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 the state and country should not be questioned at all.
May I please, Tuan Speaker. The Indian community settled here long time ago and many died to fight against the Japanese during Japanese occupation. It was the love for this state and country that many of them perished with heroes of other communities. Many also joined our police and armed forces to fight against the communists. It also could not be denied that Indians in the state were also very hard working people, brilliant in all fields. Many become professionals and were brilliant doctors, lawyers, teachers and many are good businessmen. They contributed to the development of the state and country in their own fields and paid taxes to help this state and country to achieve greater heights, but, we do not want them to feel a sense of non-belonging, unwanted and being discriminated when their voices to make Deepavali a holiday in the state had not been heard.
As I said earlier, Tuan Speaker, it is an important festival for them and they wished very much to receive more friends from other communities to celebrate with them during the Festival of Light. Without making Deepavali a holiday, many friends from other communities could not visit them.
Tuan Speaker, I pray that the Sarawak Government will consider this request of the Indian community to make Deepavali a holiday so that they will be able to celebrate this with other races. This in turn will enhance racial harmony and mutual respect among all communities in the state. If I am not mistaken, the Deputy Chief Minister I had once voiced that festival of this type is very important for racial unity and harmony.
Sarawak Civil Service
Tuan Speaker, now I speak on the civil service. Our state progressed well but sad to say although we had gained independence by joining Malaysia since 1963, we still have daily paid employees in the civil service. I suggest JKR may have the most of them. We should not now still let them be on daily pay until and to retire the same. After certain years in the service, they should by now all be monthly paid. Like other civil servants they had been loyal to the civil service and had expected to enjoy better retirement benefits. There are not many of them, but they should deserve better treatment from the government.
At the same time, there were also too many complaints from the government servants that promotions in the civil service was not based on merits, work experience and seniority. Many seniors said they had been bypassed by their juniors during promotion exercise although these juniors lacked experience, knowledge and ability to handle the job and after being promoted these juniors still run to the seniors who were not been promoted for work advice, etc. Worst still, it is the seniors later on that had to do most part of the job for their juniors who had been promoted as the juniors became the boss of the seniors. Such a culture in the civil service would not be very healthy, but of course one would not mind if the juniors were indeed very capable officers and able to deliver what was expected from them.
Tuan Speaker, at the same time the civil service should also take into consideration that not all fresh university graduates and diploma holders when comes to job accomplishments, efficiency and quality of work expected of them could meet the standard required of them. Most often than not, these fresh university graduates and diploma holders took a bit of time, say six months to two years to learn and be efficient in their work and many, if not most of them could not understand the needs and aspiration of the people they are going to serve. Being young when employed and nil experience, many could be arrogant as they thought being graduates serving in higher posts than their colleagues who only had secondary education, they always thought that they were already somebody in the civil service and indispensable that they should be recognized and be more respected than their other colleagues who are juniors to them. This is where they could also be found missing in the office and also may fail to conduct many important meetings and he start to leave the tasks to their junior officers or assistants to overcome this.
Tuan Speaker, it is respectfully suggested that for every freshly employed graduates and diploma holders recruited in the civil service, they should undergo a common training or courses of a few weeks at least or to a few months to be conducted by the relevant agencies or trainers so that they could be better equipped to serve the people better. Such a training of course are necessary before or they should be posted to their desk jobs after they are successfully interviewed for the respective jobs. They must be taught among other matters, work ethics, public relations and discipline. Stress training should also be emphasized so that these officers could be able to work independently and in adverse condition and stress.
May I please, Tuan Speaker, in the police force and the army, all police officers and the army after being recruited have to undergo special training for about nearly a year before they were posted out to their respective contingents or units. Even that, when under stress, many could not take work pressure and became undisciplined, involved in drugs, abuse their powers and also get themselves involved in bribery and corruptions.
Therefore, Tuan Speaker, we do not want officers in our Sarawak Civil Service, especially those holding key positions who found themselves suddenly in managerial and top positions to feel a sense of being indispensable where members of the public have to go to the extend of pleasing them or to say pleasing word to them in order to get things done. This in the end, of course, will breed discontent from the public while at the same time, bribery, corruption and abuse of power will be not far a practice of civil servants.
