if to deceive this Dewan. So, who is credible?

Tuan Speaker: Now he is offering an apology, unqualified.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Ya, but please, this apology. don’t make it a habit. Yesterday when he want to suggest to withdraw from the Federation, he twisted his tongue that he want to withdraw from the Federation of Electrical Manufacturers so that Petronas can give us money. Well, if this is the colour of Yang Berhormat for Padungan, despite of that, because he is new to this Dewan, I maintain humanity here, I forgive you but don’t repeat it.

Tuan Speaker: So you accept?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): I accept your apology … (Applause)

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Krian. Member for Krian, do you accept the apology, unqualified?

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Operasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Tuan Speaker, I hope Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, don’t just simply said anything, don’t shout in the Dewan, don’t try to show your arrogant in the Dewan.

Tuan Speaker: Do you accept? (Laughter)

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Operasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): You are new in this Dewan. I have been elected since 1991. That is not the type of colour, not the type of Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri we want for this beloved State of ours, Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker: Do you accept? (Laughter).He has offered you an apology, unqualified.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Operasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): In addition to that (Laughter), in addition to that, Iban tu, ari Krian, original Iban, 100% Iban and my voters 100% Iban. I know you try to defend Stanley Jugol who is supposed to be my nephew-in-law, you know that? I’ll explain to you. So please don’t interfere with this election, I am duly, duly elected and already announced by the Returning Officer that I am elected, I won with 2089 votes. You know that? Ingat. Remember. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan. I’ll talk to you more on this later.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Krian, do you accept? (Laughter)

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Operasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): For the sake of this Dewan, because I respect this Dewan, whether I respect you or not, is a question mark, but I respect this Dewan, I accept your apology. (Applause)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Now, I just, I would like to thank the two Yang Berhormat for the graciousness and the statesmanship shown just now. Thank you very much. (Applause)

Menteri Muda Hal Ehwal Islam dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Haji Daud Abdul Rahman): You can touch on it on the TYT’s address and the kementerian will reply to you.

USUL PENGHARGAAN ATAS UCAPAN T.Y.T
YANG DI-PERTUA NEGERI
[Sambungan Perbahasan]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, I am pleased with the magnanimity and the high spirit prevailing in the Dewan. Since unqualified apologies are given by the Honourable Member for Padungan and the Honourable Member for Layar and Honourable Member for Krian, I graciously accept the apologies. The Chair decides that no further action be taken but obviously a clear warning is given to the Honourable Member for Padungan that any further breach of the said Ordinance could be made with more severe consequences, but the Dewan and the Chair are please that the matter has been settled amicably in the true spirit of elected representatives of the people of Sarawak. Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, since many Honourable Members have not spoken, priorities are given to new Honourable Members, to enable them to deliver their maiden speeches. Under Standing Order 31(, I limit all speeches to a maximum of 45 minutes, for every speech and I urge Honourable Members to minimize interruptions and rising of points of information or points of clarification and elucidation. So, any Honourable Members who wishes to speak? Batu Danau.

Y.B. Encik Paulus Palu Gumbang: Tuan Speaker, terima kasih kerana memberi peluang pada saya untuk berucap dan menyokong Usul Penghargaan ke atas Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak yang disampaikan di majlis perasmian Dewan yang mulia ini pada 24 Julai yang lalu. Pada pandangan saya, Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama, besar ertinya kerana kita telah sama-sama diberi peringatan supaya menjalankan amanah yang diberikan oleh rakyat dengan penuh komitmen dan dedikasi. Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama juga telah merangkumi keseluruhan kepentingan dan permasaalahan rakyat di negeri ini dan strategi-strategi bagi mengurus, membesarkan lagi pembangunan dan memelihara keharmonian bagi meningkatkan pencapaian pembangunan di dalam negeri yang kita cintai ini.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum meneruskan perbahasan saya, saya ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri kerana telah berjaya sekali lagi memimpin Barisan Nasional ke arah kemenangan yang besar dalam pilihanraya yang baru sahaja selesai. Kemenangan yang cemerlang ini merupakan satu manifestasi bahawa rakyat Sarawak amat memerlukan Barisan Nasional untuk terus mentadbir negeri ini demi pembangunan yang berterusan. Sekalung tahniah juga saya ucapkan kepada Tuan Speaker dan semua Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat kerana telah memenangi kerusi masing-masing dalam pilihanraya yang sama.

Tuan Speaker, mewakili rakyat di kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri N. 69 - Batu Danau, saya juga mengambil kesempatan ini untuk menyampaikan ucapan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada kerajaan kerana telah mewujudkan Kawasan Batu Danau sebagai sebuah kawasan pilihanraya yang baru. Pada masa yang sama, saya juga ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada SPDP amnya dan Barisan Nasional khasnya kerana telah memberi peluang kepada saya iaitu seorang daripada kaum Bisaya, satu kaum minoriti di negeri ini untuk mewakili Barisan Nasional bagi kawasan tersebut. Kita melihat usaha ini bukan sahaja sebagai satu strategi bagi memantapkan lagi pengurusan pembangunan dan kebajikan rakyat di kawasan berkenaan supaya taraf hidup mereka dapat dipertingkatkan bahkan ia juga adalah satu manifestasi bahawa Barisan Nasional Negeri telah mengambil kira kepentingan semua kaum tidak mengira walau sekecil manapun jumlah mereka. Oleh yang demikian, usaha ini amat dihargai dan disokong oleh rakyat di kawasan saya. Hal ini terserlah apabila calon Barisan Nasional menang di kawasan tersebut dengan majoriti yang agak besar. Justeru itu, saya ingin menyampaikan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada semua pengundi dan semua ahli komponen Barisan Nasional yang telah membantu saya dalam pilihanraya tersebut.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum saya menyentuh perkara yang berkaitan dengan kawasan saya, izinkan saya terlebih dahulu menyentuh berkaitan dengan perkara-perkara am. Seperti yang kita semua sedia maklum, kita hanya mempunyai 15 tahun lagi untuk merealisasikan Wawasan 2020 iaitu untuk mencapai status sebuah negara maju. Ini bermakna kita perlu bekerja keras untuk memastikan kita tidak ketinggalan berbanding negeri-negeri lain apabila tarikh keramat itu sampai kelak. Saya penuh yakin bahawa kita mampu mencapai matlamat tersebut kerana pada sidang khas Dewan Undangan Negeri ini pada 20 April 2006 yang lalu, Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri sendiri telah membentang dan menggariskan falsafah dan strategi pembangunan serta fokus yang akan diambil oleh Kerajaan Negeri untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut. Saya ucap tahniah kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri dan Kerajaan Negeri kerana mempunyai visi serta keberanian untuk melangkah ke satu era yang baru disebut dengan izin sebagai “the second wave of politics of development” iaitu satu peralihan daripada “infrastructure oriented approach to human resource approach”. Langkah ini merupakan satu pendekatan yang selari dengan kehendak dan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan peringkat Persekutuan yang memberi antara lain penekanan dan fokus utama kepada pembangunan modal insan yang akan menelan belanja keseluruhannya sebanyak RM45.1 billion. Saya berharap pembangunan modal insan ini akan dilaksanakan secara holistik iaitu merangkumi perolehan pengetahuan dan kemahiran termasuk keupayaan keusahawanan dan pengetahuan sains dan teknologi. Ia juga perlu meliputi penanaman sikap, nilai dan etika positif melalui pendidikan, latihan dan pembelajaran sepanjang hayat. Ini adalah penting sebagai penentu bagi meningkatkan daya saing dan produktivi negara.

Tuan Speaker, as Malaysians we have always being proud of the ability of our multi-racial society in building the state and country to what it is today. I am sure most if not all Honourable Members of this august House would agree with me that racial harmony has always been one of the most important elements that contributed to our social and political stability. The practice of living together, working together, learning together, practicing different belief but coming together afterwards to celebrate the different festivity is really a unique one that should not only be preserved but continued to be nurtured.

Tuan Speaker, as former civil servant was involved not only in the dissemination of government information but also in promoting unity among various races, I am sad to see that during the last election, the issue of race was widely used throughout the campaign period by the official particularly in my constituency.

Tindakan seperti ini sudah tentu bukan sahaja membantutkan usaha kita untuk membina satu masyarakat Malaysia yang bersatu padu yang kita idam-idamkan bahkan tindakan ini sudah tentu memusnahkan segala usaha yang telah kita laksanakan bertahun-tahun sebelum ini. Pada pendapat saya, kita perlu sama-sama serius dalam perkara ini kerana isu ethnicity ini amat sensitif dan boleh mencetus kemarahan dan juga ketidak selesaan di kalangan masyarakat yang terbabit. We must always remind ourselves the consequences can be very serious and far- reaching as seen in other countries which continue to have civil and racial side.

Tuan Speaker, untuk meneruskan ucapan saya izinkan saya menyentuh perkara-perkara yang bersangkut-paut dengan kawasan saya. Sebagaimana semua Ahli Dewan yang mulia ini tahu pembangunan prasarana dan kemudahan asas di Sarawak khasnya jalanraya, bekalan air dan elektrik telah berkembang dengan pesat sejak merdeka khususnya sejak 25 tahun yang lalu. Kini banyak kawasan-kawasan di luar Bandar dapat dikunjungi dalam masa yang singkat. Di kawasan saya adalah diakui kemudahan jalanraya juga semakin baik. Jalan Limbang/Mendamit telah siap diturap kecuali beberapa buah jambatan yang masih dalam pembinaan. Namun demikian terdapat juga kawasan-kawasan yang masih banyak lagi yang perlu dinaiktaraf. Antaranya adalah persimpangan Jalan Mendamit ke pekan Ukung sepanjang 5km yang masih belum diturap. Selain daripada itu, perhubungan jalanraya juga perlu di kawasan Ulu Mendamit dan Mendihit dan juga di kawasan sebelah Ulu Lubai. Kemudahan ini amat diperlukan kepada beberapa buah sekolah rendah, rumah panjang dan juga perkampungan yang masih menggunakan sungai sebagai pengangkutan utama. Oleh yang demikian saya memohon supaya kementerian yang berkenaan memberi pertimbangan untuk menyediakan kemudahan ini. Bagi kawasan-kawasan yang sudah ada jalan, saya juga ingin mencadangkan supaya ianya dinaiktaraf.

Kita juga difahamkan bahawa projek bekalan air bersih kesebahagian daripada kampung dan rumah panjang sedang diusahakan oleh pihak Lembaga Air Kawasan Utara di Limbang. Kita amat mengalu-alukan usaha ini kerana ia akan memudahkan kehidupan harian rakyat di samping dapat menjamin kesihatan yang lebih baik. Saya percaya, Tuan Speaker, masyarakat di N.69 �" Batu Danau mempunyai kesanggupan untuk membayar caj air yang mereka gunakan. Apa yang kita harapkan ialah bekalan air bersih sampai di rumah masing-masing. Kita juga mohon pertimbangan agar caj-caj kerja penyambungan bagi kemudahan berkenaan dilihat semula supaya ianya tidak terlalu membebankan. Satu kaedah yang boleh dipertimbangkan ialah dikenakan caj yang dibayar secara ansuran pada kadar yang mampu dibayar oleh rakyat setempat.
Kemudahan elektrik ke kawasan yang belum lagi disediakan juga harus diambil kira. Di kawasan saya masih banyak rumah-rumah panjang dan perkampungan yang belum mendapat kemudahan bekalan elektrik. Penggunaan generator set bagi setengah-setengah kawasan masa kini agak membebankan apatah lagi dengan kenaikkan harga minyak pada masa ini. Adalah diharapkan supaya kawasan-kawasan yang bersesuaian dibekalkan dengan kemudahan asas ini melalui rural electrical scheme ataupun SESCo sendiri.

Selain daripada prasarana dan kemudahan asas seperti projek-projek ekonomi yang boleh menyediakan pendapatan yang stabil dan peluang pekerjaan yang banyak amat perlu di Kawasan Batu Danau. Rakyat yang mempunyai pendapatan yang stabil akan lebih cepat mencapai peningkatan dalam taraf hidup mereka. Hal ini hanya dapat dicapai jika program pembangunan ekonomi dapat dilaksanakan untuk dinikmati oleh rakyat setempat. Seperti mana yang kita sedia maklum bahawa industri pembalakkan yang dahulunya banyak menyumbang kepada peluang pekerjaan dan pendapatan rakyat di negeri ini sudahpun menurun. Kawasan Batu Danau tidak terkecuali daripada fenomena ini. Selain daripada itu, kegawatan ekonomi yang melanda negara-negara Asean termasuk negera Brunei Darulsalam beberapa tahun lalu juga telah mengakibatkan kekurangan peluang pekerjaan bagi golongan muda di kawasan saya yang mana sebelum ini banyak bekerja di negara tersebut. Akibatnya ramai anak-anak muda yang dulunya bekerja di negara jiran ini terpaksa berhijrah mencari pekerjaan di bandar-bandar lain dan yang tidak ada mempunyai kemahiran terpaksa duduk di kampung dan tanpa pekerjaan. Oleh yang demikan, saya ingin memohon jasa baik kementerian-kementerian berkaitan untuk memberi pertimbangan mewujudkan projek-projek ekonomi yang boleh memberi impak jangka panjang kepada penduduk tempatan.

Tuan Speaker, adalah dicadangkan supaya pihak berkenaan melihat program-program pembangunan tanah seperti projek kelapa sawit, padi atau getah yang kita dapati berjaya menjana ekonomi dan meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat. Ini telah terbukti di kawasan-kawasan yang lain di negeri ini. Saya juga mencadangkan supaya program pembangunan tanah ini melibatkan penduduk tempatan dengan pemilikkan ekuiti samada ianya Pembangunan Tanah Hak Adat Bumiputera ataupun tanah milik individu. Oleh yang demikian, kita mengalu-alukan FELCRA, LCDA, SALCRA ataupun agensi kerajaan lain untuk meninjau ke kawasan ini dan seterusnya jika berdaya maju merancang dan melaksanakan program pembangunan tanah. Selain, program pembangunan secara besar-besaran, kita juga mengalu-alukan program-program ekonomi secara kelompok seperti tanam-tanaman yang boleh diproses dan mengadakan pusat pemprosesan.

Saya, Tuan Speaker, pernah ditanya oleh seorang petani, iaitu, dengan soalan berbunyi, “kenapa kerajaan suruh kita tanam itu dan tanam ini, kenapa tak tubuhkan kilang supaya senang kita jual. Sekarang kalau musim rambutan, semua orang ada rambutan. Siapa mahu beli? Kalau ada kilang tak perlu suruh kita tanam, kita akan tanam kerana ada tempat menjual”. Pada saya apa yang dinyatakan oleh petani ini ada kebenarannya. Sungguhpun demikian kita sedar usaha ini bukanlah mudah. Oleh kerana itu, kita mencadangkan supaya ada usaha untuk melihat apa-apa jua potensi yang ada.

Kita juga semua tahu tentang kepentingan pelajaran dalam kehidupan masa kini. Oleh kerana itu, tidak perlulah saya berhujah panjang lebar mengenai kepentingan pelajaran kepada kita. Di kawasan saya kemudahan persekolahan ke tahap sekolah adalah baik. Namun demikian masih ada ruang untuk diperbaiki khasnya kemudahan-kemudahan dan kelengkapan mengajar dan pembelajaran dan juga asrama. Selain daripada itu apa yang amat kurang adalah peluang pembelajaran selepas pelajar-pelajar ini tamat tingkatan 5 dengan yang memperolehi keputusan yang kurang cemerlang. Oleh yang demikian, saya ingin mencadangkan supaya ada usaha untuk mewujudkan sebuah institut latihan perindustirian mahupun sekolah-sekolah teknik di kawasan saya ataupun di Bahagian Limbang bagi menampung keperluan pelajar-pelajar dari Bahagian ini yang tidak dapat meneruskan pengajian mereka ke peringkat universiti ataupun kolej. Pada masa ini mereka terpaksa pergi ke tempat lain untuk mendapat kemudahan yang sedemikian dan ini memakan belanja yang amat besar.

Pembangunan pelancongan merupakan satu sektor yang boleh bukan sahaja dapat mempamerkan kekayaan kebudayaan berbilang di Negeri Sarawak tetapi juga dapat menjana ekonomi dan pembangunan negeri. Di kawasan saya terdapat beberapa ruang bagi pembangunan pelancongan. Gunung Buda, kawasan rumah panjang, Lumba Kerbau dan pesta bebulang kaum Bisaya, kawasan perkelahan Semabat dan Inseriban di Medamit dan kawasan alam semulajadi di Ulu Limbang hingga ke Long Napir boleh dijadikan sebagai daya tarikan pelancongan. Dalam hal ini, kita memohon agar pihak-pihak berkenaan meneliti bagaimana ia dapat dibangunkan dengan lebih pesat. Sebagai contoh, pesta bebulang dan lumba kerbau di Batu Arau telah mendapat sambutan yang agak baik, bukan sahaja dikalangan penduduk tempatan tetapi juga dari negara jiran dan pelancongan asing yang lain. Penduduk di kawasan saya amat menghargai sokongan yang telah diberi oleh pelbagai pihak khasnya Kementerian Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan Sarawak kerana pesta tersebut telah disenaraikan dalam kalendar pelancongan negeri. Bagi membolehkan para penduduk tempatan menikmati faedah daripada pesta tersebut adalah dicadangkan supaya pakej-pakej pelancongan dalam bentuk ‘homestay’ dapat dimajukan di kawasan berkenaan. Dengan yang demikian penduduk dapat menikmati terus faedahnya selain daripada mereka yang terlibat dalam perkhidmatan penginapan, makan dan minuman dan juga pengangkutan.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum saya duduk saya amat berharap apa yang telah saya sentuh dalam ucapan saya dapat diberi pertimbangan yang sewajarnya oleh Dewan ini. Dengan ini saya menyokong penuh Usul Penghargaan atas Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Sekian, terima kash.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, we have a short break. Sitting resumes at 11:20 am.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam11:03 pagi)

(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 11:37 pagi)

[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan Mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bukit Kota.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker. Saya bangun untuk mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan ucapan dasar Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak yang dibuat semasa perasmian persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Keenam Belas pada 24 Julai 2006. Saya mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Tuan Speaker kerana memberi peluang kepada saya mengambil bahagian di dalam Dewan yang mulia ini.

Tuan Speaker, ucapan dasar yang disampaikan oleh Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri adalah ucapan yang sangat baik dan menyeluruh yang menyentuh pelbagai aspek, daripada tanggungjawab Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, perpaduan dan keharmonian rakyat, keselamatan dalam negeri dan agenda sosial, pembangunan ekonomi, Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, pembangunan modal insan, pembangunan luar bandar, penggunaan sumber tenaga secara efisyen, peningkatan kualiti hidup dan perkhidmatan dan sistem penyampaian negeri. Pada pandangan saya, ianya merupakan ucapan dasar yang amat berguna untuk dijadikan panduan bagi semua Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat yang telah diberikan amanah dan tanggungjawab oleh rakyat sebagai wakil untuk membawa segala permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh rakyat kepada kerajaan.

Sebagai seorang wakil rakyat yang bertanggungjawab, kita tidak boleh semata-mata menggunakan keistimewaan di dalam Dewan yang mulia ini untuk membuat pelbagai ucapan-ucapan yang penuh dengan janji-janji manis dan rhetoric yang tidak mungkin dapat ditunaikan seperti menegak benang yang basah. Ucapan-ucapan yang membuat pelbagai tuduhan tanpa bahan bukti yang kukuh, ucapan-ucapan yang berbentuk tohmahan dan fitnah dan ucapan-ucapan yang menghina perlembagaan dan sebagainya. Kita perlu menjaga kemuliaan Dewan ini dan perlu menunjukkan sikap yang penuh bersopan-santun dan berhemah semasa membuat ucapan dan mengamalkan nilai-nilai yang positif, bukannya budaya-budaya negatif kerana kita akan dilihat dan dinilai oleh rakyat, bukan sahaja rakyat yang kita wakili malah seluruh rakyat di negeri ini. Oleh itu, saya nasihatkan agar kita mengamalkan nilai-nilai yang murni seperti yang terkandung dalam Rukun Negara sekiranya kita menjadi rakyat yang setia kepada negara Malaysia yang tercinta ini.

Tuan Speaker, Tuan Yang Terutama adalah seorang pemimpin yang amat prihatin dan mengambil berat kepada kebajikan dan kesejahteraan hidup rakyat tanpa mengira latarbelakang, keturunan, bangsa, adat-resam dan kepercayaan agama. Tuan Yang Terutama sentiasa memberi sokongan kepada kerajaan negeri di bawah pimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud dalam agenda politik pembangunan yang dipelopori beliau, yang mana telah terbukti membangunkan Negeri Sarawak sehingga menjadi antara tiga negeri yang teratas dari segi pembangunan di Malaysia. Tuan Yang Terutama sentiasa memberi nasihat-nasihat kepada rakyat agar berusaha dan bersedia untuk menghadapi apa sahaja cabaran-cabaran yang mendatang, terutama dalam era globalisasi dan era teknologi maklumat supaya kita akan terus menikmati pembangunan, kejayaan dan kesejahteraan.

Tuan Speaker, pada kesempatan ini, saya ingin menyentuh mengenai perkara-perkara yang menjadi keperluan dan masalah-masalah yang dihadapi di kawasan saya iaitu N.68 - Bukit Kota. Pertama sekali, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud kerana telah memberi kepercayaan kepada saya untuk menjadi calon Barisan Nasional di dalam pilihanraya yang lepas. Rakyat di kawasan saya membalas kepercayaan ini dengan memberikan undi majoriti yang besar dan ini menunjukkan bahawa rakyat di N.68 - Bukit Kota terus memberikan sokongan kepada kerajaan Barisan Nasional yang telah terbukti dapat menunaikan janji-janji untuk memberi pembangunan kepada rakyat tanpa mengira di mana sahaja mereka berada samada di bandar mahupun di luar bandar.

Dalam kesempatan ini, saya juga ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri kerana berjaya menerajui Barisan Nasional dalam kemenangan besar dalam Pilihanraya Negeri Kesembilan. Insya-Allah, saya akan berusaha sama-sama dalam satu pasukan untuk pembangunan di kawasan saya khasnya, dan di Negeri Sarawak, amnya.

Tuan Speaker, Kawasan N.68 - Bukit Kota mempunyai pentadbiran yang sama dengan Kawasan N.69 - Batu Danau iaitu Daerah Limbang. Daerah Limbang adalah sebuah daerah yang unik di Negeri Sarawak kerana ianya terletak di antara dua buah kawasan Negara Brunei Darussalam. Dua kawasan Daerah Limbang adalah 3,928.1 kilometer persegi dengan anggaran penduduknya bagi tahun 2005 seramai 44,900 orang. Kumpulan etnik yang menduduki Daerah Limbang terdiri daripada etnik Melayu, Bisayah, Iban, Cina dan lain-lain. Pekerjaan utama rakyat di Daerah Limbang adalah dalam bidang pertanian, selain daripada bidang perniagaan, penjawat awam kerajaan dan swasta dan sebahagiannya bekerja di negara jiran.

Daripada aspek pembangunan, Alhamdulillah, Daerah Limbang juga telah menikmati pelbagai pembangunan di bawah Kerajaan Barisan Nasional. Antara lain adalah lapangan terbang baru yang membolehkan kapalterbang sederhana besar seperti Fokker 50 mendarat. Kemudahan sukan dan rekreasi seperti Dewan Suarah, Kompleks Sukan berserta kolam renang bertaraf Olimpik dan Stadium Tertutup Limbang. Kemudahan pejabat Kerajaan Negeri dan Persekutuan yang baru seperti Pengkalan Marin, CIQ di Jalan Pendaruan, penjara baru dan pembinaan CIQ di Tadungan.

Oleh itu, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada Kerajaan Barisan Nasional di atas pembangunan yang berterusan yang dirancang dan dilaksanakan di kawasan saya, terutama dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-sembilan. Bagaimanapun seperti yang saya nyatakan tadi, daerah Limbang adalah sebuah daerah yang unik kerana ianya dihimpit oleh dua sempadan antarabangsa. Oleh itu, ianya juga menghadapi masalah-masalah unik terutamanya di dalam perhubungan antarabangsa dan perhubungan dalam negeri. Daerah Limbang juga masih mempunyai masalah-masalah keperluan asas yang belum dinikmati oleh sebahagian penduduk-penduduk di sini.

Masalah Perhubungan dan Pengangkutan

Tuan Speaker, untuk kita sampai ke daerah Limbang, kita boleh menggunakan tiga cara, iaitu melalui jalan raya, melalui udara dan melalui sungai. Kalau kita menggunakan jalan raya, kita perlu melalui sempadan antarabangsa yang sudah tentunya memerlukan pelbagai proses-proses yang tertentu termasuk memerlukan paspot antarabangsa dan sebagainya. Ia juga melibatkan masalah-masalah yang berkaitan terutamanya pengangkutan produk-produk perniagaan seperti ubat-ubatan dan sebagainya.

Dari segi statistik, ketibaan dan pemergian daripada Pos Imigresen Tadungan semakin meningkat dari tahun ke setahun. Sebagai contoh, pada tahun 2004, jumlah ketibaan dan pemergian ialah 2,178,817 orang dan dalam tahun 2005 seramai 2,295,278 orang dan sehingga April 2006 seramai 811,471 orang. Jumlah ketibaan dan pemergian yang besar ini menjadikan Pos Imigresen Tadungan adalah yang keempat paling sibuk di Malaysia. Dengan keadaan Pos Imigresen sekarang ini mengakibatkan kesesakan dan kadang-kala masa menunggu diperlukan untuk melepasi sempadan adalah sehingga empat jam, iaitu satu tempoh masa yang amat panjang.

Daripada segi ini, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada kakitangan di Pos Imigresen Tadungan kerana dapat menjalankan tugas dengan baik memandangkan keadaan tempat kerja yang sesak dan kurang selesa dan jumlah kakitangan yang terhad. Mereka telah berusaha sedaya mungkin untuk memudahkan proses ketibaan dan pemergian pengunjung.

Kerajaan Barisan Nasional amat prihatin dengan masalah ini dengan meluluskan projek pembinaan CIQ baru di Tadungan yang sekarang ini dalam pembinaan dan dijangka siap pada tahun 2008. Diharap dengan siapnya, CIQ baru ini akan menambahbaik keadaan ketibaan dan pemergian di sempadan Tadungan.

Saya juga ingin mencadangkan pembukaan Pos kawasan imigresen di sempadan Pendam untuk mengatasi dan mengurangkan kesesakan kemasukan dan pemergian memandangkan jumlah kemasukan dan pemergian yang semakin meningkat dari tahun ke setahun. Dengan pembukaan Pos Imigresen di Pendam akan dapat juga mengurangkan masalah-masalah jalan-jalan tikus di sempadan dan akan meningkatkan lagi kedatangan pelancong-pelancong terutamanya daripada negara jiran. Ianya juga akan dapat membuka peluang-peluang ekonomi bagi penduduk-penduduk di kawasan tersebut.

Tuan Speaker, selain daripada melalui pintu masuk jalan darat, kita juga mempunyai sebuah lapangan terbang moden dan canggih yang dibina oleh Kerajaan Barisan Nasional. Penduduk-penduduk Limbang amat berterima kasih dengan pembinaan lapangan terbang ini yang membolehkan kapalterbang jenis Fokker 50 mendarat dan dengan ini kedatangan pengunjung-pengunjung ke Limbang bertambah dan menjadi lebih mudah terutamanya bagi kakitangan-kakitangan dan pegawai-pegawai kerajaan yang datang untuk urusan rasmi melalui perkhidmatan yang diberikan oleh Sistem Penerbangan Malaysia ataupun MAS.

Setakat ini, kita tidak menghadapi masalah besar dengan perkhidmatan yang diberikan oleh MAS tetapi dengan pengambilalih laluan luar bandar oleh Syarikat Penerbangan Air Asia melalui anak syarikatnya iaitu Syarikat Penerbangan FAX telah menimbulkan keadaan yang tidak menentu. Kita berharap FAX dapat memberikan perkhidmatan yang setanding malah lebih baik daripada perkhidmatan yang ada sekarang. Saya ingin memberi beberapa cadangan kepada FAX supaya perkhidmatan tidak akan terjejas dan dapat diterima oleh pelbagai golongan penumpang yang terdiri daripada rakyat biasa, ahli-ahli perniagaan, pegawai-pegawai kerajaan, orang-orang kenamaan dan sebagainya.

(1) FAX tidak mengikut sistem yang diamalkan oleh Air Asia, iaitu sistem free seating. Sistem free seating ini mengakibatkan keadaan berebut-rebut untuk menaiki kapalterbang dan tidak semua penumpang merasa selesa dengan keadaan berebut-rebut ini;

(2) FAX perlulah membuat perundingan dengan MAS dan memastikan jadual penerbangan yang dibuat selaras dengan jadual penerbangan MAS terutamanya bagi sektor Miri-Kuching;

(3) Saya berharap FAX dapat menambah kekerapan penerbangan dan dapat memenuhi semua jadual-jadual penerbangan yang ditetapkan di samping memberi perkhidmatan yang selesa kepada pelanggan-pelanggan;

Dengan cadangan dan harapan ini, saya mengucapkan selamat kepada FAX dan Air Asia dan berharap mereka akan bekerjasama dengan MAS dalam memberikan perkhidmatan yang baik kepada pelanggan-pelanggan.

Keperluan-Keperluan Asas

Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin menarik perhatian Dewan yang mulia ini tentang keperluan-keperluan asas di Kawasan Bukit Kota iaitu Projek Jalanraya Pengkalan Rejab Buang Abai Telahap Meritam dan Projek Jalanraya Jalan Ipai Pendam berserta dengan kemudahan asas yang lain seperti bekalan elektrik dan bekalan air bersih. Saya difahamkan projek-projek ini telah dimasukkan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-sembilan dan saya berharap ianya dapat dilaksanakan mengikut jadual.

Saya juga ingin mencadangkan projek jalan raya yang menghubungkan Jalan Bukit Lubok ke Kampung Bulan Tak yang mana boleh dihubungkan ke Kampung Limpaku Pinang. Penduduk-penduduk di Kampung Bulan Tak dan Kampung Limpaku Pinang juga memerlukan kemudahan asas yang lain seperti bekalan elektrik dan bekalan air bersih. Saya harap kajian dapat dijalankan oleh jabatan kerajaan yang berkaitan.

Penanaman Getah

Tuan Speaker, bagi meningkatkan tahap ekonomi penduduk luar bandar, adalah dicadangkan supaya pihak Kerajaan Negeri menumpukan perhatian kepada penanaman getah yang mana harga getah pada masa ini adalah pada tahap yang tinggi dan dijangka meningkat akibat kenaikan harga minyak petroleum. Oleh itu, penduduk-penduduk yang berminat dan pekebun-pekebun kecil getah perlu diberikan bantuan dan perhatian dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan dan diharap Kementerian Pertanian dapat memohon peruntukan yang lebih bagi penanaman getah dan diharap peruntukan ini akan dapat diagihkan sama rata di seluruh bahagian Negeri Sarawak.

Untuk pengetahuan, permohonan-permohonan bagi penduduk di kawasan saya yang telah diajukan kepada Jabatan Pertanian Limbang adalah seperti berikut:

(1) Bagi permohonan untuk projek tanaman getah individu adalah seramai 178 orang yang melibatkan tanah seluas 227 hektar;

(2) Bagi permohonan untuk projek tanaman getah berkelompok adalah seramai 735 orang yang melibatkan tanah seluas 1,019 hektar; dan

(3) Bagi permohonan projek tanaman getah mini estet adalah seramai 838 orang yang melibatkan tanah seluas 2,756 hektar.
Permohonan-permohonan ini menunjukkan ramai penduduk-penduduk amat berminat untuk melibatkan diri dalam penanaman getah dan saya harap pihak kementerian dan Kerajaan Negeri dapat mengambil perhatian kepada perkara ini.

Penternakan Kerbau

Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin mencadangkan agar sebuah kawasan penternakan kerbau secara komersial diadakan di Kawasan Bukit Kota kerana penternakan kerbau ini begitu berpotensi untuk dimajukan dan kita boleh memasarkan daging kerbau kepada pasaran tempatan dan pasaran antarabangsa iaitu di negara jiran. Saya harap pihak-pihak yang berkaitan dapat membuat kajian di atas cadangan ini.

Penanaman Padi

Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin mencadangkan agar satu kajian dibuat oleh Kerajaan Negeri untuk melihat sama ada projek penanaman padi secara besar-besaran dan komersial di Lembah Limbang yang secara tradisional merupakan satu kawasan yang begitu subur untuk penanaman padi sama ada dapat dilaksanakan atau tidak untuk menambah kegiatan ekonomi di Limbang yang banyak bergantung kepada bidang pertanian.

Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa

Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin mencadangkan agar sebuah Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa ataupun Rural Growth Centre diwujudkan di kawasan Bukit Kota, iaitu di kawasan Kampung Limpaku Pinang. Kampung Limpaku Pinang adalah sebuah perkampungan yang terpencil dan hanya dapat dihubungi melalui jalan sungai dan ianya terletak di Kuala Sungai Limbang.

Pekerjaan utama penduduk kampung ini adalah sebagai nelayan dan tidak mempunyai kemudahan asas seperti jalan raya, bekalan elektrik dan bekalan air bersih. Adalah diharapkan dengan menjadikan Kampung Limpaku Pinang sebagai salah sebuah RGC di Negeri Sarawak akan dapat meningkatkan taraf kehidupan bagi penduduk-penduduk kampung tersebut yang telah begitu lama ketinggalan berbanding dengan tempat-tempat lain.

Kemudahan Pelancongan

Tuan Speaker, dengan kedudukan yang unik, Limbang juga mempunyai kelebihan berbanding dengan tempat-tempat lain iaitu ia merupakan salah satu pintu masuk ke Sarawak sama ada melalui Negara Brunei Darussalam, daripada Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan dan daripada Negeri Sabah melalui Daerah Lawas. Oleh itu, kita perlu meningkatkan usaha untuk menarik pelancong-pelancong ke Negeri Sarawak melalui Limbang dengan membuka, mengusahakan dan memperkenalkan tempat-tempat tarikan pelancongan di Limbang dan kawasan sekitarnya kepada umum.

Usaha-usaha ini dapat dilakukan sama ada oleh pihak kerajaan ataupun pihak swasta yang berminat atau melalui usahasama antara kerajaan dan swasta. Pada pendapat saya, ada dua buah kawasan pelancongan yang unik di Limbang untuk dimajukan:
Banjaran Gunung Muda

Banjaran Gunung Muda ini terletak di kawasan pedalaman Bahagian Limbang dan ianya bersambung dengan Banjaran Gunung Mulu yang sudah diisytiharkan sebagai salah sebuah khazanah dunia ataupun World Heritage Site.

Gunung Muda hanya lebih kurang 90 kilometer daripada bandar Limbang dan kita boleh sampai ke sana melalui jalan balak. Bagaimanapun terdapat 22 jambatan kecil yang telah roboh dan perlu diperbaiki. Sekiranya jambatan-jambatan kecil ini diperbaiki, masa untuk sampai ke kawasan Gunung Muda ini hanyalah lebih kurang dua jam daripada bandar Limbang.

Banjaran Gunung Muda ini mempunyai sistem gua yang unik dan menarik. Setakat ini, saya difahamkan sudah ada lima ekspedisi dan kajian diadakan iaitu pada tahun 1994, 1996, 1997, 2000 dan 2003 dan setakat ini sebanyak 22 buah gua telah diterokai yang menjangkau kawasan sepanjang 84 kilometer. Daripada Gunung Buda kita boleh sampai ke Gunung Mulu melalui cara berjalan kaki dan mengambil masa selama lapan jam sahaja.

Oleh itu, saya berharap agar banjaran Gunung Buda ini dapat diperkenalkan sebagai sebuah kawasan pelancongan di Sarawak dan sebagai salah satu pintu masuk ke Gunung Mulu yang sudah begitu terkenal di seluruh dunia.

Tuan Speaker, kawasan kedua yang saya cadangkan untuk dimajukan sebagai tempat pelancongan di Daerah Limbang adalah kawasan mud volcano ataupun tanah membuak bagi penduduk tempatan. Kawasan mud volcano ini terletak di Kampung Meritam iaitu kira-kira 34 km daripada Bandar Limbang. Ianya meliputi kawasan seluas lebih kurang tiga ekar adalah dipercayai oleh penduduk-penduduk kampung, tanah membuak ini mempunyai keistimewaan untuk menyembuhkan pelbagai penyakit kulit. Tetapi kajian lebih lanjut perlu dijalankan untuk mengesahkannya.

Pada masa ini kawasan ini adalah terbiar dan tiada kemudahan asas seperti tempat mandi yang tertutup untuk kegunaan pengunjung. Adalah difahamkan pada masa ini ramai pengunjung-pengunjung telah datang ke kawasan ini termasuk daripada Semenanjung Malaysia. Oleh itu, saya berharap ada usaha daripada pihak-pihak berkenaan untuk memajukan kawasan ini dengan menyediakan kemudahan-kemudahan asas.

Prasarana Kesihatan Dan Kakitangan

Tuan Speaker, dari segi kemudahan prasarana kesihatan kita amat berterimakasih kepada Kerajaan Barisan Nasional kerana pada Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan Daerah Limbang diperuntukkan untuk pembinaan sebuah PoliKlinik di kawasan Bandar Baru Limbang. Tetapi adalah diharapkan jumlah kakitangan dan doktor yang berkhidmat di hospital-hospital dan klinik dapat ditambah kerana kita masih lagi kekurangan doktor untuk merawat pesakit-pesakit yang semakin bertambah dari semasa ke semasa terutamanya di bahagian pesakit luar.

Di Poliklinik Limbang pada tahun 2003 seramai 49,523 orang datang untuk mendapatkan rawatan ataupun seramai 135 orang sehari. Dan pada tahun 2005 jumlah pesakit meningkat kepada 74,640 orang ataupun 200 pesakit sehari tetapi bilangan doktor yang bertugas masih sama iaitu hanya satu orang atau dua orang dalam satu-satu masa. Ini mengakibatkan masalah menunggu yang lama bagi pesakit-pesakit. Pada masa ini hanya lima orang doktor yang ada di Limbang untuk mengisi jawatan doktor yang ada iaitu 12 orang. Oleh itu pihak kerajaan perlulah mengambil beberapa jalan agar kekosongan doktor yang ada dapat diisi dengan seberapa segera agar perkhidmatan kesihatan kepada rakyat dapat dipertingkatkan dan mengurangkan tekanan dan bebanan kerja kepada doktor-doktor yang bertugas.

Saya juga ingin menarik perhatian dewan yang mulia ini mengenai permintaan daripada rakyat di Limbang agar di Hospital Limbang dapat ditempatkan sekurang-kurangnya seorang doktor pakar untuk memberikan perkhidmatan memandangkan masalah pengangkutan yang dihadapi untuk menghantar pesakit-pesakit yang tenat ke Hospital Miri yang terpaksa melalui negara jiran.

Pembangunan Modal Insan

Tuan Speaker, pembangunan modal insan adalah penting bagi sesebuah negara. Pada masa ini kerajaan banyak menumpukan kepada pelajar-pelajar di peringkat sekolah rendah dan peringkat sekolah menengah dengan menyediakan prasarana-prasarana sekolah rendah dan menengah bagi Daerah Limbang. Jika dilihat dari segi keputusan peperiksaan awam di Daerah Limbang bolehlah dibanggakan iaitu pada tahun 2005 keputusan adalah seperti berikut:

1. UPSR 69.1%
2. PMR 50.93%
3. SPM 86.99%
4. STPM 91.2%

Bagaimanapun ramai pelajar-pelajar yang tidak begitu berminat dan tidak mampu untuk meneruskan pelajaran di peringkat lebih tinggi terutamanya jika melibatkan keperluan untuk belajar di tempat-tempat lain seperti di Kuching. Ini adalah kerana berbagai-bagai sebab termasuk faktor ekonomi. Oleh itu, saya mencadangkan Daerah Limbang diperuntukkan sebuah sekolah yang menumpukan pada bidang latihan dan kemahiran seperti sekolah teknikal ataupun institut kemahiran agar pelajar-pelajar ini dapat menimba ilmu di bidang kemahiran dan latihan. Dan dengan ini akan menambahkan kualiti modal insan yang mempunyai kemahiran-kemahiran tertentu agar mereka dapat pekerjaan yang bersesuaian dengan kemahiran mereka dan dengan ini mengurangkan masalah pengangguran dan masalah sosial yang berkaitan.

Kesimpulan

Tuan Speaker, sebagai kesimpulan saya ingin menyatakan di Dewan yang mulia ini ucapan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri di atas ucapan dasar yang begitu bernas dan baik. Diharapkan semua wakil rakyat dapat mengikuti dan mengamalkan segala nasihat-nasihat yang berguna yang diberikan oleh Tuan Yang Terutama di dalam menjalankan amanah dan tanggungjawab yang diberikan oleh rakyat. Kepada Tuan Speaker, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kerana memberi peluang saya untuk membuat ucapan sulung ini dan saya berharap dan berdoa agar Tuan Speaker diberikan kekuatan ilmu dan ilham yang bernas untuk menjalankan tugas dalam mempastikan semua Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat menghormati dewan yang mulia ini dan tidak menyalahgunakan keistimewaan-keistimewaan sebagai Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat untuk kepentingan politik semata-mata tanpa mengindahkan peraturan-peraturan mesyuarat Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bekenu.

Y.B. Puan Rosey binti Haji Yunus: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker. Sekali lagi terima kasih kerana memberikan saya peluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam ucapan pada tengahari ini.

Tuan Speaker, pertama izinkan saya merakamkan setinggi-tinggi syabas, tahniah dan terima kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak di atas Ucapan Pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak yang Keenam Belas pada 24 Julai 2006 yang lalu. Terima kasih juga di atas pesanan seperti yang tercatat dalam ucapan, atas pesanan, nasihat, dorongan dan panduan yang disentuh dalam ucapan itu. Saya yakin dan percaya ianya akan dijadikan panduan dalam menjalankan tugas dan amanah yang dipertanggungjawabkan.

Tuan Speaker, izinkan saya bagi seluruh warga Kawasan N.61 �" Bekenu, khususnya bagi masyarakat Kedayan mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih pertama, Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri Malaysia selaku presiden Barisan Nasional Malaysia, khusus juga kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak selaku presiden Barisan Nasional Sarawak atas kepercayaan dalam memilih saya pertama, sebagai calon Barisan Nasional dan seterusnya menjadi wakil rakyat N.61 �" Bekenu. Dirakamkan juga ucapan terima kasih ini kepada Yang Berhormat Datuk Presiden Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) dan ahli majlis tertinggi parti atas kepercayaan yang diberikan kepada saya untuk mewakili parti SPDP bagi Kawasan N.61 �" Bekenu.

Dalam masa yang sama saya juga ingin mengucapkan kesyukuran dan terima kasih sekali lagi kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak kerana menambahkan lagi bilangan wanita sebagai wakil rakyat. (Applause) Sesungguhnya ini jelas menunjukkan akan pengiktirafan dan kepercayaan akan kemampuan kaum wanita dalam sama-sama membangunkan Negeri Sarawak.

Bagi diri saya sendiri saya amat menghargai kepercayaan yang diberikan kepada saya tambah-tambah lagi dengan keadaan ini menjadikan saya Kedayan yang pertama dilantik sebagai Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak. (Applause) Kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak terima kasih kerana telah mengukir sejarah yang sangat bermakna kepada masyarakat Kedayan. It is indeed an honour and again a very big thank you.