May I please, Tuan Speaker, may I touch something on land issues.
Tuan Speaker: How much longer you got to go?
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Ten minutes more.
Tuan Speaker: Okay.
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: May, Tuan Speaker, also allow me to speak on matters concerning land issues affecting the people especially the people in urban and suburban areas.
Tuan Speaker, the Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kidurong who has, now, again returned to this august House have on 18th April, 2006 sent a notice of motion under a Standing Order 15 to Tuan Speaker to discuss matters concerning lease-holds in Sarawak. Seeking lease-holds that have expired or will expire be automatically renewed for a further period of 99 years and without payment or renewal or premiums.
Unfortunately, Tuan Speaker, notice of motion done on ground that the matters was not urgent and also not of public importance. We regret, Tuan Speaker, at that time, we could not mention the number of lease-hold titles that had expired or will expire which rendered, Tuan Speaker, difficult to decide whether or not to allow the motion to be raised as a matter of urgent or urgency or emergency. This is because if we are required to mention figures and other details, this will be definitely difficult for Ahli Yang Berhormat for Kidurong and for us to give this detail as required by Tuan Speaker, as this could be confidential matters kept by the Land Department, which we should not have access to. We could be caught under the OSA. To this, I humbly and respectfully beg, Tuan Speaker, to understand our constraint.
Tuan Speaker, I humbly and respectfully beg that we should be guided by public opinion as it is the public opinion that called the matter to be given urgent and or important attention by this august House.
Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member, you can speak on land issues and so forth but you cannot re-open the ruling that I made and this was made in the last session. This is a new parliament.
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Yes, I know.
Tuan Speaker: You can talk about land but you do not re-open the application, the motion made under Standing Order 15 in the last paragraph ... (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I stand guided, Tuan Speaker.
Tuan Speaker: You can talk about the land.
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: I stand guided, Tuan Speaker. As we are representive of the people then we need to be sensitive to the thoughts and needs of the people and their opinion. As it is now, the public opinion requires that the land code should be amended. This is reflected in the just concluded State Election provided voters in the urban areas had voiced their concern and voted six DAPs into this august House.
Tuan Speaker, the DAP has voiced to have the land code amended to provide for the automatic renewal land leases and cancellation of notices issued under Section 47 after two years of non acquisition and with a reasonable compensation to land holders are based on several factors affecting the land in question. First, although the power for renewal land leases is within the purview or is within the ministerial function and responsibility of Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri, the exercise to such a power by the Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri is discretionary nature. In this respect, land leases get paid that about to expire or will expire May or may not be renewed and this depends very much on the thought and desire of Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri. At this moment, although it is a ministerial responsibility, know where it is provided in the land code that the minister has to renew the land leases as of a right or to renew these leases to the present land holders upon the expiry of its term and therefore, this provides a grey area for the land code to be amended. So as to provide certainty to land tenancy or leases, the minister can renew the land leases to other applicants, that is what I said.
As we all understand, there is also nowhere in the present Sarawak Land Code that allows automatic renewal of land leases. At this moment, there are authorities and the applications are still pending and are under consideration. If there is automatic renewal of land leases under the Land Code then their work not be any need for the lease holders to officially write in to the authorities or they required to fill in the necessary forms which are quite time consuming process and it takes very costly. For those in the rural areas and for those who are staying or working overseas and other part of the country, this will cost much money and time for them to visit the Land Office or to come back to the state to fill the necessary forms, if any, before they could have their application processed. After submission made, these land holders will have the worry of having to come back again to the Land Office to enquire into their applications as to whether their applications for renewal or of their lease-hold have been approved or not.
Another factor we need to look or consider at this moment, is that, not all land holders could understand how to fill the necessary forms or to write letters to the authorities. Many also do not know the address of the Land Office or the minister concerned in the event that appeals have to be made to the minister. If automatic renewal land lease is provided by law, then there will also be no need for the minister in the Land Office to run through the application and spend time to check and peruse the application and such time spent should better be used to attend other functions, serving course and cutting red tapes. Matters concerning land use and development could be sped up and this in turn will generate income and revenues to the land holders and the state. Also we do not want families and friends to know that many, excuse me, Tuan Speaker, also, Tuan Speaker, that there are many family members or friends of ours who may not want that they have landed properties and due to this, they may not get someone to remind them on the expiry of leases. If these leases have laid or expired at that time, of which they were not aware of the thing, then without automatic renewal provision of land code, these land holders will lose the land as this land have to be riveted back to the government.
Thirdly, Tuan Speaker, without the assurances by will or legal provisions for automatic of renewal land leases that are going to expire, the prices of these properties in the market will be very much affected. It is known in the market that property buyers tend to shine away from properties with leases, whose leases are short. At the same time, developers would also find it difficult to develop these properties. This in term will affect the land development policy in the state and soon we will find many lands left idle and not developed as expected of them and if this land are not developed the state will also lost revenues that may run into millions of ringgit each year. The loss of such revenue will be unjustified and the state needs much money for this development funds to progress forward to achieve its target as a developed and moral state in the country.
May I please, Tuan Speaker, at the same time, when duration of land leases become shorter, holders or land leases may also not wish to develop the land or fear that once developed, they may not be adequately compensated or be compensated at all. Once the land rivet, back to the government either upon the expiry of land leases or upon acquisition by the government after the notices issued under Section 47 while imposed from their properties. When a person buys a house, normally he needs to repair or to renovate their house or building caused by tear and wear thirty to thirty five years later but by then he may be quite reluctant to repair or renovate house properly as by that time the lease of the property may expire, so in the next twenty five to thirty years, normally to repair or to renovate a house or building, both be very costly affair. He may not find it very worthwhile to do the repair and renovation as there could be a fear that once the lease term of this land expired, he may not have any assurance that his application for renewal of lease be granted by the government and therefore may prefer to leave the condition of house as it is unless the house or building needs serious or immediate attention or repair. If this would be the cause taken by the property owners then this would not be beneficial or good for the building industry and business in this industry will slow down.
May I please, Tuan Speaker, this will in turn effect the revenue of the state that the state will lose out in terms of taxes, they could be collected from the import and manufacturing of building materials. Other industries such as transportation and employment sectors that are inter-related with building industry will equally be affected.
Tuan Speaker, as appeared in the website of Land Department, the premium imposed upon the renewal of land leases are very high and much beyond the range of property owners. Even to impose a few thousand ringgit as premium for an acre of the renewed property will give land holders much headache. This in term will affect his health and harmony of the family. The land holders who could not afford to pay premium may find his temper difficult to control at the slightest thought of how to look for help or to raise fund for the premiums. The family may argue over a matter and in the end this will affect the harmony of the family.
May I please, Tuan Speaker, in respect of notices issued under Section 47 of the Land Code, I respectfully say that the present land code has no certainty as to where and land placed under Section 47 notice, would be acquired by the government for the development purposes or otherwise. These land holders normally will left with the suspend and could not or rather prefer not to develop the site property as there what they fear that the government may not, may resume the land. At the same time these lease holders may of the opinion that compensation by the government upon resumption the land may also not be adequate even though assurances in the past were made by the government and there would be adequately compensated in accordance with market prices. Therefore, if they would be fear to develop or redevelop the property affected by Section 47 then this again will affect our building, transportation and employment industries. At the same time, may I please, Tuan Speaker, that in terms of revenue the State will also lose very much. At the same time, Tuan Speaker, the Honourable Member for Batu Kawah will represented their party SUPP, was wishing for the extension of the lease to 99 years. That defers is different from our stand. Our stand is for automatic renewal of the lease to 99 years without premium, without premium. May that be clear, Tuan Speaker.
To end Tuan Speaker, once again I say thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak and in God we fear and in God when all races met, misunderstandings and feuds among men were forgotten and here, let us as Honourable Members of this august House from different background and political beliefs who be the grace of God Almighty met here, not make these as barriers to solve the problems of the people and let us strive for common good, and together let us march forward to see this our beloved State of Sarawak progress further with unity, peace, better equality and justice for all justice for all with a Malaysian First Concept. Thank you, Tuan Speaker.