Tuan Speaker, tarikh 25 Mei 2006 adalah tarikh yang sangat bermakna kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak, bila mana 62 buah kerusi berjaya dimenangi dan tahniah kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak kerana berjaya mengekalkan kerusi N.51 �" Balingian seterusnya memimpin Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak sekali lagi. Kepada semua Yang Berhormat, sebelum itu tahniah juga kepada Tuan Speaker kerana dilantik semula sebagai Speaker of this august House. Kepada semua Yang Berhormat daripada semua komponen parti Barisan Nasional tahniah diucapkan kerana berjaya mempertahankan kerusi masing-masing. Ini jelas menunjukkan akan kerja keras dan komitmen Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat sekalian in serving the rakyat in your constituency dan kerana itu juga you all have paved the way for us the new group. Bagi rakan-rakan Yang Berhormat yang baru tahniah kerana berjaya dipilih dan saya yakin kemenangan Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat yang baru termasuk saya adalah kerana pertama, atas kepercayaan rakyat akan perjuangan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional di bawah kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak kita. Jadi dirakamkan juga terima kasih kepada para pengundi yang menyebabkan kemenangan ini.

Yang kedua, saya yakin juga adalah kerana bantuan dan sokongan semua Menteri, Ahli-Ahli Parlimen, Menteri-Menteri Muda dan Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat serta semua ahli komponen parti yang telah memberi sokongan, bantuan dan telah sama-sama menjelajah ke kawasan untuk mempastikan kemenangan Barisan Nasional. Di samping itu, Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak your undivided focus on the development of Sarawak really has a great impact in making, quote and unquote, “Sarawak a peaceful, progressive and prosperous State”. Tahniah.

Pengenalan Kawasan N.61 �" Bekenu

Tuan Speaker, sebagai pengenalan, Kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri N.61 �" Bekenu adalah kawasan baru hasil daripada pensempadanan semula kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri N.55 �" Lambir yang lalu. Terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak atas keadaan ini kerana dengan persempadanan semula ini kawasan menjadi lebih kecil berbanding dengan sebelumnya. Dan ini memberi lebih banyak ruang untuk memberi lebih fokus kepada pembangunan kawasan. Kawasan ini kini terdiri daripada 46 buah rumah panjang, 45 kampung dan dua pekan iaitu Bekenu dan Niah. Dan mempunyai 10,559 orang pengundi berdaftar pada pilihanraya yang lalu. Kemenangan dengan majoriti yang sangat baik semasa pilihanraya yang lalu menunjukkan akan kepercayaan rakyat dan akan aspirasi rakyat yang masih mahukan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional untuk terus memimpin Kerajaan Sarawak tambah-tambah lagi dengan adanya dan bermulanya Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan yang sangat ditunggu-tunggukan oleh setiap lapisan masyarakat.

Pembangunan Kawasan: Jalan Raya, Bekalan Letrik, Bekalan Air Bersih Dan Paip

Tuan Speaker, menyentuh tentang isu jalan raya, saya ucapkan terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak kerana dengan terbinanya dan siapnya coastal road jalan pesisir pantai dan telah dapat digunakan serta menjadi laluan komunikasi yang banyak menjimatkan masa. Kini untuk ke kampung saya sendiri, Kampung Pejuang, hanya mengambil masa dalam 45 minit dan ke Bintulu dalam masa dua jam berbanding dengan dahulunya melebihi tiga jam. Kalau dulu untuk ke kampung saya, Kampung Pejuang, dari Miri mengambil masa dua jam kini kurang dari 45 minit. Dan kita terpaksa mengikut jadual pasang surut, kena cetak jadual dari Internet. Almaklumlah kalau di bandar ini kita mempunyai keistimewaan akses Internet, jadi kena cetak jadual pasang surut. Tapi kalau orang kampung, dulu kena bawa dua set pakaian. Satu untuk tolak tarik perahu dan yang kedua sebelum selekoh sampai ke Bekenu baru tukar pakaian. Jadi bila sampai Bekenu, nampak smartlah sedikit. So actually nobody in Bekenu would know and imagine how you look like before that. Again thank you for that atas siapnya jalan pesisir pantai.

Jadi kini fasa pertama perhubungan melalui jalan persisir pantai telah terlaksana hasil pembangunan yang telah dirancang dan dilaksana oleh Kerajaan Barisan Nasional.

So actually we have “tasted” the first phase of development dan langkah seterusnya adalah untuk kita melaksanakan fasa kedua yang melibatkan the upgrading of the gravelled road to tar road dan bagi yang belum dapat di access melalui jalan raya sebelum ini kita accesskan sekurang-kurangnya melalui projek membatu jalan-jalan yang telah dirintis sama ada oleh fasa pertama yang belum siap seperti jalan ke kampung Kuala Sibuti, jalan ke Sebalik Tiris, ke Kampung Rancah-Rancah, Kampung Dagang Sepupuk ataupun atas-atas jalan yang dibina oleh kem pembalakan atau oleh pengusaha ladang kelapa sawit seperti jalan ke Kampung Bulau, Kampung Sinuk, Kampung Mutab, ke rumah-rumah panjang di Saeh dan Niah.

Saya amat gembira sekali apabila mendengar dan mengetahui dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan sebanyak RM15.108 billion telah diagihkan kepada Negeri Sarawak oleh Kerajaan Persekutuan. Oleh itu, special thanks to the Federal Government di atas keprihatinan ini kerana kita dapati ianya 17.9% lebih tinggi daripada Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan yang lalu. Dalam masa yang sama, kita ambil maklum melalui ucapan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak pada Persidangan Khas Dewan Undangan Negeri pada 20 April 2006 yang lalu. RM10 billion juga telah diagihkan bagi tujuan pembangunan termasuk untuk pembangunan luar bandar yang saya yakin terkandung juga di dalamnya usaha-usaha untuk memperluaskan bekalan elektrik dan bekalan air-air paip. Inilah yang amat ditunggu-tunggu oleh rakyat dan memandangkan akan sokongan yang tinggi terhadap kerajaan Barisan Nasional melalui keputusan pilihanraya yang lalu, saya memohon dapat diberikan peruntukan yang lebih kepada kawasan-kawasan ini.

Potensi Kawasan

Seterusnya mengenai potensi kawasan. Tuan Speaker, Bekenu, ini termasuk Bekenu dan Niah selama ini adalah ternama sebagai pengeluar-pengeluar durian, dengan izin, Durian Ukak. Di antaranya juga petai, rambutan, jagung, limau manis dan beberapa dan banyak lagi. Di samping itu juga, pengeluaran hasil laut seperti belacan, cencalok dan keropok. Pemasaran setakat ini adalah melalui jualan di pasar dan pasar-pasar minggu. Penanaman kelapa sawit juga sedang giat dikerjakan oleh penduduk-penduduk di kawasan ini. Melihat akan potensi ini, saya yakin ianya dapat diperkembangkan. Oleh yang demikian, saya mohon kerjasama daripada Jabatan Pertanian, Pertubuhan Peladang, WEDA, MPOB, SOP, FELCRA, penyertaan sektor-sektor swasta dan agensi lain yang berkaitan untuk sama-sama membantu agar usaha kecil-kecilan ini dapat diperluas dan diperkembangkan lagi. Saya juga dengan ini memohon agar Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak dapat menjadi Bekenu sebagai hub pengeluaran hasil-hasil atau produk pertanian agar dapat meningkatkan lagi taraf ekonomi rakyat.

Pelancongan, Tarikan, Tempat dan Budaya

Potensi seterusnya mengenai pelancongan, tarikan, tempat dan budaya. N61 �" Bekenu adalah di antara kawasan yang kaya dengan tempat-tempat yang boleh menarik para pelancong. Di antaranya kita mempunyai Gua Niah yang penuh sejarah. Di samping itu juga kita mempunyai pantai-pantai yang indah seperti di Trusan Bungai, Pantai Bungai, Kuala Sibuti dan Kuala Niah. Selain itu, dengan teraccessnya nanti Kuala Sibuti melalui jalanraya satu lagi tarikan yang boleh diusahakan iaitu crocodile watching, ini crocodile sungai, memancing dan pada malam hari pula boleh melihat fireflies yang menerangi tebingan sungai. Ini satu keistimewaan.

Tuan Speaker, untuk dikaitkan juga, Sarawak adalah sebuah negeri yang unik. Unik dalam erti kata terdapatnya berpuluh jenis kaum etnik. Di Kawasan Bekenu sahaja tidak kurang daripada 10 jenis kaum etnik dan ini kita pasti mengamalkan adat dan budaya serta perayaan masing-masing. Pengamalan dan pengtengahan serta penghidupan budaya ini bukan saja sebagai tarikan malah masa yang sama dapat mengekalkan dan ini yang saya gelar budaya kita harus mekar di laman global. Contohnya, Makan Tahun, Bergendang Bermukun, tarian-tarian tradisi dan beberapa lagi. Dengan ini adalah menjadi satu permohonan agar usaha kearah menambahbaik facility, meningkatkan usaha mempromosi boleh dilakukan khususnya oleh Kementerian Pelancongan supaya aspek ini boleh diperkembangkan lagi sebagai satu daya tarikan pelancong dalam dan luar negara.

Naiktaraf Daerah

Potensi ketiga, naiktaraf daerah. Bekenu dalam beberapa tahun ini dengan adanya jalan pesisir pantai telah mula berubah wajah. Kalau dulu ianya merupakan sebuah pekan yang sunyi dan seakan-akan statik tapi kini seperti yang saya katakan tadi, sejak adanya jalan pesisir pantai, kita nampak satu perubahan yang ketara sekali. Hujung minggu kita lihat ramai orang datang khusus untuk marketing kerana ingin mendapatkan sayuran dan ikan segar. Keadaan ini tambah meriah lagi dengan adanya pasar minggu yang dimulakan oleh Persatuan Peladang Kawasan Subis. Di samping kemeriahan ini, beberapa projek pembangunan juga sedang rancak diusahakan termasuk penyusunan semula pekan di mana bangunan tergendala yang selama ini menjadi eyesore telah diroboh dan akan tersergam deretan kedai yang baru, market yang sedang dalam pembinaan, penyusunan semula jalan-jalan di dalam pekan. Special thanks also to the former Wakil Rakyat N.55 �" Lambir.

Bilangan penduduk juga jauh bertambah, yang mana dengan keadaan ini saya merasakan sudah sampai masanya Bekenu dijadikan satu daerah. We have what it takes to be a daerah. Ini juga merupakan satu permohonan untuk dipertimbangkan, Tuan Speaker.

Pembangunan Modal Insan, Pembinaan Sekolah,
Peluang Latihan, Pusat Latihan

Seterusnya saya nak sentuh tentang pembangunan modal insan, pembinaan sekolah, peluang latihan, pusat latihan. Tuan Speaker, seperti yang ditekankan di dalam ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak semasa upacara pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Yang Keenam Belas, pembangunan modal insan merupakan di antara agenda penting dalam pembangunan Negeri Sarawak kerana perlunya mewujudkan masyarakat berilmu dan tenaga kerja yang mahir. Dengan izin, saya juga ingin memetik kenyataan Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Perdana Menteri Malaysia semasa pembentangan Bajet kesembilan pada 31 Mac 2006 yang lalu. Saya petik:

“Sekiranya kita ingin melangkah ke era ekonomi berpaksikan pengetahuan, jika kita mahu menjadi negara maju dan kekal pada tahap tersebut, pembangunan modal insan harus diutamakan. Dalam konteks dunia global, modal insan bermutu tinggi adalah keperluan bukan lagi satu kemewahan.”

Selaras dengan itu, kita termaklum bahawa di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan sebanyak RM1.03 billion disediakan untuk Kementerian Pelajaran dan Kementerian Pelajaran telah mengenalpasti 54 buah sekolah baru sebagai di antara projek itu. Adalah menjadi harapan agar Negeri Sarawak juga termasuk di dalam di antara negeri yang akan mendapat sekolah baru tersebut memandangkan masih banyak lagi sekolah yang beroperasi dua sesi. Saya juga mengharap agar pembinaan sebuah lagi sekolah berasrama penuh dapat dipertimbangkan untuk Negeri Sarawak memandangkan sekarang ini hanya dua buah sahaja iaitu di Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching dan Sekolah Menengah Sains Miri. Ini dirasakan perlu kerana kita dapati bahawa dengan menghimpunkan pelajar-pelajar yang berpotensi dan dengan diberi kemudahan asrama sepenuhnya, segala program kecemerlangan dapat dilaksanakan dengan lancar. Di samping itu, dua buah sekolah ini juga telah berjaya mencatat keputusan yang cemerlang dalam SPM dan PMR dengan mengekalkan 100% lulus kerana keadaan yang disediakan adalah kondusif selain daripada program-program yang dirancang dan dijalankan bersama sekolah berasrama penuh yang lain di Semenanjung Malaysia.

Selain daripada pembinaan sekolah, sebagai tambahan kepada yang sedia ada bagi menampung bilangan pelajar yang semakin ramai, tidak dinafikan juga ada di antara remaja-remaja yang tercicir atas alasan-alasan tertentu. Untuk ini, peranan-peranan badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) juga adalah diharap dapat membantu dalam mengelolakan kursus-kursus atau aktiviti serta juga membuka pusat-pusat latihan dan peluang latihan-latihan kemahiran agar para belia yang tercicir dari alam persekolahan ini khasnya mempunyai asas untuk berdikari kerana kalau belia-belia ini terbiar, mereka akan menjadi bebanan kepada kerajaan terutama apabila golongan ini terjebak ke aktiviti-aktiviti yang merosakkan.

Rumusan dan Permohonan

Rumusan dan juga merupakan permohonan. Tuan Speaker, setelah menyentuh beberapa aspek yang berlegar sekitar pembangunan kawasan, potensi, modal insan, saya juga mengetengahkan dan merumuskan beberapa perkara yang memerlukan perhatian kita. Di antaranya adalah masalah hakisan yang begitu ketara sekali terutama di tebing laut, sebagai contoh di Pantai Peliau Bungai bila mana sebahagian jalan telah runtuh akibat hakisan yang teruk. Saya dengan ini memohon agar dapat dibantu dari segi peruntukan untuk membuat retaining wall. Di samping itu saya juga memohon pertimbangan perluasan bekalan elektrik termasuk ke kawasan-kawasan Kampung Pejuang Kelulit, rumah panjang di Saeh dan juga di Niah. Saya juga memohon agar bekalan-bekalan air bersih, air paip ke kampung-kampung dan rumah-rumah panjang terutama yang berdekatan dengan jalan pesisir sebagai permulaan contohnya ke tempat yang telah saya sebutkan tadi. Selain itu, jalan-jalan raya yang perlu diupgrade seperti jalan di Sepupok, Kampung Dagang Sepupok, jalan ke Rumah Chang, Rumah Selan, Saeh. Dalam ertikata lain, setiap kampung dan rumah panjang juga dipohon agar dapat diaccess melalui jalan raya. Penghargaan kepada Ahli Parlimen Miri, State Development Office, Pejabat Daerah, JKR, Jabatan Saliran atas perhatian yang diberikan kepada kawasan N.61 selama ini.

Dalam masa yang sama, Tuan Speaker, saya mohon juga agar klinik-klinik di Bekenu dan Niah diperbesarkan lagi melalui pembinaan semula kerana yang ada sekarang sudah terlalu kecil berbanding dengan pertambahan penduduk yang ada. Balai Polis Bekenu dan Niah juga perlu diambil kira termasuk juga pertambahan bilangan pegawai kerana memandangkan pertambahan penduduk serta juga kerana pembukaan ladang-ladang yang baru yang menyebabkan the influx of workers from merata tempat.

Tuan Speaker, kita juga memerlukan kemudahan sukan seperti trek bitumen untuk Kawasan Bekenu yang boleh digunakan oleh masyarakat dan juga sekolah-sekolah yang berdekatan kerana setakat ini kita belum ada lagi kemudahan ini. Kita ada empat buah sekolah menengah dalam Kawasan N61 �" Bekenu.

Waterfront Bekenu juga perlu diberi peruntukan agar dapat dilakukan facelift kerana memandangkan ianya kini menjadi tumpuan pelancong-pelancong terutama pada hujung-hujung minggu.

Seterusnya, Tuan Speaker, saya mohon pertimbangan khas mengenai status tanah NCR yang ada kaitan dengan permohonan bagi benih anak kelapa sawit yang kini dimaklumkan bahawa hanya tanah yang bergeran sahaja yang akan diberi pertimbangan. Begitu juga dengan permohonan bagi Rumah Mesra Rakyat. Ini perlu agar kemudahan ini dapat dinikmati oleh khususnya orang-orang di kampung.

Tuan Speaker, atas segala permohonan tadi, adalah menjadi harapan dengan teragihnya peruntukan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan ini nanti, saya yakin akan merealisasikan impian dan hasrat rakyat. Begitu juga saya berharap agar segala projek yang direncanakan untuk dilaksanakan dapat dipercepatkan supaya dapat juga mempercepatkan pembangunan luar bandar, pembangunan modal insan serta meningkatkan kualiti hidup rakyat khususnya penduduk di kampung.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum mengundur diri sekali lagi tahniah dan terima kasih di atas nasihat, pesanan, panduan dan harapan seperti yang terkandung di dalam ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak sempena Upacara Pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Yang Keenam Belas. Tahniah juga kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak kerana telah berjaya memimpin dan membawa Sarawak ke status di antara negeri yang diurus dengan terbaik di Malaysia dan kepada Menteri-Menteri, Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri serta Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat dari semua komponen parti Barisan Nasional, tahniah juga dan terima kasih di atas sokongan, panduan, nasihat yang diberikan.

Sesungguhnya segala ini adalah demi masa depan Sarawak yang kita sayangi di bawah kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak kita.
Sekian. Terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, dengan ucapan dari Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bekenu, sidang berehat sebentar dan sidang akan bermula pada jam 2:00 petang.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 12:31 petang)

(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 2.19 petang)

[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Jemoreng

Y.B. Encik Abu Seman Bin Jahwi: Terima kasih Tuan Speaker kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan menyokong usul penghargaaan ke atas ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak sempena perasmian pesidangan penggal pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Keenam Belas pada 24 Julai 2006 yang lalu.

Tuan Speaker, ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak adalah jelas dan amat besar maknanya bahawa beliau turut bergembira dan senang hati kerana Barisan Nasional di bawah kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri dalam pilihanraya negeri Sarawak pada 20 Mei yang lalu telah sekali lagi diberi mandat oleh rakyat Sarawak untuk menerajui pentadbiran negeri Sarawak yang kita cintai. Syabas dan tahniah besar kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri atas lantikan semula sebagai Ketua Menteri Sarawak pada 21 Mei 2006 yang lalu.

Untuk rekod Tuan Speaker, terima kasih saya ucapkan kepada semua pengundi Kawasan N.38 �" Jemoreng yang mana telah mengundi saya dalam pilihanraya yang lalu. Dari tarikh 20 Mei sehingga ke hari ini telah memasuki hari yang ke enam puluh tujuh saya menjadi wakil rakyat ADUN di Kawasan N.38. Seterusnya ucapan tahniah juga saya ucapkan kepada semua Ahli Yang Berhormat yang telah dipilih semula menjadi wakil rakyat dalam pilihanraya yang lalu. Ucapan tahniah juga saya rakamkan kepada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat yang baru pertama kali dipilih sebagai wakil rakyat di kawasan masing-masing.

Tuan Speaker, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak dalam ucapannya telah memberi nasihat dan pandangan yang bijak agar kita semua memberi perkhidmatan yang baik dan berkesan kepada rakyat di kawasan masing-masing. Kita sebagai wakil rakyat disarankan supaya sanggup turun padang bagi melihat sendiri permasalahan rakyat yang kita wakil serta bersikap prihatin ke atas rintihan dan juga suara rakyat. Di samping itu, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak juga menasihatkan kita Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat supaya terus memelihara dan mempertahankan perpaduan dan keharmonian kaum yang sedia wujud. Beliau juga turut berbangga bahawa walaupun rakyat Sarawak terdiri tidak kurang daripada 28 kaum tapi masih dapat bergaul mesra antara dengan yang lain tanpa masalah kaum.

Tuan Speaker, sememangnya bahawa kemenangan besar oleh Barisan Nasional telah menampakkan kepada kita bahawa tahap kerjasama dan tahap perpaduan di kalangan rakyat Sarawak amatlah tinggi. Ini membuktikan bahawa kebijaksaan kepimpinan Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri telah menghasilkan kestabilan politik yang tinggi di Negeri Sarawak. Keadaan yang aman telah menarik minat pelabur-pelabur luar untuk menjalankan perniagaan di negeri ini dan keadaan keselamatan yang baik juga telah menarik ramai pelancong untuk melawat Negeri Sarawak yang mempunyai tempat daya tarik pelancong yang banyak dari pelbagai tempat termasuklah pantai-pantai yang indah, tasik-tasik, kawasan gua dan juga taman hutan dan sebagainya. Aktiviti tersebut telah memberi impak yang positif kepada kepesatan pembangunan sosial dan ekonomi negeri Sarawak pada keseluruhannya.

Tuan Speaker, kita kini berada di ambang Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan dan diperuntukkan sebanyak 15.1 billion untuk tujuan pembangunan Negeri Sarawak. Jumlah wang peruntukan yang besar itu sudah pasti memberi faedah yang banyak kepada rakyat kalau digunakan mengikut apa yang telah dirancangkan. Tambahan lagi seperti kita sedia maklum bahawa dengan persempadanan semula kawasan ADUN dan Parlimen di Negeri Sarawak sudah pasti memberi advantage kepada peruntukan kewangan untuk pembangunan akan ikut bertambah dan sekaligus akan membantu mempercepatkan pembangunan sosio-ekonomi kawasan berkenaan dan akan dapat meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat di Negeri Sarawak.

Pembangunan Kawasan N.38 �" Jemoreng

Tuan Speaker, dalam siri lawatan awal saya di kawasan saya Jemoreng, didapati bahawa pada asasnya pembinaan infrastruktur seperti jalan raya, jalan-jalan kampung, jambatan-jambatan kampung, serta penyediaan kemudahan bekalan air dan elektrik adalah ditahap yang baik. Untuk tujuan rekod saya dalam dewan yang mulia ini merakamkan setinggi tahniah dan terima kasih banyak kepada keprihatinan kerajaan Barisan Nasional dalam usaha membantukan rakyat di Kawasan N.38.

Tuan Speaker, aktiviti perladangan kelapa sawit yang diperkenalkan di Kawasan N.38 sejak sepuluh tahun yang lalu telah menampakkan kejayaan dan telah memberi faedah ekonomi kepada penduduk tempatan khususnya dalam menyediakan peluang pekerjaan kepada rakyat di kampung-kampung berdekatan. Peluang pekerjaan yang disediakan telah sedikit sebanyak dapat mengurangkan penghijrahan penduduk dari kawasan luar bandar ataupun dari kampung ke kawasan bandar seperti ke Sibu dan lain-lain bandar di Sarawak. Namun begitu, Tuan Speaker, pembukaan tanah yang semakin bertambah untuk tujuan perladangan telah juga didapati memberi kesan negatif kepada alam sekitar terutama sekali ke atas mutu air di kawasan tersebut dan telah didapati sedikit tercemar dan mengancam kehidupan air dan juga kawasan tanah juga telah kalau tidak dikawal akan menjejaskan kawasan tadahan air yang terhad di kawasan pesisir pantai khususnya di Kawasan N.38.

Tuan Speakar, dalam Dewan yang mulia ini sukacita saya mencadangkan kepada pihak kerajaan dan kementerian berkaitan agar memberi perhatian dan tindakan sewajarnya di atas perkara berikut:

(1) Membuat kajian awal kesan aktiviti perladangan kelapa sawit ke atas mutu air dan kawasan tadahan air di Kawasan N.38. Kalau tidak, mungkin keadaan buruk akan berlaku di masa akan datang;
(2) Meluaskan semula Sungai Batang Matu yang kini tidak dapat digunakan dengan sempurna akibat ditumbuhi oleh rumput-rumput yang tebal sehingga menghalang pengaliran air dan menyebabkan banjir mudah berlaku. Penggunaan sungai yang berkurangan adalah akibat sistem jalan raya yang elok yang telah dilaksanakan di kawasan tersebut;

(1) Mempercepatkan pembinaan jambatan yang melintasi Sungai Batang Igan bagi melengkapkan rangkaian jalan pesisir di Negeri Sarawak. Adalah diharapkan dengan terbinanya jambatan tersebut nanti perkhidmatan feri tidak diperlukan lagi dan masa perjalanan dapat dipercepatkan;

(2) Menggantikan bangunan-bangunan sekolah yang diperbuat daripada kayu yang sudah uzur agar diganti dengan bangunan-bangunan konkrit agar lebih selesa dan selamat untuk tempat anak-anak kampung belajar;

(3) Mengambil perhatian dan tindakan perlu ke atas soal kebajikan warga tua dan juga golongan rakyat kurang upaya kerana bilangan permohonan yang saya terima sejak dua bulan yang lalu semakin hari semakin bertambah;

(6) Mengambil perhatian dan tindakan perlu ke atas soal kebajikan warga tua dan juga golongan rakyat kurang upaya kerana bilangan permohonan yang saya terima sejak dua bulan yang lalu semakin hari semakin bertambah;

(7) Menambahkan lagi aktiviti bercorak keagamaan memandangkan 92% daripada penduduk di kawasan N.38 adalah beragama Islam dan; seterusnya.

( Meneruskan pembinaan jalan raya, penyediaan bekalan air dan elektrik di kampung-kampung yang terpencil serta rumah panjang seperti di Daerah Kecil Igan iaitu Kampung Ilas dan juga Kampung Tebuau di mana seratus peratus merupakan penyokong Barisan Nasional. Jadi, kalau perkara ini tidak ditangani, tidak di-address mungkin di masa pilihanraya akan datang akan ditimbul semula.

(9) Memohon kepada jabatan yang berkenaan supaya menempatkan seorang jawatan Pembantu Perubatan di Klinik Matu supaya perkhidmatan kesihatan dapat ditingkatkan.

(10) Memulih dan menjalankan kerja-kerja pembaikan ke atas Rumah Panjang Melanau di Kampung Sut Matu kerana rumah panjang tersebut mempunyai nilai sejarah dan berpotensi untuk menjadi satu produk untuk menarik pelancong datang ke Matu. Untuk makluman, rumah panjang tersebut sudah dalam keadaan yang perlu dibaiki.

(11) Supaya pihak kerajaan membina Balai Bomba kerana buat masa ini perkhidmatan bomba belum ada di Matu dan sekira kebakaran berlaku agak payah untuk memadamkan kebakaran kalau terjadi.

Seterusnya, mencadangkan diwujudkan juga Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa di Matu sebagai pemangkin kepada pembangunan di Kawasan N.38. Seterusnya menimbang permohonan Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat Skim Individu daripada rakyat Kawasan N.38. Dan akhir sekali mencadangkan supaya pihak berkenaan memulakan perlaksanaan dan pembinaan Matu Township yang mana tapak tanah pembinaan telah dikenal pasti dan disediakan dan sebahagiannya pampasan tanah telah dibayar kepada pemilik tanah yang berkenaan.

Tuan Speaker, dengan melaksanakan perkara-perkara yang saya sebut di atas tadi, saya percaya Kawasan N.38 akan turut maju seperti kawasan lain. Dan saya yakin sokongan rakyat kepada kerajaan baru Barisan Nasional akan terus kuat dan berada dalam keadaan yang kukuh. Dengan itu, membuat Kawasan N.38 menjadi kuat kubu Barisan Nasional di masa akan datang. Insya-Allah.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum saya mengundur diri, untuk tujuan rekod juga saya ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada semua pegawai kerajaan, dan ketua-ketua jabatan yang telah memberi kerjasama yang begitu tinggi dan penuh komitmen dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas dan perlaksaan projek-projek pembangunan kerajaan khususnya di Kawasan N.38. Thank you for your good service dan saya sangat berharap hubungan baik antara Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat dan pegawai kerajaan terus dikekalkan seperti yang telah ditunjukkan sebelum ini. Ucapan terima kasih juga saya tujukan kepada anggota keselamatan kerana telah berjaya mewujudkan suasana yang aman dan damai dan pengorbanan mereka menjaga keselamatan dengan cemerlang telah memboleh projek-projek pembangunan dijalankan dengan baik tanpa gangguan.

Tuan Speaker, akhir kata izinkan saya sekali lagi mengusulkan bahawa Dewan yang mulia ini berhimpun dan meluluskan ucapan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak sempena perasmian Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Keenam Belas pada 24 Julai 2006 yang lalu. Kepada semua Ahli Yang Berhormat di Dewan yang mulia ini marilah kita bekerja sebagai satu pasukan untuk kemajuan dan kesejahteraan Negeri Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang yang kita cintai. Sekian, terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Muara Tuang.

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamad Ali bin Mahmud: Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Yang Berhormat Tuan Speaker, terima kasih kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk berucap menyokong usul ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. Dengan sukacitanya saya berdiri di Dewan yang mulia ini untuk turut serta dalam menyokong perbahasan Usul Terima Kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Dengan penuh hormat dan takzimnya saya mengambil peluang ini untuk merakam setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada Tuan Yang Terutama di atas perutusan beliau.

Tuan Yang Terutama telah menggariskan dengan jelasnya suasana politik, ekonomi, sosial dan budaya masyarakat Negeri Sarawak serta perubahan susur galurnya. Negeri Sarawak telah menyaksi perubahan yang tidak pernah berlaku sebelum ini dalam sejarah kecemerlangannya. Kita telah mengalami perubahan dan pembangunan yang melangkaui apa yang pernah kita impikan. Tuan Yang Terutama juga berpandangan jauh kehadapan menuju tahun 2020, matlamat murni kita semua. Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri Malaysia dan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak masing-masing telah membentangkan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan di dalam Parlimen dan juga di Dewan yang mulia ini. Halatuju untuk mencapai matlamat Wawasan 2020 hanyalah melalui Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan dan seterusnya diikuti Rancangan Malaysia Kesepuluh dan Kesebelas.

Tuan Speaker, kita bersyukur ke hadrat Ilahi kerana dengan limpah dan kurnianya maka kita menikmati suasana yang aman dan damai di Malaysia amnya dan di Sarawak khususnya. Sementara bencana tsunami telah melanda Acheh di Pulau Sumetera Utara dan baru-baru ini di Jawa Barat meninggalkan kemusnahan yang boleh disaksikan hingga kini. Manakala Kepulauan Jawa dan Sulawesi pula digegarkan oleh gempa bumi dan gunung berapi. Selatan Thailand dan Filipina pula saban hari menyaksikan kekalutan masyarakatnya. Kita di Sarawak telah terselamat daripada bencana alam semulajadi dan ancaman keselamatan.

Di Sarawak tiada tsunami, tiada gunung berapi, tiada gemba bumi, tiada perang saudara dan tiada rusuhan kaum. Sebaliknya di negara dan negeri kita Sarawak telah dilimpahkan dengan suasana aman dan sejahtera. Kita juga harus bersyukur kerana dalam suasana yang demikian kita dapat menikmati pembangunan ekonomi yang mampan berkat perpaduan serta keharmonian kaum dan toleransi beragama yang menyumbangkan keadaan politik yang stabil.

Tuan Speaker, rakyat Sarawak selama ini telah selesa menikmati kesemua rahmat ini, sehinggakan ianya diambil mudah oleh sesetengah pihak. Mengimbas kembali sejarah Sarawak, Dewan yang mulia ini mempunyai 48 Ahli Yang Berhormat pada tahun 1987. Ketika itu pembangkang mempunyai 20 ahli manakala Barisan Nasional mempunyai 28 Ahli Yang Berhormat. Pada masa itu, parti pemerintah dan kerajaan semasa dipimpin oleh Barisan Nasional. Kerana Barisan Nasional memenangi 28 kerusi dan pembangkang hanya 20 kerusi, maka kemenangan mutlak adalah milik Barisan Nasional dengan kelebihan lapan kerusi.

Dalam Pilihanraya Negeri Sarawak pada bulan Mei tahun ini, Barisan Nasional telah berjaya memenangi 62 kerusi manakala pembangkang dan calon bebas hanya sembilan kerusi. Sudah tentulah dengan alasan yang sama Barisan Nasional telah memenangi dengan cemerlangnya. Secara keseluruhan, Barisan Nasional telah berjaya mendapat sokongan lebih 87% berbanding pembangkang yang hanya lebih sedikit 12%. Di sini, saya ingin mengambil peluang untuk mengucapkan tahniah kepada Barisan Nasional di bawah kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri atas kemenangan yang cemerlang ini. Tahniah juga kepada rakan-rakan Yang Berhormat yang telah menyapu bersih 62 kerusi dan sokongan yang melebihi 87%. Walau bagaimanapun, saya ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Ya, Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kota Sentosa

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamad Ali bin Mahmud: Bagi pihak pembangkang dan bebas… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: He is not giving way.
Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamad Ali bin Mahmud: Pada pilihanraya yang lepas.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Clarification.

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamad Ali bin Mahmud: Silakan.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Terima kasih Yang Berhormat. Saya ingin bertanya, jika kita membanding dengan, di antara Pilihanraya Negeri 2006 dan Pilihanraya Negeri 2001 dimana hanya satu kerusi pembangkang menang. Adakah ini menunjukkan satu sokongan, sokongan untuk Barisan Nasional sudah turun, sama ada Yang Berhormat setuju dengan cadangan saya?

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamad Ali bin Mahmud: Saya tidak setuju. Hanya yang saya nampak jelas kemenangan pembangkang mahupun bebas tenggelam timbul. (Applause) Tuan Speaker, saya berasa bangga kerana telah dipilih untuk kerusi N.15 Muara Tuang dan mewakili rakyat di Muara Tuang di dalam Dewan yang mulia ini. Kita boleh mengingati kembali kehidupan di kawasan saya kira-kira 22 tahun yang lalu. Tiada jalan raya yang menghubungkan Kuching dengan Muara Tuang. Perjalanan dengan menggunakan bot kargo selama beberapa hari merupakan kemewahan kepada mereka yang mampu untuk melawat bandar besar Kuching waktu itu.

Dalam perjalanan yang mengambil masa agak lama ketika itu, mereka terpaksa menyediakan bekalan air dan makanan sebelum memulakan pengembaraan menggunakan bot kargo. Kini, di bawah pemerintahan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional kita hanya perlu memandu selama 30 minit sahaja dari Kuching untuk sampai ke pinggir desa kawasan Muara Tuang. Semua ini menjadi kenyataan kerana pembangunan yang sangat pesat terutamanya dalam pembinaan prasarana jalan raya untuk menghubungkan bandaraya Kuching dengan Muara Tuang.

Pembangunan sebegini bukan hanya terdapat dalam kawasan saya sahaja tetapi juga dalam kawasan lain. Jalan-jalan yang telah dibina bukan sahaja menghubungi setiap bandar di Sarawak hingga ke Negeri Sabah bahkan membolehkan kita merentasi sempadan antarabangsa ke Brunei dan Kalimantan Barat semakin cepat dan selesa.

Tiga puluh tahun yang lalu, semua ini hanyalah impian dan khayalan semata-mata. Namun demikian, dengan berkatnya kita merdeka dalam Malaysia, Kerajaan Barisan Nasional Negeri di bawah pimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri yang berteraskan politik pembangunan telah dapat membuktikan bahawa khayalan dan impian itu kini telah menjadi kenyataan. Alhamdulillah.

Pembangunan yang pesat di Kawasan Muara Tuang telah dinikmati oleh masyarakatnya terutama dalam masa lebih kurang 15 tahun kebelakangan ini. Dengan kemunculan pusat pengajian tinggi awam kita sendiri iaitu Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Institut Perguruan Tun Abdul Razak dan kolej-kolej pengajian lain, banyak lagi rancangan pembangunan sedang dibina. Sekarang ini impian setiap anak tempatan untuk menjejak kaki ke institut pengajian tinggi dan menjadi graduan bukan lagi mustahil. Kini semua anak tempatan di Muara Tuang atau di tempat lain di Sarawak, di bandar atau sebaliknya bukan hanya berangan-angan tetapi benar-benar melangkah jauh ke arah kejayaan untuk mendapat ijazah dalam pengajian peringkat tertinggi.

Penubuhan UNIMAS, UiTM dan Institut Perguruan Tun Abdul Razak juga telah menarik pelajar dari dekat dan jauh untuk datang menuntut ilmu di tempat ini yang dulunya merupakan perkampungan teratak usang yang berlumpur. Aktiviti akademik yang pesat akan menjadikan Muara Tuang bandar ilmu yang dinamik. Graduan dan pelajar yang tamat pengajian daripada institusi pengajian tinggi ini, akan meningkatkan ilmu pengetahuan masyarakat Muara Tuang khasnya dan Sarawak amnya. Golongan kaya ilmu dengan minda ilmu kelas pertama inilah yang kita harapkan untuk menerajui ekonomi yang berteraskan ilmu pengetahuan ataupun k-economy seperti yang telah digariskan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Menyedari sumber semulajadi yang semakin berkurangan saban hari, hanya ekonomi yang menggunakan nilai tambah ilmu pengetahuan dan modal insan sahajalah yang akan mampu bersaing dengan berkesan. Oleh itu, segala pelaburan yang telah dibuat oleh Kerajaan Barisan Nasional dalam membangunkan institusi pengajian tinggi ini memang tepat dan strategik demi kejayaan masa depan negeri, negara dan bangsa.

Tuan Speaker, dengan penempatan berbagai pejabat kerajaan di kawasan ini, setiap urusan rakyat dengan kerajaan juga telah dipermudahkan dan dipertingkatkan. Perkara ini bersama dengan penubuhan institusi pengajian tinggi yang telah dinyatakan sebelum ini telah memberikan lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan untuk penduduk-penduduk tempatan. Menyedari keperluan komuniti sub-bandar yang pesat membangun, sebuah pejabat polis, balai BOMBA, klinik-klinik kerajaan, stadium, Masjid Bahagian Baru, Sekolah Kebangsaan Datuk Traoh adalah di antara projek-projek yang telah dibina.

Memang tidak dapat dinafikan dan disangkalkan lagi bahawa Kerajaan Barisan Nasional di bawah kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri yang sangat komited untuk memastikan hanya yang terbaik untuk rakyat sama ada dari segi pembangunan prasarana mahupun pendidikan, komunikasi, pertanian dan sosio-ekonomi tanpa menjejaskan perpaduan kaum dan adat resam warisan budaya semua kaum di Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker, masyarakat Muara Tuang sentiasa menyokong Kerajaan Barisan Nasional yang telah mempertingkatkan kehidupan mereka melangkaui impian mereka. Mereka juga telah mendapat manfaat yang besar daripada program pembangunan bersepadu di mana sumber desa dan bandar disatukan bagi mengembangkan ruang sosio-ekonomi. Saya berasa bangga untuk mewakili kawasan yang dinamik ini yang telah mengalami banyak transformasi dalam tempoh tiga dekad yang lepas. Ucapan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih dan penghargaan yang tidak terhingga kepada Kerajaan Pusat dan Kerajaan Negeri iaitu tidak lain, tidak bukan Kerajaan Barisan Nasional.

Muara Tuang tidak lagi dikenali sebagai kampung pesisir dengan penduduk luar bandar seperti beberapa dekad yang lepas. Sekarang Muara Tuang telah menjadi bandar yang penuh dengan aktiviti perdagangan dengan jalan raya sejauh 25 kilometer yang menghubungkannya dengan Kuching. Pembangunan yang pesat telah dimangkinkan oleh sistem jalan raya yang baik yang menghubungkan bandar dan kampung di sekitarnya seperti Daerah Asajaya, Serian dan Daerah Simunjan. Pembangunan yang pesat dan besar ini bermakna bandar ini sekarang telah mempunyai kemudahan yang serba moden.

Tuan Speaker, mengenai pembangunan pertanian. Di kawasan saya, pertanian merupakan sumber penting ekonomi penduduk terutamanya penduduk-penduduk luar bandar. Seperti juga dengan kawasan-kawasan lain di Sarawak mereka terdiri daripada berbilang kaum dan agama. Pertanian telah menjadi sumber rezeki sejak berpuluh-puluh tahun yang lalu lebih-lebih lagi penanaman padi. Namun demikian, penanaman padi adalah untuk keperluan sendiri sahaja dan diusahakan secara kecil-kecilan. Di samping itu, mereka juga terlibat dengan tanaman getah buat beberapa tahun. Walau bagaimanapun, apabila harga getah merosot mereka kemudian beralih kepada koko. Seperti juga dengan getah, penanaman koko juga tidak dapat bertahan lama. Harga koko juga tidak stabil dan menyebabkan penanaman koko tidak menguntungkan.

Baru-baru ini, harga getah telah meningkat dan dapat memberi pulangan yang baik. Namun demikian, kebun-kebun getah yang lama terbiar tidak mudah untuk dipulihkan serta diusahakan untuk menikmati faedah kenaikan harga getah pada masa sekarang. Dalam pada itu, banyak juga kebun getah yang telah ditebang dan digantikan dengan tanaman lain seperti kelapa sawit. FELCRA adalah agensi utama yang menggerakkan ladang kelapa sawit yang melibatkan pekebun-pekebun kecil di kawasan saya. Satu kilang kelapa sawit telah dibina oleh FELCRA di kawasan Endap. Walaupun, kita menggalakkan penanaman kelapa sawit, penjagaan alam sekitar hendaklah diutamakan supaya tidak tercemar.

Tuan Speaker, keadaan pasaran yang sentiasa berubah-ubah membuat usaha kerajaan untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat luar bandar menjadi lebih sukar dan mencabar. Saya yakin Jabatan Pertanian telah berusaha sebaik mungkin dan malahan berjuta-juta ringgit wang kerajaan telahpun dibelanjakan untuk infrastruktur dan input pertanian sejak Rancangan Malaysia pertama lagi bagi meningkatkan tahap sosio-ekonomi petani. Usaha-usaha ini disokong serta dibantu oleh agensi-agensi lain seperti IADP, FAMA, DID, FELCRA dan SALCRA.

Bagi Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan, Kerajaan Negeri telah memperuntukkan sebanyak RM23 juta bagi Bahagian Samarahan melalui Jabatan Pertanian untuk melaksanakan pelbagai projek pertanian. Bagi Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, kita mengharapkan Bahagian Samarahan diberi peruntukkan yang lebih besar memandangkan banyak lagi projek-projek bagi meningkat produktiviti yang perlu dilaksanakan.

Hasil daripada usaha-usaha kerajaan dan kegiatan-kegiatan pertanian, jumlah kawasan yang dibangunkan dengan buah-buahan, sayur-sayuran, nenas, padi dan sebagainya adalah sebanyak 2,039 hektar di Daerah Samarahan dengan bantuan Jabatan Pertanian dan IADP. Jabatan DID juga telah terlibat dalam pembinaan ban dan jalan kebun yang banyak memudahkan pekebun untuk pergi ke kebun masing-masing. Bagi memastikan pembangunan pertanian yang maju, berdaya saing dan produktif, satu kawasan telah digazet bagi mewujudkan taman kekal pengeluaran makanan seluas 1,000 ekar di kawasan Endap.

Projek-projek pertanian telah memberi manfaat secara langsung kepada kira-kira 3,000 warga tani di Kawasan N.15 �" Muara Tuang. Dengan adanya projek-projek ini taraf hidup petani telah terbela meningkat dan bertambah baik. Mengikut kajian bagi kawasan IADP Samarahan yang dijalankan oleh UNIMAS pada tahun 2004, pendapatan petani telah meningkat daripada RM350 pada tahun 1982 kepada RM1,000 pada tahun 2004. Setakat ini kebanyakan petani terlibat dalam pengeluaran bahan mentah pertanian, tidak banyak yang terlibat dalam aktiviti pemprosesan makanan atau aktiviti nilai tambah yang lain. Bagi meningkatkan produktiviti dan pendapatan, mereka perlu digalak untuk melibatkan diri dalam kegiatan ekonomi hiliran serta nilai tambah. Di sini MARDI, IADP, FAMA dan Jabatan Pertanian dapat memain peranan masing-masing dan mereka adalah diminta untuk membantu secara bersepadu.