Tuan Speaker: Ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat we have a short break. Sitting resumes at about 4:40 p.m. Nya aja jako Yang Berhormat ari Batu Lintang. (Laughter)
Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Thank you, thank you, Tuan Speaker.
(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 4:17 petang)
(Mesyuarat dimulakan pada jam 4.56 petang)
[Tuan Speaker mempengerusikan Mesyuarat]
Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Engkilili.
Y.B. Dr. Johnichal Rayong Ngipa: Terima kasih, Tuan Speaker, kerana memberi peluang kepada saya untuk mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan usul untuk mempersembahkan ucapan dalam Dewan yang mulia ini dan pertamanya merakamkan ucapan ribuan terima kasih dan menjunjung kasih atas ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama pada Pembukaan Persidangan Penggal Pertama Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Yang Keenam Belas pada 24 Julai 2006.
Tuan Speaker, saya lafazkan ucap setinggi-tinggi kesyukuran kepada Tuhan yang telah memberi segala pemeliharaan-Nya dengan berkat-Nya itu negeri dan rakyat seluruhnya hidup dalam suasana yang harmoni, aman dan damai.
Tuan Speaker, bagi hemat saya ataupun pandangan saya, ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Negeri itu amat besar maknanya kepada perkembangan dan kemajuan negeri kita ini oleh kerana di antara lain beliau telah menasihat Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat mengenai tanggungjawab masing-masing, kepentingan perpaduan, keharmonian rakyat dan menentukan arah tujuan pembangunan sosio-ekonomi negeri kita ini untuk memantapkan lagi kemudahan-kemudahan kita ke arah merealisasikan wawasan negeri kita yang sedang hadapi dan alami sekarang.
Pilihanraya Negeri Sarawak Kesembilan
Tuan Speaker, Pilihanraya Negeri Sarawak Yang Kesembilan telah selesai. Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan tahniah kepada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat kerana telah dipilih dalam pilihan raya baru-baru ini, samada menang tanpa bertanding, dipilih semula atau yang baru dipilih seperti saya ini.
Saya juga ucapkan tahniah dan syabas kepada Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud selaku Pengerusi Barisan Nasional Sarawak kerana telah berjaya mengukuhkan pemerintahan Barisan Nasional walaupun tewas di beberapa kawasan.
Saya juga mengucapkan tahniah kepada Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Parti DAP kerana telah memenangi enam kerusi, PKR satu kerusi dan Bebas satu kerusi.
Tuan Speaker, semua kita ini adalah dipilih melalui proses demokrasi dan telah dipilih oleh pengundi-pengundi di kawasan masing-masing sebagai wakil rakyat mereka. Untuk dipilih semula oleh pengundi-pengundi dalam pilihanraya di masa hadapan, maka sudah pasti kita semua akan dengan sedaya upayanya, dengan yang terbaik untuk berkhidmat kepada mereka, Negeri Sarawak dan juga Negara Malaysia yang kita cintai.
Walaupun Kawasan Engkilili telah dimenangi oleh saya melalui tiket pembangkang, ia bukan bermakna rakyat di keseluruhan kawasan saya menolak Kerajaan Barisan Nasional tetapi memilih saya kerana tidak bersetuju dengan calon dari Parti SUPP yang mewakili Barisan Nasional ketika itu.
Tuan Speaker, pada tahun 2001 rakyat telah mula menunjuk perasaan tidak puas hati dengan Wakil Rakyat Barisan Nasional. Seperti yang dikatakan oleh Tuan Yang di-Pertua semasa pembukaan Persidangan Dewan ini beberapa hari yang lalu:
“Dalam proses pembangunan yang pesat, Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat memainkan peranan penting sebagai agen perubahan dan penyampaian pembangunan kepada rakyat. Oleh itu, Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat hendaklah sentiasa peka terhadap masalah rakyat, dan perlu kerap mengadakan lawatan ke kawasan masing-masing”.
Terima kasih, Tuan Yang Terutama ke atas nasihat yang amat bernas ini.
Tuan Speaker, rakyat pada masa ini mempunyai pendidikan yang tinggi, mereka berpeluang melawat kawasan-kawasan di negeri ini oleh kerana infrastruktur pengangkutan antara daerah dan bahagian di negeri ini amat memuaskan bukan seperti 15 atau 20 tahun yang dahulu. Oleh itu, rakyat dan para pemilih tidak boleh disia-sia sahaja. Mereka mempunyai penglihatan yang luas, mereka membandingkan pembangunan yang pesat di kawasan jiran mereka seperti di Layar, Betong, Sri Aman dan sebagainya.
Dalam kempen saya ketika itu, saya tidak sekali-kali menyatakan kebencian kepada pemimpin-pemimpin atau Kerajaan Barisan Nasional tetapi lebih menitikberatkan kredibiliti calon lawan saya ketika itu.
Pembangunan Kawasan
Tuan Speaker, dalam memajukan kawasan, saya memohon kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak di bawah pemimpin Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud untuk keprihatinan bersama-sama memajukan dan membangunkan Kawasan N.28-Engkilili terutamanya dari segi pembangunan infrastruktur, ekonomi, pendidikan, kesihatan dan sosial.
Saya faham dan sedar bahawa dasar Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri dalam merealisasikan dan menjayakan politik pembangunan akan turut memberi kemajuan di Kawasan Engkilili terutamanya dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan yang akan bermula pada tahun ini.
Tuan Speaker, saya faham bahawa Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan adalah menekankan jurang perbezaan sosio-ekonomi terutamanya di antara kawasan bandar dan luar bandar dan semoga segala peruntukan yang dirancangkan selama ini di kawasan saya akan dapat dilaksanakan mengikut perancangan seperti yang dicadangkan sebelum ini.
Jalan Ulu Skrang
Tuan Speaker, saya ucapkan terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Negeri ke atas pembinaan Fasa I, Jalan Ulu Skrang pada September 2003 sejauh 8.1 km dengan belanja sebanyak RM12.8 juta. Saya memohon kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak agar dapat menyambung semula pembinaan Jalan Ulu Skrang Fasa II dengan segeranya.
Tuan Speaker, Jalan Ulu Skrang ini amatlah sangat berguna kepada penduduk-penduduk di Ulu Skrang. Pada masa ini ramai penduduk yang tinggal di Ulu Skrang masih mengguna bot atau perahu panjang. Dengan kenaikan kos minyak perjalanan menaiki bot amat meningkat. Sungai Batang Skrang sangat merbahaya semasa musim landas dan pada musim kemarau amat sukar dilalui. Pihak sekolah-sekolah pun menghadapi masalah yang sama lebih-lebih lagi mengenai pengangkutan bekalan makanan untuk murid-murid sekolah. Penghantaran bekalan selalu terjejas semasa air sungai kekeringan atau air sungai membesar.
Kecemasan juga berlaku seperti kematian di bandar di mana mayat juga sukar dibawa ke rumah panjang di ulu, begitu juga orang-orang yang menghadapi penyakit yang perlu dirujuk ke Hospital Betong ataupun Hospital Sri Aman.
Tuan Speaker, kawasan Ulu Skrang juga adalah kawasan pelancongan. Untuk membangunkan industri pelancongan di kawasan ini, jalan raya amatlah penting. Untuk menjaga imej dan membuktikan pembangunan di negeri kita ini terlaksana khasnya di kawasan luar bandar maka saya cadangkan cadangan pembinaan jalan tersebut dilakukan dengan segeranya.
Industri Pelancongan
Tuan Speaker, industri pelancongan telah menjanjikan masa depan yang cerah kepada semua rakyat di Sarawak. Usaha kerajaan melalui Kementerian Pelancongan telah meletakkan Negeri Sarawak dalam peta dunia. Sarawak boleh mengambitkan kedatangan pelancong adalah disebabkan oleh pelbagai daya tarikan yang sedia ada seperti Gunung Mulu yang terbesar di dunia. Di kawasan jiran saya, pesta benak adalah semakin popular bukan sahaja golongan masyarakat tempatan, tetapi juga pelancong-pelancong dari Malaysia Barat dan negara asing.