Memandangkan nanas adalah tanaman utama aktiviti pemprosesan nanas perlu diberi pertimbangan yang serius. Lebih besar kawasan perlu ditanam dengan nanas supaya ada economy of scale bagi menyokong aktiviti pemprosesan nanas di kawasan N.15 Muara Tuang. Sememangnya Kawasan Muara Tuang amat unik dengan penduduknya yang berbilang bangsa, kaum dan agama. Mereka terdiri daripada orang-orang Melayu, Iban, Cina, Bidayuh dan lain-lain. Walaupun banyak perbezaan, namun perpaduan di kalangan mereka adalah amat baik dan ketara sekali. Mereka hidup aman damai dan harmoni dengan penuh semangat, saling membantu dan tolong-menolong sesama sendiri. Malahan, kepimpinan kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah berjaya menjadikan masyarakat yang majmuk ini sebagai kekuatan untuk pembangunan.

Tuan Speaker, menyentuh tentang pembangunan perumahan dan komersil. Sejak tahun 2000 pembangunan taman-taman perumahan dan komersil telah bertambah pesat. Ini dapat kita lihat dengan ketara di kawasan sekitar Kota Samarahan sepanjang Jalan Tabuan-Mambong dan Jalan Datuk Muhamad Musa. Berbagai taman perumahan telah dibina seperti Desa Ilmu, Samarindah, Riveria, Midway Crescent dan Tia Vista. Setakat ini sebanyak 5,900 buah rumah pelbagai jenis telah siap dibina dan manakala banyak lagi dalam peringkat pelaksanaan. Taman-taman perumahan yang telah siap masih dapat menampung permintaan tempatan. Kita menjangka permintaan daripada penduduk Bandaraya Kuching akan bertambah memandangkan kawasan-kawasan perumahan tersebut adalah berhampiran dengan Bandaraya Kuching. Dengan pembesaran UNIMAS, UiTM dan IFTAR, bilangan pelajar dan pensyarah akan bertambah berlipat ganda dan oleh itu permintaan tempat tinggal akan bertambah.

Tuan Speaker, kepesatan pembangunan di Kota Samarahan memerlukan agensi-agensi yang responsif dan cepat bertindak. Buat masa sekarang, kebanyakan agensi kerajaan mengalami kekurangan personel dan tidak dapat bertindak dengan pantas seperti yang dimahu oleh pelanggan. Oleh itu, organisasi kerajaan di peringkat bahagian perlu dikaji semula dan diperkukuhkan. Berhampiran dengan tapak ini juga terdapat Pusat Perubatan Antarabangsa Sarawak, satu lagi projek pembangunan yang sedang dibina dan dijadualkan siap pada bulan November 2007. Pusat perubatan ini akan merupakan yang terbaru dan tercanggih di rantau ini. Ianya meliputi kawasan seluas 100 ekar. Sebuah kem tentera yang bernilai RM240 juta sedang dalam peringkat pembinaan, ianya dijangka siap pada tahun 2009.

Tuan Speaker, sememangnya merupakan suatu kenyataan bahawa tiada gelombang besar tsunami di Sarawak. Gunung berapi dan gempa bumi juga tiada. Jauh sekali kekecohan serta rusuhan perkauman dan juga keganasan. Semenjak Negeri Sarawak diterajui oleh Kerajaan Barisan Nasional apa yang telah kita alami hanyalah gelombang besar pembangunan dalam pelbagai bidang. Orang yang tidak menghargai kemajuan dan pembangunan ini akan ketinggalan ke belakang dan jauh daripada arus perdana. Teras utama integrasi antara kaum tanpa dibatasi oleh bangsa, agama dan budaya sudah berjaya dijadikan pemangkin ke arah pembangunan yang pesat. Sehubungan dengan itu, saya ingin mengambil peluang ini untuk mengajak rakyat Sarawak agar bukan sahaja memelihara dan mengekalkan perpaduan ini tapi juga terus berusaha untuk menambah baik keadaan yang sedia ada. Marilah kita sama-sama bersatu padu menunju puncak kejayaan.

Tuan Speaker, sekali lagi saya ingin memanjat doa ke hadrat yang Maha Kuasa. Sebagai calon yang baru dipilih untuk meneruskan perjuangan yang mulia ini, yang telah disumbangkan oleh bekas ADUN Muara Tuang selama 28 tahun. Insya’Allah, saya akan dengan sedaya-upaya berusaha untuk mencurah bakti kepada masyarakat di Kawasan Muara Tuang khasnya, dan Negeri Sarawak yang tercinta amnya, agar semua rakyat negeri ini dapat mengecapi pembangunan yang seimbang dan keharmonian yang berterusan.

Saya penuh yakin bahawa Barisan Nasional akan terus memerintah negeri yang kita cintai ini untuk selama-lamanya, Insya’Allah.

Tuan Speaker, sebelum mengakhiri ucapan izinkan saya melafaz dua rangkap pantun:

Pertahanan diri seninya bersilat,
Turun temurun menjadi warisan,
Kejayaan kami mandat rakyat,
Kemajuan berterusan kesejahteraan berkekalan. (Applause)

Jangan bermain di tepi perigi,
Kalau terjatuh padah sendiri,
Jangan suka bermain api,
Nanti terbakar diri sendiri. (Applause)
Negeri aman rakyatnya harmoni,
Menjadi hasrat setiap Y.B. kami.

Sekali lagi saya ingin merakam setinggi-tinggi terima kasih pada Tuan Yang Terutama dan menyokong usul ucapan dan mandat beliau pada hari Isnin, 24 Julai 2006. Sekian, terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pujut.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Tuan Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to join my Honourable colleagues to express my sincere appreciation for the opening speech of our gracious Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri on 24 July 2006. I am extremely honoured and feel privileged to be a member of this august House. I wish to thank the Barisan Nasional and Sarawak United Peoples Party for giving me the opportunity to stand as a candidate for Pujut, N.64. I also wish to thank the people of Pujut N.64 constituency and members of all Barisan Nasional component parties for their support. I pledge to serve to the best of my ability and at the same time uphold the good name and prestige of this honourable august House.

The loss of eight seats by SUPP in the last election, I believe, is a temporary setback. (Applause) We accept the democratic choice of the people. We will learn and find out our shortcomings. We will return better and stronger. (Applause)

Tuan Speaker, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri in his gracious address to this august House has highlighted to us some or our state’s development progress and achievements which we should take cognizance and be proud of. Going through our state development history, I would say that the significant change and transformation came through the politics of development since the 1990’s introduced by our State Barisan Nasional leaders and collectively implemented by all BN wakil rakyat as well as the support of the people as a whole. The political climate has been good. Our multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society is united, harmonious and peaceful. Mutual respect and understanding, goodwill, tolerance and cooperation among the people of various ethnic origins and different religious background had always prevailed. Our politics had been stabled. We must ensure that this is maintained for the sake of the country.

Tuan Speaker, permit me now to deal with some of the important topics of the day.

Land Leases

I understand that the BN government has been working hard to formulate new policies and administrative procedures regarding the renewal of land leases in Sarawak. At this juncture, I would like to bring along an appreciation message from the Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose Chairman, Mr Sim Hock Guan and his members have wanted me to say - Thank you to Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri and the Barisan Nasional Government for approving the renewal of leases for the old Miri shophouses for another sixty years. (Applause)

The first phase of 27 shophouses was completed in September 2004. The second phase of 29 shophouses will be completed by May 2007. Thereafter, the third phase of 49 shophouses will begin. The three phases were planned to minimize disruption to the commercial activities in the city centre.

Earlier this year, the Land Office in Miri had seek the assistance of SUPP Miri to help locate a list of Chinese landowners in Miri who had not yet applied for renewal of land lease expiring in five years. The Land Office was in fact taking a proactive step to make sure that landowners applied for renewal before the expiry of their land titles. These show that the State Government is sincere in its pledge to renew the land leases.

Tuan Speaker, as the next 10 years will see an increasing number of land leases due for renewal, I wish to express some of the aspirations of the people regarding this issue. The people regard a home as their most important asset. There is a genuine concern by the people that they may lose their homes after their leases expired or not be able to pay the premium upon lease expiry or not be able to sell or mortgaged their homes. The government had stated that the houses leases would be renewed unless certain rare public usage was required.

Unfortunately, the opposition took opportunity of this exception clause to raise fear and concern amongst public for its political mileage during the last State Election. There ought to be a properly announced standard procedure and adequate public relation exercise in respect of land lease renewal in order to address this problem. The people can no longer be left in doubt of the government’s sincerity. I fully support the statements made by the Honourable Member for Batu Kawah in his maiden speech in this august House yesterday regarding land lease renewal and premium. In addition I would like to bring to his august House the following suggestions and comments regarding lease renewal for consideration and comments:-

(1) Permit the renewal of lease at anytime before the lease expires

Banks do not generally accept the property as collateral if its lease expires in less than 20 years. This put the property owner in dilemma as his housing or business bank facilities may not be renewed due to the short remaining lease years. The acceptance of a lease renewal application earlier than 20 years before expiry, besides helping the property owner, means that premium collection is done early to improve the cash flow of the government. The administrative staff will also not be burdened with the sudden surge of land lease renewal applications as lease expired in badges. This will most certainly will eradicate delay in processing the application for lease renewal caused by everyone making application five years on the expiry date;

(2) Consider granting each Sarawakian, one residential home free from renewal premium

Sarawak is a huge State, nearly as large as Peninsula Malaysia, but with a small population of less than three million. This gift to the people of Sarawak in a land of plenty is therefore not outrageous. The land size acceptable for exemption may be limited to, say, one acre to avoid abuse. Land exceeding the first one acre is therefore subject to premium payment. Non-residential properties will not be granted this special exemption.

(3) Renewal premium be allowed to be paid over 30 years

This will most certainly ease the financial burden of the general public. To be fair, perhaps a small interest charge be imposed for such concession by the government. We have received many feedbacks from the people expressing their concern of not being able to afford to pay the land premium when the leases expire. We must take care of this especially those in the low to middle income groups who are most likely to face this financial burden.



(4) 99-year lease

The 60-year lease inherited from the colonial days is generally considered too short. Apart from creating anxiety among the Sarawakians, the 60 years lease is a deterrent for would be foreign investors who are not used to seeing such short lease. The resultant financial loss to the State can be enormous as a result of our land not being attractive to the foreign investors. Our priority is of-course to help Sarawakians. As also mentioned by the Honourable Member for Batu Kawa, the State Government is already granting 99 years leases for some commercial and residential development in Sarawak in recent years. In fact there are currently some 80,000 leasehold titles with 99 years lease in Sarawak. I hope this is the beginning of new trend for all future new and renewing leases that is 99 years lease of title.

Youth

On the youth, the Ninth Malaysian Plan includes extensive programme to develop youths with good leadership qualities as well as equipping them with entrepreneurship skills and knowledge such as to empower the youths to enhance their role in society, fostering national unity and nation building.

I must congratulate YAB Prime Minister for including Youth Empowering in the Ninth Malaysian Plan. I look forward to witness the briefing, planning and implementation of this programme which I believe, if carried out successfully and correctly, will launch the Malaysian youths into a new exciting era of development beneficial to the long term future of Malaysia.

I hope the State Government will monitor this programme to ensure that all youths throughout Sarawak will benefit as participants of this worthwhile programme.

Sports

On sports, Tuan Speaker, I support the Federal Government’s initiatives to nurture young sportsmen and sportswomen into world-class standards. Sports achievements are not only bring pride to the nation but also unity among the citizens too. We must provide the good catchments of sports excellence to support this national sports policy. In order to achieve this, adequate sports facilities must be provided to attract youth participation. Football and basketball are two excellence popular community sports which we can help popularize among the youth. Even you go to any open fields and basketball courts in Miri during the late afternoon, you will see a lot of youths playing freely. Lots of friends are made in the process. A participant does not need to have a ball or expensive equipment. He just turns up and joins in the fun. The limited sports facilities and open spaces in my Pujut Kawasan are often full of youths participating in sports mentioned during most late afternoons. It is a cheap and a wonderful way to promote sports. Indeed, when I left the DUN Building yesterday evening, I noticed several groups of young men playing football in the car parks at open areas outside this building.

Tuan Speaker, Sarawak is blessed with large land mass. Some of the cheapest sports facilities to maintain and cheapest participating sports are football, volleyball, basketball, sepaktakraw and softball. Currently, we do not have adequate facilities for these sports in most areas. I wish to request the State Government to look into providing open spaces and simple facilities near to residential area for football, basketball, sepaktakraw, volleyball, softball etc. Such cheap and simple facilities will encourage youth to participate in healthy sports, for community to come together make friends and socialize in this sporting activities. It may also deter our youth from participating in unhealthy activities.

Social and Housing Development

On social and housing development, Tuan Speaker. The development of Miri City under the Barisan Nasional Government has expedited the urbanization process which inevitably gives rise the issue of illegal squatters. While the relocation and the low cost housing schemes at the Tudan Resettlement Area introduced by the Barisan Nasional Government is making commendable progress, there are still squatters found in places where the traffic converges like Padang Kerbau, fringes of the Miri City and riverbanks unoccupied reserves from Pujut Corner to Pujut 7.

There appears to be a gap between the affordability of our low cost houses and the income of this targeted groups. Some could not afford low cost houses priced around RM40,000. Some are constrained by the convenience and cost of transportation and some others are refused a bank loans.

I propose that “Rumah Rakyat”, a type of low cost, low rise flat units at places conveniently located near to the socio- economic hubs to temporarily accommodate this less privileged group. The eligible people are allowed to rent the flat unit at affordable rate until they are ready for their low cost houses.

I hope the government can create this “social nest” to bridge the gap between the lower income group and affordability of the low cost houses.

The locality of these flats is important. High transportation costs will deter this low income group from staying if the flats are located too far away from places of employment, shops and schools.

This, I believe, will go a long way to address some of the social problems for the community due to unavoidable increasing over migration.

Migration of youths from the rural to urban areas can pose serious social problem for the community. If we do not address this issue, the squatter colonies will increase. If the migrants do not settle down in the urban areas with proper jobs and housing, they may be tempted to commit crimes in order to survive in the new environment.

The government must look into ways to address this. Perhaps clubs and centers may be set up to brief this group of people so that they can slowly assimilate into the urban culture. The community leaders may also render assistance to guide this group. We must initiate a serious plan and action to tackle this issue before the situation gets worst.
Tourism

Tuan Speaker, on Tourism. I am happy to note that Malaysia Airline system (MAS) and Federal Ministry of Transport have approved the request for the Sarawak people for more domestic routes and the continuance of special fares especially for the retirees, students and family travelers.

Kota Kinabalu is currently the entry point in East Malaysia for MAS flights linking, Japan, Southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The discontinuance of MAS flights between Kota Kinabalu and Miri causes great inconvenience for travelers between Northern Sarawak and these Asian destinations. Travelers will now need to spend long transit time, including overnight stay, in Kota Kinabalu and also have to handle their luggages in between the transit. Tourists from East Asian countries going to Kota Kinabalu will be reluctant to come to Sarawak. Sarawakians will also experience travel inconvenience.

Tuan Speaker, I would strongly support the voice of northern Sarawakians requesting MAS to continue flying the Miri-Kota Kinabalu route. Perhaps we should even go one step further to urge the said Ministry and MAS to make Miri the Northern Zone as a tourist destination, we must have some direct international flights so that the huge tourist population of Southern China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan can be tapped.

Mulu National Park is a well known World Heritage Nature Reserve. Currently, it can only be accessed conveniently by air travel. Most famous tourist spots in many countries are usually accessible by road. A fine example is New Zealand’s Milford Sound. A mountainous road measuring some 119 km from its nearest town, Te Anau, was constructed to link Milford Sound to the tourists arriving in the famous holiday destination of Queenstown. There is also a long tunnel to cross just before arriving at the beautiful Milford sound. There are no settlements or commercial activities along this scenic drive. Another fine example is the “Cape of Good Hope” which is accessible by a long road from Cape Town in South Africa.

Tuan Speaker, I am proposing that the government construct a proper road linking Miri to Long Terawan from where, all tourists must take a short boat ride to the Mulu National Park. This way, we are preserving the National Park from unwanted trespassers by road who have no genuine interest in the beauty of this Park. I understand that the boat ride is an extremely scenic one. This will add value to the attractions. The roads will also open up a huge beautiful and scenic rural area in Greater Miri, covering Long Lama, and should bring countless economic benefits to the rural population. This will also encourage tourists to stop by Miri City instead flying into Mulu directly from Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Many Honourable Members of this august House had indicated that they had not been to Mulu National Park, one of the world’s natural heritage. I am sure that the Honourable Member for Telang Usan will have the pleasure to have you visiting his kawasan, and most importantly, you can in future tell visitors about this wonderful park as ambassadors for Sarawak.

Today, the Kuching Waterfront is highly regarded and acclaimed not only by Sarawakian and also many visitors and tourists who come to Kuching. Indeed, it is now a must visit place for all tourists. I must congratulate for the forsight of Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister in this respect. Indeed, if one travels to China, one will see that many cities and towns have good waterfront parks along their rivers and these are the places where the community gathers for various activities. Some of them are very simple, cheap but nice. I notice a simple waterfront across the river from the Holiday Inn in Kuching. It is a wonderfully, pleasant place, for the residence there to gather for all kind of activities too.

The Sungai Miri meanders around part of my Pujut Constituency. I hope that the State Government will consider building a waterfront here so that all the people in Miri and visitors to this resort city can enjoy the wonderful recreational facilities and environment so created. We can start by building simple walkways and a few jetties plus do some landscaping at the initial stage. Its needs not be too expensive to start with. We can gradually improve this when budget permits.

Tuan Speaker, on Shell on Miri. The Miri people are delighted that Shell has made Miri its Asia-Pacific Headquarters. We must do whatever we can to help Shell value its Miri HQ as an excellent choice. The economic social intellectual and cultural benefit that Shell brings to Miri and Sarawak are enormous. We need therefore to protect this interest. As a regional headquarters, many Shell international staff and their families have moved into Miri. We should ensure that the government department provide excellent, efficient services to them right from the airport immigration points to the city council. There is no shame in giving them that extra. Many countries go a long way to lobby for and attract foreign companies to move to their countries. Here we have Shell in Miri. We should therefore spare no efforts to help them in all possible ways. Work permit applications by the expatriates can be a complicated and lengthy process. We must change that, we must speed up and simplify the process. We do not want to inconvenient our investors unnecessarily. By helping our investors, we are helping ourselves.

The oil boom in the 1980s attracted many young men from Sabah and Peninsula Malaysia to move to Miri. They had contributed to the success of Miri. Many of them married Sarawakians and settled down here with Sarawak-born children. They had made Miri their home. Many have retired and many more are now approaching retiring age and have express interest in staying here for good since their wives and children are Sarawakians and they considered themselves naturalized Sarawakians. They love Sarawak. If they move back to Sabah or Peninsular Malaysia, they will be total strangers there and have to start new lives all together. Out of humanity reasons, we must consider granting permanent residence to these Malaysians who have contributed so much in Sarawak and its economy. We cannot deny them the privilege to settle here. We cannot chase away their Sarawakian wives and Sarawakian children. It is not morally right. This group is also normally a middle income group with lots of servings to help the Sarawak economy. I speak in my heart, please do grant them permanent residence here so that they can retire gracefully here where all their friends are and where they belong.




Government Services

On government services, Tuan Speaker, there are still many daily paid workers in the government services. They don’t enjoy the many benefits of a government employee. The government should probably look into the plight of these who have served for more than 10 years. Their service loyalty must not be taken for granted. Indeed, they should be given first priority if permanent vacancies arised. It is sad, do not doubt, in the recent case in Miri. None of the daily paid workers many of whom have worked for the Miri City Council for more than 15 years had been offer a permanent post when some 20 vacancies arose. The interviews for these posts were carried out by public service commission personnel from Kuching. No Miri City Council staff was consulted for the interviews. It perplexes me to note that interviews of applications for junior positions in the Miri City Council are done centrally by Kuching personnel. Although the rational of centralize administration may be justifiably solid in some cases, I find it hard to understand in this particular case. Perhaps, it is time to be centralized some of these government administrative procedures so that the government can be closer to the ground.

Parking Wardens

Here, Tuan Speaker, I am talking about the parking wardens. We must take good care of those long service workers who had given much of their adult lives to servicing the government and the general public. On public sector delivery system, Tuan Speaker, Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri has stated that the public sector delivery system must be effective. I fully support this. The State Civil Service is generally reliable and effective. However, they are always rooms for improvement. In certain areas like courtesy of front liners, indecisiveness of these decision makers, lacklustre maintenance and repair culture of some of offices, etc. All too often we hear of the ordinary folks who complained of not being treated with courteously good services by some government officers. However, people who dressed up smart or have high public and social standings are almost, always treated very well by these front liners. We must not permit this double standard in the front offices. The offices’ front liners must be reminded to be courteous to all citizens, irrespective of their status, race or creed.

Although not always possible, government officers must always try to deliver an efficient, speedy and effective public sector delivery system to benefit the general public, the private and the public sectors. Delays often cause inconvenience, money, unhappiness and sometimes, injuries and even death.

We must try to reduce red tapes and simplify procedures as much as possible. Perhaps we can introduce a respond time frame for government services. I must congratulate some government departments which have taken initiatives to speed up government process. The passport process unit of the Immigration Department is one such excellent unit. I have received numerous feedbacks from the public on the fast and good services provided by this unit. It is commendable that the department has recently announced that it would process passport within two hours. The National Registration Department had also recently announced that MyKad would be processed within one day. If these two departments ‘boleh’ surely all departments also ‘bolehlah’.

One common public complaint is the unavailability of a Head of Department to sign documents. It is inevitable that the top senior staff needs to be out of the office to carry out his or her duties or to attend meetings and seminars, etc. Government procedures normally require the chiefs to sign documents, licenses, permits and other approvals. We cannot allow the general public to wait unnecessarily. If the deputy or the assistant is not authorised to sign in the chief’s absence, perhaps it is time that we authorise the deputies and assistants to sign for some non critical documents, etc. when the chiefs are absent.

Politics

Tuan Speaker, on politics. It is an undeniable fact that our Barisan Nasional has played the key role in bringing about the progress and success of our state over the last three decades. Definitely it is not DAP or Keadilan! One of the critical success factors in political stability, which enable our state to have a strong and stable government.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Point of clarification.

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Keadilan, of course could not be around to develop the state, we have just coming to existence a few years ago. So it is not 30 years, if it is 30 years I am sure we can do this as well if not better.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Thank you, that is my comment, they have, DAP and Keadilan have not done anything in Sarawak so far. They were not government is because they were not elected. Barisan Nasional was elected, we represent the people for the last 30 plus years… (Applause) Thank you, I wish to continue now, Tuan Speaker…(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I wish to.

Tuan Speaker: He is not giving way. Let him continue first.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Let me finish first, you will have your chance, thank you.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I think I was sporting yesterday when I gave everybody a chance.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Tuan Speaker, this morning you mentioned that we only have 45 minutes. The Honourable Speaker, yesterday have nearly one and a half hour.

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Since I have only 45 minutes, I wish to continue, thank you…(Applause) May I continue, thank you.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I am sure you can.
Tuan Speaker: Refrain from too many interruption because I allow only 45 minutes. One or two, in the course of the speeches.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Thank you, Tuan Speaker. Our government has been able to focus on development and progress and bringing about better living standard for the people. Look at the numbers of cars on the roads and its annual increase, the number of low cost houses built, resettlement schemes, new housing schemes and commercial centers, new schools, colleges, schemes, new housing schemes and commercial centers, new schools, colleges, universities, polyclinics, new and modern hospitals in several divisions, various improvement of infrastructures including the construction of the coastal road linking Kuching to Miri, the increasing number of villages and longhouses served by roads, etc. There are many more vivid examples and it is too long to list them here. All this is a clear manifestations of the irrefutable positive contributions and progresses made by our Barisan Nasional towards the state and its people.

In order for our state to continue to progress and prosper, it is imperative to ensure that political stability will be enhanced and further prevail. Bad politics can easily destroy our political stability. Therefore, we cannot take our political stability for granted. In the past, our Sarawak politics were confined to local people politics. However, this is not so in recent years. We began to see imported opposition political cultural elements being introduced by the DAP and Keadilan, both Semenanjung based opposition parties.

Tuan Speaker, as our state election has just been held about two months ago, it is appropriate to look into some of the pertinent issues that were well exploited by the opposition. One of the issues concerned the extension of land leases that have expired or due to expire in five years time. The opposition parties appeared to have deployed various misleading propaganda to create fear, confusion and unhappiness among the people, especially on land owners whose land leases were due to expire.

The fact is that according to the information gathered from the Land and Survey Department, out of the total of 1,520 applications for renewal of land leases which are due to expire between 2005-2009, 1,413 applications have been approved and the remaining are being processed. The opposition has a tendency to make misleading statements just to suit its purpose especially in trying to hoodwink the people and to garner people’s support. It would even go to the extent of doing it while in this august House.

Tuan Speaker, the Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa had confirmed that he had said that SUPP was threatening the security of Sarawak, implied to be during the year of 1977 when his father was the Honourable Member for Repok. Sarawak was at that particular time, a member of the Sarawak State Coalition Government. SUPP had never been a security threat to Sarawak! (Applause)

I believe you were said to mislead the august House. During the debate for the motion proposed by the Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa on 24th July, 2006, he had stated that our assessment rates were the highest in Malaysia. He went on to say that the annual rates of our properties were 29.5%, 28%, 27% of the annual rateable value while those in Kuala Lumpur were 11%. This is another case of misleading this august House that the assessment rates in Sarawak were the highest in Malaysia. The Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa is a professional lawyer and he should know that the ultimate assessment rate amounts payable are what we should be looking at and not the percentage. I have figures here to show you that, for example, for a typical terrace house of 150 square metre, and I am excluding Ipoh since that Ipoh is the one who is higher than here, I am excluding Ipoh. RM426.55 for Kuching, RM434.40 for Petaling Jaya, RM725.40 for Pulau Pinang and RM516.00 for Kota Kinabalu. All these are for typical terrace house of 150 square metres. Tell me, my learned friend, is Sarawak’s rate the highest? Certainly not. At the end of the day, it is the ringgit and cent that matter, not the percentage. You should know that as a professional lawyer. I think you just wanted the House and public to believe otherwise! (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Seeking clarification… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Another case in point, can I continue, Sir? Another case in point is when you jump to conclusion… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Seeking clarification.

Tuan Speaker: He is not giving way.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: You want to give way?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Yes, I am allocated 45 minutes, Tuan Speaker.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Do you want to give way?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: No, I am not giving way.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Okay, fair enough.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: I finish than I will give you a chance. Thank you.

Another case in point is when you jump to conclusion that your friend contracted dengue fever because of the blocked drain outside the house as you are later informed by Menteri Muda Industri Makanan dan Menteri Muda Kerajaan Tempatan that dengue mosquito only breed in clear, clean and stagnant water and in Singapore being a cleaner city with well maintained drains has more than 10,000 cases of suspected dengue fever last year. In fact from information that I gather now, last year alone in Singapore there were 13,984 cases with 19 deaths.

As a professional lawyer you shall know that you cannot produce conclusion without investigating into the facts properly. Tuan Speaker, (Applause )I do not intend to bore this House with more facts but it is important for this august House and the public to know what kind of politicians we are dealing with here. (Applause)

Perhaps, may I suggest that Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa learn from your more experienced Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, since you like to deal with history. Let me tell this august House some history. Sorry, I have to say this here Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, but I feel that I owe a duty to tell the Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa some history for his own good which is noted from the Hansard of 21st November, 1996 that an Opposition Member, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek had to withdraw his misleading remarks and matters consequential thereto made by him on 19th November, 1996. In withdrawing his unsubstantiated remarks, I quote what the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek had said on 21st November 1996 in the sitting of this august House:

“ Tuan Speaker, Thank you for allowing me to address this House and, Tuan Speaker, as it has been confirmed by the Minister in this august House that the Sibu township masterplan has not been approved by the government, I seek Tuan Speaker’s leave to withdraw my remarks made in this august House as appearing in Paragraphs 2 and 3 at Page 28 of the unedited Hansard dated 18th November 1996. And matters consequential thereto in that the said paragraph be expunged from the said Hansard”.

There was another much earlier incident which occur in the 1987 State Election when the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek was the DAP candidate in Miri. He make an unfounded allegation against the Barisan Nasional candidate. He was sued and he have to make a public apology published in a Chinese press. Let me quote here his apology statement as follows:

“During the 1987 State Election (in which I was a DAP candidate) a DAP campaign article entitled ‘To Solve Squatter Problems Build One House Dismantle One House’ was circulated in Miri. The campaign article accused the two ministers from Miri, YB Datuk Dr. George Chan and YB Peter Chin of profiteering from the housing project at 6th Mile, Lutong. There is no truth in the said accusation. I hereby tender my sincere apologies to the two Ministers. In view of the grave misunderstanding and embarrassment which have been caused, I am grateful to the two Ministers for their understanding and generosity in accepting this apology.”

It is time that the people should also question the opposition and check on them. Who are they and what are they? Is the opposition perfect? I dare to say it loud and clear that it is certainly not! (Applause) As such, the opposition and its leaders are also imperfect. The oppositions often like to portray themselves as if they are perfect and they are the right and that the government is always wrong. They have never given any due recognition, least of all … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Order, Point of order, point of order. When I cite point of order you sit down. That is the rule of the debate.

Tuan Speaker: What order?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Ok. Point of order 31, no, 32 , 32(6).

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: No member shall impute improper motive to any other member. Why is he imputing is that we always think, see ourselves, portray ourselves as perfect. We never portray ourselves as perfect, we never portray ourselves as perfect. We all know that human do make mistakes, like what the opposition leader, he as what I cited, we have never portray ourselves as being perfect. But we criticized the government for the fault of the government. So, I cite this Standing Order to correct my learned friend, the Ahli Yang Berhormat. Thank you.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Can I continue now Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Ya..(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: I would like to repeat … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: I think you should take back such allegation.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: No. I would like to repeat what I said. You hear it properly please. You hear it one more time, okay. The oppositions often like, like, to portray themselves… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: How do you know we like?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Oh yes you are, you like to portray yourselves as perfect… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: That is imputing….

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: You like to portray yourselves as perfect.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Imputing something that is not true? Imputing improper motive.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Tuan Speaker, I would like to continue, please. Tuan Speaker only allowed me … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: That is what he say, imputing improper motive. We don’t like to portray.

Tuan Speaker: You asked him to substantiate.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: No, No, No, I am saying that is a wrong imputation and that is a wrong…. (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Please, please, Tuan Speaker, I have to explain what I said…. (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: This is, I am raising a point of order.

Tuan Speaker: Ya, taken.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Yes, you sit down first.

Tuan Speaker: Yes. Yes taken.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Then, jangan kurang ajar. (Laughter)

Tuan Speaker: Ya.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: You direct it wrongly.

Tuan Speaker: Ya. Point taken.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of order please…

Tuan Speaker: 32(6) here Okay.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Tuan Speaker, I think Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa has read, misquote and read this thing wrongly. What has been said by the Member for Pujut was that, Members of the Opposition, he is not referring to any individual member as per 32(6), no Member shall impute improper motive to any other Member. I think he is not referring to him. (Applause and Boos) He is not referring to you. He is referring to the whole … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Tuan Speaker… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Let me clear it first. Member for Pujut, you are referring to opposition or Member for Kota Sentosa?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: No, no, no. Oppositions, all of us. He cited the opposition leader as an example. That is what he said. And I believe, Tuan Speaker, Tuan Speaker has made a ruling saying that if one side from the opposition side raised any point, the other side should, he, the person who is holding the floor should be answering, no one should help. That was the ruling made yesterday, likewise I think the ruling should apply both ways. But why is…(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Okay, let me ask the Member for Pujut. You are saying about opposition or Member for Kota Sentosa?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Tuan Speaker, I am mentioning the opposition. You want me to repeat the paragraph?

Tuan Speaker: Ya, you repeat.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Okay, I repeat. Please no more interruption. It is time that the people should also question the opposition and check on them. Who are they and what are they? Is the opposition perfect? I dare to say it loud and clear that it is certainly not. As such, the opposition and its leaders are also imperfect. The oppositions often like to portray…(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Any Clarification?

Tuan Speaker: Okay. Continue. Continue the paragraph.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Because the party behind used to be the opposition too. So, I want him to clarify which opposition he is talking about? I think we have the right to do so.

Tuan Speaker: He is talking about opposition.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That could mean his own party.

Tuan Speaker: Ya.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: He was in the opposition too, wasn’t he? I am talking about history now. Weren’t you in the opposition?

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: I am not talking about history. I am talking about now, okay. Let me continue please. The opposition…(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: You want to say about history. You say you wanted to quote history. Now this is history. SUPP was also in the opposition.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Please let me continue.

Tuan Speaker: Order, Order, Order. Honourable Member for Pujut… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Tuan Speaker, I hope you will kindly offer me the 45 minutes, please.

Tuan Speaker: It is nearly 45 minutes, so … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Please do not cut me off, because I have been interrupted.

Tuan Speaker: So, you can bring your concluding remarks.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: The more you talk about history, the more I will interrupt you later on.

Tuan Speaker: Member for …(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: My right to speak was taken away from me by interruption from people like you. But you must clarify, just because you are now the Member of the Government you can speak backwards about the opposition?

Tuan Speaker: Member for Padungan, I am giving him just 45 minutes. So you bring your concluding remarks. Ya.

Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: I was stopped halfway, so, I will continue from the beginning. The opposition like to portray themselves as if they are perfect and they are right and that the government is always wrong. They have never given any due recognition, least of all shown any gratitude to the government for all the accomplishment and the good things that it has brought to the people. All they are interested is to discredit and try to bring down the government.

The opposition does not have any development plans for the people, unlike the government, which comes up with a comprehensive development plan every five years. The BN Government also has a long-term vision for the people and the country, that is, Vision 2020 which is to achieve developed nation status by 2020.

Tuan Speaker, to govern a country is no easy task. I am grateful that the Barisan Nasional Government has brought to our people, peace, progress and prosperity, something which we have often taken for granted. We acknowledged that we may not be perfect. Then again, no countries and governments in this world would dare claim to be perfect. Not even the developed western world. I hope the public can understand this. I request them to look at the whole scenario. I request them to know that the Barisan Nasional Government is a caring and understanding one. And this government will live up with its election manifesto of bringing ‘Peace, Progress and Prosperity’ to the people of Sarawak.

With that, Tuan Speaker, I wish to thank all Honourable Members for giving me this opportunity to speak in this august House. I wish our beloved Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri, good health, and all Honourable Members and DUN staff, a peaceful, progressive, prosperous and healthy year ahead.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to express my full support for the Motion of Thanks for the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s address to this august House.

Thank you very much

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Meradong

Y.B. Cik Ting Tze Fui: Thank you, Tuan Speaker, for giving me a chance to take part in the debate in appreciation to the address of Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak delivered in this august House on 24th July, 2006.

Let me say a few introductory words. First of all, let me take this opportunity to thank the people of Meradong for giving me a chance to serve them. I take great pride to be able to speak in this Dewan as the first DAP Legislator from Meradong, since the landing of the rocket in Sarawak 28 years ago. (Applause) Had it not been for the dedicated help and encouragement of my leaders, supporters and my family members, this moment would not have been possible. I would like to single out my parents, who had taken the time and pain to nurture me. I am really grateful. I must congratulate the Chief Minister and his coalition team on their victory in the last state election. (Applause) You obtained the number to from the government and we accept that is the decision of the people. I also wish to congratulate my colleague, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, for leading DAP Sarawak to the greatest height ever, (Applause) that is, six rockets into the Dewan.

I assure this august House that it is my party’s stance that we will support all policies and legislation to be passed in this august House that will benefit the people. We will raise our reasoned objections where we truly believe that the reverse is the case. I am a first timer, but let me assure you that I will be learning, but I will also speak the voice of the people, especially those who had elected me.

I wish to emulate my colleague from Kidurong, Y.B. Chiew Chiu Sing who had done a great job in the past five years in this august House, though as a sole ranger from the opposition bench. We all should appreciate his contributions in advancing the cause of democratic representation in this Dewan. I am indebted for his advice and support. I hope to be able to do like what he had done over the years.

Revenge-taking Not Our Culture

Tuan Speaker, Bintangor, a small country town, is my birthplace and the place where I had spent my formative years. Unfortunately, since our Independence, Bintangor has not seen much progress. It is still under-developed and the town is backward. Job opportunity is scarce, and most of the youths have left the town to find work in other parts of Sarawak and elsewhere.

What has the government done for Bintangor since Independence? The recent State Elections result in Bintangor shows that the Barisan Nasional Government has failed the people there. Although the Barisan Nasional Government has always claimed that its development policies have, economically, benefited the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society as a whole, yet unfortunately such claims may not apply to Bintangor. I salute the people in Bintangor for wanting a change.

Some say that if the opposition is elected, then the development of Bintangor will slow down and even come to a stand still. This was the campaign message of the Barisan Nasional in Bintangor. I hope that the Barisan Nasional Government will not act in such a high-handed way. People living in the seats won by the Opposition also pay the same rates and taxes as those won by BN candidates. To deny them such development is an act of revenge. Taking revenge against the people should not be part of our political culture.

When the Honourable Chief Minister presented the “Ninth Malaysia Plan: The Sarawak Perspective” during the last Dewan sitting before the Ninth State Elections was held, he said:

“The Politics of Development has allowed us to work towards development and improving the welfare of our people in a united and focused manner. By not allowing our differences to get in the way of development, we had managed to put all our energies into projects and programmes and brought benefits to the people from real change. The State Government will continue to do its best to provide the necessary assistance to the people.”

Though we are in the opposition, we will not oppose the development projects and programmes that will benefit the people. We are not a bunch of senseless people who oppose just for the sake of opposing! We care for our constituents and we love our country, just as much, if not more than our Barisan Nasional counterparts! We want to see our constituency develop. We do not want to fall behind other parts of the state. But, the government has to be fair to our people by not becoming political bullies.

Health Care and District Development Blueprint

Tuan Speaker, let me begin by telling you “The Tale of a Forgotten City”. The Forgotten City is obviously referred to Bintangor. I feel that it is usually forgotten when government maps out its development programmes.

This riverside town is essentially an agricultural town. Besides being the biggest producer of Sarawak pepper, Bintangor is also well-known for her aromatic, sweet and sour oranges, known locally as “Bintangor Orange”.

If you are an internet surfer, you will probably find that Bintangor is most famous for “Bintangor experience”, where the active anti-HIV agent from the Bintangor tree (Calophyllum lanigerum) is undergoing clinical trials in the USA, but not as famous as a town that produces delicious Bintangor Rojak, based on the google’s search results.

Health care programmes are extremely important for the sub-urban and rural folk �" the lower income groups. Bintangor needs a government hospital and all the important government departments and agencies.

Presently we have only a clinic, which is not even a polyclinic as it only houses a few medical assistants. A lot of the times, the clinic is without a qualified doctor. Can the medical assistants give treatment and prescriptions? Are they properly trained?

I have received complaints from some women that not enough BCG vaccines were provided in the government clinic. Although their newborn children could get the vaccination of BCG in private clinics or private hospitals, it is a great financial burden for them. I would urge the Honourable Minister to look into this matter and to improve on the services. It is urgent that a district development blueprint be prepared to map out the socio-economic needs, economic potential and action plans for Meradong.

It is also important to make the development of Meradong an integral part of development in the central region of Sarawak. If Meradong is left out, it will adversely affect the economic development of the state as a whole.

People-friendly Government Should Not Play Tai Chi

Tuan Speaker, although Bintangor is an agricultural town, it is essential for the government to develop a light industrial park so that agriculture produce could be processed and turned into value-added products. This industrial park should not be limited to agricultural product processing, but also include small-scale printing, vehicle repair garages, building maintenance shops, metal works, millworks and also cabinetry works.

I have received complains that bureaucratic red taps are rampant. When an owner makes an application to convert a piece of agricultural land into an industrial or commercial land, he will face all kinds of problems and conditions imposed by the Land and Survey Department and the State Planning Authority. The government should simplify the application procedure. Straight guidelines should be provided, and the government servants should be friendlier and not play “Tai Chi” (in Mandarin).

While discharging my duties as a wakil rakyat, I need to bring some of the problems to the attention of government officers. My experiences with them had so far been horrific. I had tried several times to make an appointment with the District Officer but to no avail. Only a typical answer was given, “DO has gone outstation!” If such is the case, then his being outstation is too frequent and therefore unable to serve the people in the district.

I am extremely unhappy and disappointed with those attitudes. Imagine if I am not a wakil rakyat! Such attitudes should be reprimanded publicly, I hereby reassure you and all civil servants that, we, the opposition, are elected to help solve problems, not to cause troubles.

Infrastructure Development

Tuan Speaker, infrastructure development in Meradong still leaves much to be desired. The road conditions are poor and should be overcome immediately. Many people even described the road from Upper Lanang, Sibu to town centre of Bintangor as “horse riding track”. The problem becomes much more serious during rainy days, and accidents happen frequently, especially in certain parts of the roads. It results in death, injuries and loss of properties.

If the rain comes, the muddy roads will easily get flooded. Sometimes, we even cannot determine where the road and the drains are. This is how the accidents occurred. During the rainy days, the lorry drivers do not drive into the flooded farm areas. Then, how could the farmers’ vegetables and some other agro-based products be marketed for their household incomes? I would like to urge the government to take this matter into serious consideration, and prepare to undertake various steps to improve the roads immediately.

Even though water was already provided by the government for the resettlement scheme of Sungai Meradong, yet with no supply of electricity by SESCo, the residents are unable to move into the areas. Thus, it will affect the residents’ application for the land titles of their areas. Here, I would also call on the government to build a new swimming pool in the town centre of Meradong, for the benefits of our younger generations.

Since the completion of the Rejang Bridge in April this year, the local residents have expressed their grievances towards the high toll rates. This has definitely added economic burden to the lower-income groups. Within a short time since this July, I have received more than 10,000 signatures from road and non-road users who petitioned to oppose the toll collection. This clearly shows the discontent of the people. They want the government to abolish the toll collection immediately.

The government is doing very well economically. With the revenue earned from fuel price hikes internationally, it can easily buy over the Rejang Bridge from the contractor so that the people do not have to pay tolls. There are many farmers travelling from Meradong to sell their farm produce in Sibu every Saturday and Sunday. Many students have also to cross the Rejang Bridge every day. Most of these bridge users are poor. The bridge toll is a heavy burden on them. So please abolish it.

Human Capital Development and Education

Tuan Speaker, as we all know, most of the Meradong residents belong to the lower-income groups. We cannot get rid of poverty just by giving away money to poor people. It requires an “algorithm”. For me, the human capital development and education are two of the most important agendas for the poverty eradication programme.

A public or private university and a youth skill training centre are ideal for Meradong. The environment is conducive for education and the cost of living is low. When I was a little girl, I heard that TAR College might be built in Bintangor. I waited with anxious expectations. But it was not the case. In the 1996 State Elections, I heard that the people had been told by many politicians to choose between TAR College or SUPP. I was later lucky to be able to study in Kuala Lumpur. There are many who had not the chance. Had the TAR College been allowed to be established in Bintangor, the economy in Bintangor may be different today. Now TAR College is of course known as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) no more a college. A university is suitable in Bintangor because the central Rejang Basin has no university yet. Let me assure you Meradong is the best location of all.

Renewal of Land Lease

Tuan Speaker, I recall the days that landowners have been advised against listening to rumours that the government would not renew the lease on their land. “Should they hear something and be in doubt, they should contact the Land and Survey Department for correct information,” said the Land Superintendent of the Land and Survey Department.