Dari segi sektor pelancongan, Batang Skrang dalam kawasan saya adalah merupakan produk pelancongan yang terbaik dari segi keindahan alam semulajadi dan kebudayaan yang kaya orang Iban yang tinggal di kawasan tersebut. Pada masa ini, sektor pelancongan mempunyai beberapa package untuk menarik pelancong-pelancong dari luar negara seperti Skrang Safari dan sebagainya. Saya mencadang agar Kementerian Pelancongan harus mempertingkatkan dan memperluaskan produk pelancongan seperti Program Homestay diwujudkan bukan sahaja untuk pelancong dari negara asing tetapi juga untuk pelancong tempatan.
Skim Penempatan Semula-Skrang Skim
Tuan Speaker, saya juga ingin memaklumkan kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak bahawa Skrang Skim adalah merupakan sebuah kawasan penempatan semula dibina dan dilaksanakan pada tahun 1963. Penduduk-penduduk di kawasan tersebut telah dipindah di beberapa kawasan termasuk Ulu Lubok Antu sewaktu konfrantasi dahulu.
Mereka telah dibina rumah-rumah oleh pihak Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Sarawak (LKTS). Pada masa ini rumah-rumah tersebut amat usang, buruk dan menunggu bila-bila masa sahaja akan runtuh. Keadaan seperti ini sangat merbahaya kepada nyawa-nyawa para penghuni. Oleh itu, saya mencadangkan kepada pihak Kementerian Perumahan dan agensi-agensinya agar melawat ke kawasan Skrang Skim untuk meninjau, memahami dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh rakyat kita di Skrang Skim.
Tuan Speaker, rumah-rumah yang dibina 43 tahun dahulu memang sesuai untuk keluarga pada masa itu. Tetapi dalam tempoh 43 tahun itu, keluarga telah bertambah dan rumah-rumah tersebut tidak dapat menampung perkembangan keluarga. Dalam rumah tersebut cuma ada satu bilik tidur sahaja. Di samping itu, kawasan-kawasan perumahan amat sempit untuk aktiviti pertanian, rekreasi dan sebagainya.
Tuan Speaker, oleh itu, saya memohon agar satu rancangan dibuat oleh kerajaan untuk mengadakan rancangan perumahan yang baru dan menyediakan tanah yang mencukupi untuk pembinaan taman dan juga untuk pertanian.
Kemudahan Kesihatan
Tuan Speaker, rakyat yang progresif dan produktif adalah rakyat yang sihat fizikal dan mentalnya. Bagi mencapai tujuan ini, kerajaan telah memberi tumpuan yang tinggi terhadap menyediakan prasarana kesihatan yang cukup dan lengkap di seluruh negara. Perkhidmatan kesihatan dan perubatan di Negeri Sarawak berada dalam keadaan yang amat memuaskan dengan hampir seluruh pelusuk negeri telah disediakan dengan berbagai bentuk kemudahan perubatan dengan tenaga kerja yang agak mencukupi.
Tuan Speaker, namun demikian, saya ingin menyentuh mengenai kemudahan kesihatan di kawasan saya. Ada sebilangan tempat-tempat di kawasan saya yang memerlukan perhatian pihak Jabatan Perubatan dan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak untuk dikemaskinikan perkhidmatannya. Contohnya, penduduk-penduduk dari 36 buah rumah panjang di kawasan Batang Ai Ili amat memerlukan kemudahan klinik kesihatan. Beberapa tahun yang lalu kerajaan telah menyediakan sebuah klinik bidan (MCH Clinic) iaitu di Basi, tetapi telah ditutup dalam tahun 1970an. Oleh yang demikian, penduduk-penduduk dari Kawasan Batang Ai Ili terpaksa pergi ke pusat kesihatan di Engkilili atau ke Sri Aman untuk rawatan. Rawatan ini bukan sahaja mengambil masa, ia juga menggunakan belanja yang besar dan bahaya oleh kerana kawasan air itu adalah memang terkenal dengan buaya ganas terutama waktu malam.
Tuan Speaker, saya merayu kepada pihak Jabatan Perubatan dan Kesihatan dapat mengadakan lawatan yang kerap kepada rumah-rumah panjang di kawasan tersebut. Saya memohon perhatian kerajaan untuk mendirikan sebuah klinik desa di Tanjong untuk kemudahan rakyat dari 36 buah rumah panjang dan tiga buah sekolah yang di sekeliling kawasan tersebut.
Small Holders - Mini Estate
Tuan Speaker, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture had four years ago introduced oil palm crop scheme for small holders. One small holder was given the maximum of 10 hectares with full subsidy until production. These oil palm scheme small holders had benefited the rural farmers economically. As the scheme was very popular among the rural farmers, the government had decided to reduce the acreage to five hectares per small holder so that more rural farmers could benefit from the scheme. But unfortunately the scheme was scrapped by the government for the year 2006.
Tuan Speaker, since such oil palm crop scheme is economically available and could increase the income of the rural farmers, I urge the State Government to review and continue this scheme for the year 2007 onwards.
Bekalan ELektrik Luar Bandar
Tuan Speaker, satu lagi perkara yang ingin disentuh adalah berkenaan bekalan elektrik melalui Skim Elektrik Luar Bandar atau RES. Saya ingin memaklumkan bahawa kawasan Mario yang merangkumi enam buah rumah panjang dan satu kawasan kaum Cina dan juga kawasan San Semanju yang telah sekian lama menunggu pembekalan elektrik kepada rumah-rumah mereka lebih 30 tahun. Di samping itu saya memaklumkan bahawa sebuah sekolah rendah, SRK Lidong pun belum dibekalkan dengan bekalan elektrik. Saya memohon kepada Kerajaan Negeri untuk mempercepatkan projek elektrik yang amat dinanti-nantikan oleh penduduk-penduduk di kawasan tersebut dan sekolah rendah tersebut.
Penutupan
Tuan Speaker, dengan ini saya menyokong Usul Penghargaan atas Ucapan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. Sekian, terima kasih.
Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Padungan.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, in accordance with your order made yesterday, I have handed in a written letter this morning. I still await your further instructions.
Tuan Speaker: I have received the letter.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes, with your permission can I read it out to the Chambers?
Tuan Speaker: Yes.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Okay, the Honourable Tuan Speaker, we breach the privileges and the immunity. I kindly refer to the above mentioned as contained in the letter dated 25th of July, 2006 from the Honourable Member for Layar, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang.
First of all, do allow me to clarify on the incident of the 24th July, 2006 referred to in the said letter. I did approach the Honourable Yang Berhormat in question but at no time did I carry any documents issued by the court. I was trying to invite and request the said Honourable Yang Berhormat to go outside to accept service of the said documents. The said documents relate to an election petition filed against him. According to the staff of my legal firm, the process server has been trying to serve the said Yang Berhormat with a copy of the said document several times at other places. But he has failed for the said Honourable Yang Berhormat has been avoiding service.
I would like to categorically state, that the said election petition was not served on him on day in question. If, inviting the Honourable Yang Berhormat outside the Dewan Undangan Negeri Chambers, to accept a properly issued petition is wrong, then I wish to humbly extend my sincerest apologies 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 Undangan Negeri. Thank you, yours truly.
Tuan Speaker, without further ado I will continue with my speech. Tuan Speaker, thank you for very much, for giving me this opportunity to address this august assembly and to participate in a motion of thanks for the address of the Tuan Yang Terutama. It is with the deepest of humility and the greatest of honour that I assume this heavy yet most noble responsibility, that of representing the people of Sarawak from the seat which is my birthplace and my hometown of Padungan. I also take note with the greatest of pride that I am the first duly elected Yang Berhormat from my party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, to take my place in this august House even though Parti Keadilan Rakyat is a very young party. Indeed in Sarawak politics and this is only the second time we have participated in the Sarawak State Elections, already it has shown that it can win the confidence, respect and trust of the people of Sarawak. Even more significantly, is that it can win in an overwhelmingly Chinese majority of over 90% Chinese constituency. Thus, dispelling once and for all, that Parti Keadilan Rakyat is a Malay party or worst, that it is a Muslim party, as some mischievous parties were warned to distort during the elections.