During the State Elections, Land and Survey Department approved the application for extension of over 1,000 land leases. Had it not been for the election, would they have been approved so quickly? But after the election, everything remains unchanged. I would like to cite a case in Meradong, where the land title of a piece of agricultural land has not been renewed for nearly 20 years. The land is at Lot 200, Block 2, Meradong land district and its owners are three siblings.

I understand that the 60-year lease expired on 26th May, 1987 and they made the extension application with a formal letter on 24th May, 1987. Subsequently, they had been told that the application was still being processed. Two years later, in 1989, they made another application but the same answer was given.

This case is cited just to respond to what has been said by the Superintendent of the Land and Survey Department. This is not a rumour. However, they have to wait indefinitely just for their land lease to be renewed or extended. The people want their leases extended without conditions and without paying any premium. For the sake of fellow Sarawakians, the government has to support my stand on this matter.

Agricultural Modernization Policy, WTO and CEPT

Tuan Speaker, Meradong’s agricultural sector has contributed substantially to the growth and development of the Malaysian economy. A lot of people in Meradong, as well as those living in other parts of Sarawak, are engaging themselves in farming. In Bintangor, pepper farming is the big thing. The pepper produced from the production of pepper is declining since 2001. According to the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the production of pepper in year 2000 is 24,000 metric tonnes, while in 2005, the volume declined to 19,100 metric tonnes.

While the government targeted an annual growth of 5.9% for pepper production under the Eighth Malaysia Plan, it turned out to be an annual negative growth rate of 4.5%. Now, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government targets an even more ambitious annual growth rate of 9.5%. I would say, this is mission impossible, unless the government is willing to provide subsidies and incentives for the farmers to encourage them. Then, I urge the State Government to do so.

To bring changes to rural areas, the State Government has declared its intention to promote large-scale agriculture farming. I would like to ask the State Government whether it has any subsidy or incentive to help the smallscale farmers, including those cultivating pepper and cocoa.

Although large-scale agriculture is economically viable, the interest of the small-scale farmers should not be neglected.

I would also like to urge the government to make the small- and medium-scale farmers landowners. I propose the State Government coming up with a land reform plan.

I believe that bureaucratic red tapes are the main factor undermining the government’s distribution of incentives to farmers. For instance, let me quote the Report of Auditor-General Malaysia on the Public Accounts and Financial Management of the Sarawak Government in 2003:

“Pemeriksaan Audit juga mendapati input pertanian bernilai RM13,106 untuk 35 petani yang diterima daripada pembekal pada bulan Februari 2003 untuk Skim Tanaman Lada, buah-buahan, padi dan sayur-sayuran yang diluluskan pada tahun 2002 di Pejabat Daerah Meradong masih tidak diagihkan kepada petani… lawatan Audit serta temu bual dengan beberapa penerima bantuan mendapati sebahagian daripada pemohon tidak mengetahui bahawa permohonan mereka untuk mendapat bantuan telah diluluskan oleh kerana jangka masa untuk mereka mendapat bantuan yang dikehendaki telah berlalu dan tiada sebarang makluman diterima daripada pihak jabatan”.

“Semakan Audit mendapati sejumlah RM8.36 juta baki peruntukan masih berada dalam akaun Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan untuk Pejabat Pertanian Daerah Meradong pada akhir tahun 2003. Sebahagian daripada jumlah tersebut adalah untuk program yang diluluskan pada tahun 2001 dan sebelumnya. Sebahagian besar baki peruntukan akaun tidak dapat dibelanjakan disebabkan pihak kontraktor gagal melaksanakan kerja mengikut jadual yang ditetapkan.”

To address the bureaucratic red tapes, I suggest that the government should undertake a holistic approach in implementing the agricultural modernization policy.

As we all know, Sarawak has a landmass of 12.4 million hectares, of which 3.8 million hectares are under secondary forests. Currently, the agricultural activities like palm oil, rice, coconut, pepper and rubber, only make up 792,500 hectares or an equivalent of 6.4% of the landmass. It means that we are far from fully utilizing the landmass available.

Apart from the difficulties in utilizing the landmass because of bureaucratic red tapes, the rural sector continues to experience problems of low productivity. The holdings are too small to be economically viable. Labour shortages and low commodity prices have further led to substantial idle or abandoned agricultural holdings away from the urban centers.

I observe that Malaysian agricultural products will be facing greater competition with full implementation of agreements under the World Trade Organization and the Common Effective Preferential Tariff scheme of the ASEAN Free Trade Area. Main exports such as rubber and palm oil will face increasing competition from countries with lower production cost and will continue to face discriminatory tariff and non-tariff barriers.

I urge the government to implement the agricultural modernization policy in Bintangor.

Biotechnology Development

Tuan Speaker, to bring more people into the agricultural sector and to be in line with the Third National Agricultural Policy for the period 1998 to 2010, I urge the State Government to seriously help develop the area of biotechnology.

The future looks good for the agrobiotechnology in Malaysia, especially with strong endorsement by the Federal Government, which recognizes it as a high-end technology to be fully exploited in the 21st century.

In addition, Sarawak belongs to one of the world’s twelve mega biodiversity regions, which together account for some 60�"70% of the world’s biodiversity. I believe that it is the right time for the Sarawak Government to move into this potential arena.

Besides, I would like to suggest that serious attention should be given by the State Government to biosafety, risk management, and the responsible exploitation of biotechnology products to ensure a safe and healthy environment and conservation of natural resources.

Once the biosafety law is in place, it will encourage more bilateral collaboration with private and public organizations abroad, and attract more biotechnology companies to invest in Sarawak.

Petroleum Royalty

Tuan Speaker, Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia. It is rich in natural resources such as oil and LPG. Unfortunately, the state and its people do not benefit much from this richness. The Barisan Nasional Government has consistently failed to increase the five percent royalty miserably paid to Sarawak. Timber industry has become a sunset industry as a whole. Therefore, we should foster and expand our agricultural sector to the fullest. Meradong has no mineral resources except landmass. Let us not under utilize the potential of our land.

I do hereby urge the State Government to be more proactive. Give as much assistance as possible to the farmers and workers, especially in the face of ever rising costs of living.

In conclusion, this state election has come of age and history was finally catching up to reality. The election of a sizable number of opposition wakil rakyat not only represented generational and political change. It has forced and brought about a democratic spring which can only lead to flowering of new ideas, hope and energy which in turn will help to reinvigorate this great state of Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker, with these words, I support the Motion to Sincerely Thank the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri for his valued address in this House. Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, we have a short break. Sitting resumes at 4:45 p.m.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 4:21 petang)

(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 4:51 petang)

[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan Mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Samariang.

Y.B. Puan Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk turut serta dalam perbahasan Usul Penghargaan atas ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri yang telah disampaikan dalam Dewan yang mulia ini pada 24 Julai 2006. Amanat dan ucapan beliau yang berbentuk fakta, nasihat dan pandangan amat berguna sebagai garis panduan bagi Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat di sini untuk terus memajukan lagi kawasan masing-masing.

Sebagai ucapan sulung saya di dewan yang mulia ini, saya ingin terlebih dahulu mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan tahniah kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak atas kejayaan besar dalam pilihanraya Sarawak kesembilan baru-baru ini. Kejayaan ini telah memberikan mandat sekali lagi kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri untuk menumpukan perhatian kepada pembangunan yang mengutamakan kesejahteraan semua lapisan masyarakat selaras dengan falsafah politik pembangunan dalam arus gelombang kedua.

Juga saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan tahniah kepada semua Ahli Yang Berhormat yang telah berjaya semasa pilihanraya yang lalu. Juga saya ingin secara peribadi mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri yang telah memberi kepercayaan kepada saya untuk menyertai pilihanraya Sarawak 2006 sekaligus menjadi wakil rakyat di kawasan Dewan Undangan Negeri N7 �" Samariang. Peluang yang diberikan oleh Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri membuktikan keyakinan dan kepercayaan beliau terhadap kaum wanita untuk bersuara memberikan pandangan serta cadangan bagi bersama-sama membangunkan Negeri Sarawak yang kita cintai ini. InsyaAllah, saya akan bekerja keras dan dengan sebaik yang boleh untuk memenuhi amanah yang telah diberikan kepada saya untuk memajukan lagi kawasan saya.

Sebelum saya melanjutkan ucapan saya, saya ingin berharap dan merayulah kepada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat di sini agar sentiasa mengekalkan adat budaya dan bersopan-santun di dalam Dewan. Walaupun kita berbeza pendapat, adalah harapan saya agar segala perbezaan pendapat dapat diluahkan secara beradab dan bersopan-santun. Janganlah kita melampaui batas dari segi tindak-tanduk dan tutur kata kita semasa perdebatan. Hormatilah Dewan ini dan juga hormatilah jemaah Kabinet kita yang ada di sini yang semuanya ahli politik yang berpengalaman dan banyak berjasa kepada bangsa, agama dan negara kita.

Tuan Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Dewan, bad leadership has for centuries in the history of mankind turned rich and peaceful countries into chaos, salvaged by war and extreme poverty that have killed millions of innocent lives. Just to name a few, Germany under Hitler, Musolini in Italy, Stalin in Russia, Edi Amin in Uganda, Slovodan Milosovic in Serbia Montenegro, Saddam Hussein in Iraq and hundreds of similar leaders regardless of religion, race and where they come from. It practically takes decades or even centuries for such unfortunate countries to get back on their feet after such less than a decade of bad leadership era.

I would like to share with this Dewan one very touching moment I had with a very young Yang Berhormat in Sabah during my last campaign trail. I was really moved by the intensity of her expression when she shared her sad experience when Sabah was under the leadership of the opposition party. She virtually shed tears when she recounted the moments when all public facilities including schools, roads and mosques were virtually not maintained and rendered and useable under this poor leadership. Sabah, prior to that was comparable to Sarawak in terms of prosperity. A decade under the opposition control, according to her, has virtually made Sabah a bankrupt state. It took more than a decade then for the Barisan Nasional Government to bring back Sabah to its past glory and where it was before the opposition government took over. According to her, most of what the opposition promised before they took over from Barisan Nasional Government were ideals and ideas that are easier said than done. An expensive lesson indeed for the Sabahans and I am sure that the Sarawakians would certainly in all possible ways avoid this from happening to our wonderful and beloved Sarawak. (Applause)

As we sit here today, thousands of people in another parts of the world are dying everyday of atrocities and poverty. From my interaction with people coming from such unfortunate countries, it is crystal clear that their predicament is not about the lack of resources of their country or anything to do with geographical factors, ethnic diversity or anything else, but the problems are due to bad leaders.

In that light, I would like to relate this to Malaysia and Sarawak. Sarawak in comparison is one of the riches states in Malaysia and renowned for peace, political stability and economic prosperity for maybe more than 40 years now. Whether a people organized together as a nation in a defined geographic area make the grade or otherwise must depend on two things:

(1) the quality of the people themselves; and
(2) which is very important the mantle of their leadership.

Our leadership as we all have seen has proven the ability to mobilize the qualities in our population to a maximum of advantage. This, Tuan Speaker, we should not take for granted and we should always be grateful we have leaders who are prudent and pragmatic and have shaped Sarawak to be what she is today. We should appreciate this gift of leadership and should support fully the leaders for the future generation and for our beloved children, great grandchildren and Sarawakians in general.

It is when people are behind their government and not at odds with it that the best results are achieved. It is thus absolutely vital for us to preserve the stable economic, social and political conditions that we have now which will make possible long-term planning. We must always remember that the choice before us in Sarawak is either an orderly organized community enabling long-term planning for growth and development or a disintegrating society sinking into chaos, political propaganda and lies. It takes time and effort to build up an efficient organization to administer to the needs of a community. But it is sad that in the short while one can run things down; water, power, homes, roads, transportation, harbours, airports, schools, polytechnics, universities, teachers, industrial estates all require a climate of stability and security. Without them, planning for long-term production and profit is impossible.

Tuan Speaker, as a new Yang Berhormat for N.7 �" Samariang, I am very lucky that my constituency has been blessed with generally good infrastructure including roads, bridges, drainage, schools, residential houses, commercial centres and more importantly as the heart of Sarawak political and administrative centre, that is the nerve centre of Sarawak if I may say.

I am sure that what we have today in Samariang is a direct consequence of years of prudent planning and execution of our leadership and the previous Yang Berhormat before me. My heartiest congratulations to Pehin Sri, all the Yang Berhormat before me and those directly and indirectly involved for such an excellent job done in Samariang.

For the benefit of those present here in this Dewan, Tuan Speaker, N.7 �" Samariang extends from Taman Hussein to as far as Demak Laut and houses important landmarks such as Wisma Bapa Malaysia, the State Library, the State Mosque, Stadium Negeri and most importantly the Dewan Undangan Negeri where we sit here today. N.7 �" Samariang comprises 21 predominantly Malay kampung and has a total population of approximately more than 30,000 people.

Tuan Speaker, my real time exposure from the campaign time and for the last few months has brought me to realize that there still exists disparity or contrast between the landmark areas and the kampungs in general, both in terms of infrastructure, thinking and livelihood of people. As the representative of the people, it is indeed my duty to constantly seek continuous improvement over time not, only in terms of basic infrastructure, but also the various aspects of live of the ordinary people in N.7 �" Samariang in line with our leadership’s dream and vision.

Tuan Speaker, I would like to humbly take this opportunity in my maiden speech today to share my deep thoughts and how the gap between the landmark areas and the kampung could be further narrowed in the various aspects, namely:

(1) Basic Infrastructure;
(2) Education;
(3) Economy and Employment;
(4) Housing;
(5) Social and Religion;
(6) Safety, Security and Public Health; and
(7) Recreation.

For such a large area of coverage, I humbly propose that my planning be made more structured and measurable on the basis of various real time data and state planning blueprint.

Basic Infrastructure

Tuan Speaker, from the brief study carried out on N.7 �" Samariang, despite the good infrastructure already in place for most areas, there are some areas that warrant urgent attention like the drainage problem we face in Jalan Astana, in Kampung Samariang Pinggir, Kampung Semerah Padi and a few other areas. In most of these problem areas, for example, the drains are mostly earthfilled and clogged. As a result, whenever it rains, these areas are flooded to almost one metre. However, I am thankful that most of the drainage projects proposed by us has been approved by the government. I urge the government vis-a-vis DBKU or JKR to expedite the implementation and construction of the approved projects and also the identification of other critical areas that require similar good drainage system. I would be really pleased to submit exact location to JKR or DBKU of these problem areas.

I am also pleased to inform here that the Water Board is close to resolving the water pressure problem faced by the people in Kampung Siol Kandis by agreeing just recently to provide water tanks to the areas and perhaps new pumps and water pipelines in the future. It is indeed my hope that this noble effort to improve the water pressure problems in part of my kawasan be continued.

Tuan Speaker and Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat of the Dewan, the heavy traffic flow and massive jam during peak hours, that is early morning, lunch and evening from Satok bridge to Matang or Gita roundabout and also roads from Samariang traffic light junction to Taman Sukma indicates two things, that Sarawakians are economically prosperous, that even office boys, office cleaners and school kids can now afford to buy Kancil or motorcycles and also houses.

Secondly, our main roads and bypass roads designed long time ago are now proven inadequate to handle this massive increase in vehicles in this area. The traffic jam in these locations are becoming like that in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Sungai Wang or Jalan Kuching in Kuala Lumpur by day. Whilst there could be immediate plans by government to construct a flyover or underground tunnel which I strongly suggest and deeply appreciate in these locations to mitigate the congestion, I humbly propose that the DBKU traffic wardens or traffic police to immediately extend their operating hours in directing traffic flow there in the morning and evening. From my personal experience when coming back from work, that is from my legal firm in Jalan Batu Tiga, for the last four years, I am usually stuck there on those roads for almost an hour a day. All it takes is only one car accident or breakdown and then my torment would be interminably extended for another hour or so.

Education

Tuan Speaker, N.7 �" Samariang is blessed with good kindys, primary, secondary and boarding schools and I really hope that more schools will be built in the future in tandem with the growing population there. Whilst school infrastructure such as good buildings, sophisticated computer classes and libraries are generally in place, including trained and qualified teachers, a lot more need to be done to improve the performance of the schools in this constituency. In line with the Ninth Malaysia Plan’s focus on human capital development towards liberalization and developed state by 2020, it is imperative that N.7 �" Samariang be driven towards achieving these aspirations vis-a-vis through emphasis on educational excellent and also beneficial co-curriculum activities in schools. Given a few more months, I should be able to assess comparable data on this issue and be able to chart ideas and measurable action plans to improve this situation such as inter-school learning within this constituency at state level or at national level. It is my strong belief that good schools like Kolej Abdillah or other schools have some successful formula that could be shared by other weaker schools.

Economy

Tuan Speaker, it is my concern that there are the unemployed or low-income groups like ibu-ibu tunggal or all this in my kawasan who are left with almost no income due to either death of their husband or abandonment and divorce. With their limited skills and money to start any decent job or business, they are practically left with little else but their kids. Children growing in this sort of poverty are left with little option but mostly as school dropouts if not involved in unhealthy social activities.

While our social welfare system and small business schemes have been commendable in providing aid to these less fortunate fellow Sarawakians, there is also a critical need for us to tackle this issue before it becomes a heavy burden to the state coffer. Unemployed housewives in most areas within the constituency that numbered to thousands have also given a notion of under-utilization of our human capital. Opportunity should be given to them to help contribute to their family economy without even being required to leave their homes. It is my proposal here for efforts to be intensified to formation of economic action council within N.7 �" Samariang as a catalyst toward the economic development of these categories of people within the constituency.

This council is proposed to comprise intellectuals and heads of department or corporation living within my kawasan. Majority of these categories of people are not keen to participate directly in politics but they are very keen to contribute their ideas and resources for the economic development of their kampungs.

Tuan Speaker, within N.7 �" Samariang there are hundreds of small time petty traders who are trying to make a living by selling fast food like burgers or cakes or many things and drinks along the roadside within the kampung areas and also the main roads. While I fully support the gruelling effort of Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara in keeping this prime area clean and order, I would humbly propose that the good council also make serious and creative effort to assist these small time entrepreneurs who are trying to earn an honest living from these small stall outlets. Decentralise deli markets such as those of Ramadan bazaar should be, for example, made available in many, if not, all the kampung areas all the year round, with more free courses as a package to licensing such entrepreneurs could eventually be given a decent and affordable place to continue their business.

Tuan Speaker, the recent crackdowns by DBKU on most stalls recently have caused uproar amongst these stall owners in my kawasan and for that matter in other constituencies in Kuching North. These small time businessmen and women are our fellow Sarawakians and are trying to make another RM200-RM300 income to support their family. I would therefore like to propose strongly and suggest to DBKU that for any enforcement exercise, please do keep their Yang Berhormat informed before any such actions are taken.

Housing

Tuan Speaker, I must also congratulate the leadership and the present government as to have made Samariang as one of the most popular places to live and work for most local folks and rural folks. This could be seen from not only the growing local population size but also from migration of rural Sarawakians to the constituency. The migration of rural folks, however, is not without obvious drawbacks of squatter population blooming in state land such as in Samariang Batu, Jalan Astana and Siol Kandis. While giving state land to these folks may not be feasible policy, the current pragmatic drive by the housing ministry and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad towards rumah mesra rakyat and various other low cost housing schemes have been seen as one of the best efforts to manage this squatter issue. My deepest thank to the Minister of Housing for his good effort in helping us, the wakil rakyat, to look into this problem of housing and squatters.

Tuan Speaker, it is therefore my hope that N.7 �" Samariang will remain a priority area for intensification in such schemes.


Social And Religion

Tuan Speaker, it is my humble thoughts that there are few factors that will shape up our communities of the future. Contemporary thinkers such as Edward De Bono once concluded that the three factors, media, education and religion are highly responsible to shape up the communities of the future that is our children, grandchildren and so forth.

What with the digital age of the internet satellite channels and complex audio visual gadgets, vis-a-vis DVDs, SMS, MMS, that we have today in our homes and are widely available to our kids, we will not be surprise with the advancement of their knowledge on the environment that we live in and also the outside world. This positive advancement and technology however, should not be taken lightly as there are also out there bad elements that comes as a package to this so called borderless world of the information age. We have seen a lot today that children are constantly bombarded with unhealthy elements such as violence, extremism and pornography through the seemingly harmless media as mentioned. While we are powerless in the practical sense to contain such elements we have little choice but to strengthen the other two arms that have direct impact on the shape of our future generation that is, education and religion.

While education is constantly being reviewed for suitability and implemented by the Federal Government and most probably are in the good hands, we are then left with one factor within our means to control, that is, religion. N. 7-Samariang constituency as been earlier informed is a predominantly Malay or Muslim area. I am pleased to say here that the leadership, the Ahli Yang Berhormat before me and various religious agencies have really done a good job maintaining the role of religion that is Islam in our case here, in majority of the people. Mosques and surau have been made available in all the kampungs and housing areas. Various religious functions and activities have been conducted year round in N.7-Samariang.

Tuan Speaker, it is indeed my hope that this noble effort be continued if not intensified as a means to strengthen the values and ways of life for ourselves and also our future generation community of the future.

Safety Security and Public Health

Tuan Speaker, I am also pleased to report that N. 7-Samariang is also well blessed with a BOMBA station, Rukun Tetangga, various private clinics and Normah Medical Centre but a Police Station. As the population expands in this constituency, there is a definite need to increase the numbers of these facilities. Mobile Police Station that could be move within the various areas such as those in Kuala Lumpur is hereby proposed to meet the increasing needs of security and safety for the people within this constituency. Such facility could certainly be an effective solution in crime prevention and eradication especially crimes at housebreaking, illegal racing, pick pockets etc.

Despite the availability of private clinics and private hospitals in Samariang, there are also that are affordable to the middle income group and high income groups, there is an obvious need for a government polyclinic to support the need of the growing kampung folks and the rural migration population. I hereby, proposed that a government polyclinic be set up in Samariang.
Recreation and Sports

Tuan Speaker, there is a saying that too much work and no play, make Jack a dull boy. I am pleased to inform that Samariang is equipped with such facility like no other in the state, that is, State Stadium, a beautiful and high tech State Library, numerous recreation parks and sports fields. I would like again to congratulate the leadership in the various ministries and government agencies involved in planning and developing such facilities available for the people within the constituency. I am pretty sure that this has been a catalyst in developing Sarawak’s talented game players and sportsmen. In my endeavour to continue this noble effort, I would also propose that a few more facilities be added within N.7-Samariang, such as, a Futsal Stadium, as it is now one of the most popular game for men and women of different ages. Right now, there is only one Futsal Stadium in Pending and it takes a week to book an hour match because the 8 courts are fully booked before the morning right to midnight. There is also an immediate need for public swimming pool, and I propose that a public swimming pool be given in Samariang.

Tuan Speaker, my speech today would not be complete if I do not talk on the subject which is close to my heart and I suppose close to the hearts of many men in this Dewan too, that is, women. (Laughter)

Tuan Speaker, di Malaysia, wanita merupakan 48.7% daripada jumlah penduduk dan merupakan modal insan yang penting dalam menjana pembangunan negara. Meskipun demikian, kajian Kementerian Wanita dan Pembangunan Keluarga dan Masyarakat, 2004 menunjukkan hanya 9.9% sahaja wanita menganggotai Lembaga Pengarah sektor korporat, 13.5% menduduki jawatan eksekutif misalnya Presiden, Naib Presiden, Pengarah Urusan, Ketua Eksekutif dan yang seumpamanya, hanya 10.1% dalam Dewan Rakyat. Sungguhpun jumlah wanita yang aktif menjana ekonomi telah meningkat, pertumbuhan wanita adalah dalam pekerjaan tingkat pertengahan dan tingkat rendah seperti kerja perkeranian dan pengeluaran. Walaupun lebih banyak wanita mula menceburkan diri dalam sektor profesional, sebahagian besar terlibat dalam profesyen kejururawatan dan pendidikan. Yang nyatanya, rata-rata purata pendapatan wanita yang bekerja dalam sektor swasta tidakpun dapat mengatasi pendapatan lelaki. Adalah diharapkan dengan sokongan kerajaan, semua yang saya sebut tadi dapat ditingkatkan.

Pembangunan wanita tidak pernah diketepikan dalam perancangan pembangunan negara. Di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, peruntukkan yang diberikan untuk pembangunan wanita adalah sebanyak RM552 juta memperlihatkan peningkatan lebih daripada 100% berbanding dengan yang diperuntukkan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan, iaitu sebanyak RM258 juta. Penekanan terhadap pembangunan wanita dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan merupakan usaha kearah merealisasikan harapan dan keperluan tersebut. Lima teras utama misi nasional dalam menjayakan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan sewajarnya menjadi asas menggerakkan usaha untuk membangunkan potensi dan mengubah persepsi serta tanggapan ramai tentang peranan wanita.

Tuan Speaker, Dasar Keluarga Negara yang akan dibentuk dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan diharapkan dapat terus membantu dalam pencapaian cemerlang wanita dalam kerjaya dan keluarga. Kejayaan dalam melahirkan dan membentuk anak-anak dan generasi yang cemerlang masih boleh dicapai tanpa melepaskan peluang untuk maju dalam kerjaya. Banyak contoh wanita yang berjaya dalam kerjaya juga berjaya membentuk generasi yang hebat. Saya rasa pihak kerajaan serta majikan boleh memberikan ruang untuk kemajuan wanita dengan mewujudkan waktu kerja flexible bagi sesetengah department dan juga membolehkan wanita bekerja dari rumah bagi sesetengah department. Kaedah ini dapat meningkatkan lagi penglibatan wanita berkeluarga dalam pasaran kerja.

Tuan Speaker, apa yang penting sekali ialah kejayaan penuh wanita baik dalam pembangunan negara mahupun penguasaan teknologi memerlukan sokongan politik. Tanpa sokongan politik, segala usaha para profesional dan ahli akademik serta badan pertubuhan wanita tidak akan menghasilkan sebarang impak.

Tuan Speaker, in conclusion, it is my hope that the leadership of Pehin Sri and the Barisan Nasional would continue to give utmost attention and priority to my constituency and also wanita and it is my hope also that the government would be able to take my cue from my various proposals, humbly presented, my noble and well intended effort and I wish will indeed make N. 7-Samariang as one of the best places to live in Sarawak also a model for achievement of Wawasan 2020 and a stronghold of the present benevolent government and leadership under the Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri and the Barisan Nasional Government. Insya-Allah.

With that I conclude, sekian dan terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kota Sentosa.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Thank you, Tuan Speaker. When we are talking about the politics of development, I will like to bring another phase which is quite new here, politics of forgetfulness, politicians forgetting what they have said...(Boos) Jangan kurang ajar.

Politicians having forgotten what they have said. Maybe years ago, some of them maybe months ago before the election. So, I fully support what Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pujut has said regarding the daily paid government servants. Daily paid government servants, their benefits which have been neglected, their welfare neglected over the years and I will like to bring to the attention of this House, regarding a press cutting of what Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bawang Assan has said in 1999, in the Sarawak Tribune, in a function organised by the PWD Daily Paid Workers’. He said; “But I must remind the union that not all the posts can be filled by the daily paid workers. In order to ensure that more daily paid workers can get promoted, the ministry will work out some formulas including reshuffling and creating new posts,” he explained. Well, they have come to see me last year. Since the statement has been made, nothing has been done and, in the cutting there, it was “s”, assures, assures PWD. The person who has brought me the cutting has written a “d”, assured. Its a past tense now and I would like to bring to the attention of this House about the discrepancy in the welfare of daily paid workers and monthly paid workers. Why they so eagerly seek to be confirmed to be monthly paid workers of the government. Why?

Under the daily paid scheme, they are not entitled to promotion. They are not entitled to government housing loan. Their parents are not entitled to free medical services from public hospitals during their term of employment. Four, when they are retired, they are not entitled to the medical services and their age of retirement is 55 instead of 56 and they do not enjoy pension scheme. Theirs is under EPF scheme. So, I believe these group, there are quite a substantial number of them, about 2,000 of them in PWD. (Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Point of clarification, did the Member for Kota Sentosa say nothing has been done? Did you say that?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: I was told by them since 1999. Not many of them has been converted into daily paid, if yes......(Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): You are only given 45 minutes, I will give you (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Alright, I hope the Minister can give me clarification as to how many, has been, Honourable Minister, you will have the chance during the winding up (Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): You said that nothing has been done, nothing has been done. (Laughter)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Yes and you can give me clarification. You want you can seek clarification but since you have reminded me, I have 45 minutes, I think I will leave your clarification for winding up speech. So, now...(Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): No shooting statement, let me remind you please.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: You will have your chance of clarification, you will have your chance, during your winding up and I would like to know the figure now. How many of them are still under the daily paid scheme and how many of them for the last five years they have been retired as a daily paid worker? Can the government give them recognition so that they will enjoy the benefit accorded to the monthly paid workers?

Second point which I would like to raise is about the electricity tariff. The Public Utilities Minister before the election, this is a newspaper cutting, March this year, 28th, March this year, (In Mandarin) which means........(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Translation?

Y. B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Oh yes, I will translate. SESCo has delivered a good news to the public. The electricity tariff will not be adjusted upward but in recent statement, Minister says, the same Minister, has indicated there may be some rise, some hike in electricity tariff, domestic electricity tariff also, and in the recent statement, the reason given by the Minister for increasing the electricity tariff was that because of the rise in international crude oil, and therefore, diesel prices has hiked all these. That’s why SESCo need to increase this tariff but in an earlier statement … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Yang Berhormat, maybe it’s more reliable if you base the premise of your argument on english newspapers because with the translation, the members will be talking at cross purposes on the varasity and the truthfulness of the statement.

Y B Encik Chong Chieng Jen: There may be some mistake...

Tuan Speaker: Less exchanges will be made if you rely on english newspaper because you know with mandarin the nuances may shift.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Thank you, thank you, Tuan Speaker. I mean the Minister explain in the earlier statement why those should not be any price hike, why these will not be any price hike because according to him the power supply, the electricity power supply in Sarawak, 60% of which is generated by gas, 26% by coal, only 5% by diesel and 10% by hydroelectricity generated. Therefore, the price hike in diesel or petrol will not have a very much, have a very great effect on the cost of SESCo but I just wonder why such a position was changed after the election and I hope and I sincerely hope that government will not increase the electricity tariff because we Sarawakians, our domestic, our consumer, we are paying the most expensive domestic electricity in the whole Malaysia. I can give you some figures. If you are paying, if you consume 400 kilowatt power per month, under the current rate you will be paying RM121, whereas in West Malaysia, TNB will only charge RM101.40, that is after the recent price hike in electricity tariff. Basically, for a normal household which consume about below 1000 kilowatt/hr per month, we are paying in the range of 15 to 20% more than our counterparts in West Malaysia. So since we are paying so high, so dearly for our electricity, domestic electricity I say, the government should not further increase the burden on the people and what more, what more, electricity generated by hydro power is the cheapest means of power generation in Sarawak. It is cheaper than LNG, it is cheaper than coal, it is cheaper than diesel power.

So with the construction of Bakun which according to an announcement made by our Prime Minister, would be completed sometime in 2007/2008. With the completion of the construction of Bakun, Bakun can generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity. 2,400 megawatts of electricity whereas in Sarawak at present we only need about 800 megawatts of electricity. We only need about 800 megawatts. So Bakun can generate three times the electricity power which we in Sarawak need and even the present capacity of SESCo which is about 1,000 megawatts capacity and given that hydro generation of electricity is the cheapest mode compared to the other three, we should, upon completion of the Bakun, we should enjoy a cheaper electricity tariff instead of higher. Although Bakun will be operated by independent power producer but the construction of the Bakun dam is at the expense of our environment. So Sarawakians should be given priority over the use of the power generated from the Bakun dam and instead I also would like to object here strongly against the construction of cable to transmit the electricity from Bakun to West Malaysia. I believe this is not an economically viable or not economically sensible move. The cable cost itself will cost about five billion whereas the construction of the dam is about nine billion. So where is the justification. There is no justification to lay cable across the South China Sea to supply our electricity to West Malaysia. It does not make any economical sense, it doesn’t. So I hope the government, because I am worried, I am worried because recently, previously the laying of cable from Bakun dam to West Malaysia has been dropped but recently there were announcement that they might re-install the whole programme. They will start the whole programme and start laying the cable. At the end who is going to pay the cost? Who is going to pay the cost? And there is another thing that I would like to mention. Since we have Bakun in the pipeline, we are going to enjoy hydro-generated power, electricity power in future, one or two years time.

Why does the government engage in a coal power, coal fire power plant in Mukah. What rationale is there to spend 800 million, 800 million. To raise a loan of 600 plus million ringgit Malaysia to construct coal power plant, while we all know that coal power plant would generate electricity more expensive than Bakun and Bakun, we know that it has the capacity to generate three times the power we need in Sarawak. Why does the government engage in the generation of a coal fire power plant, the construction of such plant in Mukah? Is this based on political reason? Are we going to pay, Sarawakians going to pay for it and what is the agreement, power purchase agreement entered between SESCo and the coal fire power plant in Mukah? What is the agreement? Because in West Malaysia, the lopsided agreement between the independent power plant and TNB has now caused a lot of trouble to the consumer, has now put a lot of trouble to the consumer, has now put a lot of heavy financial burden on the consumer in West Malaysia. That is why TNB has to increase its tariff, adding on financial burden to the consumer in West Malaysia because of the terms of the power purchase agreement which is lopsided, which is favourable only to the independent power plant.

Now, having decided to construct the coal fire power plant in Mukah, now what is the terms of the agreement? Is it going to be an agreement whereby the coal power plant revise upwards the price of electricity they pay as the price of electricity there they sell it to the government unilaterally like what is happening in West Malaysia so I hope the government, public utility department will have a serious talk and I also want an explanation why having Bakun dam in the pipeline is going to produce power in a few years time, why does the government engage in the construction of a coal fire power plant in Mukah. There is no logic, I can’t find any logic in it. It doesn’t make any economic sense.

The second and another point that I would like to raise, the other matter that I would like to raise is the issue about SACOFA. About SACOFA. SACOFA had been given, I believe, it is a 15-year, 15-year concession to monitor or construct or monitor the construction of monopole, telecommunication monopole, telecommunication power in the whole of Sarawak. Previously the job was done by individual telecommunication company to construct their own telecommunication tower or antennae to transmit the signal for their hand phone.

Now the government has appointed SACOFA to engage in this field, to be the only company licenced to construct telecommunication tower and affix antennae on the tower and all those telecommunication tower which previously has their own antennae on shophouses, on top of the roof of shophouses or their own tower, they have to now pay a licence fee to SACOFA. Some of them has to take down their antennae and rent it from SACOFA. Well I recognise that there is a need to regulate, to regulate the construction of telecommunication tower. I recognise that, there is a need, there is surely a need. But why does the government set up such a company to regulate and in the course of it has to raise a fund of 400 million? 400 million for SACOFA. SACOFA has to raise a fund of 400 million to finance the construction of such towers while the construction of such towers are previously undertaken by telecommunication companies themselves, which means the government is incurring, incurring unnecessary fund to construct the telecommunication tower and then rent it out, of course, you will have some financial return. But, the initial 400 million loan was raised by SACOFA which the government is a shareholder but my argument is that why does the government need to spend such money? Need to borrow 400 million when telecommunication tower can do the job. We just set up a department, regulate, set down the guidelines, ok if you want to construct, you have to comply to certain regulation, certain guideline, that will suffice. Is there anything behind the cupboard, inside the cupboard which we can’t see? Just now I say I recognise the need to regulate.

Since the setting up of SACOFA, it seems there is no regulation apply for SACOFA to construct their telecommunication tower. Whenever you see a car park, an empty car park, just go there and draw some line out and then start constructing the telecommunication monopole, the tower. We received a lot of complaints in Sekama, car parks were taken up, twenty, thirty car parks were taken up to construct the telecommunication tower with the shophouses just about 20, 30 feet away. There is no set of rules applicable. In Sekama, in Pending, in Matang, Jalan Song and Batu Kawah. All these places, car parks which are meant, meant for shophouses in that area were just taken up by SACOFA and construct a monopole.

I believe if we have property, if we have a house or shop house which we invest, none of us here would like to have a telecommunication tower right in front of our house.

Though the government said that, claims that the electro-magnetic wave may not harm, may not be harmful to the residents around. But is there any solid evidence to say it is not harmful? No, no. Just that scientist up to now cannot bring up proof, direct evidence, cannot adduce direct evidence to link electro magnet exposure to electro magnetic wave to cancer. Just that scientist now, at this stage still cannot prove but the risk is still there and we don’t want to subject ourselves to such risks.

And if we don’t, the saying goes: “Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you”. So why are we subjecting our people to such inconveniences. I understand whenever a developer wants to develop a shophouse, some commercial estates for certain number of shophouse for each of shophouse certain number of car parks has to be set aside surrender to the councils. That is some guideline in the Local Council. For each shophouse there must be some number of car parks. If you don’t supply or construct or surrender such car parks, such number of car parks to the Local Council, for each car parks you have to pay the councils RM10,000 to RM15,000, for each car parks less than the number that is in the directive. You have to pay the council.

Now why does the government now allow a company like SACOFA just come along and grab 10-20 car parks to construct their telecommunication tower? It makes a mockery of the requirement that certain number of shophouses you need certain number of car parks. It makes a mockery. And the residents concerned in this shophouses, some in residential area, their concern are not heard, are not taken heed of by SACOFA. In Jalan Song, it is just about fifteen feet in front of the shop house.

Tuan Speaker, imagine if you have invested in that shophouse, in the shophouse, that is about 800,000, 900,000 and after two years later SACOFA come along and constructed a tele-communication monopoles in front of the shophouse. How would you feel? How would one feel? But why are we subjecting? Why is government subjecting such unfair treatment on our people?. Therefore, I urge, I urge the government before further construction of such tele-communication tower by SACOFA, draw some guidelines for houses, construction of shop houses, you have a setbacks rule, whereby the distance of your wall to your fence or boundary there must be half the height or half the length. There’s a setback rule applicable for houses.

But why is there is no such setback rules for telecommunication tower? If we can remember, previously 10, 20, 30 years ago high tension cable, there is no one suggested that it has any link to leukemia but subsequently scientist found out that those residents staying under high tension cable area has leukemia, has the higher chance of getting the leukemia, cancer of the blood. That’s why I said, that’s why I said, only at this stage scientist can’t prove the direct link between chances of getting cancer to exposure of electro magnetic wave because this is still relatively new.

And for western countries there are certain meters, certain 150 meters under this high tension cable whereby you cannot construct any houses. Can the government implement such rules, regulations relating to the setback? Setback of shophouses, houses to this tele communication tower. Do not subject our people to such inconvenience, such worry in every life.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Tuan Speaker, point of clarification. How about the use of handphone? Could you explain and try to co-relate also with this tower transmission? What is the finding on the use of the handphone?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: That too!

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Ya. That’s right.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Your question is not clear.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Now, you are saying that scientist can prove some of the side effects of this transmission tower? How about the use of handphone?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Ya. Use of handphone actually I read one article from internet. The link between use of handphone to brain tumor was started. The first person who just suggested on the idea is lawyer, in a court, in the legal career but I don’t know, I read from internet.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Can I have one clarification please. If you are saying that there is this electro magnetic wave when the tower are built near to the shophouses, what is the relation? What about towers that are built on top of shophouses? Are they having electro magnetic wave also? These are the things that you have been fighting for, is it? You said those that are on top of the building should be allowed? And those outside cannot be allowed?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Did I say that it should be allowed? Did I say that it was..I said that previously they are constructing on the top of the roof of the shophouse but I didn’t say that I supported that. No..No. What I said was to regulate, to regulate. Okay you want to regulate, let’s set up proper guidelines, proper guidelines to regulate. Not just set up a company and raise a 400 million loan for the company and the company just go around everywhere, wherever suitable at their convenience they set up, they construct the tele-communication tower. This is ridiculous. This is not regulating. This is not regulating. Furthermore, to answer your question, previously on top of shophouse there is only used by one telco company. There is one set of antenna. Now, after the construction of the telecommunication tower, all the telco companies must rent that tower from SACOFA so there will be a concentration of different electro magnetic wave.

So, this is my appeal to the government before further constructing tele communication tower, draw up a proper guideline. If you want to regulate, regulate it properly. Not on the pretext of regulating, allowing some companies to make huge profit at the expense of the people, at the worries of the people.

The another point which I will come to is the 1st Silicon, the 1st Silicon. Well, our Honourable Minister has the other day given some explanation to the 1st Silicon issue. I just like to quote this from Moodies, an international rating company. Their comment which is published in The Edge Asia, an authority in this field in the economic, the authority in business field, The Edge. It says this, the Moodies, it said in the statement on July, 21st that 1st Silicon was an unprofitable state-owned semi conductor manufacturer. Moodies said the rating affirmation recognize Sarawak’s high debt burden. Actually Moodies rated Sarawak’s government financial position to be good, to be good but this is what he says. Moodies say the rating affirmation recognized Sarawak high debt burden and related debt servicing requirements that are viable both to the debt obligation it will assume in connection with the merger and tools, other financial obligation it has incurred in recent years. Moodies believed that, that capping, that capping of the State future exposure to 1st Silicon and the substantial financial cushion provided by the Sarawak’s reserves support the State’s credible accredit quality in its current level. This statement shows that Sarawak Government maintain a higher credit standing, rating or Moodie gave Sarawak government the higher rating because he has now cap, that means put a maximum limit to its future exposure to 1st Silicon. That means that 1st Silicon is not a good investment. Therefore, when we cap our future exposure, financial exposure, our liability, we improve in our credibility.

And now I go further down. Key to the rating at affirmation is Moodies’ expectation that state’s exposure to 1st Silicon will be limited to arrangement announced in the merger arrangement under which Sarawak ownership’s stake in 1st Silicon will be reduced from nearly 100% to 35%. The reduction in stake ownership will transfer, management control over the company from the State to the new shareholders and should relief the State of the need to make additional equity injection that might otherwise be required over the medium term.

As part of the merger agreement, Sarawak will assume, will assume 1st Silicon outstanding debt through two newly created state’s own purpose vehicles. They assume that the existing debt of other state related companies, the further liabilities related to the merger all contribute to the state’s relatively alleviated debt burden.

So, Tuan Speaker, I’ll show this house how much has the state invested or raised fund to inject into 1st Silicon. In March 1999, 1st Silicon obtained a syndicated loan of USD200 million from export credit agency of the Federal Republic of Germany, that is March 1999.

May 2000, it obtained a syndicated loan of USD800 million. July 2000, it obtained a syndicated loan of USD 180 million. In August 2000, it obtained a loan of USD 59.5 million and in December 2000 it obtained a syndicated loan of USD93.7 million. In June 2001, it obtained a syndicated loan of USD250 million and in October 2002 another restructuring and raised a loan of USD640 million. December 2004, government raised the SUKUK Fund USD350 million. In total, in total USD1.5 billion plus which is about 6 billion.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker, can I make point of clarification. The Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa must understand the reason behind the fund raising exercise, as you know as a matter of policy, the state would only undertake to raise fund if and only it has the financial strength, capacity and resources to meet the obligation to the one holders on the timely basis and additionally we don’t need the prudent for the state to proceed with this fund raising if the rating meets the imminent investment great. You know, you have said that, Standard and Poor and Moody investors services had given the state very high rating. Standard and Poor gave an A while Moody investors services accorded a B, A, A, 1 ratings and this ratings are reflection of our state strong financial and credit standing when it is which it has sustained over the year. Anyway I will give you more in my winding up speech.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: I know, I know, we have, we have, high ratings. This is because our state is rich in resources. But, even if our state is rich in resources, should we squander, just squander our money like that. I think, I’ll give you the chance, not that I am giving you the chance, you will have the chance during the reply, the winding up speech. My time is precious. So, and having invested so much a raising US$350 million, setting up the special purpose like vehicle. After the merger, we lose control of the company. From 100 percent to 35 percent, which means this company is literally control by Germans. So, where have all our money gone and all these are the money from the rakyat and the people are going to pay for it, one way or another. That is the point I am driving at. We have money, yes we have rich natural resources but it has to be spent prudently and from what is reported in Moody and from the history of the cost of production to revenue which is two times cost of production, two times or three times the revenue. It is a failure. Just admit it. This is a bad investment by the State Government … (Interruption).

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): I just remind you. You can say it is an investment by the government which has gone wrong, but, you cannot, but you cannot say that the state is squandering the money. You make the statement, did you?

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Such a large amount. A few billion has been lost if you don’t call it squander, I would not know what to describe this squander is. A few billion of our money has been lost. Billion not millions, billions has been lost and over a time frame of five years, six years, Tuan Speaker and Yang Berhormat Menteri suggest, I say that, well, we have created some employment opportunities for few hundreds of our people. But if this billions of dollars can be put to proper use, more proper use, better investment, more jobs can be created. One billion can make one thousand people a millionaire. Six billion can make six thousand person millionaire, over five years only, five, six years and given that, now, the government has raised along US$350 million, the Sukuk fund. So, that the merger arrangement will go through and the State Government absorbing all the financial burden. For debts US$350 million we are paying, 5.7% percent interest, 5.7, that was your word…(Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): I know, 225 equivalent to RM850 million, Sukuk loans.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: But the announcement here was said, announcement by the 1st Silicon US$350 million. Well, 5.7%.…(Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): I would like to know where your source of information is.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: I think the Hansard, but, never mind, never mind, never mind on that. But the point is that billion has been lost. A 5.7% interest yearly whether on 250 billion or 350 billion, is a lot of money. Every year we are paying tons of billion, that tons of million on the loans and all these are borne by Sarawakians, the rakyat … (Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Another point of clarification.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: No, it is okay. I think, I think you can clarify …(Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): The business is still going on. You cannot determine that it is going to be a company that has lost everything. We are still going on … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Tuan Speaker, I think the Minister is not … (Interruption)

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): One day when we made the billions… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Standing Order, I think, Tuan Speaker can … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: You proceed. You have five minutes more.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: You see! You see! That is why I don’t allow interjection anymore … (Laughter)

Tuan Speaker: I give you one minute injury time… (Laughter)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Thank you, Tuan Speaker. Normally they give four minutes in World Cup.

Tuan Speaker: No, I calculated the excuse. One minute… (Laughter)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Okay, okay. To conclude on 1st Silicon issue. I will call this the prodigal son of Sarawak, the prodigal son of Sarawak. Well, I think for the government to cut loss, selling away 65% it is, it is a wise decision. Why not just sell, 90%. That will further improve your Moody’s rating, and, but, coming back to it, someone must be held accountable for it. This is the highest crime to waste the public fund, billions of public fund. Is there anyone being held accountable, we would like to know, and in the Moody’s report, which I just, I just quoted, it seems that the government is also, borrowing some US$800 million bond issue by Sarawak international which is guarantee by SGOs Capital Holdings, I want to know, what is this US$800 million bond the money has raised to be used. This is also a point of interest. I think a point of concern which every Sarawakian wants to know. If the government start borrowing millions and millions and millions, hundreds of million, billions of ringgit of USD, and, when it is lost no one is held accountable to it, I don’t think we should encourage such practice, accountability, this is stress over and over again by the Prime Minister, I think the state, State Government, department should also adopt such principle of accountability and quickly on the other two points which I would like to address is, one is Developers Sale and Purchase Agreement.

Now, under the present of developers, Housing Developers Ordinance, the sale and purchase, standard Sale and Purchase Agreement, prescribed in the Ordinance, do not have any, do not provide for any percentage of the purchase price being held back by the purchaser. Pending, issuance of document of title. So, the problem faced by the house purchasers in Sarawak, here, is that having to pay 100% of the purchase price, the title is not issue and they are left to the mercy of the developer whether to go and apply for issuance of individual document of title, and we told that, for the issuance of individual document of title that is quite a hefty premium to be paid. Under the standard S & P, Sale and Purchase Agreement, the purchaser would have to pay out, 100% of the purchase price upon issuance of certificate of completion by the architect not even occupation permit, I think that is not fair. Certificate of completion by architect, some of them was issued without the window being installed. So, I would suggest that the Attorney General Department or the Housing, Ministry of Housing quickly make an amendment to the schedule Sale and Purchase Agreement. To provide for 5% to be the last, the second last 5% to be paid upon issuance of OP, occupation permit, and the final 5% to be paid upon issuance of title, then, we can have some justice and fairness to the house buyer.
Tuan Speaker: Yang Berhormat, you have to make your closing remark.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Alright. My closing remark would be the last point, Tuan Speaker. It is the problem faced by my constituency. These are flash flood problem. Flash flood problem in 7th mile, Kota Sentosa, whenever there is rain, heavy rain for one hour or half an hour the roads are flooded. At times, even going to the water level rises to the shop, the ground floor of the shophouses. The problem rise with improper, insufficient study of irrigation, drainage and irrigation in the area, because it is such a rapidly developed area. The existing drainage system cannot cater for the number of sudden increase of the houses in the area. Therefore, the discharge of water, rainwater is not quick enough, so, resulting in flash flood problem. So, I hope, the Local Council or the Housing Ministry when approving development plans or even now, should make a thorough, thorough study of the irrigation system, drainage system. Irrigation and drainage system in all rapidly growing housing estates or area, so, that, the residence would not be facing such flash flood problem. Now, what they are suffering is that, two hours of rain, they have to move their goods onto the stools or table and these are the real problem faced by the people. So, I hope the Ministry can come out quickly, come out with a plan, how to, an overall master plan, how to tackle this problem, how the drain must be constructed, what is the level, how wide, all these must be done urgently given the area, Kota Sentosa area is being developed in the fast phase. With that I, conclude my speech.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Balai Ringin. Before you start, Honourable Member, can I have a show of hands, how many Members want to speak this evening. Two more, two more, under Standing Order 9 (1) sitting goes beyond 6:30 pm. Please proceed.

Y.B. Encik Snowdan Lawan: Tuan Speaker, terlebih dahulu saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kerana diberi peluang untuk bersama-sama dengan Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat yang lain di Dewan yang mulia ini untuk mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Muhammad Salahuddin yang telah merasmikan Pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri ini. Terima kasih juga diucapkan di atas ucapan dan nasihat beliau kepada Dewan yang mulia ini tentang beberapa perkara yang akan menjadi panduan bagi kita untuk membangunkan Negeri Sarawak, Bumi Kenyalang yang kita cintai ini.

His Excellency, in his opening address among others, has touched on the socio-economic transformation experienced in the state as well as the importance of preserving unity, harmony and political stability among our people.

Tuan Speaker, His Excellency also reminded us of our responsibilities as elected representatives of the people. As a newly elected member of this august House, it is a timely reminder to me to always stay focus on what I have to do for the people, the constituency and our beloved State of Sarawak especially when we are entering an exciting era with the implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Vision 2020 and above all the second phase of the State’s Politics of Development right within our midst.

Tuan Speaker, the tremendous progress achieved in our State of Sarawak as conveyed in the address of Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri is made possible through the excellent leadership of our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. This success story of ours should further inspire everyone to contribute and participate actively in developing our beloved State of Sarawak.

State General Election 2006

Tuan Speaker, my heartiest congratulations to Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for leading the Barisan Nasional to yet another successful victory in the recent State General Election and my personal thanks to his goodself for having the confidence to nominate me to represent the Barisan Nasional in the new constituency of Balai Ringin. My congratulations also go to all elected members of this august House. I believe we all have a heavy responsibility to see that our beloved Bumi Kenyalang will continue to forge ahead in development and attain a developed status together with the rest of the other states in Malaysia.

Human Capital and Human Resource Development

Tuan Speaker, since taking over the helm of government, Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri and his government recognize the importance of investing in human capital and thus adopt human resource approach as the basis and impetus of the state’s overall development. For example, the emergence of various IPTA (Public Higher Institution of Learning) such as UNIMAS, UiTM, Kuching Politeknik and Swinburne University Sarawak; and IPTS (Private Higher Institution of Learning) such as Inti College, Curtin University Miri, United College Sarawak and others shows how serious and, if I may say, how successful the state has gone in developing our human capital. The involvement of Jabatan KEMAS, Jabatan Pertanian, Jabatan Kesihatan and others in imparting knowledge to create awareness on various issues to enhance good attitude and practise among the rural people is commendable. The involvement of Yayasan Sarawak in granting scholarships and study loans to enable deserving students to study locally and overseas to acquire new knowledge and skills is also commendable. This speaks volumes of Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri’s far-sightedness and wisdom in the aspects of human capital development.

Sarawak As a Fast Developing State

Tuan Speaker, with Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri’s proven leadership and his deep convictions, Sarawak has evolved from a lesser known ‘hornbill state’ compared to other Malaysian states, to a fast developing entity with advancement in all aspects of development. Sarawak is now one of the fastest growing states in the country. This can be gauged, among others, by:

(a) Our per capita nominal GDP of Sarawak rose 2.8 times from RM7,467 in 1990 to RM21,260 in 2005. This compares well with Malaysia’s per capita nominal GDP of RM17,687 in 2005.

(b) On employment, the number of people employed rose by 31.5% from 698,900 persons in 1990 to 919,100 persons in 2005, showing that we have been able to create jobs for our people.

(c) The unemployment rate in the state fell sharply from 9.9% in 1990 to 3.8% in 2005. This in no doubt attributed to the efforts of the state government in development and promoting economic growth.

Balanced Development In All Sectors Of The Economy

Tuan Speaker, we have a situation that while the urban areas as in Samajaya, Pending and Bako industrial areas benefited from industrial growth, the rural areas have also their fair share of growth and development as seen in the RGSs. The rural sector continues to get the special attention of the government. Generally speaking, there is a balanced development in all sectors. This is to ensure that no one is deliberately left out in the development process unless they chose to. And neither is progress achieved at the expense of anyone at all. We have made significant headway in moving the economy up the value chain through the investment made by high-tech industries. On the other hand, the modernization and commercialization of our agricultural sector such as the oil palm manufacturing industries and timber processing industries are progressing while the traditional small holding agricultural sector is also not being overlooked but simultaneously being transformed to increase their efficiency and productivity.

Private Investment

Tuan Speaker, above all, the accelerated public sector investment on the state is not done at the expense of the private sector as the latter plays an increasingly effective and dynamic role in the timber industry and agro based activities. And now they are showing increasing interest in the tourist market. Mind you, the private sector is not left entirely on their own as their activities are done with government’s assistance through the provision of research and development and training facilities. The timber companies and plantation companies are big timers but the private tourism players are generally small and medium size. In an age of active competition especially in areas where we have to compete with other countries for a share of the market, our private companies will have to be sufficiently large and here, I would like to suggest that our tourism players-travel agents, tour operators, restaurants, and other amalgamate themselves to be effective in the global scenario.

Improvement in Quality of Life

Tuan Speaker, as long as I can recall, life among the people of Sarawak has improved with time. With a pragmatic, appropriate and acceptable approach to development as advocated by our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister’s Politics of Development, we can confidently look forward to a remarkably transformed State of Sarawak. The politics of development, which requires the full participation of the people, the government and the political leaders, has indeed created dramatic waves in uplifting the quality of life of the people in Sarawak. The State Government’s plan in charting our economic development in the next 15 years until 2020 was clearly spelt out in the Sarawak Perspective Plan for the Ninth Malaysian Plan that was table in this august House on 20th April, 2006. Thus, the second wave of our politics of development will definitely propel the state into a vibrant advanced stage of transformation, sweeping away any negativity and obstacles. I can obviously visualize Sarawak in a fully developed stage of development with its physical, social and economic transformation far beyond the expectations and imagination of many, especially the skeptics.

Cultural Resilience in the Wake of Rapid Development

Tuan Speaker, we in Sarawak indeed have an identity of our own. Sarawakians have always been known to be hospitable and friendly yet aggressively excel in academic performance, technology, sciences and other disciplines both within Malaysia and the global scenario. The beauty of our people is that, though progressing materialistically, we have not sacrificed our basic human, cultural and social values. In many ways, we are more fortunate and privileged than most other developed and developing countries is that despite our material progress, our people have not foregone their spiritual and emotional stability.

Strong State-Federal Government Relationship

Tuan Speaker, at this juncture it is also appropriate to record our appreciation to the Federal Government for their co-operation and sensitivity towards the needs and aspirations of the people of Sarawak. It stands on record that ever since Sarawak was part of Malaysia, our state has always been accorded reasonable priority in our development initiatives. The seed of excellent State-Federal relationship was shown by none other than our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister and nurtured over the years by his diplomacy and excellent stewardship. And at the political level, relationship between the Semenanjung Barisan Nasional parties and our State Barisan Nasional components is very good compared to previous years. This was seen in the last state election when we were given much support from our Barisan Nasional colleagues from Semenanjung and Sabah. We are also grateful to the Federal Government for the reasonably large chunk of development allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. This is a manifestation of the confidence of the Federal Government in the ability and wisdom of our State Government and state leadership to perform and deliver.

Urban Migration

Tuan Speaker, tracing the growth of our manufacturing sector, the food industry, construction, housing and hotel industry, all in the town areas I cannot but notice the role of our rural population in assisting to provide the much needed manpower. In fact, some sectors or industries would have to cease operation during major festive season because of the balik kampung break undertaken by their staff. As a representative of a rural constituency, I am proud that our rural constituents do contribute significantly to the development activities in the urban areas. With that, I hereby, I wish to appeal to all company managements to always take care of their workers’ welfare, rewards and wages.

Tuan Speaker, as we all are aware, normally people from the rural areas come to the towns and cities to seek employment and economic opportunities. In doing so, these rural migrants will be initially met by a totally different and an unfamiliar environment in the urban areas. In this respect, I urge the relevant authorities should consider some forms of mechanism to assist these rural migrants in their transition to participate in the urban set up. This will minimize the chance of these migrants to fall into insurmountable problems that could lead them to compromise their values such as patriotism, gratitude, integrity, and so forth human values which are the foundation of a truly developed state. It is important to note that, if the people have a correct mindset and a proper appreciative perspective, then they will be really grateful with what the Barisan Nasional Government has done. As a result, they will find nothing attractive in what the other parties has to offer.

Electricity

Tuan Speaker, now I would like to touch on matters affecting my constituency, Balai Ringin. Personally, I would like to record my appreciation to Yang Amat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana Menteri for officiating at a function in Lachau Bazaar on 19th May, 2006 and his assurance that electricity supply would be extended to areas in Balai Ringin constituency which still do not have this facility. I am sure that the relevant authorities will follow up on this matter. On this, I do not doubt and in anticipation of their implementation, I thank them in advance.

Tuan Speaker, actually in this august House on 12th December, 2003, it was mentioned that electricity supply would be extended from Selepong until Balai Ringin Bazaar. So far, only the stretch from Selepong to Ran has been completed. I hope that the supply of electricity from Ran to Balai Ringin Bazaar will be expedited soon. So also is the extension of electricity supply to residents of Simpang Simunjan and along Simpang Punda-Simunjan Road.

Request for Rural Growth Centre (RGC)

The concept of Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) has aroused enthusiastic response from the people of Balai Ringin and they are excitingly looking forward to the possibility of participating and benefiting from it. As each Rural Growth Centre will be a settlement of at least 5,000 people with an overall potential to ensure its viability and sustainability as growth centre, I propose that the area around Lachau Bazaar be suitably chosen because of its strategic locality. This proposed growth centre will benefit people from both constituencies of Balai Ringin and Bukit Begunan and as the saying goes and I do not meant it literally "killing two birds with one stone". The areas within this growth centre indeed have vast potential for economic growth.

Request for Oil Palm Plantation for Kedumpai Polling District

Tuan Speaker, development of large scale agriculture has always been in the hearts and minds of rural constituents and it is always a cherished dream of theirs. To many commercialized agriculture is one of the very few options for them to ensure their gateway to progress and advancement. And indeed, Tuan Speaker, in spite of this, some people are anti-development in their approach with nothing else better to advocate for have deliberately "pour cold water" dampening the peoples' enthusiasm to participate in a venture that can possibly release them from the bondage of poverty.

At this juncture, I would like to convey that the people of Kedumpai Polling District have approached me proposing that an oil palm plantation be developed in their area. They requested for assistance on how to go about it. I am very touched by the initiative taken by the people to respond to development efforts of the government and with this positive mindset prevailing among our people, I am optimistic that under the present state leadership, Sarawak will be a fully developed state well ahead of the target schedule.

Request for Infrastructure

Tuan Speaker, another subject I want to bring up is the construction of a bridge over Batang Seterap to improve accessibility to Pantu Bazaar and open up the hinterland area on the other side of the river for development. The way I look at it, this bridge is the "missing link" in bringing about development to the affected areas and will deprive the opposition of an issue to harp on as they used to every election. I understand that the Honourable Minister for Infrastucture has given a reply and I would like to thank him for the reply and I would like to draw the attention that I hope the construction of the bridge can be given priority under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I think he was mentioning the costing to be built was about RM10 million.

So likewise, the extension of the construction and completion of Jalan Kepayang/Kedumpai feeder road from Kampung Kedumpai to Kampung Sungai Indai and Kampung Mentu will similarly stimulate development efforts. So also it is the upgrading of gravel roads in Kampung Ensebang Plaie and Melikin.

Concluding Remarks

To conclude, Tuan Speaker, last but not least, I would like to take this time to re-emphasize the desirable needs of residents living in the vicinity of the trunk road from Balai Ringin Bazaar to Abok are in dire need of treated water supply for their families.

Therefore, Tuan Speaker, with these comments, I fully support the Motion of Appreciation to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Daro.

Y.B. Encik Murni bin Suhaili: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker, terima kasih kerana memberi peluang di Dewan yang mulia untuk mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan Usul Penghargaan di atas Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak pada pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak yang keenam belas pada 24 Julai 2006.

Saya mengambil peluang ini untuk mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada Tuan Yang Terutama di atas Ucapan yang amat bernas, disertai dengan panduan serta arah tuju kepimpinan negeri. Saya yakin Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama juga menyemarakkan semangat kita untuk menyumbang terus menerus, dengan cara yang terbaik, membantu memperkukuhkan jentera Pentadbiran Kerajaan agar segala bidang pembangunan yang tersenarai dalam Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama mencapai matlamatnya. Dengan demikian, kehidupan rakyat Bumi Kenyalang akan bertambah baik, ceria, harmoni dan sejahtera.
Tuan Speaker, sekalipun bertaraf orang baru di Dewan mulai ini, saya sentiasa mengikuti kemajuan negeri ini dari banyak segi, politik, sekonomi mahupun sosial semasa bertugas sebagai pegawai kerajaan. Dari itu, saya boleh menyimpulkan bahawa selama berada di bawah naungan pemerintahaan Tuan Yang Terutama, Bumi Kenyalang telah menikmati kesejahteraan, pembangunan yang menyerlah serta menyeluruh dan kestabilan yang berterusan. Rakyat sedar betapa aroma kemajuan serta pembangunan yang diwarisi ini perlu dipertahankan.

Perpaduan dan Keharmonian Rakyat

Tuan Speaker, perpaduan adalah asas kepada semua kemajuan yang dinikmati oleh masyarakat kita. Perpaduan juga yang menyumbang kepada keharmonian serta kestabilan negeri dan negara kita. Bagi saya, perpaduan dalam kontek pengertian kita di Sarawak tidak cuma dihadkan kepada perpaduan kaum semata-mata. Istilah perpaduan harus merangkumi perpaduan serta keharmonian keluarga. Keluarga yang bermasalah akan mendatangkan kesan negatif ke atas perpaduan masyarakat. Di sinilah letaknya keprihatinan serta kebijaksanaan Tuan Yang Terutama kita. Tuan Yang Terutama telah dengan jelas mengajak rakyat bersatu dan mengajak masyarakat mengukuhkan institusi kekeluargaan yang sedia ada.

Kedua-duanya dilakukan melalui agenda sosial negeri di bawah kendalian Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial dan Urbanisasi Sarawak dengan bantuan pelbagai agensi serta pertubuhan yang berkaitan. Saya beranggapan teguran tersebut jelas ditujukan kepada kita semua dan juga kepada pihak-pihak yang terlibat secara langsung atau tidak langsung yang dalam pelaksanaan tugas yang murni ini. Agensi-agensi atau pertubuhan-pertubuhan berkaitan perlu serius, aktif, kreatif dan dinamik dalam melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawab tersebut. Tugas-tugas begini perlu dilakukan tanpa membataskannya pada atau semasa menyambut acara-acara tertentu sahaja. Agensi-agensi kerajaan yagn bertanggungjawab perlu bertindak sebagai mentor kepada pertubuhan-pertubuhan yang menggerakkan pelbagai aktiviti perpaduan, berteraskan matlamat yang jelas serta yang mampu meninggalkan impak yang menyeluruh serta berkekalan.

Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan

Tuan Speaker, negeri kita negeri bertuah. Pemimpin kita berjiwa besar. Mereka mempunyai visi dan misi mantap tentang hala tuju pembangunan negeri tercinta ini. Mereka mempunyai acuan dan cara tersendiri untuk memastikan segala yang telah dirancangkan itu tercapai.

Pengenalan serta perlaksanaan rancangan demi rancangan pembangunan Malaysia, ringkasnya Rancangan Malaysia, yang disusun secara rapi serta dibahas secara terperinci dan mendalam, telah berjaya membawa Malaysia amnya dan Sarawak khasnya, mencapai tahap kemajuan yang amat ketara serta yang kita semua banggakan pada hari ini.

Pada tahun ini, Rancangan Malaysia, edisi kesembilannya, akan kita laksanakan. Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan ini, bukan sahaja akan menjana pembangunan yang berterusan, bahkan juga akan bertindak melindungi masyarakat dan negeri kita dalam menghadapi cabaran dunia yang kian rumit serta mencabar, berikutan tercetusnya ledakan serta perkembangan teknologi maklumat dan kesan globalisasi yang sukar kita bendung pada hari ini.

Kenyataan ini telah juga ditekankan oleh Tuan Yang Terutama dalam Ucapan beliau. Konsep, intipati dan kaedah perlaksanaan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan perlu disampaikan sejelas-jelasnya kepada rakyat. Inilah tugas dan tanggungjawab kita semua di Dewan yang mulai ini. Demikian juga, semua agensi kerajaan yang berpentingan dalam pelaksanaan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan wajar memastikan program dan projek yang dijanji tanggungjawab mereka dijelaskan kepada rakyat secara mudah dan terperinci supaya tidak berlaku salah tafsir di kalangan mereka.

Selain itu, penerangan ini juga bertujuan untuk mengelakkan fakta tentang Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan ini diputarbelitkan oleh pihak-pihak yang mudah mengambil kesempatan atas kejahilan rakyat.


Tuan Speaker, N.37�"Daro sebenarnya telah mencipta sejarah dalam konteks pilihanraya negeri Sarawak pada kali ini. Sejarah dicipta di Daro apabila bukan saja kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri itu merupakan kerusi baru, bahkan juga kerusi baru itu dimenangi tanpa bertanding oleh calon wakil rakyat dari Parti PBB, Barisan Nasional dengan kemengan tanpa bertanding ini saya amat berterima kasih kepada semua penyokong Barisan Nasional di N.37�"Daro.

Tuan Speaker, bercakap tentang keperluan untuk penduduk di Kawasan N.37�"Daro, saya terlebih dahulu mengucapkan terima kasih kerana diberi peluang untuk mengemukakan permohonan ini. Pada masa ini, saya beranggapan keperluan utama penduduk di kawasan saya adalah dari segi pemilikan infrastruktur khasnya jalan raya yang sempurna. Sesetengah jalan raya di kawasan ini masih berada dalam keadaan asalnya, iaitu belum diturap sejak pembinaannya.

Dalam hal ini, saya merujuk kepada Jalan Tanjung Jol-Nangar-Daro, panjangnya sembilan kilometer. Sejak 1993 dan sehingga kini, jalan berkenaan hanya berpasir dan berbatu, selain sering menimbulkan masalah kepada para pengguna terutama pada musim tengkujuh. Permohonan untuk menurapkan jalan berkenaan oleh penduduk di situ telah beberapa kali disampaikan kepada pihak-pihak yang berkaitan, namun sampai sekarang belum menjadi kenyataan. Saya berharap kali ini, agensi yang berkaitan akan mengutamakan permohonan tersebut. Saya beranggapan jalan tersebut penting bagi menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti ekonomi penduduk di situ. Saya benar-benar berharap jalan tersebut dapat diturap secepat mungkin.

Tuan Speaker, seterusnya saya memohon kepada agensi yang berkaitan, untuk membina sebuah wharf ataupun dermaga baru di Pekan Daro. Pada tahun 70an wharf yang sedia ada sekarang pernah menyaksikan sebuah kapal pelarian Vietnam, yang penuh sesak dengan penumpangnya, berlabuh di situ. Kini wharf berkenaan sudah tidak berfungsi kerana terdampar di darat, bukan lagi di tebing sungai seperti dulu, akibat pemendapan pantai. Wharf khas untuk bot ekspres yang terletak di tebing sungai berdepan pasar Daro pula mengambil alih tugas tersebut. Wharf ini serta para penumpang bot ekspres serta tongkang sering menghadapi masalah apabila air surut. Pada masa ini bot-bot ekspres mahupun tongkang yang membawa penumpang dan kargo terpaksa berlabuh di muara Sungai Daro menunggu sehingga air pasang sebelum berlabuh di wharf berkenaan. Kejadian ini jelas menimbul kesulitan kepada penumpang dan peniaga. Pada masa yang sama kos membawa penumpang dan barangan dari luar ke Daro melalui jalan darat adalah tinggi. Oleh itu, penduduk Daro merasakan bahawa segala kesulitan yang dihadapi dapat diatasi dengan adanya dermaga baru itu. Lokasi yang sesuai cadangan saya bagi dermaga baru ini ialah di Tanjung Samong berhampiran muara Sungai Tebaang Kecil, yang terletak kira-kira sepuluh minit perjalanan, melalui darat dari Daro. Sungai di situ dalam dan amat sesuai untuk pembinaan dermaga yang akan menampung fungsi sebagai wharf bagi bot ekspres dan tongkang.

Tuan Speaker, bidang pelancongan menjanjikan masa depan yang cerah untuk negeri Sarawak. Perkara ini telah juga dijelaskan dalam ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama. Selain menambah pendapatan negeri dan rakyat, pelancongan menyediakan peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk setempat, selain berupaya menarik pelabur, sekaligus, dari kalangan sektor swasta untuk memajukan industri pelancongan tempatan. Dalam hal ini, N.37 - Daro turut memiliki kelebihan yang tersendiri serta berpotensi besar untuk dimajukan sebagai pusat tarikan pelancongan yang popular. Kawasan Paya Bakau Air Tawar di Pasin, satu-satunya kawasan Paya Bakau Air Tawar di Sarawak, dan mungkin juga di dunia, kaya dengan flora dan faunanya yang tersendiri, udang dan buaya, serta menjadikan kawasan ini sesuai dimajukan sebagai pusat ekotourism yang menarik. Yang diperlukan cuma kelulusan daripada agensi yang berkaitan, penyediaan infrastruktur yang sempurna, penglibatan pemaju pelancongan dan sebagainya. Saya berharap kementerian yang berkaitan akan mengambil langkah-langkah yang difikirkan sesuai untuk merealisasikan cadangan tersebut.

Di Daro sendiri terdapat satu terusan yang bersejarah iaitu Terusan Ekmen, yang menghubungkan Pekan Matu dan Daro, yang boleh dimajukan sebagai kawasan yang menempatkan aktiviti-aktiviti pelancongan seperti pengembaraan sungai, bird watching, safari sungai dan lain-lain. Pelancong-pelancong juga boleh dibawa melihat dan merasai sendiri proses pembuatan minyak se-Q.

Manakala, educational tourism boleh berpusat di Pulau Tun Ahmad Zaidi di muara Sungai Daro. Pekan Daro sendiri dengan mercu tanda ikan terubuknya berupaya menarik pelancong dari luar ke situ. Sehubungan dengan cadangan-cadangan berkaitan, Program homestay boleh dibentuk untuk menampung keperluan pelancong-pelancong yang berkunjung.

Tuan Speaker, selain daripada keperluan yang telah dinyatakan tadi, saya memohon pertimbangan pihak-pihak yang berkaitan untuk menyediakan perkhidmatan lain yang sangat-sangat diperlukan di N.37�"Daro, terutama oleh penduduk beberapa perkampungan berhampiran Pekan Daro. Di antara keperluan-keperluan itu, ialah sebuah bank komersial di Pekan Daro. Pada masa ini perkhidmatan seumpama itu hanya disediakan oleh Bank Pertanian yang bergerak dari Sarikei dan beroperasi di Daro secara berkala. Khidmat begini tidak lagi sesuai pada hari ini di Daro yang kini semakin berkembang, selari dengan kemajuan yang berlaku di Bahagian Mukah. Seiring dengan perkembangan Pekan Daro dan perluasan kampung-kampung berhampiran, keperluan terhadap khidmat bomba amat dirasai. Saya berharap agensi berkaitan dapat menimbang untuk mewujudkan sebuah balai bomba untuk menampung keperluan-keperluan tersebut.

Tuan Speaker, N.37�"Daro adalah sebuah kawasan pertanian. Tanahnya boleh dimanfaatkan untuk penanaman pelbagai jenis tanaman, termasuklah kelapa sawit. Saya ingin mencadangkan agar sebuah kawasan yang luas di daerah Daro dimajukan dengan skim penanaman kelapa sawit. Sehubungan dengan itu LCDA dan Felcra dialu-alukan untuk melakukan kajian feasibiliti tentang kesesuaian penanaman kelapa sawit di situ. Kehadiran ladang-ladang kelapa sawit di daerah lain berhampiran telah juga mendorong penduduk Daro untuk ikut serta dalam skim seumpama itu. Malah pemilik-pemilik tanah terbiar berhampiran dengan kawasan yang telah dikenalpasti itu juga menyatakan kesanggupan untuk menyertai skim tersebut. Saya yakin pengenalan skim kelapa sawit di kawasan Daro bukan sahaja akan menjana peluang-peluang baru dan tambahan, bahkan mampu menambah pendapatan penduduk di situ, khasnya para petani. Malah secara umum skim begini mampu merancakkan serta menyemarakkan aktiviti-aktiviti ekonomi di kawasan N.37�"Daro.

Untuk mengakhiri ucapan saya, dengan ini, saya menyokong usul penghargaan atas ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, dengan ucapan daripada Yang Berhormat Daro maka berakhirlah sidang kita pada hari ini. Sehingga kita berjumpa lagi pada esok jam 9:00 pagi.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 6:48 petang)
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Mesyuarat DUN Sarawak 26 Julai 2006
Date: Jul 30th, 2006 9:56:13 am - Subscribe
Mood: hella


[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan Mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, I would like to make the following announcement. Pursuant to Standing Order 69(1), I have appointed the following Honourable Members to be members of the Standing Orders and Selection Committee for this session:

Y.A.B. Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud;
Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam;
Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang;
Y.B. Dato Sri Dr. James Jemut anak Masing;
and I as Speaker shall be the Chairman of the Committee

PERTANYAAN-PERTANYAAN BAGI JAWAPAN LISAN

RUBBER SMALL HOLDER SCHEME

(54) Y.B. Encik Mong anak Dagang asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernization of Agriculture: Under RMK9 whether the government has any plan to introduce rubber small holder scheme. If yes, whether there is any specific area in the state that has been designated for this purpose.

OIL PALM AND RUBBER MINI ESTATES

(59) Y.B. Encik Roland Sagah Wee Inn asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernization of Agriculture: Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan there are allocations for Oil Palm and Rubber Mini Estates, what are the criteria for setting up of these mini estates, who can apply, how and to whom do they apply for the setting up of such mini estate using government assistance:

BANTUAN TERHADAP PEKEBUN KECIL GETAH

(70) Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail bertanya kepada Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian: Apakah ada rancangan Kerajaan Negeri untuk membantu pekekun-pekebun kecil getah di seluruh negeri untuk menanam getah kahwin di kebun-kebun perseorangan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan?

SUBSIDY SCHEME

(87) Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Modernization of Agriculture: Whether there are any plan by State Government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to provide subsidy scheme to the rural farmers to plant oil palm and rubber planting scheme (RPS) in view of the increasing in price and the great demand for oil palm and rubber in the present global market.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Tuan Speaker, saya ingin menjawab soalan No. (54) daripada Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bukit Begunan serentak dengan soalan-soalan No. (59), No. (70) dan (87) daripada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tarat…(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Tunggu dulu., (59)?

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): (70) dan (87).

Tuan Speaker: (87).

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Daripada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tarat, Bukit Kota dan Tamin.

Tuan Speaker, for the information of the Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tarat, Bukit Begunan, Tamin dan Bukit Kota, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan the government will continue to provide assistance to small holders to plant rubber. Planting of rubber will be done under two approaches, both of which emphasize on the group planting, namely mini-estates and block planting. Under the mini-estate approach, the minimum of each mini-estate is about 100 hectares. Sri Aman, Betong and Sarikei Divisions are earmarked for mini-estates. Block planting involving a minimum of 20 hectares per block will be implemented in other divisions.

All small holders who are head of the households having title and NCR lands are eligible to apply. Application forms are available at the agriculture offices in the districts. Their applications are to be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture. The approval will be subject to land status, soil suitability and availability of fund.

For the information of Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tamin and Tarat, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan no new areas will be assisted by Department of Agriculture for small holder oil palm planting except for the Eighth Malaysia Plan continuation programme. However, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) through a unit called TUNAS (Tunjuk Ajar dan Nasihat Sawit) is providing free seedlings as well as technical and agronomic services to small holders who participate in the assistance of quality oil palm seedling scheme. Successful participants may also apply for soft loan from Bank Pertanian Malaysia for the purpose of buying fertilizer and other agri-chemicals.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tamin.

Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh: (Supplementary Question) Thank you, Tuan Speaker. I just come to understand that there are various types of rubber clone in Malaysia or in Sarawak. Now, can the Honourable Minister tell this august House what is the latest clone that can produce a lot of latex? Thank you very much.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Yes, it is a new clone being done by Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia and this is already implemented in some areas. The description is the trees are rather tall and produce a lot of latex so I can’t exactly remember the name of the clone.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Yang Berhormat Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Yes, Deputy Chief Minister.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): It is called LTC Series 2000.

Tuan Speaker: That is the name. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tarat.

Y.B. Encik Roland Sagah Wee Inn: (Supplementary Question) The Honourable Minister mentioned that MPOB will provide the technical, the tunjuk ajar and nasihat for planting of oil palm and that a soft loan may be obtained from Bank Pertanian Malaysia. What are the criteria to apply for this loan?

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): I think anybody can apply from Bank Pertanian. I think the normal rate is as usual for Bank Pertanian and the seedlings are provided by the Ministry of Plantation Services and Commodity and the MPOB were asked to manage these seedlings that are provided for the small holder farmers. I understand that this year they will give about 10 million and the process of applications from various small holders are going on.

Y.B. Encik Roland Sagah Wee Inn: Tuan Speaker, what I am driving at is whether Bank Pertanian would give loan with security or without security?

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Normally the loan, if I am not mistaken, used to have collateral. It is either in the form of land or in the form of somebody guarantee.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Kemena.

Y.B. Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom: Tuan Speaker, thank you very much. Regarding the question by Honourable Member for Tarat, on the same subject, I want to know how many planters have received these facilities, loan in Sarawak. And how many have been successful.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): You mean the loan from Bank Pertanian, is it?

Tuan Speaker: How many have given loan and how many are successful? Okay.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): I think I am not sure, I don’t have the answer now.

Tuan Speaker: Any more supplementary question? Honourable Member for Bukit Kota.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail: Tuan Speaker, soalan tambahan. Bolehkah Yang Berhormat Menteri menyatakan berapakah peruntukan penanaman getah bagi Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan dan adakah ianya diagih-agihkan sama rata ke seluruh bahagian di Sarawak?

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): You mean for the … (Interruption)

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Ismail: Penanaman getah. Peruntukan bagi Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan.

Tuan Speaker: Tanaman getah.

Menteri Muda Pertanian (Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): We are still finalizing on how much peruntukan because we also request from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, so our PS is still waiting for how much to be given to Sarawak under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Y.B. Encik Gabriel Adit anak Demong: Last one.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Ngemah.

Y.B. Encik Gabriel Adit anak Demong: Given the great interest in all these rubber and oil palm, can we have the ministry arrange a dialogue with all those authorities so that we can get the real information not the, you know, hear say information, the real people to come, the Ministry, the Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture so that we know right to the very detail. Can we do that?

Menteri Muda Pertanian Organisasi Petani dan Koperasi) (Y.B. Datuk Peter Nyarok anak Entrie): Yes. I will make sure that our Permanent Secretary in the Department of Agriculture with the Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat who are interested in this.

LAKU WATER PIPE

(55) Y.B. Encik Chiew Chiu Sing asked the Minister for Public Utilities: The measures that would be taken by LAKU to overcome the low pipe water pressure as experienced by the home owners of the residential estates like Taman Hilltop and Taman Pine Avenue at the Nyigu and Sibiew roads as well as other areas in Bintulu. Many cannot get water coming in from the LAKU water pipe line each day from 5pm-9pm.

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kidurong, kawasan yang dinyatakan iaitu Taman Hilltop dan Pine Avenue terletak di kawasan tanah tinggi. Apabila pelan retikulasi air dikemukakan untuk kelulusan, pihak pemaju telah dinasihati mengenai tekanan air yang rendah yang disebabkan oleh kawasan yang tinggi. Pihak pemaju kawasan tersebut juga dinasihati untuk membekalkan tangki simpanan air supaya pengguna dapat memperolehi air di waktu tekanan air yang terlalu rendah untuk menyalur air ke rumah mereka. Di dalam jangka masa pendek dan terdekat, pihak pemaju telah mengambil tindakan untuk membekal tangki penyimpanan air individu ke setiap rumah, manakala pihak berkuasa akan melaksanakan pelan-pelan untuk menambahbaik tekanan air. Walaubagaimanapun, pihak pemaju gagal membekal tangki penyimpanan air ke sebahagian pengguna dan menyebabkan pengguna-pengguna tersebut tidak ada bekalan air pada waktu puncak. Antara pelan-pelan untuk menambahbaik tekanan air di kawasan tersebut ialah:

(1) Memasang paip-paip air utama 1,000 mm sepanjang 4.4 km daripada loji perawatan bekalan air ke takungan Kemena yang dicadangkan. Tender untuk pemasangan ini telah ditawarkan. Kerja-kerja ini dijangka akan bermula pada September 2006 dan akan siap pada Julai 2007.

(2) Memasang paip-paip air utama 150 mm yang akan bercabang dari paip-paip utama 1,000 mm yang disebut tadi di sepanjang Jalan Sibiew ke kawasan yang terlibat. Kerja-kerja ini dijangka bermula pada 2007 dan dijadual siap dilaksanakan pada hujung tahun 2007. Dengan perlaksanaannya, pelan paip-paip air utama tersebut tadi, tekanan air di kawasan yang terlibat akan pulih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Saribas.

Y.B. Dr. Haji Wahbi bin Haji Junaidi: Saya juga ingin nak tahu. Adakah Yang Berhormat Menteri Muda dapat beritahu di Dewan ini berapakah kos menambahbaik tekanan-tekanan air yang rendah di Bintulu yang telah disebutkan tadi?

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, jumlah untuk pemasangan paip-paip di kawasan tersebut adalah RM3.7 juta.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Palawan.

Y.B. Encik Vincent Goh Chung Siong: Honourable Minister, may I know what is the production of Bintulu Water Treatment Plant?

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Pengeluaran air daripada Water Treatment Plant di Bintulu ialah kapasitinya adalah 177 mld dan setakat ini Bintulu Water Treatment Plant telah pun mengeluarkan 92 mld dan consumption masyarakat di Bintulu setakat ini ialah 90 mld. Ini bermakna the production of water in Bintulu Treatment Plant is sufficient to cater for the population of Bintulu. Hanya masa peak hours saja. Terima kasih.

PEMBANGUNAN TANAH NCR

(56) Y.B. Encik Wong anak Judat bertanya kepada Menteri Kemajuan Tanah: Sama ada kerajaan bercadang untuk membangunkan tanah NCR di kawasan Meluan/Julau.

Menteri Muda Kemajuan Tanah (Y.B. Encik Francis Harden anak Hollis): Tuan Speaker, pada persidangan Dewan yang mulia yang kelima belas yang lalu, saya telah pun memberi jawapan kepada pertanyaan yang hampir sama daripada Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Meluan. Adalah menjadi hasrat kerajaan untuk membangunkan Tanah Hak Adat Bumiputera di seluruh pelusuk Negeri Sarawak secara komersial berdasarkan kebolehlaksanaannya.

Untuk Kawasan Meluan/Julau, kementerian saya telah pun menerima lima permohonan, dimana satu daripadanya adalah tidak lengkap memandangkan ia tidak disertakan dengan peta lokaliti dan senarai nama pemilik-pemilik tanah yang berminat dalam projek ini. Pemohon tersebut telahpun disarankan untuk mengemukakan maklumat yang diperlukan tetapi tidak memberi maklumbalas yang dikehendaki. Satu lagi permohonan tidak dapat dipertimbangkan oleh kerana ia terletak dalam lingkungan kawasan yang telah diwartakan sebagai Kawasan Tadahan Air Julau. Tiga permohonan yang lain merupakan permohonan yang bertindih dan dua daripada kawasan yang dimohonnya telahpun dipinda. Ketiga-tiga permohonan tersebut masih diproses oleh Kementerian Kemajuan Tanah … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tamin.

Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker. Saya ingin bertanya kepada Yang Berhormat apakah perancangan masa depan kementerian bagi untuk mencapai sasaran supaya dapat mencepatkan target untuk pembangunan kelapa sawit di tanah NCR dan bagaimanakah hasil kelapa sawit ditanam dengan menggunakan NCR concept seperti di kawasan Kanowit dan di kawasan tempat-tempat yang lain … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tamin, soalan Yang Berhormat (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh: Adakah kementerian memuaskan?

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat, soalan ini dituju dan ditumpu kepada kawasan Meluan/Julau. Jadi soalan tambahan boleh berkaitan dengan kawasan tersebut.

Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Sila, Yang Berhormat Menteri.

Menteri Muda Kemajuan Tanah (Y.B. Encik Francis Harden anak Hollis): Untuk menjawab soalan tambahan oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tamin, lima permohonan yang diterima oleh Kementerian Kemajuan Tanah setakat ini untuk kawasan tersebut ialah permohonan yang dikemukakan satu ialah, dua permohonan adalah diterima dan ketiga yang masih dalam proses. Jadi tentang program-program untuk seluruh Sarawak untuk NCR Land Development, Kementerian Kemajuan Tanah telah menjalankan banyak program seperti taklimat, kursus kepada NCR Land Development participant untuk mencapai target 400,000 hektar pada tahun 2010.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kemena.

Y.B. Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom: Tuan Speaker, memandangkan soalan ini telahpun dikemukakan di Dewan ini beberapa tahun yang lalu, dan ini dah kali kedua barangkali dijawab, apakah tindakan susulan Kementerian, adakah pihak pemohon telah dimaklumkan, apakah status permohonan mereka atau sebaliknya?

Menteri Muda Kemajuan Tanah (Y.B. Encik Francis Harden anak Hollis): Untuk menjawab soalan tambahan yang kedua, Tuan Speaker, permohonan yang diterima ialah 110 permohonan dan 41 permohonan telah dilulus dan yang masih dalam proses ialah banyak permohonan yang belum di… (Interruption)

Y.B. Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom: (Supplementary Question) (Inaudible) Ahli Yang Berhormat for Meluan, the applications of that particular area, whether the applicants have been informed … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Soalan itu hanya tertumpu kepada kawasan tersebut maka soalan tambahan hanya ditimbulkan berkaitan dengan kawasan tersebut.

Menteri Muda Kemajuan Tanah (Y.B. Encik Francis Harden anak Hollis): Untuk menjawab soalan Ahli Yang Berhormat tadi, lima permohonan yang diterima oleh kementerian saya setakat ini adalah merujuk kepada:

(1) Permohonan yang dikemukakan oleh Encik Leo Jana Etin pada 4 Oktober 1994 bagi kawasan Julau/Kanowit/Entabai/Sibu/Pakan/Engkamop/Wak Road. Pemohon telah dinasihatkan supaya mengemukakan semula permohonan pada 13 Oktober 1994 besertakan peta lokaliti dan senarai nama pemilik-pemilik tanah yang berminat. Kementerian tidak mendapat maklumbalas daripada pemohon sehingga kini.
(2) Jadi yang kedua, permohonan yang dikemukakan oleh Encik Ambrose Gramong anak Jilan, Dr. Ambrose Labang dan Puan Bernadine anak Liang pada 21 November 1997, 7 September 2000 dan 28 November 2003 yang rata-rata merangkumi kawasan Mador / Strass / Lasi / Sepitoh/ Balut/ Sangkung Bua/Merurun/Bilat-Matop. Kawasan tersebut didapati terletak dalam kawasan Tadahan Air Julau.
(3) Permohonan yang dikemukakan oleh Penghulu Belu anak Latih pada 7 November 2005 dan 9 Jun 2006 yang bagi kawasan Merurun, Beluan, Julau dengan keluasan kadar 40,000 hektar;
(4) Permohonan yang dikemukakan oleh Penghulu Lawrence Atuh pada 29 September 2005 dan 7 Jun 2006 bagi kawasan KJD Road dengan keluasan kasar 25,000 hektar; dan
(5) Permohonan yang dikemukakan oleh Penghulu Junid pada 24 Januari 2006 dan Jun 2006 untuk kawasan Sungai Julau, Sungai Piloh, Sungai Jed dengan keluasan kasar 5,000 hektar.

Kementerian Kemajuan Tanah adalah dalam proses menentusahkan status tanah NCR di kawasan-kawasan yang dipohon dengan pihak Jabatan Tanah dan Survei untuk menentukan sama ada ianya terletak dalam kawasan tadahan air, provisional list, hutan simpanan dan sebagainya.


OIL AND GAS ROYALTIES

(57) Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan asked the Chief Minister and Minister for Finance: On the issue of oil and gas royalties:

(a) State the reasons why the State Government accepted 5% oil and gas royalties in the 1970s?
(b) How often since the 1970’s has the State Government requested the Federal Government to review the said rate?
(c) What was the production of gas and petrol in the state for each year from 1974 to 2005?

OIL AND GAS REVENUE

(76) Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho asked the Chief Minister and Minister for Finance: Given that Sarawak is the major contributor of oil and gas revenue to the Federal Government, and given that Sarawak lags the Peninsular grossly in infrastructure and services, does the State Government consider any one or more of the following:-

(a) Re-negotiate with the Federal Government to return control of oil and gas reserves to the states:
(b) Re-negotiate with the Federal Government to increase the oil royalty payable to Sarawak;
(c) Re-negotiate with the Federal Government to impose an excess petroleum and gas profit tax and Petronas;
(d) Increase allocation for development and recurrent expenditures to Sarawak for infrastructure, low cost housing, etc?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker, I would like to answer question (57) for Ahli Yang Berhormat from Padungan and question (76) from Ahli Yang Berhormat for Batu Lintang together.

Tuan Speaker: No, Batu Lintang is (57).

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Question (57) from Batu Lintang and Question (76) from Padungan together because they are similar questions.

Tuan Speaker: Yes.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker, in response to questions (57) and (76) on matters relating to oil and gas royalties, I would like to inform this august House that by virtue of Section (2) of the Petroleum Development Act, 1974, the entire ownership in and the exclusive rights, powers, liberty and privileges of exploring, exploiting, winning and obtaining petroleum whether lying on shore or off shore of Malaysia is vested in Petronas.

Initially, Tuan Speaker, the State of Sarawak disputed the Act on the basis that it has the right over the continental shore beyond the 12-mile limit which was under the State. However, as a compromise, the previous government agreed to take ½ of the 10% royalty under the original Petroleum Act on the basis that it will get the royalty over land and the continental shore and, therefore, until and unless the said Act is repealed and Parliament re-vest the petroleum and gas resources in the State, the question of re-negotiation does not arise.

Pursuing to Section (4) of the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the State Government, the Federal Government and Petronas, therefore, had entered into an agreement on 27 March 1975 in regard to the payment of royalty of the state. The present State Government of Sarawak is bound by the terms of that agreement which was signed between the then government of Sarawak and Petronas and the Federal Government. Notwithstanding, the agreement which renders for 5% royalty payment on oil and gas found on shore and off shore within the boundaries of Sarawak. The State Government had frequent discussions, both formal and informal with the Federal Government and Petronas on the possibility of increasing the royalty rates even during the time when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was Finance Minister. So far, the state’s proposal to consider the increase in royalty does not yield any favourable outcome. However, the state government will continue to engage the Federal Government and Petronas in such discussions. The State Barisan Nasional Government had always been working closely with the Federal Government for more allocation for development in the state especially for infrastructure development, rural and agriculture development, public utilities and education. Since the Fifth Malaysia Plan, total development allocation to the state have increased substantially. For example, under Fifth Malaysia Plan �" total allocation for the state from the Federal Government is RM2.053 billion, Sixth Malaysia Plan �" RM3.097 billion, Seventh Malaysia Plan �" RM6.444 billion, Eighth Malaysia Plan �" RM11.825 billion. Ninth Malaysia Plan which is the present plan �" RM15.108 billion. In fact, Sarawak is one of the highest recipients of development allocation compared with other States in Malaysia. In the Eighth Malaysia Plan and Ninth Malaysia Plan, the State Government will continue to pursue for more allocation from the Federal government to further stimulate the economic development in the state and in order to narrow the development gap between our state and that of Peninsular Malaysia. In fact, the Prime Minister had given such assurance that the Federal Government will put more emphasis on this in the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

As for the production of gas and petrol in the state, the available figures are for the year 2000 till 2004 and there are as follows:

Petroleum and crude oil
2000 barrels per day 139,000
2001 barrels per day 126,000
2002 barrels per day 118,000
2003 barrels per day 132,000
2004 barrels per day 128,000

And, therefore, on average, production over the past five years, it is something like 128,600 barrels per day. Even though there is substantial increase in the crude oil prices, the production is maintained in line with the policy of sustainable extraction of our natural resources. Production of condensed of course is the natural gas liquid found together with non-associated gas, colourless and lighter than crude oil.

Production of Condensed
2000 barrels per day 59,000
2001 barrels per day 58,000
2002 barrels per day 66,000
2003 barrels per day 81,000
2004 barrels per day 98,000

Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: (Supplementary question) Tuan Speaker, based on the principle of ownership of the continental shelf by a journey region, Sabah and Sarawak could claim the ownership before the incorporation of Malaysia in 1963. The status quo could be maintained in so far as Malaysian Constitution is silent on the matter.

Therefore, the claim of ownership by the Federal Government maybe construed as an annexation. Do you agree with me?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, the Petroleum Development Act of 1974 had come into effect and, therefore, the present state government had to abide by this Petroleum Development Act 1974 which had been agreed upon between the state government, the federal government and Petronas.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kota Sentosa.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: (Supplementary question) We appreciate the effort of the state government to negotiate for the increment of the royalty since 1976 after the passing of the Act. However, it seems that the internal negotiation for the increment of the royalty does not seem to have any effect. Does not seem to increase our royalty. So what I suggest is I will bring this matter in the Parliament and will the State Barisan Nasional Member of Parliament be supporting my call in the Parliament for an increase in the state �" the 5% to 10%. You are the Cabinet here, you can direct the MPs of the Barisan Nasional to raise this matter up in the Parliament. Will the State Barisan Nasional support my call for the increment of the 5% royalty to 10% in Parliament? Thank you.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kota Sentosa, your voice will not be heard because Members of Parliament from Barisan Nasional will bring the matters in the Parliament. Wait until you do so.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kedup. No, two supplementary questions had been asked. Alright, ok. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Batu Lintang.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: (Supplementary question) May I please, Tuan Speaker, I have one supplementary question here, can the Minister give the dates as to when meetings, representations or negotiations made by the state government to the Federal Government since 1974 and who represented the State Government in these meetings or negotiations and what was the assurances, if any, given by the Federal Government?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): As I have said, Tuan Speaker, for the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Batu Lintang, the State Government, the State Barisan Nasional Government had repeatedly negotiated with the Federal Government, both formal and informal and if you want the detail, if you want the date and so on, I think there are on so many occasions, as I have said and we will continue to bring the matter up for the consideration of the Federal Government and Petronas to increase the royalty. But as I have said, so far, no favourable outcome.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Tuan Speaker …

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Assek

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: (Supplementary question) Tuan Speaker, actually can the Honourable Minister highlight or enlighten us as the basis, the compromise, the basis for compromising to accept half of the 10% ?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): The negotiation was between the then Chief Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and therefore that was the agreement reached on March actually on 27th March 1975 and in fact the respective governments were not informed of this.

IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD AT KEDUP

(5 Y.B. Encik Frederick Bayoi anak Manggie asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication:

(a) When is the Terbat/Mapu road in my Constituency of N.19 �" Kedup be improved, upgraded and tar-sealed?
(b) What will be the total cost for the upgrading and tar-sealing of the road?

Menteri Muda Teknologi Maklumat dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Tuan Haji Bolhassan bin Haji Di): The correction will not change my answer anyway. I’ll carry on.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kedup that Terbat/Mapu Road is one of the spur road of Jalan Terbat/Pengkalan Amo, Tebedu. The construction of Jalan Terbat/Pengkalan Amo, Tebedu is carried out in phases. It commenced from Tebedu and has been completed up to Daha Mawang while another stretch from Daha Mawang to Kampung Pisut and to Kampung Teragu is currently under construction and progress is about 40% and is expected to be completed by March 2007.

The next phase of the project is to continue the road from Teragu to Terbat which involves upgrading of the existing road for the sections from Teragu to Kejabu and to Mapu and from Teragu to Terbat of total length of 8.3 kilometer.

Currently, the design and tender document of this stretch of road has been completed and compensation for land affected by the road is underway, is on going. Commencement of this phase of the project would only be carried out upon the completion of the stretch of road from Daha Mawang to Kampung Dagu and subject to availability of fund approved for the projects under the Ninth Malaysian Plan. The second part of the question, the estimated construction cost for this phase of project i.e. from Teragu to Terbat is RM18 million.

IMPLEMENTATION OF RUMAH MESRA

(60) Y.B. Encik Aidan Wing asked the Minister for Housing: Kindly enlighten on the progress of implementation of “Rumah Mesra” concept in Sarawak.

LATARBELAKANG RUMAH MESRA RAKYAT (RMR)

(82) Y.B. Encik Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bertanya kepada Menteri Perumahan: Berapa buahkah Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) telah dibina di Sarawak setakat ini? Kenapakah perlaksanaan projek ini di Sarawak jauh berkurangan dengan perlaksanaan di negeri-negeri lain di Malaysia? Apakah criteria pemohon-pemohon untuk dapat memiliki Rumah Mesra Rakyat ini?

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Tuan Speaker, izinkan saya menjawab soalan 60 dan soalan 82 daripada Ahli Yang Berhormat Asajaya serentak.

Tuan Speaker: Soalan 60 dan 82. Okay.

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Tuan Speaker, sebagai latarbekalang. Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat merupakan program baru yang diperkenalkan oleh Kementerian Perumahan Sarawak dalam menyediakan rumah yang lebih selesa dan kondusif kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah di negeri Sarawak. Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat telah diperkenalkan di Negeri Sarawak pada pertengahan tahun 2005 dan diadaptasi daripada Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat yang telah dilaksanakan di Semenanjung Malaysia.

Pendekatan Perlaksanaan

Modus Operandi Program RMR bagi Negeri Sarawak boleh dibahagikan kepada dua iaitu:

(i) Program RMR untuk Skim Individu; dan
(ii) Program RMR untuk Skim Pembesaran Kampung



Program RMR untuk Skim Individu

Di bawah Program RMR Skim Individu, permohonan boleh dibuat oleh pemohon-pemohon yang mempunyai tanah individu bergeran di mana-mana bahagian di Negeri Sarawak. Geran tanah akan dijadikan sekuriti, gadaian ataupun kaveat pinjaman Rumah Mesra Rakyat.

Program RMR untuk Skim Pembesaran Kampung

Di bawah Program RMR bagi Skim Pembesaran Kampung, HDC akan membina Rumah Mesra Rakyat di kawasan yang telah dikenalpasti untuk program Skim Pembesaran Kampung oleh Jabatan Tanah dan Survei

STATUS PELAKSANAAN

Program Rumah Rakyat (RMR) Skim Individu

Setakat ini HDC telah menerima 474 permohonan program RMR Skim Individu di seluruh Sarawak. Daripada 299 permohonan telah dimaju ke Ibu Pejabat SPNB iaitu Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad bagi tujuan kelulusan manakala 175 permohonan telah ditolak kerana tidak menepati kriteria-kriteria yang telah ditetapkan.

Daripada 299 permohonan yang telah dimajukan ke Ibu Pejabat SPNB bagi tujuan kelulusan, 32 permohonan telah diluluskan dengan 10 permohonan telah dikeluarkan surat inden kelulusan dan kerja-kerja pembinaan sedang dilaksanakan. Untuk yang lain ketika ini kita masih lagi menunggu kelulusan daripada SPNB.

Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) Skim Pembesaran Kampung

Bagi program RMR Skim Pembesaran Kampung, HDC dijangka akan membina 195 unit Rumah Mesra Rakyat pada tahun 2006. Pecahan unit bagi Program RMR Skim Pembesaran Kampung yang dilaksanakan HDC pada tahun 2006 adalah seperti berikut:

Bil. Nama Projek Jumlah Unit
1. Skim Pembesaran Kampung Bako Fasa II, Kuching 165
2. Skim Pembesaran Kampung Patanak, Mukah 30
Jumlah 195

Empat unit contoh telah dibina masing-masing iaitu dua di Skim Pembesaran Kampung Bako Fasa 11, Kuching dan Skim Pembesaran Kampung Petanak, Mukah.

Dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, kita telah mencadangkan kawasan Semop dan Bekenu dalam kawasan RGC yang akan dibangunkan.



Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) Skim Individu

Tuan Speaker, kenapa perlaksanaan projek di Sarawak jauh berkurangan berbanding perlaksanaan di negeri-negeri lain di Malaysia. Untuk menjawabnya, perlu dimaklumkan bahawa Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat sebelum ini hanya dilaksanakan di Semenanjung Malaysia dan merupakan program yang baru bertapak di Negeri Sarawak.

Jika dilihat kepada permohonan yang diterima oleh HDC bagi Program RMR Skim Individu, setakat ini 462 permohonan telah diproses dengan 287 permohonan memenuhi kriteria dan 32 permohonan telah dikeluarkan inden kelulusan dan kerja-kerja permbinaan sedang dilaksanakan.

Masalah kelewatan kelulusan adalah disebabkan oleh beberapa perkara iaitu:

(1) Kelulusan akhir permohonan yang dibuat oleh pihak SPNB di peringkat Ibu Pejabat, Kuala Lumpur;
(2) Kegagalan pihak pemohon untuk mengemukakan geran tanah pada borang permohonan;
(3) Tapak tanah yang dicadangkan untuk membina Rumah Mesra Rakyat berstatus Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) dan tanah NCR yang tidak mempunyai geran; dan
(4) Pemohon yang melampaui kelayakan seperti pendapatan yang melebihi RM1,000.00 sebulan.

Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) Skim Pembesaran Kampung

Di bawah Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat di Skim Pembesaran Kampung Bako Fasa II, Kuching dan Skim Pembesaran Kampung Petanak, Mukah, HDC dan Jabatan Tanah dan Survei adalah di peringkat akhir perbincangan berhubung pemberian milikan tanah sama ada kepada allottee seperti yang diamalkan oleh pihak Jabatan Tanah dan Survei di Skim Penempatan Semula dengan bayaran premium dibuat oleh pihak allottee ataupun milikan beri kepada HDC dengan bayaran premium dibuat oleh HDC dan allottee membayar ansuran kepada HDC secara bulanan.

Milikan tanah akan dipindakan kepada allottee selepas bayaran tanah dan rumah dilangsaikan oleh pihak allottee.

KRITERIA-KRITERIA PERMOHONAN RUMAH MESRA RAKYAT (PMR)

Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat (PMR) Skim Individu

Pemohon hendaklah:

(1) Warganegara Malaysia;
(2) Berumur di antara 18 tahun sehingga 65 tahun. Pemohon yang berumur di antara 45 tahun hingga 65 tahun memerlukan pemohon kedua yang berumur di antara 18 tahun hingga 30 tahun;
(3) Pendapatan kasar isi rumah tidak melebihi RM1,000.00 sebulan;
(4) Berkahwin atau ibu/bapa tunggal yang mempunyai tanggungan. Istilah tanggungan termasuk anak, ibu, bapa, mertua, ipar atau saudara-mara yang terdekat yang tinggal bersama pemohon;

(5). Tidak mempunyai rumah sendiri ataupun mempunyai rumah yang usang/tidak sempurna;
(6) Mempunyai tanah yang sesuai dan bergeran serta tiada cagaran di atasnya. Sebagai sekuriti geran asal akan dicagar ataupun di kaveat kepada HDC;
(7) Tanah tersebut perlulah milik sendiri ataupun saudara mara yang terdekat;
( Permohonan hendaklah dibuat melalui wakil rakyat kawasan.

Program Rumah Mesra Rakyat (PMR) Skim Pembesaran Kampung

Untuk Rumah Mesra Rakyat Pembesaran Kampung:

(1) Warganegara Malaysia;
(2) Berumur di antara 18 tahun sehingga 65 tahun. Dan pemohon yang berumur di antara 45 tahun hingga 65 tahun memerlukan pemohon kedua yang berumur di antara 18 tahun hingga 30 tahun;
(3) Pendapatan kasar isi rumah tidak melebihi RM1,000.00 sebulan;
(4) Berkahwin atau ibu/bapa tunggal yang mempunyai tanggungan;
(5) Permohonan mestilah berdaftar dengan Jabatan Tanah dan Survei;

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Saribas.

Y.B. Dr. Haji Wahbi bin Haji Junaidi: (Soalan tambahan) Tuan Speaker, Terima kasih. Memandangkan di kebanyakan kampung-kampung tradisional di luar bandar tidak mempunyai geran tanah mereka juga ingin benar untuk mendapat rumah mesra ini. Apakah diberi kelonggaran sedikit khusus untuk kita di Negeri Sarawak ini?

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Ya, sudah menjadi pendekatan Kerajaan kalau boleh si pemohon itu mempunyai geran tanah dan kita ada dua dasar. Satunya pembesaran kampung di mana pihak Jabatan Tanah dan Survei telah mengenal pasti satu kawasan untuk penempatan semula ataupun pembesaran kampung dan mereka akan diberi tanah yang selalu kita beri TOL dan apa yang kita hendak laksanakan ialah satu mekanisma di mana kita akan membayar premium bagi pihak yang mempunyai tanah tersebut dan mereka akan membayar secara ansuran. Kepada kampung tradisional kita ada resettlement exercise. Apabila mereka ada mempunyai geran tanah, kita dapat laksanakan dengan sebaik mungkin.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Asajaya

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: (Soalan Tambahan) Terima kasih Tuan Speaker. Satu daripada pra-syarat untuk memohon Rumah Mesra Rakyat adalah permohonannya perlu dibuat melalui wakil rakyat. Saya pun kurang pasti sama ada wakil rakyat di sini adalah Ahli Parlimen ataupun Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri. Tetapi saya rasa inilah saya percaya yang telah menyebabkan ramai pemohon-pemohon datang ke pejabat saya meminta borang permohonan. Saya rasa bagaimana hendak meringankan masalah ini dan saya mencadangkan agar permohonan ini dapat dibuat ataupun borangnya boleh diambil daripada kementerian ataupun pejabat HDC dan disokong oleh wakil rakyat dan jangan dibuat pra-syaratnya permohonan dibuat melalui wakil rakyat kerana wakil rakyat tidak mempunyai borang-borang Rumah Mesra Rakyat di pejabat kami kecuali kami dibekalkan oleh kementerian. Terima kasih.

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Untuk menjawab Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Asajaya, memang sudah menjadi prosedur kita bahawa borang akan dikeluarkan oleh Kementerian melalui HDC ataupun SPNB dan kita ada satu Jawatankuasa yang mengkordinasikannya. Hanya kita hendakkan satu sokongan daripada wakil rakyat di kawasan tersebut yang mengesahkan bahawa mereka tidak mempunyai tanah ataupun mempunyai tanah di kawasan yang telah dipohonkan. Terima kasih.

FUEL AND GAS PRICE

(61) Y.B Cik Violet Yong Wui Wui asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communications:

2 State whether the State Government has done any economic and social; impact assessment study on the effects of fuel and gas price hike of February, 2006?
3 State the steps taken by the State Government to alleviate the problems of the population in urban, suburban and rural areas as a result of the fuel and gas price hike?
4 Whether the allocation of RM220 million federal funds saved from the fuel subsidy is adequate to the State of Sarawak? Why?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, in fact the correct description, Tuan Speaker, is actually reduced fuel and gas subsidy by the government instead and should not be negatively portrayed as fuel and gas price hike of February, 2006 as worded by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending as appeared in part (a) of question number 61 of this Order Paper because the enactment of subsidy is still there. It is just reduced fuel and gas subsidy. It is not to be negatively portrayed as I said as a price hike of gas and fuel technically.

I wish to give explanation here. I wish to inform Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending that the State Government has not formally commissioned any consultant to conduct a study to assess the economic and social impact of the effect of fuel and gas hike of February 2006. I still, as a gentleman, I would like to use your phrase also. Because for reason at the moment the price of crude oil has not stabilized. It shoots up from USD63 per barrel in February 2006 to today hovering around about USD78 per barrel. Anyway, instead, I have, since February 2006, that is immediately as we received news of the reduced price subsidy for gas and fuel from the Federal Government, I have, since February 2006, traveled throughout Sarawak, discussed with cabinet colleagues and representatives of the affected areas throughout Sarawak especially so bringing my Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure and Communications to discuss in detail with the Residents especially in the affected parts �" Limbang, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and all the like, to find out from the administration because the Residents are in charge of each Division, they know best through their District offices what are the effects on the population in their respective Division and instructed them to identify where are the priority crucial areas which need prior attention.

These we have done immediately and periodically I reported over to the Cabinet and discussions at the Cabinet. As a result of that, I have written several letters over to the Federal Ministers, copied over to the Prime Minister and the Minister in the Economic Planning Unit and also Minister of Transport who is the co-ordinating Ministry regarding this matter at federal level and we have various feedbacks and very detailed reports from the Residents and still coming because as you can appreciate those really remote areas are inaccessible and at times even aeroplane cannot fly because of the inclement weather. It is very hard to get reports from the rural areas. You can appreciate the problem but the State Government and through my Ministry, we have in the letters that I have written, pointed out to the Federal Government that in Sarawak, there are problem like transportation of fuel to remote areas which are not accessible by road; and

Question part (b), recommendation to improve the timber roads used or disused timber roads in the rural areas in order to provide accessibility to transport fuel and essential commodities, not only fuel but essential commodities to supply the schools, clinics and government areas as well as the rural population because these are equally as vital as fuel and gas to the rural population.

Question part (c), to help finance public transport including buses, lorries, outboard operators, fishermen, including the transportation of essential commodities.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to assure Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending that the State Government is fully aware of the problem of the fuel hike has imposed on the people in urban as well as in the rural areas, suburban and rural areas. The fuel hike is a global problem which affects everybody, nobody is being spared. The State Government observes with great concern our rising cost precious as it reduces profitability and thus the cost of living in Sarawak. Even current development and the global oil market which is shortage of refined oil and its high demand, we in Sarawak must be fully prepared to further increase, be prepared for further increase in fuel prices in the coming years because we are not isolated from all the globalized effects. Whether we like it or not, it will seem therefore, that the only rationale we out of this dilemma for our businesses and our people is to increase the overall efficiency of our state economy in order to keep down the pace of price increase.

As the price of fuel increases, we should try to safe on the use of fuel by using more efficient machinery and by making better use of our resources to generate the same volume of output. We should also strive to add more value to our output with the use of more creative and innovative ideas and methods to produce more refined products. We should be more integrated in our operation and reduce wastage.

When the fuel hike was made earlier this year, the global price of fuel was USD63 per barrel. Today, the global oil price is hovering between USD77-USD78 per barrel. I forgot today, what is the price but anyway it doesn’t change so much, which is a further increase of more than 22%. We can take really that the Federal Government has told the people that there will be no further increases, at least for the rest of this year.

For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House, the Federal Government as effective from June 2006, still provide subsidies at retailing outlets to the consumers as follows. That is why I call it reduced in the subsidies because subsidies are still here.

2 RM12.72 of subsidy for 14kg cylinder LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
3 RM0.338 per litre for petrol RON 97. This is the type of fuel.
4 RM0.307 per litre for petrol RON 92
5 RM0.609 per litre for diesel
6 RM0.792 per litre for diesel to commercial vehicles in the transport industry
7 RM1.24 per litre for diesel to fishermen; and
8 RM0.96 per litre for diesel to passenger boats

In seeking to alleviate the problem of the people, the State Government has made several proposals to the Federal Government for Sarawak, especially for urban as well for rural population. The State Government suggested to the Federal Government that about 10% of the anticipated savings estimated about RM4.4 billion while the crude oil price was only RM63 per barrel then, should be allocated for building good public transport system in urban centers and in the rural areas of Sarawak.

For the rural areas, the State Government has also proposed to the Federal Government that fuel price in the rural areas should be about equal within those in the urban areas by using this requested fund to undertake the necessary transportation. However, this proposal has not been accepted because of the further unexpected price of the crude oil shot up to reach today USD78 per barrel now. That is the original mathematical calculation on the original saving based on crude oil price of USD63 per barrel in February 2006 has almost wiped out the anticipated savings because of this increase of USD63 per barrel to the unexpected USD77-USD78 per barrel today. And I don’t think anybody can predict that it will come down and nobody can predict what ceiling will it reach because it is still climbing. Anyway, please do not blame us in the government for that. And the State Government will continue to lobby for the Federal Government for assistance to our people concerning the fuel price.

Until now Sarawak has received only RM10 million from the Federal Government. This will be used to address priority agenda to transport fuel in an essential commodities to the remote in assessable areas of Bario, Ba’ Kelalan and Long Lelang, I said priority which has no road access. Very unreliable road access and we feel this is the best way can do, we will not stop asking from Federal Government in whatever way that we can get assistance from Federal Government because we really care for our people. I think with this explanation, your question, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending, (a), (b) and (c) have been fully answered. In fact, what was put in question (c), RM220 Million in fact the State Government has proposed higher than that, RM400 million actually. Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker. Why are we continuing to fool ourselves that we are talking about subsidies when Sarawak is an oil producing State and somebody is walking all the way laughing to the bank with 70 Billion Dollars in profit this year alone, Petronas I mean. Why, why can’t the State Government do something about this? Bribery of our resources. We are talking about oil producing state and we are crying out.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, the answer was given by my colleague, the Honourable Finance Minister II just now regarding the State position on this. And we are in the Federation. There are rules to democracy and if Ahli Yang Berhormat is not satisfied with it, well you can make noise … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Withdraw from the Federation?

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri. (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Sorry?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Withdraw from the Federation? … (Boos and Applause)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Is that your proposal? Is that your proposal?… (Interruption)

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Tuan Speaker, can I … (Interruption)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Is that Keadilan proposal? … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: If Sarawak cannot check its just right, then it should withdraw.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, please note that … (Interruption)

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: We are not supposed to use seditious words down here.

Tuan Speaker: Yes

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Is the … Tuan Speaker … (Interruption)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, and we said that we are within the Federation and within the Federation, there are certain rules and covenants that we must keep. I leave my question with regards to the supplementary just now is beyond me, what I ask, he is entitled for his opinion. Let him be entitled to his opinion.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Minister for Finance to reply.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Because the Deputy Minister, said, that the answer was partially, the question was partially answered for me. We are not here to defend Petronas. I think we cannot deny that, Petronas is making huge profit. We also cannot deny that Petronas is also contributing to the Federal and State coffers. Petronas does business in about 40 countries in the world. Revolving close to 40 percent of their revenue from worldwide operations not from Sarawak alone. (Applause) Can I also bring the attention to Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan, Petronas also pay corporate and income tax to the government. It also pays annual dividends and duties for the crude oil for export. On top of that, Petronas also pay royalties to both the State and Federal Governments. The company’s contribution to the national coffers amounted to RM25.3 billion for the period 2003 and 2004 and close to RM30 billion for the period of 2004 �" 2005. And of course, as you know the government then in turn will use some of this revenue to subsidise petrol and diesel prices and this directly benefits consumers and the rest, of course, is used to fund government expenses, particularly development projects. Thank you.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Are we supposed to be very happy … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: I will allow only one more Supplementary question.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, the floor is still mine.

Tuan Speaker:: (Laughter) Yes. In the heat of the exchanges, yes, it is yours.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: Now, will all Honourable Members cool down.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar ( Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Just now we hear in this House, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending, his views about the Federation… (Interruption)
Tuan Speaker: No, no, no it is Padungan.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Padungan, sorry, sorry, sorry… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I know I am handsome, but I am not petite.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar ( Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Tuan Speaker: (Laughter) It is Padungan.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Human beings can have a slip of the tongue, like Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kota Sentosa, when he swears in here, he swears that he is a Member of Parliament … (Laughter). Sorry, I apologise to Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pending, now to Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Now, let me explain. For so many years Padungan has been represented by the fairer sex… (Laughter)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Thank you.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Just five years.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): I would like Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan to tell this House, because he makes a remark just now about withdrawing from the Federation. Is this Keadilan stand? Please, reinform the House, please.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I will be very happy Tuan Speaker. This is my personal stand and I believe this is a stand of every Sarawakian who believes that their money is being taken by the government … (Interruption).

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: No, no, no. (collectively)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That was my answer.

Tuan Speaker: Okay.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: He asked for my answer and I am giving it very, very coolly.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of order, Point of order. It is not true, Tuan Speaker … (Interruption)
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): I think you are … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Member for Padungan, you speak for yourself and for your party. Don’t speak for the others… (Laughter). Just speak for yourself and for your party.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, I speak for the people of Sarawak.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: No, no … (Collectively), we are also elected by the people of Sarawak …..…

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of order, point of order

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Because all the other Y.Bs, 61 Y.Bs have not dared to stand up for the people of Sarawak.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: No, no … it is not true.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: When they are receiving 70 billion?

Tuan Speaker: Ok. Sit down. It is creating disorder. It has created disorder. You have made your point.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Sorry.

Tuan Speaker: Is this the second Supplementary?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Ya.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, you stood just now? You forfeit to Kota Sentosa?

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Yes.

Tuan Speaker: Okay. Honourable Member for Kota Sentosa.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: I appreciate what the Minister said that we have to start saving. We have to start saving our fuel, in light of the increasing crude oil prices internationally. So, but I believe we should lead by example and being political leaders we also should lead by example. By, we driving … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: No argument, no argument.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Ya, I know.

Tuan Speaker: You put forward your question.

Y.B. Encik Chong Ching Jen: I am putting a suggestion. Whether the Ministry, the Minister will agree that we should start driving less, smaller c.c. car, like maybe Kancil or.. rather than … (Interruption)

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of order, Point of Order, Tuan Speaker … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Rather than, rather than… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Point of Order, Ya.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, the floor is still mine… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: No. It is mine now, it is mine now. I am asking the question… (Interruption)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): The floor is still mine… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Your question? Put forward your question.

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Yes. My question is whether the Minister will agree with me to lead by example by driving, for Ministers to drive smaller c.c car, like Kancil or Perodua or even Proton rather than Mercedes.

Tuan Speaker: Alright, okay. Honourable Deputy Chief Minister. That is the question.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Tuan Speaker, I know, Ahli for Kota Sentosa want to score political mileage…(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Sangkaan jahat

Tuan Speaker: Let the Minister answer.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Please, please. Let me explain. Let me explain. State Sarawak Government explore all ways including, even though I have not mentioned just now, the possibility of setting up bio-diesel plant from environmentally source, from environmentally and very safe product from oil palm which is produced from native customer right joint venture plantations which give good return for the land owners especially our rural people for which Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan assumes that he is the Chief Minister of Sarawak in his remark just now because he speaks for the people of Sarawak. Please you are only elected in Padungan, you know. There are 71 seats here … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Just say yes or no only. Yes or no only…(Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Because you ask me. Who do I speak for? And I speak for … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Order, order, order, order.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): So, alright, I have nothing to stop if Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kota Sentosa can walk, whether frontward for backward, from his house over here if he does not want to keep up with tempo of development. There is certain things, I believe he flies in the aeroplane instead of using ‘kayuh’ from Kuching over to Kuala Lumpur… (Laughter and Applause). Are we to be obsolete of the modernity and also there are dignities also in the government, kah? Because of the prosperity, because of the standard of living and also, kah? These are the tempo of the day and we cannot be oblivious to this change. I come from very rural area, you must remember, which none of you have been to, you know… (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I have been to many, many rural areas … (Interruption)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): I challenge!

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I was with ‘rumah panjai’. Enti ba Layar nemu aku, ba Betong nemu aku. Ari Sri Aman nemu aku. Aku sekolah ba Sri Aman. Aku nemu jako Iban … (Interruption).

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Batu Lintang, Member for Batu Lintang, sit down, sit down.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): The floor is mine … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Chong Chieng Jen: Translation, translation.

Tuan Speaker: Let the Minister answer the supplementary question.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I have been to “rumah panjai” and I slept with them, and I have eaten with them.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Padungan, sit down.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar ( Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Ya, Okay. So, these are, I cannot be expected to use my ‘cawat’ in the town, for which, none even long house, you want to ridicule long house and say ‘cawat’ … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I am just saying this with full of respect because it is still part of our traditional uniform.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): It is not. You are outdated! … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Sorry. Traditional attire.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Padungan. Sit down. Let the Minister answer. No interruption. It is a reply.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): Alright. So, Tuan Speaker, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Padungan has not answered my question. He stand … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Your question has been answered. The alternative source of bio-fuel. That answered it. It is addressing to Padungan.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar ( Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): None answered my question. What is your stand, Keadilan stand?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You are asking me question. I will be very happy to answer if you allow me to have the floor… (Interruption)

Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan dan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang): On the Federation. You said just now, you said that you want to withdraw from Malaysia. Please, unless you are a man of your word, either you withdraw your remark, you got the choice, you state it to the Speaker. Thank you.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of Order, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Okay. Question time is up.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Tuan Speaker, can I make a clarification of a serious remark that has been given by the Honourable Member for Padungan? Under the Standing Order, no interferences or suggestion of to withdraw out of the Federation should be allowed to be said out and it is stated inside the Standing Order. These kinds of words are treasonable word. (Applause). Under Order 30 … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Under Standing Order 32 (10), it shall be out of order to use:

(a) Treasonable words;
(b) Seditious words;
(c) Words which are likely to promote feelings of ill-will or hostility between different communities in the State, or infringe the Constitution of the State of Sarawak or the Sedition Act, 1948.

Member for Padungan, I draw your attention to this. Do you still stand by, by what you said that you would like to withdraw from the Federation of Malaysia. Yes or no?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, everybody is assuming that I am talking about the Federation of Malaysia, aren’t you. I did not say that. (Boos). I said withdraw from the Federation.

Tuan Speaker: Which other Federation do you mean?

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I am an advisor of the Federation of the Malaysian Electrical Dealers Association. (Boos).

Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: There are so many federations. Don’t twist your words.

Tuan Speaker: Sarawak is not a member of the … (Interruption).

Menteri Perumahan (Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg): Tuan Speaker, this is a very serious matter about the withdrawal. I think I have to make your stand here.

Tuan Speaker: Alright, the remarks made by the Honourable Member for Padungan was clear, it was very clear, I leave it to the Honourable Minister whether to proceed with the other provisions of the Standing Order because it is clear under Standing Order 32 (10), what I read out just now, it shall be out of order to use �"

(a) Treasonable words;
(b) Seditious words;
(c) Words which are likely to promote feelings of ill-will or hostility between different communities in the State, or infringe the Constitution of the State of Sarawak or the Sedition Act, 1948.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, if my usage of the word “Federation” causes offence, I withdraw it. (Applause)

Tuan Speaker: You cannot just withdraw the word “Federation”. You have to withdraw the words, you use the words “withdraw from the Federation”. Do you withdraw those words “withdraw from the Federation.”

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I withdraw those words “withdraw from the Federation”.

Tuan Speaker: Alright. (Applause) Question time is up and supplementary questions are up.

USUL PENGHARGAAN ATAS UCAPAN
T.Y.T. YANG DI-PERTUA NEGERI

[Perbahasan Bermula]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahi Yang Berhormat, the motion is this Dewan resolved to express its appreciation to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri for his gracious address to this august House on the 24th day of July, 2006. Ahli bagi Tasik Biru, Yang Berhormat Encik Peter Nansian Nguse will move the motion.

Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian Nguse: Tuan Speaker, thank you for giving this honour to move the motion of appreciation to the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s address made in this august House on the 24th July, 2006 on the occasion of the opening of the Sixteenth Dewan Undangan Negeri session.

Terlebih dahulu, saya dengan hormatnya merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan terima kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak di atas nasihat yang penuh memerangsangkan dan menjadi panduan hidup yang sangat berguna sepertimana yang terkandung dalam ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

As we all know, Tuan Speaker, we are indeed most fortunate to have such a caring, loving and humble Head of State who travels the length and breadth of the state and knows his people and our country very well. In fact, he is a symbol of stability, harmony, unity, peace and progress for our beloved state.

Tuan Speaker, saya mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Tuan Yang Terutama yang telah mengingatkan Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat sekalian bahawa tanggungjawab rakyat diamanahkan oleh rakyat amat besar maknanya. Sebagai Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, kita memainkan peranan penting sebagai agen perubahan dan menyampai pembangunan kepada rakyat. Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat harus memastikan kerjasama antara kaum terus dikekalkan dengan keharmonian rakyat yang berbilang kaum dan budaya di Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker, kesejahteraan sebuah negeri bukan sahaja bergantung kepada keharmonian dan perpaduan rakyatnya. Isu-isu keselamatan juga amat penting dalam memastikan kestabilan sosial dan politik. Sepertimana Kawasan N.2�"Tasik Biru berdekatan dengan sempadan Indonesia and mempunyai pintu masuk rasmi dan terdapat banyak jalan tikus yang boleh menyebabkan ancaman keselamatan negeri.

State Elections 2006

Tuan Speaker, it is most deserving and fitting that our beloved Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri congratulated our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri to have led the Barisan Nasional to a sounding victory in the last State General Elections. Undeniably, the victory is a true testimony of the Barisan Nasional excellent past track record that has brought about progress, stability, security, harmony, and peace to our country and to ensure hope for our bright future for our future generations.

However, let us never forget that all these can never happen without the exemplary leaders and for us, we must count ourselves lucky to have lived and served during the tenure of this leadership over the last 25 years. Because such excellent leaders come far in between and this exemplary leader is none other than our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri. He is the chief architect, our chief planner, innovator and master financial management for our beloved state.

As a result of his brilliance, we enjoyed escalated and unprecedented economic growth, financial stability and resilience for the state over the last 25 years, his leadership as a Ketua Menteri. Indeed, the unprecedented development has created and provided us with the first wave of modern development for the state. Thus, we need and I stress, we need and want and least necessary for him to continue to lead us to set the pace to achieve the second wave of another unprecedented growth, development and prosperity for Sarawak for the good of the rakyat and our beloved country.

Going back to the sweet victory by Barisan Nasional in the last State General Elections, we must also thank the rakyat or voters for having made the right choice, I said, the right choice and not taking chances to determine the destiny. Giving Barisan Nasional a majority of 87% is in fact most gratifying and by no means an easy feat to achieve. Thus, ours was not a victory of politicians but of the people.

The people took the trust and gave it to us. They must have been proud of having elected us as we are to serve them. We won because we are Barisan Nasional, because we have the courage to change ourselves and discipline to take hard decisions while remained united and the size of our victory put a special responsibility on us to be a government of high performance and hard choices, not popular for one time but remembered for all time. Not just a better government but one of the great, progressive reforming government of our history. So let us be known that losing a few seats shall not dampen our spirit but on the contrary, strengthen our resolve even more.

Tuan Speaker, a change of political leadership in the early 1980s brought about renewed sense of urgency and introduction of new development approaches and strategies. A new approach was required if Sarawak was to progress in tandem with the rest of the nation and the necessary foundation for progress has to be put in place. Since then, the government has embarked on a new development paradigm which places total development covering all sectors, economic, social-cultural, political, human, environmental apart from the physical development. The new development philosophy is encapsulated under the concept of politics of development in which amongst others, politic is subservient to development by Amat Yang Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri.

In further recognition of the forces of globalization, the progressiveness of IT, trade globalization in a fast modulus world are now realities that we have to contend with in our development planning process. It has been timely too that Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri mentioned that in view of the new realities that we faced, we have to re-look at our planning strategies. In his words, change is inevitable. With change comes opportunities in terms employment and income for the people. The state recognizes that our work force is getting mobile and their newly acquired work scale will further enhance their mobility. In the process, we will not anticipate that this interaction will bring about greater equality among the stakeholders as a result of the government development efforts. The acronym, COME encapsulates the new development challenges of our people.

Tuan Speaker, since the early 1980s, our state has witnessed tremendous development which come about as a result of the politics of development as espoused by our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri Sarawak unlike the period prior to the ascendancy of the present Ketua Menteri where threats from underground communist movements were real and coupled with political in-fighting among the various political parties.

The hierarchy principle of politics of development has allowed us to work towards development and improving the welfare of our people in a united and focus manner by not allowing our political and social-cultural differences get into the way of development, Sarawak under the abled leadership of our Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri has managed to focus more on development projects and progress which brought benefit to the people of Sarawak, particularly those in the rural areas.

We also recognize that the State Government has provided funds for development of basic infrastructures such as roads and bridges, water and electricity supply to the various Malaysian Plans including the Ninth Malaysia Plan covering the period 2006-2010. To ensure that the people are able to capitalize on the facilities and opportunities that are found in the local economy and elsewhere, the people themselves must take positive steps to improve their own individual capabilities beyond what the government can do for them. That is why the State Government has put greater emphasis on education and training and on the development of our vast human capital.

Tuan Speaker, rapid progress has also been made in the eradication of poverty in the state. The incident of poverty as an indicator of poverty has been reduced sharply from 21% in 1990 to as low as 5.8% in the year 2002. Even as a result of a change in definition where the poverty line income or PLI has been revised to the level of RM765 from RM600, the incident of poverty being revised to 7.5% for the year 2004 still showed a commendable achievement for the state.

We recognize the rise in PLI being the result of higher cost of living in the nation. Nonetheless, I am sure the state will continue to help the lower section of our society with programmes to reduce the incident poverty particularly those in the rural areas as well among the urban poor.

New Sectors

Tuan Speaker, as a dynamic concept the politics of development takes cognition of the implication of the new economy by taking into account the component of the new reality. Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri has reiterated the need to develop our capacity to identify, pursue and transform opportunities into real business realities. To achieve this target, additional investment will be made in enhancing the existing knowledge and the skills of our workforce and the infrastructure for knowledge and innovation. As we prepare for the future, we foresee among the key areas that the State will accord importance include the following sectors which I hope be given adequate fund for the development in the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Agriculture and Food Industries

Modernisation and commercialization of the agriculture sector need to be intensified in food processing activities, deep sea fishing and aquaculture development, plantation development especially for oil palm, sago and forestry and the introduction of new crops such as herbs and spices, horticulture and seed production. I would urge the Ministry of Modernisation and Commercialisation of Agriculture encourage active private sector participation through joint-ventures.

Manufacturing

In manufacturing and with the emphasis being given to hi-tech, bio-tech as well as the capital intensive industries, I would urge the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to aggressively attract foreign direct investment or FDIs, or the private finance initiatives or the PFIs, in addition to existing resource based processing such as natural gas, wood-based, petro-chemical industries, promotion of high end electronics such as the wafer fabrication and final wood-based products especially pulp and paper should be intensified. SMIs and SMEs are developed to complement our efforts in promoting bigger industries.

Tourism

We have also developed our growing tourism industry that takes advantage of our natural environment. We recognized the tourism industry has helped to spur the growth of the services sector that ranged from transport and communication, restaurants and hotels, to commerce and other services. From the eco tourism focus, we can now look forward to M.I.C.E or MICE. We are looking forward to see the immediate implementation of the convention centre in Kuching with the setting up of the Sarawak Convention Bureau. I urge the Bureau to start assist in placing and booking conventions to be held in Kuching. A growing lucrative tourism market that Sarawak has decided to tap into is a target marketing world of MICE which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. Through this market segment, the State hopes to attract the well organized groups of high spending tourists to Sarawak. According to figures quoted by the SPU, the MICE market throughout the world is huge, reportedly at about USD300 billion annually.

The State Government has developed market intelligence and data base system on these markets and planned in advance effective strategies for tapping into these markets through specialized agency of the government. The Sarawak Convention Bureau which the State Government has already established will promote Sarawak as an exotic and competitive MICE destination in this region. Critical to exploiting this market is our ability to liaise directly with the various organizations through which the MICE tourists plan their activities. Equally important, of course, is to maintain customer relationship and service through these organizations.
It has been proven that the establishment of hotels, meetings and event venues, professional conference organizers, professional events and exhibition organizers, domestic air and ground transportation, eaters outlets and restaurants, just to mention a few, can open up opportunities in the MICE market.

Human Resource Development or HRD

Tuan Speaker, I recognize that the State has taken initiative in developing our human resource where the thrust has been to enhance the capabilities of our human capital through more effective HRD programmes which of course with emphasis on technical and skill training to increase and sustain the state’s competitiveness. I am pleased that the focus now is on skill training with the establishment of the Sarawak’s Skill Development Centre, a construction training institute under CIDB and an engineering institute, an entrepreneur and managerial skill development with youth as the prime target. In line with the objective of developing knowledge and IT based society, I would suggest that more resource centres are established throughout the State.

On nominal GDP, the income generated with the State economy measured in current prices amounted to RM49.16 billion in 2005, presenting an increase of 3.9 times more than that of RM12.47 billion in the year 1990. Our per capital nominal GDP of Sarawak rose 2.8 times from RM7,467 in 1990 to RM21,260 in the year 2005. This compare well with Malaysia’s per capital nominal GDP of RM17,687 in 2005. The progressive development in Sarawak has, therefore, certainly enabled us to attain such achievements. This has to be attributed to sound policies and principles of politics of development under the exemplary leader of our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri.

Focus on the State’s Ninth Malaysia Plan

Tuan Speaker, the Ninth Malaysia Plan covering the period 2006 to 2010 marks the beginning of the second phase of the politics of development which is in tandem with the national Vision 2020. After having completed the first 15 years from 1991 to 2005, I fully support that the State should now move on to the next phase of the Plan from 2006 to 2020. I am confident that with the infrastructures and facilities in place, our economy is now ready for the next wave of development. Beyond providing the infrastructure to improve the quality of life of the people, a lot of attention has also been given towards preserving, enhancing the goodwill and harmony among the various ethnic groups. This is the utmost priority to us as without unity and harmony, no meaningful development can take place. That is why I believe that the development of social infrastructure as an important component of our development agenda. In every Division, the State Government has built Dewan Suarah or Civic Centres, Civic Halls, Sports Complexes and Cultural Foundations to facilitate greater interaction among the people. Like a confluence of rivers this inter-mingling of meeting of ideas, cultures and values is both enriching and empowering. I would urge that we continually remind ourselves of the concept profounded by our Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri in early 1980s and it is still all the more relevant today.



Speeding up of Growth in Rural Areas

Tuan Speaker, I am pleased that the State’s strategy for developing the Sarawak economy is also to speed up the growth of the rural areas. The vastness of the rural areas of the State where the future potential of Sarawak economy lies, represents great opportunities available to us to develop the State. The rural areas are naturally our development focus to quickly spread the benefits of development to our people as well as to bring about renewed growth in traditional sectors. We must speed up the growth of the rural areas to specific development plans and programmes.

Rural Growth Centres

The State Government has managed to focus on our own development efforts in the first 15 years by marshalling the economic potential to be integrated at rural level so as to induce critical mass. This approach has enabled us to funnel economic activities towards secondary towns and then the smaller centres which can be planned as rural growth centres or RGCs.

Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri in his speech on the Ninth Malaysia Plan: The Sarawak Perspective has identified Rural Growth Centres or RGCs as a third tier of regional development. Hence, the Rural Growth Centres is seen as a major development strategy in the rural areas being closest to the rakyat. Each Rural Growth Centres will be a settlement or community of a viable size of at least 5,000 people so that all the basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, schools and public health services and sufficient economic activities can be provided to the people as a unified economic community of their own.

The Rural Growth Centres physical development plans, therefore, need to be prepared on the basis of economic development integrated with the overall potential to ensure their viability and sustainability as growth centres. Talking about Rural Growth Centres, I would urge the government to implement the Rural Growth Centres for the Stungkor area that has been approved by our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri on the 5th May, 2006 during this Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Rural Development

Tuan Speaker, I also stand here to support the … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat, how much longer have you got to go?

Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian Ngusie: Just about 10 minutes.

Tuan Speaker: We have a short break. Sitting resumes at 11:30 a.m.

Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian Ngusie: Okay.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 11:12 pagi)


(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 11:50 pagi)

[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan Mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tasik Biru.

Y.B. Encik Peter Nansian Ngusie: Tuan Speaker, I also stand here to support this Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri endorsement of the government’s programme for rural development in Sarawak.

Rural Development

The rural population of Sarawak easily comprises more than 50% of its total population, while the rural land mass easily comprises at least 80% or over 80% of its land mass. Therefore, any development of the state cannot ignore the issue of development of the rural areas.

Now, I would like to touch on the development of rural areas in the Kuching Division which I feel can be conceptualized as part of the development of the greater Kuching metropolis. Kuching city is growing very rapidly. This can be seen by rapid development of residential, commercial and industrial properties in and around the city. Kuching is slowly but surely extending its reach towards what used to be rural areas that surrounded it, for example Batu Kawah which used to be in the outskirt of Kuching is now, for all intent and purpose, part of Kuching. With the good roads and communication infrastructure that we have now, I know that some people commute daily from as far as Lundu to work in Kuching. Of course, there are many people who also commute from Bau and Serian everyday to the city. I propose that the development of Bau and Lundu and that of the adjacent areas be coordinated and synchronized with the development of the Kuching metropolis to ensure maximum and optimum benefits to these areas and their people. Bau and Lundu can be viewed as the suburban of Kuching and be considered as part of the greater Kuching metropolis. These suburbs as I described them can be developed as the hinterland of Kuching city. They provide the city with agricultural, residential, recreational, tourism facilities and supplies, for example, Siburan, Beratok and Tapah have developed their own rich roles in support of Kuching city as the primary market gardeners for Kuching. Likewise, Lundu or Sematan can be developed and promoted as integrated tourism destination for the city folks from Kuching. I also feel that the Rambungan and Sempadi areas have great potentials to be developed as similar tourist destination for the greater Kuching metropolis.

The State Government may also want to consider transferring and moving some government offices and its station to the Bau District to help relief congestion in the city. With the formatted integrated development of Kuching city and its surrounding areas as part of greater Kuching, I believe that it will bring about a holistic, orderly, sustainable and equitable development.

Knowledge-Based Society

Tuan Speaker, our beloved Tuan Yang Terutama mentioned the need for the state to face the increasing challenges brought about the development and spread the Information and Communication Technology or ICT and the effects of globalization. Development of a knowledge-based society or a k-society is part of the second wave development proposed by our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister to enable the state to meet these challenges. I fully agree that the state does not have any choice but to work towards a k-society for us to continue to prosper in the more globalized, liberal and open future. This k-society vision was stated very clearly by our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister even in the early 2000 who wanted Sarawak attain the status before 2020.

Our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister mentioned: “Sarawak must brace for the post industrial era and be able to come to grip with the opportunities and challenges even as the state hasten its current phase of development to achieve k-society at end of the year 2020.” This was reported in The Sarawak Tribune on 9th October, 2003. Another statement attributed to our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister as reported in The Borneo Post on 22nd May, 2003; “Ketua Menteri’s birthday wish - To see Sarawak attain k-based economy well before year 2020.” These are just two examples of the far-sighted vision of our Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri for the next stage of development for the state.

What does it take to develop into a k-based society? As mentioned by our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister, the base of a k-society is a k-economy and a k-community. First, the state economy must develop and evolve from the current industrial and production era into an economy that is based on acquisition, creation, development, exploitation and sharing of knowledge. This is part of our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister’s second wave of development and move to service high technology and bio-technology industries that produces economic products and various ways on the exploitation of knowledge. Businesses too must adopt and must use ICT in the k-economy.

The other component of k-society is no less important. The k-economy must be supported by a progressive and knowledgeable community or k-community in order to complete our transformation into a k-society. This means that the mental and cultural transformation of our people to value modern knowledge and tools and to acquire and to exploit knowledge and to become progressive communities. K-economy also requires access to information and communication technology or ICT to access to information and knowledge and to use in their daily activities and processes. As more and more services both from the government and private sector and as more and more information are published online, it is critical that the public in the state have access to the ICT tools to enable them to access the services, information and to transform into progressive and k-communities.

I am very happy to know that both the Federal and the State Governments through various agencies and programmes addressing and expediting the transformation of public into k-community. The State Ministry of Rural Development has been very active in its rural ICT training programmes and has donated ICT equipment to rural schools. Other state agencies such as the Chief Minister’s Department, Sarawak State Library, Sarawak Information System Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS), SACOFA and NGOs such as AZAM has also undertake public ICT promotion and literacy programmes and trainings and provide free computers, internet facilities in rural districts and sub-districts offices. I also understand that the Federal Government through its agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have programmes and projects to extend communications and internet access throughout the state.

These include the SchoolNet project, universal service provision or USP program to provide telephone and internet access to the rural clinics and libraries and the USP program by MCMC to provide telephone lines to under-served areas in the state. I fully support these programs and am confident that we will achieve our Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister’s vision of a k-society by 2020, if these programs are fully implemented. Our state with its small population, challenging geography and spread-out population settlements is at a disadvantage in the development and spread of telecommunication and ICT facilities compared to other states in the country. According to the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications, in June 2006, the ownership of personal computers (PCs) in Sarawak is only 9.6% compared to 19.6% for the nation. According to the MCMC in June 2006, the fixed telephone lines penetration rates in the state is 11.4%, while the national level is 16.5%. Dial-up internet penetration rate for Sarawak is 6.7% compared to 13.7% for the nation.

The above figures, shows that while there is still a long way to go before we can have pervasive ICT and internet access, we are already making inroad in this area. I urge that the Federal Government provide more funding to extend basic telecommunication services to rural areas in the state. I also propose that the government considers implementing more facilities to provide free or at low cost computer and internet facilities to areas and communities that do not have or that cannot afford these facilities.

Talking about educational facilities for the rural areas, may I also urge the government to implement SMK Singai, Bau during the Ninth Malaysia Plan as the three other secondary schools in this district are now already very congested and not very conducive for learning. I have suggested the site for this proposed project and it is hoped that the government approved the site to pave the way for the project to be implemented as soon as possible.

Civil Service and Delivery System

Tuan Speaker, I support the State Government’s serious effort to improve the delivery system of the State Public Service. As mentioned by the Tuan Yang Terutama, the State Government has introduced and implemented appropriate systems and procedures to ensure that the Ninth Malaysia Plan programs and projects are implemented efficiently and productively in Sarawak.

I would also like to comment on the Government Delivery System for daily government activities, not necessarily part of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The State Government’s approach of improving its work system through quality and process improvements combined with the use of ICT tools is very clear and very logical. I understand that the state has developed and implemented over two hundred ICT applications and has expanded its ICT network to reach almost every state government offices throughout the state. I know that this effort have tremendously improved the efficiency of work processes and systems and the public service.

Coupled with this, I also understand that the state has set a target to be a fully electronic government by the year 2009 with major services being offered online. This means that all State Government services will be available anytime, anywhere there is internet access. Of course, most of the government services, such as bill delivery and payment, scholarships applications and payments, job recruitments and local authority services are already available online now. I believe, that under the current leadership in the state and the current leaders and officers that we have in the State Public Service, the state will continue to lead in improving and in providing quality services to the people of Sarawak despite our difficult geography, terrain and very scattered population settlements.

Tuan Speaker, before I conclude, let me reiterate once again the importance and imperative need for us to prepare ourselves in our development effort as we enter into the next phase of the development which our beloved Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri coined as the second wave of politics of development.

In essence, Tuan Speaker, we are moving from primary and secondary sectors to the tertiary, quaternary and quinery sectors of economic development of our state to ensure a bright future for this beloved country of ours.

And this, Tuan Speaker, is the hallmark of the credible and responsible Barisan Nasional Government and our leaders, both at the Federal and State level. Thus, Tuan Speaker, this Dewan resolves to express its appreciation to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri for his address to this august Dewan on the 24th July, 2006. Thank you.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Lambir.

Y.B. Encik Aidan Wing: Tuan Speaker, terima kasih kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk menyokong satu usul yang telah dicadangkan oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tasik Biru bahawa Dewan yang mulia ini bersidang dan membuat keputusan untuk merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan serta terima kasih kita kepada Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri atas Perasmian Pembukaan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Yang Ke-enam Belas dan juga atas ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri semasa perasmian persidangan kita pada hari Isnin, 24 Julai 2006 yang lalu.

Tuan Speaker, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri in his address has shown his caring touch and genuine concern about the welfare, wellbeing and wellness of the rakyat in this state. Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri is truly a leader who has always been close to the people, exemplified by his regular visits to the various parts of the state, especially the remote, rural, interior as well as the coastal areas. Having travelled far and wide throughout the state, he knows the needs of the people very well. We, the rakyat are most grateful to you, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

Racial Harmony and Political Stability

Tuan Speaker, in his address to this august House, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has graciously touched on matters pertaining to social unity and harmony, internal security and the social agenda prevail in the state amidst the fast pace of economic growth that has helped to transform the state economy. Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has also touched on the state’s economic development, human capital development, rural development, efficient utilization of energy, improvement in quality of life and effective delivery system. All these factors are very relevant and most timely for us to consider and to take heed as we continue to embark on our journey toward Vision 2020.

In turn, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has reminded us on the roles that we can play to attain, maintain and sustain this desired state of progress in Sarawak. As elected representative of the rakyat, we are duty bound to appreciate this reminder to keep us all on track in our deliberation in this august House.

Tuan Speaker, we must acknowledge and appreciate the fact that racial harmony and political stability has been the hallmark of Sarawak’s vigorous, robust and sustained growth and development thus far. As rightly mentioned by Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri, racial harmony and political stability that have been achieved over the years must be nurtured, nourished, maintained and guarded at all times by all parties including the opposition members of this august House to ensure that planned development could proceed smoothly. This is also to ensure that the threshold of development, peace and harmony that we enjoyed now will be sustained and more importantly continued to be enjoyed by the future generations of our state.

Roles and Responsibilities

Tuan Speaker, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has also rightly reminded all Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat of their roles and responsibilities to ensure that the bedrock for the state development, namely, social unity, harmony and political stability are always maintained and safe guarded in delivering development project to the rakyat under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. In this regard, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has correctly reiterated and given timely advice for all Members of this august House to focus on their responsibilities to serve the rakyat.

The advice for all Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House is to forge ahead and focus on how best to further develop Sarawak, taking into consideration the internal and external challenges faced by our state.

Politic of Development and the New Reality

Tuan Speaker, the progress, prosperity and development that our beloved state, Sarawak, has achieved thus far is the result of the political stability, farsightedness, pragmatic and visionary leadership of the government under the stewardship of none other than the Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri over the past twenty years. It is common knowledge that Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri has been the economic and development planner, architect and the guiding force that has steered the state in achieving the current level of developments, which is a pride of the rakyat. Indeed, the threshold of development that we have achieved so far is already on par with or if not better than other developed states in this country.

Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri has had an illustrious political career at both the State and Federal levels since the formation of Malaysia. I think on 22 July, he has achieved a service of 43 years. I think this is indeed a record. I am very proud of this leadership. (Applause) With his vast experiences and in-depth knowledge about the state from all angles including geography, history and economy as well as his well thought, our development philosophy has laid down the pillars for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Sarawak.

The ideas and philosophy enshrined in the politics of development was mooted and propagated by Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri. The execution of the ideas and philosophy has resulted in the rapid, steady and orderly economic growth and development transcending the region, division, district and sub-district to the village and kampong levels throughout the state. All strata of society covering the various ethnic groups have also benefited from this development.

Tuan Speaker, even today, in this august House, we are very proud to see their representation. Let us not forget the road, the bridges that we use, the school where we send our children to seek their education, the facilities and amenities that lead to enhancement our quality of life are the result of the systematic and pragmatic development planning which are the main trust of politic of development.

Tuan Speaker, on the other side of development other than economic benefit and physical assets, we must also acknowledge and not forget the culture, the custom, the tradition of various ethnic group in the state. Apart from the Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali celebrations, we also have the Gawai Dayak and the Kaul celebrations. We have carefully nurtured, acknowledge, this aspect of the state wealth and heritage through the pursuant and implementation of the state social agenda. Do not compute Malaysia like our GDP, our export earning, our poverty eradication indicators. Let us not forget that the acquired or indirect contribution of our custom and tradition and the strengthening of our values towards the growth and development of our state. We must all be proud of the fact that we are able to capitalize all our diversity and culture, custom, festival, local cuisine, I guess umai maybe, or something else and celebration to promote and achieve greater racial harmony. All these celebrations, festivals, such as the recent traditional national level Gawai Dayak will also promote harmony, tolerance, unity and stability in the state.

Tuan Speaker, the economic development thrust of the state has always been to promote and achieve a balance development between the urban and rural areas. The implementation of large scale commercial projects on NCR land and rural growth centres throughout the state are done with the expressed objectives of bridging the gap between the urban and rural areas. To expedite this process, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has advised all Members of this august House, including Members of the Opposition, to play their role as a catalyst of development.

Tuan Speaker, I must also highlight the fact that security and safety has great impact on the development in the state. In this respect, the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has rightly touched on the subject in his address. It is, therefore, the responsibility of each and every one of us to safeguard the security of this state at all costs so that development programmes could be implemented smoothly.

Tuan Speaker, the challenges ahead. Second wave of politic of development. We should not be complacent with our economic achievement and we should not take for granted the political stability and social harmony that we have now. On the other hand, we should strive harder to strengthen the social harmony, peace and stability in the state towards better and greater economic growth and development especially under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The challenges before us are numerous but with our current visionary political leadership and racial harmony among our multi-racial communities the challenges will be surmountable.

Tuan Speaker, taking into consideration the various challenges faced by the state including exogenous factors such as globalization and trade liberalization, Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri has also timely introduced the new reality and the second wave of the politics of development. The guiding principles encapsulated in this new reality are our ability to tackle challenges, identify and seize opportunity, accelerate mobility and achieve equality. All these principles will lay down the framework for us to move ahead steadily and orderly towards achieving a developed state status before the year 2020.

Tuan Speaker, the Ninth Malaysia Plan marked the beginning of the second wave of the politics of development. Therefore, in his address, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri has also touched on the need for us to implement development projects based on the five strategic thrusts under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for achieving the national mission.

At the state level the government has outlined six development strategies to ensure faster growth in the state’s economy and to achieve a progressive society founded on high quality human capital and good quality of life. In this regard, concerted efforts of all stakeholders, particularly Honourable Members of this august House are required to realize and ensure that development can be implemented as planned and will benefit the rakyat.

Tuan Speaker, to execute the six development strategies for the Ninth Malaysia Plan at the state level which are consistent with the five strategic thrusts of the Federal Government, it is incumbent upon all Members of this august House to provide constructive ideas, practical proposals and strategies in their deliberations in the next few days in this Dewan sitting. It is now appropriate for me to mention that our focus should be on how to overcome the big challenges ahead. Nonetheless, it is vital for all Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat to be mindful of the fact that racial harmony and solidarity among our multi-cultural communities is paramount in discharging their roles and responsibilities as the representatives of the rakyat.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to focus my debate on the role and contribution of the agriculture sector in the state’s economy �" its modernization and commercialization and especially in the Agropolis concept for the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Tuan Speaker, I wish to touch on those portions of Tuan Yang Terutama’s address that concerns agriculture, especially the development of the agriculture sector in Sarawak. I fully agree with the contention that the agriculture sector offers tremendous potential as a source of revenue for the state and the country. Indeed the government, at both and state and federal levels, have given greater emphasis in the Ninth Malaysia Plan on the role of agriculture in developing the economy. At the national level, agriculture has been identified as the third, if not among the top three, engines of growth for the country. In Sarawak, with our huge rural constituencies, vast land resources and conducive investment climate, agriculture should rightly be accorded the highest priority in our efforts to bring development to the rural areas.

Tuan Speaker, before I proceed further, I would like to provide some context to what I am about to say by referring to the text of Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri’s speech during the special sitting of the august House held on 20th April this year. In his speech which outlines the Ninth Malaysia Plan Perspective for Sarawak, the Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri made references to the thrusts for achieving the national vision as promulgated by Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri Malaysia, and the six development strategies for the state in the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I might add here that the national thrusts and our state development strategies do share important commonalities. In as far as the development of the agriculture sector is concerned, it is relevant to note three pertinent thrusts. The first of those is the need to move the economy up the value chain; the second is the need to raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation and in the process nurturing a “first class mentality”; and a third thrust is the need to strengthen the institutional and implementation capacity. These selected three thrusts to achieve the national vision are also reflected in the six development strategies which were elucidated by Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri during the April sitting of this august House.

Tuan Speaker, I wish now to share my thoughts on three aspects of the development strategies that have been identified for adoption by the state in the Ninth Malaysia Plan, in as far as they relate to the development of the agriculture sector. They relate to the development of human capital, improvement in research and development capabilities and the adoption of the Agropolis concept approach in developing commercial agriculture in Sarawak.

I will touch firstly on the development of human capital. Tuan Speaker, I agree that we must train our young people to be of world class quality so that they can be competitive, marketable and can be global workers. Even if they do not intent to partake in the international labour market, their competitiveness will surely translate into improved competitiveness of the state and national economy. The challenge for us here is to produce knowledgeable and skilled workers who are specifically suited to job markets created by the demands of the changing environment. What does this mean for us in Sarawak? The first step is, of course, to identify the potential agriculture industries of the future and to make them the focus of our training initiatives. We must focus on a few key industries and direct our limited resources towards those, and not try to handle all and sundry. After identifying the key industries, we then need to come up with our training and modules for different categories of workers. We must, however, place great emphasis on the quality of the training provided. The trainers and the resource persons must be highly qualified in their respective fields, and if such persons are not available locally, we must find ways of securing their services, including outsourcing from outside the country. In the longer term, we have to develop our own in-house or in-country expertise by sending our master trainers to relevant institutions or organizations to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.

Mechanisms must be in place to enable those trainers to regularly update themselves on the latest technology and systems. In addition to developing competent trainers, we must also provide proper training facilities. Training in the formal setting of an institution is, however, only one aspect of upgrading the skills and knowledge of agriculture workers and farmers. For the masses of rural farmers, we have to consider other approaches that are able to reach a much larger clientele group more efficiently and effectively. In this regard, the more non-formal approaches such as agriculture extension and farm-level technology transfer programmes are more appropriate. Given the importance of developing our human capital in the agriculture sector, I therefore wish to urge the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture to set in place an effective programme for providing our agriculture workers and farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the development of a vibrant agriculture sector.

Tuan Speaker, I shall now proceed to the subject of research and development in the field of agriculture. I agree with Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri that the rapid convergence of technologies is now creating new fields of study and exploration, including new frontiers such as those presented by biotechnology, biodiversity, automation, sustainable agriculture, organic and natural farming, agricultural waste utilization, among others. In addition to convention agriculture research and development fields, we should be exploring the potential of all these new areas and when the opportunity arises, to exploit these new technologies for the benefit of our farmers and the economy. New technology, however, knows no borders and research institutions all over the world are involved in one way or another in these new fields. With our limited resources, it is not possible for us to rely entirely on home-grown technology to progress. Our research people must therefore learn to be adept in the art of technology prospecting, establishing linkages with renowned research institutions and organizations, and collaborating with suitable partners in research. It is only through this process that the development of new technology could be speeded up.

Tuan Speaker, there are several institutions that are involved in agriculture research of various kinds in Sarawak. We have the Agriculture Department, MARDI, CRAUN, and UNIMAS to name a few. Each of these institutions undoubtedly would have their strengths and limitations as well as their own priority research areas. Given the diverse interests and players, I am suggesting that the Sarawak Government should form a coordinating body which can identify and recommend priority research areas as well as to facilitate harnessing the resources of these institutions in a systematic manner to support the development of the agriculture sector.

Tuan Speaker, permit me to touch on a subject that is central to the development to commercial agriculture in Sarawak, especially on the adoption of the Agropolis concept approach. Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri has indicated in his speech during the April sitting of this august House that the Agropolis concept has been adopted as an approach for engaging entrepreneurs and the private sector to invest in commercial agriculture and downstream activities. I also understand that the Agropolis concept is a new enabling mechanism that aims to integrate and coordinate the development in the commercial agriculture and food industries in the state. The concept emphasizes value activities in the upstream and downstream activity levels, smart partnership and investment, application of high technology, and bringing together key players in the agro-industry supply chain.
From the limited information that I am able to gather on the Agropolis concept, I am convinced that the Agropolis can be a real catalyst in facilitating the greater participation and investment of private sector in commercial agriculture and food industries. For this I wish to offer my highest compliment to Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri for coming up with the idea. We all know that the smallholders and small entrepreneurs on their own, cannot bring about the accelerated pace of development that we expect from the agriculture sector. Hence we need to harness the resources of the private sector in spear heading the development of commercial agriculture in the state.

Tuan Speaker, there are many potential investors out there who are very keen to go into commercial agriculture projects, be those may be in the upstream or downstream activities. Quite often however, they are at loss as to where to start. There is a myriad of agencies that provide information which are critical in business and investment decision-making. While those of the bigger players may be able to rely on their own sources of information, many will have to rely on government agencies to provide such information. In their decision-making, potential investors may need access to a variety of information relating to industry statistics, marketing, government incentives, government policy, land bank, production technology, quality standards, international trade regulations on specific products, cost of production, state of support industries, transportation and handling, just to name a few. At present, a potential investor needs to run around to several agencies in order to obtain those types of information. I would like, therefore, to suggest that as part of the Agropolis set up, the government should set up a dedicated center where a potential investor could have access to all those information.

The purpose of such a center is to provide the potential investor with a least the basic information to enable them to develop their idea further. If there is a need for a very specific and detail information, the center should then refer to investors, the investor to the relevant sources. One can also imagine that such a center to have online connection with the website of relevant agencies to facilitate further queries and consultation.

I sincerely believe that such a business information center would be able to serve the needs of both the large investor as well as small entrepreneur in pursuing investment in the agriculture sector.

Tuan Speaker, I have covered in broad and general term the big issues raised in the speech of Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri under development ideas that can bring impact to us in the future. I have also touched on the development area that has been profounded by Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Ketua Menteri, as our leader and development architect over the years through his politics of development. I have specially focused my speech at the modernization and commercialization of agriculture in the state through this agropolis concept.

Before I conclude, I wish, therefore, to put up two suggestions for considerations which not only cover the need of my constituency, Lambir but also the larger need of greater Miri Resort City.

First, is the development of tourism along the Miri/Bakam/Bekenu/Niah Coastal areas. With the completion of the coastal road, we already have a first class infrastructure in place to enable us to visit the many attractive places for tourism development. I would urge the Ministry of Tourism and Sarawak Tourism Board to study the whole area and plan its development. When developed, the area can be like the Kota Kinabalu tourism belt or tourism area or like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairn of Queensland in Australia. These developments I believe will bring about new employment, new opportunities for Miri, for Lambir, for Bekenu and all its hinterland and this of course, will complement the greater Mulu, our world heritage.

Tuan Speaker, the second proposal is to explore the modernization, commercialization and intensification of agriculture development through Agropolis concept in parallel with the coastal tourism belt of the Miri/Bakam/Bekenu and Niah area. We can explore market gardening, horticulture and floriculture which will compliment the development of tourism especially in the northern part of Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker, these two big proposals will add values to our present economic activities and I hope they can be studied within the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Tuan Speaker, with the above, first, I would like to say a big “Thank You” to you for your indulgence. I therefore beg to second the motion of appreciation to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri’s address in this august House on the 24th July, 2006, which has been proposed by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tasik Biru.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, we have a lunch break. Sitting resumes at 2:00 p.m.

(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 12:35 petamg)

(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 2.21 petang)

[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan mesyuarat]

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, the question is that the Motion in the name of the Honourable Member for Tasik Biru, Yang Berhormat Encik Peter Nansian Nguse be approved. Before I call upon Honourable Members to debate on the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s address, I would like to inform that three days have been set aside for Honourable Members who are not members of the Cabinet to debate on the TYT’s address, that is, from today, 26th July till 28th July, 2006. Specific time, specific time limit under Standing Order 31( may be imposed if there are too many members wishing to speak on the last day, that is, Friday, 28th July, 2006. The replies by the Ministers will be on 31st July to 2nd August, 2006. Any Honourable Member wishes to speak. Ahli Yang Berhormat for Batu Kawah.

Y.B. Encik Tan Joo Phoi: Tuan Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity given to me to speak in this august House. First and foremost, I would like to address my motion of appreciation in support of TYT’s policy’s speech during the opening of this august House, on the 24th July 2006. I must congratulate all those who have won in the last State election, especially my colleagues in the Barisan Nasional. My utmost thanks to the state leadership under Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and all the leaders in the Barisan Nasional component parties for having the trust on me to represent the government in Batu Kawah. The victory means that Sarawak politics are stable once again and continuity is maintained. I must also mention that the defeat of my colleagues also provides an opportunity to ponder on the past and to look forward to a better future. History has proven that there is no invention of success without failure or mistakes. Setbacks are actually giving time for us to identify the weaknesses and to capitalize on the strength to go even further than the last success.

Tuan Speaker, my Batu Kawah area may not be big. The constituency is a mixture of urban and sub-urban areas as well as kampung from Landeh, Batu Kitang to Sinar Budi and Rantau Panjang. The decision of the voters in my constituency to vote for Barisan Nasional has been the right choice. I must thank them and I promise my best service to them. Based on the resources available, their hope for progress in their kampung, housing estates and commercial areas will be fulfilled. Being an elected member of the Dewan Undangan Negeri for the first time, I pledge the best service possible. I shall work closely with the voters to ensure that projects implemented are really what the public want and also benefit everyone.

Tuan Speaker, land issue is a hot topic and I would like to highlight my views and observations for this topic. Sarawak is blessed with abundance of resources of impertinent land where currently we have a population of approximately 2.2 million residing over 124,449.5 per sq kilometers of land mast or 17.68 person per sq kilometers compared with the national average of more than 80 person per sq kilomenters. In terms of population density, West Malaysia is almost ten times that of Sarawak. In West Malaysia, most of the land in the built-up areas are free-hold land. For example in the Klang Valley covering the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, there are definitely more free-hold properties than lease-hold properties for a built-up area. The lease-hold properties in West Malaysia are mainly of 99-year lease compared to Sarawak’s 60-year lease. However, in recent years, I am happy to note that the state government has recognized the 60-year lease is too short by granting alienation of state land for mixed development on 99-year lease-hold. And the notables are the Bandar Semariang project and Zecon project next to the High Court Complex in Petra Jaya, Kuching. The Pulau Lee Wah project in Sibu and also some development in Miri. It is the fervent hope of the people that the government will issue the 99-year lease-hold for all the new leases and also in the extension of renewal of expired leases in the future.

A recent development in the banking industry is that due to the escalating cost of housing and with a view to assist the government to alleviate the housing woes, particularly in the highly urbanized areas in the city, the banks are exploring the possibility of giving out long tenure loans to be paid over two generations. Longer loan tenure will translate into lower monthly repayment which makes houses more affordable to the urban dwellers. These loans can only be granted if the lease-hold properties use as a collateral have a corresponding and expiry lease spanning over the tenure of the repayment period. With the 60 years issue, few properties in Sarawak will be able to be financed on the proposed tenure loans and hence Sarawakian in general will not benefit from the scheme. It is pertinent to note that the cost of housing in Sarawak urban area has gone up by leaps and bounds especially in the state capital of Kuching where the prices of houses have sky-rocketed over the last ten years. I remember that as recent as 1992, a semi-detached house in the good suburbs in Kuching such as the popular Tabuan Jaya area was sold at RM160,000. Today, a similar semi-detached house in the same area fetches more than RM400,000.

It is not uncommon to see intermediate houses selling over RM300,000. The salary of a fixed income earner in Kuching certainly has not gone up by even 30% over the same period. Therefore, housing in Kuching is becoming a real problem for the fixed income earners.

The State Government has done a great deal by building a lot of low cost houses now branded as HDC Houses by our Honourable Minister for Housing, Y.B. Dato Sri Abang Zohari bin Tun Haji Openg for the lower income group. But the group of people who are earning income marginally above the limit of eligible for HDC houses are the ones who are the victims of the housing rules. The people who fall under this group are not entitled to apply for HDC houses and at the same time they cannot afford to buy houses developed by private developers.

The long tenure loan will come in handy for this group of people and I appeal to the State Government to consider 99-year leasehold or even freehold for build up properties in order to benefit the urban masses. This is reasonable in the light that as I said in the beginning of my speech, Sarawak is blessed with plenty of land for its people.

Tuan Speaker, I would to touch on the extension of the leasehold. Currently, the Land and Survey Department only consider application for extension on leasors worth less than five years of expired lease. This practice is considered necessary by the authority as five years is regarded by the department as the time close enough to the expiry date for the government to assess the planning requirement of any particular area.

Many have expressed grievances over this practice. One point which we all must come to term with is that no right minded government in the world, will tell its people in the build up residential suburb such as Kenyalang Park in Kuching that the leasehold will not be extended because the government need the land for certain public purposes.

If this is done, it will turn the residents into squatters overnight come 31st of December, 2015 and will result in an extremely unfair situation when many of the residents have spent 30 years of their saving paying for their houses and are now told that they have lost their houses and they have to leave. Compare with this the situation where the State Government had in the past been handing out land titles or build houses to resettle squatters on the state land.

Below there are two scenarios which will illustrate the gravity or the seriousness of the problems create by this practice.

Scenario number one: Mr. A, aged 62 a retired hawker bought his single storey terrace house in Kenyalang Park in the 1960s and has been staying there ever since. He has three sons of which two are married with two grandchildren each. All are staying with him. The house has three bedrooms. One occupied by Mr. A and his wife. The other two rooms are occupied by Mr. A’s married sons and their respective spouses and kids. Mr. A’s youngest son 23, who is not married has to sleep on a mattress in the living room and he has been doing that for the past five years since his second brother got married.
The family would love to move into a bigger house as it is very too tight in a house with eleven inside a build up area of a little more than 600 sq feet. The anxiety is growing by the day as the eldest grandchildren of Mr. A is now fifteen and she is staying in the same room with the parents and on the same bed with the brother who is thirteen years old.

Mr. A’s eldest son, 37 and his youngest now run the family vegetable store at the nearby Kenyalang Market. Mr. A’s second son works as a security guard. The only way out for Mr. A is to sell his Kenyalang house and use the proceed as the deposit to get a bigger house but he cannot sell the house because no bank would finance the purchaser as the leasehold has only 90 years to run. Mr. A is stuck in his Kenyalang house at least for the next 90 years feeling frustrated and not knowing what to do.

Mr. B and his son are feeling helpless and blame the government for not allowing the leasehold to be extended further.

The two scenarios are typical of what is happening at Kenyalang Park and other residential estates in Sarawak where the leasehold properties have its expiry date drawing near but not near enough to the five years limit laid down by the Land and Survey Department as the inconvenient date for the application for extension of the leasehold. The properties are still be not marketable and not bankable.

In West Malaysia, where the National Land Code is applicable as 228 provides that the registered proprietor got a statutory rights to apply for extension of leasehold at any time before the expiry of the leasehold.

I would like to further describe the scenario two. Mr. B, a retired civil servant and pensioner bought his Kenyalang house at the same time as Mr. A. Mr. B is luckier. He has only one son and he has fully repaid his Borneo Housing loan ten years ago. Mr. B’s son is bright the proven himself to be a successful salesperson. Mr. B’s son feels that he is ready to come out on his own and needs about RM50,000 as a start up capital. Even though Mr. B is supportive of the idea, he has no saving on his managed salary while in the civil service and his gratuity received during the retirement was spent on the two son’s wedding and the wife’s medical bill when her kidney failed to function two years ago.

The only way is for Mr. B to use his colonial house as a security to raise a loan for his son. Mr. B and his son have called every bank in Kuching and none of them would lend them money citing short leasehold as the reason. Since it is unlikely that the government would not extend the house leasehold for a build up residential estate, I venture to propose that application for extension should be entertained by the Land and Survey Department at any time.

Tuan Speaker, I would like now to touch on the premium chargeable on extension. It is noted that there is a guideline issued by the Land and Survey Department in 1994 which indicated that the rate of premium for the re-alienation of land is in the region ranging from 40% to 60% of the market value of the vacant land of the subject property.

I understand that the government is still studying in depth the rate of premium to be imposed for the extension of titled land. The government must take into consideration in particular, the case of residential houses, where, the majority of the people worked for their whole life just to purchase one house. By the time they finished repaying their loan they would be retired and the government cannot expect them to be able to afford to pay a lot.

In West Malaysia, most states charge 0.25% of the market value of the vacant land per year on lease extended. In the case of Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, the premium for the extension is only 6.25% of the market value of the vacant land pro rata the number of years to be extended.

Why? We may have to consider collections of premium for extension as a source of income for the government in time to come. The amount raised would not be much compared to the cases where the government alienated huge parcels of land for oil palm plantations to corporate sectors who can afford to pay. Therefore under the circumstance, I humbly propose that the premium chargeable should be less than 10% of the market value of the vacant land and is to be paid over ten years.

Tuan Speaker, as the Chairman of Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) I will touch not only on my constituency but also the MPP area. Like my constituency the area of MPP is big, even bigger than the Kuching City Council and the Sibu Municipal Council both in terms of areas and population, worth over 300,000 person staying in over 47,000 properties in our area, MPP needs attention in terms of funds and planning.

During the Eighth Malaysian Plan, MPP has spent all the RM23 million allocated by the government. This is against the RM60 million to RM98 million each allocated in the same plan to our big brothers, MBKS and DBKU and to the other urban centres in Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker, like my Batu Kawah Constituency, the MPP area is a mixture of development. Commercial areas are found at Matang Jaya and Batu Kawah New Township. The traditional areas are at Sungai Maong Besar that is 3rd Mile Bazaar, Kota Sentosa, Kota Padawan, Siburan, Beratok and Tapah Village.

It must be noted that the focus of development in Kuching is now on the outskirt of the city. Land is scarce in the City. Obviously expansion goes to the land in the outskirt along the Jalan Matang and Jalan Batu Kawa including the link road where Taman Malihah is located. Another area focus is the Kuching-Serian Road.

As a sign of progress in Sarawak, MPP approved more than 10,000 units of new residential and commercial different houses in the MPP last year. For one year we approved more than 10,000 units of new residential and commercial houses. And during the same year, more than 3,000 new houses were completed. The fast pace of development by the private sector in the MPP area must be noted and MPP has no choice but to upgrade the services and infrastructure in its area of jurisdiction.

Why? The MPP revenue is increasing, the rate of urbanization is also fast coupled with the rising expectation of the rakyat. Trieneken service now reached Kampung Ana Rais in the East and Kampung Telaga Air in the West. Request for street lightings also come from the villages nowadays.
As the fund allocated is not enough to maintain the infrastructures and provide services to the people extra fund are needed not only to build community halls and sport complexes but also to put more gardens in open spaces in the housing estates. MPP does not have big tamans like those found in other urban areas. Last year, we embarked on a new slogan that is “Good Living in the Suburb” to guide MPP and the public towards better services and creating a sense of belonging and pride among the public.

Through the slogan, MPP is bringing together the staff and members of the public in effort to create good living. Improved cleanliness, beautification, additional amenities and safety are recorded in areas where good living effort has taken place. Communities and MPP have joined hands to improve the living conditions in housing estates. Through such efforts, every ringgit that MPP has is stretched to have the most impact on the life of the rate payers.

Tuan Speaker from my own sources of fund, MPP is also embarking on landscaping projects. The 3rd Mile Flyover with landscape and turn into the Padawan Getaway to mark the entry point into the MPP area. The Batu Kawah road will also be landscaped in the next few months. Kota Sentosa and Kota Padawan will also benefit from this landscaping project. With the little fund available, we have started landscaping at the 4 ½ Mile Traffic Junction and will be turned into the Ceramic Crossing or “Persimpangan Seramik”. Sarawak Pottery has been popular and still a must visit for tourist especially from Semenanjung Malaysia.

We have a plan to make the place a clean and beautiful ceramic center for tourist and the locals alike. Once completed, the place will be well organized and attractive. We hope that it will complement the tourism attractions in Sarawak. We will get our operators there including our very own biggest ceramic firm to join hands in this cause. If possible, we built the biggest Sarawak Pottery and also the best sign board made of ceramics and tiles in the country in this growth work’s area.

Tuan Speaker, some of the MPP areas are located in low lying areas including wetlands. The area around Jalan Arang and Batu Kawah for example is one such area. There are drainage problems in the area and many of the drains need maintenance and upgrading. May I suggest that in the future, development of wetlands where possible be avoided. This is to avoid flooding that leads to expensive maintenance and problems to the rakyat staying in those areas. Road maintenance and upgrading is also another expensive area not only in Sarawak but also in MPP area. In this august House, I beg to ask for RM 62.5 million for implementations in the current plan. If this is too late, I hope that the attention be given during the mid-term review so that more funds are allocated to MPP areas in the years to come.

On the issue that the assessment in Sarawak is the highest in Malaysia, it is not true. I would like to clarify here because the percentage of the assessment is not the criteria to determine the amount of assessment to be paid. It is the Annual Ratable Value that determines the amount of the assessment to be paid. And in the case of Sarawak, the ARV or the Annual Ratable Value has not been revised since 1966; therefore, the ARV is still low for Sarawak. Even though the percentage of the assessment is high, the assessment paid is still very low. To conclude my maiden speech in this Dewan, Tuan Speaker, I would like to contribute to the development not only in Batu Kawah area but also in MPP area. I also hope that I can contribute to the development of Sarawak as a whole. We have a vision to be the leading and model local authority in the state. I hope that whatever projects we embark on now can be modest for others. On the tenth anniversary year of the elevation of MPP to a municipality, I hope our vision will be a reality in not too long a time. It has also been fifty years since the formation of KRDC, which also fall this year. It has been half a century of the development. The next half-century will surely be different for MPP.

Tuan Speaker, I wish you all the best in the proceeding of the Dewan and may Sarawak progress as the developed state before 2020. Terima kasih.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Tamin. Honourable Members, I am now giving chances to those who will deliver their maiden speeches. Honourable Member for Tamin.

Y.B. Encik Joseph Mauh anak Ikeh: Tuan Speaker, terima kasih, Tuan Speaker kerana memberi peluang kepada saya turut serta dengan rakan seperjuangan di Dewan yang mulia ini untuk membahaskan usul terima kasih Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Datuk Patinggi Haji Salahuddin pada Isnin, 24 Julai 2006 yang lepas.

Tuan Speaker, before delivering my maiden speech for the motion of thanks to the Tuan Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on his advice in his policy speech at the opening of this august House, his kind advice should be remembered by all the rakyat of Sarawak. I would also like to congratulate all the Sarawak Barisan Nasional ADUN victory in the recent concluded State Election. Secondly, I want to put on my record of thanks to voters of N.52 - Tamin for electing me to sit in this august House. I will try my best to my ability to serve my kawasan N.52 - Tamin and also to serve my country and my nation as a whole.

Sekali lagi saya menyatakan di sini bahawa kita di Negeri Sarawak sangat bernasib baik kerana kepimpinan Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Taib telah terbukti memacu Sarawak kepada era baru dalam gelombang kedua bagi memastikan objektif Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan akan tercapai.

Tuan Speaker, saya menganggap Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Pehin Sri Taib sebagai arkitek pemodenan Negeri Sarawak dalam merealisasikan dasar politik pembangunannya dan perjuangannya membawa Sarawak kepada sebuah negeri yang maju dan dapat dicontohi oleh negeri-negeri lain di Malaysia dari segi pembangunan dan perpaduan antara kaum.

Tuan Speaker, now I beg to move to touch on five main issues that I believe is very significant and very important to the policy speech by Tuan Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak during the opening of this august House on the 24th July, 2006. First, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on importance of unity among the diverse of races, religions, cultures of Malaysian or Sarawakian community that we are able to live together in peace and harmony. This is because of the good government of Barisan National who had a good track record dan Barisan Nasional adalah kerajaan yang mempunyai tradisi untuk membela rakyat tidak kira keturunan, bangsa, agama dan kebudayaan. Ini keunikan kerajaan Barisan Nasional sebuah kerajaan yang dapat menjadi contoh kepada kerajaan lain-lain di dunia.

Tuan Speaker, political stability which is the basis for the development for a state like Sarawak should be protected and defended by all of us including the opposition members of this august House so that all development plans can be successfully implemented especially the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the Vision 2020 can be achieved.

Human Capital

Now, I beg to move to the human capital. Tuan Speaker, sejak awal dekad tahun 90an, falsafah pembangunan menekankan aspek sosio-ekonomi yang lebih menjurus pembangunan modal insan atau sumber manusia mula dianggap sebagai salah satu elemen penting dalam pembangunan. Manusia bukan lagi dianggap sebagai makluk ekonomi tetapi juga modal insan yang menjanakan sosio-politik dan kebudayaan.

Tuan Speaker, Ampi Yassin, seorang ahli ekonomi dan penerima anugerah nobel pada tahun 1998 membukukan landasan teorikal pembangunan yang berpaut harus mengambil kira pembangunan modal insan agar keupayaan produktiviti manusia dapat digilap.

Tuan Speaker, pembangunan modal insan itulah dapat menentukan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang mampan dalam pelaksanaan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan yang berlandaskan lima teras utama misi nasional bertaut pada falsafah pembangunan modal insan sebagai elemen ekonomi dalam pembangunan negara. Modal insan atau human capital, it is common knowledge that human capital is one of the most crucial assets for achieving sustainable economic development. More sectors today are still depending heavily on productive workforce even though machine, computers have replaced some of the tasks that used to be performed by human. Unfortunately, where the high percentage of unemployment and many of them are university graduates, this is a waste of human capital on whom the government had spent large amount of money to educate them. I urge the government to take bold and systematic efforts in fully utilising those workforce. I suggest the government should make joint effort with the private sector in absorbing this workforce.

Tuan Speaker, the third, I would like to touch on the roles of our youth. In line with the development of human capital that I have touched earlier, we must recognize the roles of our youth. Statistic shows majority of our population consist of the young people. Youth of today are the adults of tomorrow. Even while in their youthful age, they are playing many important roles in our society:

(a) They are our future leaders;
(b) they are productive workforce;
(c) they are our thinkers;
(d) they are our inventors; and
(e) they are our money makers etc.

Those roles spelt how important they are to our society. Their quality today will determine their performance for tomorrow. Responsible youths of today will be good productive adult citizens of tomorrow. I, therefore, urge the government to provide opportunities for our youth especially those coming from rural areas to be trained and equipped with entrepreneur skills. Both the public and private sectors are not be able to absorb all our marketable workforce but with the entrepreneur skills that they have acquired they can become entrepreneurs themselves instead of just mere employees and thus providing the society with the much needed products and services.

The available human capital now in our country will therefore not go to waste. The government must set mechanism to get all youths fully involve in such training. Currently, we have for example, Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak (SEDC) provide such training in collaboration with various agencies. For instance, the Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi but unfortunately, not many of our youth are aware of such training opportunities that the mechanism that I have referred will be responsible in getting full participation of our youth.

Tuan Speaker, now I would also like to touch on the globalization. It is a definition well understood. I would not touch that. I want to stress on the preparation in facing of our state and our nation. Globalization is something that we can’t avoid today. Its immediate effect, is that the world, in terms of electronic transfer or transmission of data and information has become borderless world. Transformation of data and information is done with a second from any parts to the parts of the globe. The good thing about, I need not mention here, that is already acknowledged. The main questions are, are all of us prepared for it? May I guess not both young and old and more those living in rural areas where computer or Internet is almost unknown. I am of the opinion therefore also my request that the government provide effective mechanism in preparing our young people especially those in rural areas in facing the waves of globalization. It will be a cultural shock for those who expose to the Internet for the first time. You must be prepared against negative element that come with it for instant, pornographic literatures or opinion that maliciously discrediting the government or those postings the malicious disparaging/defaming living of the deceased individuals. How that mechanism operates or the nature of the mechanism for the expert to decide or design? I am only urging the government to come forward with the necessary mechanism before its serious negative effects become incurable.

Isu yang kelima, ingin saya menyentuh berkenaan dengan “Rural Development” (Pembangunan Luar Bandar). Tuan Speaker, seterusnya, saya ingin menyentuh sedikit mengenai ‘rural development’. Pertama, saya juga ingin memuji langkah dan usaha kerajaan yang terus memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan luar bandar dengan menyediakan peruntukan yang besar bagi menyediakan kemudahan infrastruktur seperti jalanraya, (jalan luar bandar, jalan kampung, jalan ladang) juga bekalan air dan bekalan elektrik.

Seperti yang semua sedia maklum, pembangunan infrastruktur khususnya jalan raya amat-amat penting yang dijadikan sebagai kemudahan asas kepada pergerakan ekonomi luar bandar. Tanpa jalan raya, sudah tentu sukar bagi penduduk-penduduk memajukan ekonomi mereka. Inilah yang terjadi kepada mereka yang tinggal di kawasan Ulu Mukah, Ulu Oya dan setengah-setengah rumah panjang di kawasan saya N.52�"Tamin yang belum mempunyai jalan raya untuk menghubungkan mereka dengan jalan utama, Jalan Sibu/Bintulu.
Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih ke atas inisiatif kerajaan di bawah Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar yang menekankan pembangunan modal insan dalam usaha memajukan kawasan luar Bandar seperti yang telah saya nyatakan pada awal tadi. Perkara ini harus diutamakan dan saya menyokong penuh langkah ini dan semoga pelaksanaan dapat memperluaskan meliputi semua penduduk agar mereka dapat cepat sedar, dapat memahami dan mengetahui peranan masing-masing untuk sama bergerak maju untuk menuju matlamat wawasan 2020. Untuk itu saya memohon agar kerajaan memperuntukkan yang lebih banyak kepada program pembangunan insan khasnya untuk mengendalikan program latihan atau kursus pembangunan insan luar bandar.

Saya ingin juga memohon agar lebih banyak Pusat-Pusat Sumber Pembangunan Luar Bandar atau desa seperti yang terdapat di Layar Betong dapat di bina dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan. Pusat ini amat penting untuk membina kesedaran dan perubahan minda arah pemikiran yang lebih tahu, lebih faham erti lebih pembangunan, hala tuju dan matlamat sebenar yang mereka tempohi. Oleh itu, saya memohon agar satu pusat sumber pembangunan desa dapat dibangunkan di Daerah Selangau pada masa akan datang. Saya juga meminta kerajaan supaya membangunkan lebih banyak lagi Pusat Pertumbuhan Desa (RGC) di seluruh Negeri Sarawak termasuk juga di Daerah Selangau. Lokasinya terpulang kepada kerajaan untuk menentukan. Pusat ini amat penting kepada pemangkin kepada Pembangunan Luar Bandar. Dengan ada RGC di Daerah Selangau kelak sudah tentu ianya akan menjanakan lagi pembangunan ekonomi luar bandar sekaligus dapat membantu memajukan luar bandar.

Tuan Speaker, di sini saya juga ingin menyentuh sedikit mengenai pelaksanaan projek pembangunan tanah NCR yang telah dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan khasnya di Daerah Selangau di Kawasan saya, N.52.

Pertama saya ingin mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada kerajaan kerana telah meluluskan empat buah projek pembangunan tanah NCR di Daerah Selangau, iaitu Projek Tanah NCR Meruan Dijih, Projek Tanah NCR Ulu Selangau, Projek Tanah NCR Ulu Balingian dan Projek Tanah NCR Sepapa Ulu Tamin Oya. Setakat ini hanya dua buah projek telah dilaksanakan iaitu projek ladang getah Ulu Selangau dan Projek Ladang Meruan Dijih manakala dua buah projek lagi belum masih dapat dilaksanakan.

Tuan Speaker, dasar kerajaan memajukan tanah NCR melalui konsep baru pembangunan tanah NCR secara berskala besar melalui usahasama sektor swasta atau melalui konsep smart partnership dan commercial orientated adalah satu tindakan bijak Kerajaan bagi memajukan potensi sumber ekonomi luar bandar iaitu tanah NCR yang masih terbiar ditumbuhi semak samun sejak sekian lama, tidak dapat dibangunkan oleh pemilik-pemiliknya, dan ini menyebabkan tanah-tanah tersebut tidak banyak memberi keuntungan kepada pemilik-pemiliknya, dan sekiranya tanah-tanah itu masih tidak dimajukan, sudah tentu merugikan kita. Kini sejak bermulanya program pembangunan tanah ini dilaksanakan khususnya di Daerah Selangau pada tahun 1998, kita dapati ia telah banyak mengubah corak pembangunan luar Bandar terutama dengan mewujudkan peluang-peluang pekerjaan dan perniagaan kepada penduduk-penduduk setempat sama ada secara langsung atau tidak, kini pekan Selangau semakin hari semakin sibuk. Kenderaan seperti motosikal dan kereta juga semakin bertambah.

Tuan Speaker, oleh itu saya minta kerajaan agar terus memberi penekanan kepada program pembangunan tanah ini dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, sekaligus dengan mempercepatkan pelaksanaan projek yang telah diluluskan, iaitu Projek NCR Ulu Balingan dan Projek NCR Sepapa, Ulu Oya di kawasan saya. Dengan ada program pembangunan tanah seperti ini, penduduk-penduduk di luar bandar mula sedar bahawa sumber ekonomi luar bandar harus dimajukan. Saya katakan kesedaran minda mereka sudah mula berubah walaupun belum sampai ke tahap yang kita harapkan. Mereka sudah mula mengenali dan melihat setiap program pembangunan itu secara menyeluruh yang akan membawa kemajuan dalam jangka masa yang panjang kepada mereka. Bukan hanya setakat dividen atau bonus sahaja yang akan diterima seperti yang dijanjikan setelah ladang itu berjaya mengeluarkan hasil.

Tuan Speaker, untuk itu usaha yang lebih bersungguh harus kita lakukan. Mereka amat mengharapkan kerajaan dapat membuktikan bahawa program pembangunan tanah NCR yang dilaksanakan dapat membela hidup mereka dalam menghadapi hari-hari yang mendatang. Oleh itu saya mencadangkan agar semua pihak yang terlibat dengan program pembangunan tanah mencari strategi atau formula baru bagi membentuk mekanisma yang lebih baik, lebih komprehensif kearah memantapkan lagi kejayaan pelaksanaan projek ini. Kita juga mahu perlaksanaan projek NCR ini dipercepatkan kerana kelewatan boleh menghakis keyakinan pihak pelabur dan pemilik-pemilik tanah itu sendiri terhadap ketelusan dan kejujuran usaha murni kerajaan membangun tanah NCR selaras dengan matlamat sebenar Kerajaan membantu pembangunan tanah di penduduk kawasan luar bandar itu.

Namun, walau bagaimanapun, tidak semua penduduk di luar bandar mempunyai tanah NCR yang besar atau luas seperti yang diperlukan. Maka untuk itu Kerajaan harus juga memberi penekanan kepada cara atau kaedah yang lain untuk membantu pemilik tanah NCR yang berkeluasan kecil untuk sama-sama dimajukan. Apa cara yang digunakan itu terpulang kepada kerajaan asalkan ia memberi faedah kepada pemilik-pemiliknya dengan sekaligus kepada pembangunan ekonomi negara.

Tuan Speaker, seperti yang kita semua sedia maklum, sekarang harga getah amat memberansangkan. Pekebun-pekebun getah telah menikmati pendapatan yang agak baik khususnya bagi mereka yang mempunyai kebun yang sudah matang untuk ditoreh. Namun saya dapati ramai juga penduduk di kawasan saya N.52�"Tamin atau di kawasan Parlimen Selangau tidak mempunyai kebun getah. Ada juga kebun getah mereka sudah sangat tua. Tidak mampu mengeluarkan susu getah banyak. Maka dengan ini, saya memohon kerajaan menyediakan pelan pembangunan baru tanaman getah di kawasan Daerah Selangau kerana saya dapati masih banyak tanah yang masih terbiar. Oleh itu, adalah lebih baik kalau ia dapat dimajukan dengan tanaman getah atau lain-lain tanaman menguntungkan dengan ada pasaran serta keperluan untuk masa depan.

Finally, I now touch on matters affect my Constituency N.52�"Tamin. Tuan Speaker, first Balai Bomba.

Balai Bomba

Many requests had been made when I was a Member of Parliament in the past few years, but, by to date one Balai Bomba is yet to be seen or built. Many properties had been destroyed by fire in Selangau/Tamin. One of them was the old bazaar several years ago. I request the Government to build one Balai Bomba at Selangau town because Selangau town is about 80km from Sibu. So, the firemen from Sibu can come in time when the houses or the shophouses been destroying by fire.

Multi-Purpose Hall

I also would like to touch on the multi-purpose hall. Whenever the people in Selangau are having public function, there is always a problem with venue. Last time we had a badminton hall built by Selangau residence themselves that has been burnt down. The people sometime used JKR deport which is all year round covered with birds dropping. Other than that, the people had no other place to use. I urge the government to build one reasonable big multi-purpose hall for Selangau, because Selangau is already a district and deserve to have one such hall. I come to understand that, Tuan Speaker, the land have been compensated recently. I do hope the building of this multi-purpose hall can be carried out as soon as possible.

Secondary School

Even though building of secondary school is under the purview of Federal Government, it is not appropriate for me to touch on this matter. Here, as the state is also an interested party in the area of education. Selangau has grown from a humble village into district, town of considerable size in terms of population and inter-related social needs. One of them is a secondary school. To cater to the need of the increasing school-going children, I am bringing the request for Tamin/Selangau population and voters asking the government to build one secondary school near Selangau town. We have two secondary school at the moment, there is SMK Ulu Balingian and SMK Luar Bandar Sibu which had absorbing students from Selangau are not only too far but also cannot provide enough space and already be very crowded. Therefore, I would like once again to ask the Government to build another new secondary school just to accommodate the increase of number of student from time to time under Selangor. The other one is Community College.

Community College

On the reason as I mentioned earlier there is also a need for one community college to be built in Selangau. Like any other places in Malaysia, the needs for such institution in Selangau is urgent important. I therefore, request the government to build one college community in Selangau. College which will provide with necessary skills for our youths in preparing themselves to become productive citizens especially to those students who cannot pursue their further studies to the institutions of higher learning.

Tuan Speaker, I would like to request the government to increase the number of staff this in existing government clinic in Selangau. Currently there are acute shortage of personnel including drivers, nurses, medical assistants and the supporting staff and in relation to the growing population Selangau. I request the government address the problem as urgent as possible. I would like also to request to increase staff of police personnel for police station in Selangau and urge the government to speed up the construction of new police station as the land has been compensated.
Tuan Speaker, I have covered all the issues that I mentioned earlier. I would like to take this opportunity, once again, to thank, Tuan Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to address this august House. Thank you very much.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Pending. Eh.. sorry, Batu Lintang.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Tuan Speaker, thank you, Tuan Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to debate on the motion of thanks of the speech of Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. I am indeed very honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity to speak by Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker, I also stand guided by Tuan Speaker, of this august, of this procedure of this august House, to ensure the debates, the House could proceed smoothly without unnecessarily interruptions. I hope for every opportunity to speak, I would be able to speak the voice of the people and to put across to the floor my views and the views of my party the Democratic Action Party in Sarawak in respect of the issues facing the people, the state, in the nation and the hope of the people, the state in the nation that progress together with better racial harmony without discrimination, prejudice and also without inequality. We are here to speak to ensure greater efficiency, transparency and better governance with the view to ensure equality and better justice for all. We are also here to ensure that developments should not be confined to certain places, towns and cities only or pace of developments of certain places be slowed down.

I respectfully and humbly suggest that, Tuan Speaker, would agree that our presence here as elected with representative are not simply to criticize for the sake of criticizing but to put forward constructive criticisms with the view to improve the government machineries and also with the view to help the State Cabinet achieve the goals set for the benefit of the people.

Of course, Tuan Speaker, with the matters taken by the Government Departments or by the State Government may adversely affect the well-being, live and livelihood of the people and their future generations, I shall together with my comrades is responsible members of this august House, critically put our views and criticisms forward. We shall speak without fear and favour. With ideas and constructive criticisms put forward in this august House, we hope the state will become a develop State faster than many States in our beloved country, Malaysia. We also hope that Sarawak will be a model State in many aspects of development.

May I please, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on Ninth Malaysia Plan. My comrades, Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kidurong will also rise later on to speak on the same topic, Tuan Speaker. May, Tuan Speaker, the concern with the weaknesses of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I speak on the third to the fifth trust, you know.

Tuan Speaker: Ya, ya, ya.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Tuan Speaker, while my colleagues will also speak on first and second trust. To continue, the third trust is that, there is a need to address persistent socio-economic inequalities constructively and productively or achieving growth with distribution. The reason for such gap between rich and poor is the NEP. The NEP’s greaters weakness was breeding rampant corruption and abuses of power. The country lose US$4 billion in foreign exchange trading in 1993, Perwaja’s RM10 billion losses, Bank Bumiputra RM3.5 billion scandals as well as wholesale distribution of APs and tens of millions of shares to cronies, children and relatives of Barisan Nasional leaders and Ministers.

Malaysia has the worst income inequality in South-East Asia. The UNHDP Report 2004 shows that the richest 10% in Malaysia records 38.4% of our economic income as compared to our poorest 10% controlling only 1.7%. Intra-ethnic income inequality within bumiputera is worse than within Chinese, Indians and Dayaks.

Why is there no real strategy to address the growing intra-ethnic income and inequality which validates that the NEP benefits the few who are rich at the expense of the majority who remain poor.

The Ninth Malaysia Plan rightly places great emphasis on the issue of poverty. Chapter 16 in one sense, is the center piece. It is clear that significant number of Malaysians continue to live in poverty despite rapid economic growth and sensible allocations for poverty eradication under previous five year plan. That absolute poverty remains despite this factor points to policy failure, incompetent implementation and failure of the political will to make adjustments.

The plan acknowledges the fact that income distribution has worsened with the bottom 40% of households receiving 13.5% of total income deteriorating from 14% in year 2000 whilst the top 20% showed an increase in the shares from 50.5% to 51.2% in the same period. Thus, the rich grows richer while the poor became poorer.

Our state with the leadership style of the Barisan Nasional in the past 25 years is guilty for not making sufficient efforts to help eradicate poverty. Rather under the regime of the 25 years, we have seen the rich getting richer, the poor poorer. Look at our Dayak friends in the state, peda bansa Iban, especially in the rural areas. The answer that poverty is abundant in Sarawak is obvious. The NEP does not address sufficiently their poverty. Yet what has political leaders in the Barisan Nasional done to alleviate or eradicate poverty. May please Dayak leaders stand up, help the Dayak people.

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, point of clarification. Could you just substantiate that the Dayaks in rural areas are poor.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I think you may know the answer yourself. The 2004 … (Interruption).

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): I think you are making an allegation for that.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I am not … (Interruption)

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): You are not a Dayak.
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: You can see youself. The 2004 UNDP Human Development Report reveals that Malaysia has the worst income distribution pattern in this region with the richest 10% controlling 38.4% of the total income while the poorest 10% has only 1.7%. These data cry out for an explanation.

The Plan largely glosses over the issue and fails to acknowledge that a considerable part of explanation lies in the disastrous distributional policies that would pursue exemplified by handouts to the corporate sectors, cronyism policies, labour or wage policies and a fiscal regime that penalizes consumers and wage earners. Beyond the rhetoric, it is clear the fundamental policies that will continue. It is no consolation to the poor that the distributional agenda would be pursued more fairly through capacity building and raising competitiveness. No new specific poverty policies are spelt out. It is irresponsible governance to say the least.

What is proposed is a continuation of failed approaches and programmes. The development allocation for the poverty alleviation prong under the Ninth Malaysia Plan is RM4.5 billion as compared to RM7 billion for the restructuring of society prong which are most telling as to which development goal has the higher priority. The development allocation for Sarawak has been reduced in percentage terms for the Ninth Malaysia Plan as compared to the Eighth Malaysia Plan.

Sarawak is getting less for every dollar spent on Ninth Malaysia Plan as compared to Eighth Malaysia Plan. Allocation for Sarawak in the Eighth Malaysia Plan was RM12,812 million out of a total allocation of RM170,000 million which in the Ninth Malaysia Plan though the allocation is RM13,437 million but that is out of a total allocation of RM200 million in terms of percentage, it was 7.54% under the Eighth Malaysia Plan and only 6.72% in the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

What has the Barisan Nasional leadership in Sarawak done in view of this reduction. Precisely very little has been done. I only saw in papers some leaders of the SUPP singing praises for this meagre allocation and given thanks for the small allocation. While the government says it wants to reduce regional imbalances, state’s spending plans in new economic programmes do not seem to reflect this as a priority.

Favourably developed Kuala Lumpur alone has been allocated RM31 billion while less developed Sabah and Sarawak have been allocated only RM29 billion. Sarawak deserves more and better especially when a great number of the incidence of poverty and hard core poor are in Sarawak. And in the infrastructure development Table 18-1 of the Ninth Malaysia Plan Report, road development index that is RDI shows that Sarawak is the least developed in terms of development of roads. From the years 2000 to 2005, Sabah increased by more than 5,000 km of roads while Sarawak only increased by only 243 km of roads.

What has the Sarawak’s Minister for Infrastucture Development done? How many proposals have been presented to the Federal Cabinet? You have not spoken enough for Sarawak. The figures speak out loudly of your inefficiency. It is bad testimonial.

The fourth thrust of the Ninth Malaysia Plan is to improve the standard of sustainability of the quality of life, such a provision of basic amenities of water, electricity and standard of living. Rural Sarawak from many along the Kuching-Sri Aman Road, Bintulu-Miri Road, Bintulu-Sibu Road, to mention a few, are still not getting the basic pipe water with electricity supply, telephone lines and other basic amenities. You admit that? I knew this because I travelled in between these roads often.

On March 7th this year, my State Chairman, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek together with the Honourable Member of Parliament for Seputeh to a eco-tour of Bintulu-Sibu Road. The Seputeh Member of Parliament was shocked to see that although many longhouses are allocated just 50 metres from the roadside yet they do not have piped water, electricity supply, telephone lines and other basic amenities. It is a serious indictment that Barisan Nasional Government has done enough for our people especially in the rural area where mostly are the Dayaks.

This is the responsibility of the government who receives the tax payers’ money. To the tax payers, development must be given. It is a human right. Provisions of these services should not be privatized. Clearly the public is being forced to pay more, what was once basically cheap and this allowed some private companies to reap huge profits.

The fifth thrust is to strengthen the institutional and implementation capacity in government departments. To strengthen institutional capacity, the government has to be fair by ensuring that Malaysian Civil Service is not dominated by one race. As of June 2005, there were 899, 250 public servants, of whom 77.04% or 692,736 were Malays, the rest were 84,295 Chinese, that is 9.37%, 46,054 Indians, that is 5.12%, 69,828 other bumiputeras, 37.7% and 6,337 of other races, that is 0.70%.

Before the launching of the New Economic Policy in 1971, the racial breakdown of the Malaysian Civil Service comprised 60.8% Malays, 20.2% Chinese, 17.4% Indians and 1.6% others. We need to revamp a recruitment policy so that our Civil Service will present a more balanced presentation of all races in Malaysia. I believe a more racially balanced Civil Service would be able to better respond to situations which require the wisdom of all to safeguard the interest of everybody in our country and communities.

The Plan projects that 1.1 million net additional jobs will be created over the next five years with just under 400,000 of these requiring some form of tertiary qualifications (certificate, diploma, degree, masters or a PhD).

However, the figures revealed that there will be over 250,000 local graduates from both the private and public institutions of higher learning per year. This would means, taking into account exists from the labour market through deaths, retirements, emigration, etc. up to two-thirds or 66% of new graduates will not find graduate-level employment.

Moreover, there is a great need to reconcile the needs of the market with the education system currently found at the tertiary level. Tuan Speaker, these issues are hardly addressed in the Ninth Malaysia Plan. There is an urgent need to move resolutely towards reforms that will improve the quality of the system, produce graduates that are equipped to meet the challenges of a harshly competitive world.


Conditions of Roads and Drainage Systems in Batu Lintang Constituency

Tuan Speaker, may I now speak for the people of Batu Lintang state constituency which I have the honour to be their representative before this august House. The constituency itself is part of the city of Kuching with a voter population of more than 24,000 and I think, the estimated population of the constituency is nearly or about 50,000 or even much more. Many of the people in the constituency are not registered voters or are also not voters in the constituency itself, but, made their homes in the constituency. The constituency in the last few years also faced rapid development undertaken by private sectors. Many new housing estates mushroomed in the constituency and it is also estimated that there are at least 15,000 dwelling houses and shops. With such a huge population, one cannot deny that Batu Lintang constituency is in need of better infrastructures to keep up with life of a city.

Traffic jams within the constituency was a common sight, especially in the morning, afternoon and evening of each day. These were the time people had to be on the roads to and from their offices and their business establishments. Many of the roads in the constituency need to be widened, upgraded, resurfaced and resealed. Many of the roads in the constituency, especially in the Sungai Maong and Green Road areas were very bumpy, yet uneven with many potholes and patches of repairs at parts of the roads, rendering the roads not safe to travel. The roads such as Green Road, Jalan Kim Seng, Jalan Tengah, Jalan Intan, Jalan Nanas, Jalan Taman Eastern, Pisang Road West, Jalan Angsana, Gold Jade Road, Jalan Star Garden, Jalan Sky Garden, Lorong Sky Garden No. 6 and No. 8, Jalan Kepayang, Lorong Sungai Maong Ulu No. 3, Jalan Emerald and Jalan Sungai Maong Tengah all need at least to be resurfaced and resealed. The roads in Tabuan Dayak also need to be looked at as many of the roads within that area also need to be widened and repaired. All I have to say that Tabuan Dayak population mostly are the Dayaks there. The roads are very, very bad though they are the minority in this constituency. I pray that this government looks into the matter. Their rights have to be protected.

There are other roads within the constituency itself that also had to be taken care of, but, the roads that I mentioned are the roads that should be given priority by the State Government. Many of the constituents in the constituency informed me that many of these roads that I mentioned just now had never been resurfaced and resealed the last 15 to 20 years, although repairs were done in patches causing the roads to be more uneven and dangerous to road users. Personally, as a constituent who stayed in the constituency, I also did observe that many of these roads had never been resealed for the last 10 to 15 years.

Some of the roads, Tuan Speaker, I just mentioned, also need proper lightings and even there were lightings at some of these roads, improvement should also be made to ensure better safety and security for the roads. According to many of the people in the constituency, the facts that the roads were dark or with no or insufficient lightings had in the past caused many thefts and crime and due to the inconveniences' sake, many were not reported to the police for investigation.

Now, Tuan Speaker, not only that, many of the roads in the constituency have no road names or the road name plates have been removed and due to this I could not name other roads that also need repair, upgrading and resealing. I suggest that the absence of road name plates could have caused the public, beside postmen and police officers difficult to visit friends and relatives besides to send mail and trace locations of scene of crimes. This will in turn find mails not sent to the addresses in time or suspects be arrested to help solve crimes in the constituency. What would happen if a fire breaks out and firemen could not be able to locate the exact location of the fire just because road names where fire was could not be known?

May it please, Tuan Speaker, may this august House also be informed that Batu Lintang constituency was a flood prone constituency and floods were a common sight at short heavy rainfall. Every flood caused massive traffic jams and some vehicles had been abandoned on roads until flood subside. Office workers and businessmen found themselves could not reach their office and work places in time and this interrupted with their productivity.

School children were also affected if flood were to occur in mornings or evenings when school children were to school or back from school. Many found themselves late for classes. We do not wish floods to affect their school performance and also floods to affect the productivity of our businessmen and working people.

May it please, Tuan Speaker, the worst flood faced by the constituency, if my memory did not fail me, was in the years 2003 and 2004 where flood water rose up as high as nearly 10 feet into some dwelling houses. Much loss of property was caused by this flood and many school children also lost their school books and personal belongings.

Tuan Speaker, many if not most Ahli Yang Berhormat here in this august House, I suggest know how hurt a boy would be if he lost his schoolbags and textbooks, uniforms to floods and other disasters. These floods would still be common happenings in the near future in the constituency if we do not take steps to mitigate the occurrences of floods in the constituency. Here we may need funds and proper long term planning otherwise much property and may be lives will be lost.

May it please, Tuan Speaker. I learnt that the press statement in September 1991 said that a grant of sixty million dollars had been granted to improve the roads and drainage systems in the Batu Lintang constituency. But, regret that until now that such a huge amount of money, the road and drainage systems in Batu Lintang still not solved… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member, Dollars or Ringgit?

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I think many Members also read just now.

Tuan Speaker: No. Sixty million ringgit or sixty million dollars?

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Sixty million. Sixty million. Sorry, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Ringgit or dollar?

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: No. Dollars. There’s a dollar sign. That was before they turned it into RM last time.

This grant was made just days before the State Election at that time. Many voters in the constituency had asked me to speak in this august House to find out what happened to this huge sum of money, where they were spent, and on which roads, drains or projects. They also wanted to know who were the contractors at that time and if the funds had been spent it should also be spent during the first term of the then Ahli Yang Berhormat at that time and not thereafter.

I would fail, Tuan Speaker, in my duty and obligation if I do not raise this matter in this august House as requested upon by my constituents. With these, I hope the State Government would disclose or tell the people in the constituency where, how and when the money was spent and also seriously look into this matter of poor roads and flood in the constituency with a view to improve the road system and to mitigate the flood problem.

Tuan Speaker, at the same time, I would humbly say that about 60% to 70% of the drains in the Sungai Maong, Poh Kwong Park, Sky Garden, Star Garden and Green Road areas were clogged, need to be widen, deepened and reconstructed or repaired. Without a proper drainage system and without clogged drains being cleared, I fear the Batu Lintang Constituency will face more serious flash floods due to the rapid development in many parts of the constituency.

Increase Oil and Gas Royalties For Sarawak

I will now speak on the increase of oil and gas royalty in Sarawak. May it please you, Tuan Speaker. Our state produces oil and gas but it is regretted that our state could not all these years by the passing of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 get more than 5% in royalties for oil found off our coasts. This is something that most Sarawakians had considered as very unfair treatment by the Federal Government. With our oil money the Federal Government should realize that we helped West Malaysia’s development to what it is now, where it is now, there are better roads, hospitals, schools, universities, airports and other infrastructures. With roads, bridges, airports and other facilities built from our oil money, the Federal Government derived much income by way of taxes and tolls collected and this should be seen as an investment from our State by Federal Governments and the state should get the return of the profits of its investment.

The 5% we got from oil until now could not help us to have better transportation systems or even playgrounds for our children and leisure places for our aged people in the state. Since joining Malaysia in 1963, we still do not have a highway from Kuching to Lawas but only a trunk road with many potholes with uneven patches along the roads. It is observed that there is no road in Sarawak that is of comparable standard in terms of safety, design and structure, with any roads in West Malaysia. Oil is our property, our State’s property and there is no reason that the Federal Government should not by now let us take back what is ours. It is urged that the State Government should adopt a much more aggressive lobbying for the increment of the oil royalty and if possible to get the Federal Government surrender back our oil property 100%. (Applause)

When oil wells are dried up, to give us back 100% will, by then, be useless as, by then, no revenue could be derived from these oil wells. Without oil money, the State's development will be slow and in terms of development, we will be much left behind by West Malaysia.

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Now, may I speak on hospital and medical facilities. Tuan Speaker, compared to West Malaysia, the state is very far behind in terms of hospital and medical facilities. Although our Sarawak General Hospital had recently been extended with new blocks, but, the facilities could not now enough to house patients for a much more better medical care. A visit to the Sarawak General Hospital will show that patients had to cramp themselves with makeshift beds along the corridors and spaces were wanting for doctors and other medical staff to move around to treat patients. However, the doctors and medical staff should be commended for their tireless efforts to save patients and with the cramped spaces, they could still move and put certain machines and equipments when diagnosing and treating the patients.

The Sarawak General Hospital itself also lacked parking spaces although in recent years the car parks had been extended. In the next few years, Tuan Speaker, it is predicted that the overcrowding of patients in the Sarawak General Hospital, patients may not be able to receive proper medical attention and treatment. The doctors and medical staff will face a lot of work stress and in the end, the patients will have to suffer more and recovery from illnesses may be slow or not at all.

Therefore, Tuan Speaker, it is now high time that our State Government should seek the Federal Government to plan for another government hospital somewhere away from the City of Kuching. Maybe, Tuan Speaker, a location somewhere between the City and Serian should be an ideal place. A location between these places should be suggested because this is to provide medical facilities for the increased population of the suburban of the City. At the same time, since land outside the City of Kuching is not a problem for the government to build such a facility, proper planning of a more advanced medical facility should received attention from the government.

Another government hospital is a need and we should not depend on the private sectors to provide medical care and medical hospitals to cater the needs of the population. This private medical care centers and hospitals are normally very expensive which poor people could not afford.

Although there are organizations and individuals setting medical care centers not for profit, but, for humanitarian reasons, we do not have many of these organization and individuals. It was always very costly to run such medical centers, especially, when many professional medical staffs have to be employed and where state of art treatment machines and medicines have to be bought. These non-profit making medical centers may not in the long run be able to sustain the demand of footing the bills or expenses of daily needs of the medical centers. In order to overcome this problem, Tuan Speaker, the government should allocate annual funds to them. If fund for such non-profit making medical care centers and hospitals could be allocated by both the State and Federal Governments, most probably many more organizations and individuals in our society would be willing to help build more medical care centers which we hope may in the very near future include facilities for cancer treatment and research, HIV and for other chronic diseases. The responsibility should lies with the government to provide sufficient annual grants to them. This in turn will also take off some of the burden of the government in the provision of medical care.

May it please you, Tuan Speaker, we should also think seriously of providing some form of medical insurance at least to our senior citizens. These senior citizens had worked hard during their younger days, helped the development of this Nation and State and contributed to the coffers of the nation and state by paying taxes. When they could not anymore work or fell sick, these senior citizens may not be able to earn to pay the medical fees when seeking treatment and surgeries. To this, some form of assistance should be provided, probably, through medical insurance taken out by both the State and Federal Governments.

The government may not be able to provide much, but, if the senior citizens who fell sick and need surgeries could get some form of assistance in paying off part of their medical fees, this would at least relieve the sick senior citizens and their families of some hardships. This in turn will help the society to understand the importance of medical insurance benefits.

At the same time, Tuan Speaker, the government would be looked at as a very caring government while at the same time will teach the society to be more caring towards each other by government taking the lead. At the moment we could not deny nor should we be blind to see for ourselves the sufferings of many sick senior citizens that need medical treatments, but, left to die slowly when they could not find enough money for proper medical care and treatment.

We should not also deny that there were cases where their loved ones also could not help these sick senior citizens to have proper medical attention as their loved ones could also hardly earn enough for themselves.

The need to control prices of building materials

Now, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on the control of prices for building materials.

Tuan Speaker, I would humbly say that prices of houses in the state especially in the city of Kuching is very high and could now be out of reach of most lower income or also many of the lower middle income group. Now in the city of Kuching, double storey terraced house is priced from around RM250,000 to RM370,000 depends on locality, design, size and quality of each house. A semi-detached house in the city of Kuching could now be priced between RM400,000 to RM650,000. Now in certain places in the city, detached houses could cost more than RM1 million. These houses were very expensive because it kept on increasing each year.

May I please, Tuan Speaker. We all know that many people in the lower income group used to find it difficult to make end meets and to send their children to school. On top of that they also have to look after their housing needs. It is observed that the State Government is aware of this problem and in the past few years had taken a very aggressive and proactive step to solve the housing needs of this group of people by building more low cost houses and flats. However, it was discovered that many of those from the lower income group of people were still reluctant to rent or to buy these low cost houses or flats on the simple reason that these low cost houses and flats were too small for their needs.

Another factor, Tuan Speaker, could probably be due to the poor workmanship and inferior quality of materials used in many of these low cost houses and flats. For example, in the housing estate of Rumah Perumahan Rakyat, Batu Kawah, some of the materials used for the walls of the building were asbestos sheets which could easily be damaged or broken when slightly hit with a hard object. Not only that, in some of these houses, the foundations were not strong or wanting and walls cracked within a few years of purchase and the purchasers had to abandon the house because they were no more fit as dwelling houses and could not be repaired anymore.

For example, Tuan Speaker, house Lot 749 at Lorong 10 of the said Rumah Perumahan Rakyat, Batu Kawah had been abandoned a few years ago. Another house at Lorong 12 also was abandoned and due to not being maintained, fire broke out, if not mistaken, on 29th June, 2006 most probably due to electricity short circuit which caused damage to other neighbouring houses.

It would be a sad thing if owners of the abandoned houses still have to pay installments of their houses to the banks or financial institutions despite the fact that the houses no more were fit or safe for human dwelling.

I also take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Housing and his ministry staff who visited the Rumah Perumahan Rakyat that was caught by fire. Thank you, Minister. The fire was within my own constituency. I was made to understand that the Minister is looking into the matter seriously to help them resettle.

However, to the lower income groups, most, if not all of them, considered themselves lucky if they could buy or rent these low cost houses or flats but although lucky, the size of the low cost houses or flats may at times caused much embarrassment when visitors or relatives came to visit them found it difficult to sit or move around as their place were too small. At times, their visitors or relatives and themselves had to sit outside the house. They could not also find it easy to place their coffee tables for their visitors.

May I please here, Tuan Speaker. I myself personally experienced this when I visited some friends at these low - cost houses and flats during Hari Raya and also Gawai. I think due to the small sizes, many in the lower income groups were reluctant to buy or rent these houses. They may prefer bigger houses if they could afford them although the bigger houses they dreamt of need not necessarily be of expensive look or be built with expensive materials. I also humbly say this dream of owning a decent house also goes to many of the lower middle income group of people.

Tuan Speaker, we understand that the government could not build bigger houses and flats as they may not be cost effective and practical to do so as they may took up much land and space, but could not house as many families as possible.

For those who do not wish to buy or rent low cost houses and flats, but dreamt of houses to be within reach for them to build or purchase, it is humbly suggested that the State Government come with a policy or ways to control the sale, supply and prices of building materials. If building materials could be cheaper, the housing needs of many of the lower middle and lower income groups could be solved.

The housing industry will find itself busy and business volume of building materials will increase. At the same time, development in the state will be at a faster pace. We will find that more taxes or duties could be collected by the government if the housing and building industry becomes more active.

The housing needs in the state will be a big problem to come if prices of housing materials could not be controlled as houses will not be especially in cities and big town, be within reach of the people. Due to financial commitments and limited income, city and town dwellers who are labourers and working class people will have the easy way out again, that is to squat on government and private lands, giving rise to unsolved problem that we are at this moment facing. With growing population and fast migration of rural people to cities and towns, we will in the very near future face bigger problems caused by housing needs of these people if we do not find ways to solve their housing needs.

Maioh urang ari pesisir nya, ari rumah panjai ngiga pemakai ngagai negeri, ngagai Kuching laban ba rumah panjai nya pengidup bisi susah mimitlah. Enti sida nya datai ga kitu, jadi kitai nadai menyelesai ka masalah nya, perumahan sida nya tadi, tentu sida nya makin ari semakin susahlah.

May I please, Tuan Speaker. Tuan Speaker, it is observed that prices of houses in recent years went up fast due to increase of prices in basic building materials, like cement, steel and iron. These materials are a must in the construction of almost all types of buildings and construction works which includes the building of roads and bridges. To ensure that prices of cement, steel and iron be sold at affordable prices, there is also a need to encourage competition among the manufacturers. The manufacturing of these products should not be by one company alone. In Kuching, if I am not mistaken, we only have one cement factory and also one steel factory. We should have more cement, steel and iron factories and let them compete with each other. I think there are businessmen out there willing to take the challenge to make the market more competitive. We should get rid of any form of monopoly trading or business so that no one should control the market.

The government should also not increase the prices of fuel as this contributed to the operational costs in transportation and also operational costs of many manufacturers of building materials.

May I please here, Tuan Speaker. Another point is that the sub - division of land and State Planning Authority (SPA) took too long to approve housing projects. The developers had put in so much money already, so the money borrowed from the banks to finance the projects while waiting sub - division to be passed kept on accumulating by way of interest charges on the money borrowed and this again make houses more expensive. There is no reason why sub - division plans could not be approved by SPA within a reasonable time frame. SPA should have a time frame to approve the sub - division and sub - division plans should be considered approved after a certain time frame so that developers could start work on their projects upon the expiry of the time frame. Such a thing is necessary if we do not want to see more development projects being abandoned, thus, making innocent house buyer’s victims of the whole process. We already have enough of abandoned projects in West Malaysia and definitely we do not want this to happen in Sarawak.

Probably the SPA should meet more often to consider the applications made by the developers so that each proposed project once planned could start in soonest possible.

Make Deepavali a Holiday in the State

May I please, Tuan Speaker, I speak on Deepavali for the benefits of the Indian community in Sarawak. Deepavali is a Festival of Light celebrated by the Indians and is considered a very important festival among them where prayers were said to seek mercy and blessings from the God. It is a time where friends and relatives could get together and also time to know new friends. Deepavali, a festival like the Chinese New Year, Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya celebrated by the Indians, is associated with their identity as a race to be respected by other people in the world.

Tuan Speaker, we as peace loving citizens in this multiracial society need each other and have to find ways to live in harmony with other communities. To do this, we have the respect another person’s race, religion and culture and should not discriminate them in whatever ways. This is also provided in the Federal Constitution. The fact that the Indian community in the state is small should not be an excuse for us not to be sensitive to their needs and thoughts of the community. After all, they were also creations of God Almighty and we need to see and treat them as equally important with people from other races. It is more important still for us to treat this small community with great respect and sympathy as they, like any citizens in the state also contributed much to the development of the state. Their allegiance to