For the very first time Tuan Speaker, in the short political history of Sarawak, we are witnessing the emergence of a new Sarawak political alliance, that of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. And this Barisan Bersatu Sarawak is a barisan that will one day, God willing, replace the Barisan Nasional as the government of Sarawak. (Boos and (Laughter)
I will wait until the accolades subside. Thank you for the accolades.
Tuan Speaker: Please.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: It will replace the government of Sarawak as surely as the fact that day will follow night. (Boos and Laughter) Thank you for the accolades, and replace the darkness of the Barisan Nasional rules with the sunshine brought by the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. (Boos) Thank you again for the accolades. And as surely as the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. No more? (Laughter)
The possibility of Barisan Bersatu Sarawak replacing the Barisan Nasional, you might laugh and deride and even cheer, yes, the DAP is not yet with us. Not yet I said. Yes, there are only two of us and true enough even as we speak, we might be reduced to only one, but the DAP too started with only one in the last election. Look at them now. There are six of them now in this august chamber. I call them the Magnificent Six because every one of them has proven to be a very ardent and dedicated advocate of the people that they represent. No cheers, thank you.
Who knows, by the next round there would be 16. So is it so impossible a feat? Everyone in and outside Sarawak thought that the opposition would be wiped out again in the recent elections or at most get only one or two seats, Tuan Speaker, as we did in the last elections.
Tuan Speaker, I keep forgetting your term. I apologise for that but against all the predictions and against all odds the opposition has prevailed and may even caused an upset victory instead. It was in all accounts a political earthquake in Sarawak and in Kuching, it was a political Tsunami, wiping out all but one of the five seats held by the SUPP. The victory in Kuching for the opposition is particularly sweet and historic for this is the first time in some 30 years that the opposition has won in the Kuching State seat.
Tuan Speaker, the last time there was a victory especially in Padungan, was in the year 1974 when the late Tan Sri Datuk Stephen Yong Kuet Sze, the founder of the SUPP lost to a relatively unknown SNAP candidate by the name of Low Fut Khee. And as for the magnificent victory of the DAP, my very first beloved party, over the SUPP in Pending, it could be said, almost said as being an impossible feat. Who would then expected Datuk Sim Kheng Hui, a long time veteran and strong man of the SUPP and who had won all his previous elections with majorities in the thousands and the last time, with a 6,000 majority vote over me and the Honourable Member for Batu Lintang who is seated next to me. For him to have lost this round and with a thumping majority of 4,372 votes, this represented a turnaround of something shocking, 10,000 votes. In politics, if my over 20 years involvement has taught me anything at all, it is that nothing in politics is impossible and that nothing, can be taken for granted. Indeed politics is all about the art of the possible and of turning impossibilities into realities.
I now come to my next part which is that of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak (BBS) declaration and manifesto. As the flag bearer and their representative of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak in this august House, Tuan Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to proclaim for the solemn and permanent records of this august House the declaration and manifesto of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. As a footnote, I would like also to inform this august House that I am one of the proud authors of both the said documents.
The Barisan Bersatu Sarawak declaration whereas according to the Nine Cardinal Principles as bequeathed by the Rajahs and which have been honoured by the British Colonial Government, Sarawak is the heritage of all Sarawakians and is only held in trust by the Government of the day for them. Whereas despite the fact that we have been independent and self governing for 40 over years, Sarawakians have increasingly been denied and deprived of their rights that have been granted to them by the previous government of Sarawak. We, the undersigned parties, representing our respective parties do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare and do pledge that:
(1) We as loyal and patriotic Sarawakians have come together in common cause and to struggle for our beloved State of Sarawak.
(2) We will struggle to restore and to return all the rights and privileges that rightly belong to all Sarawakians and which have been progressively taken away by the Barisan Nasional Government.
(3) We will not detract or stray from our noble cause no matter what and until our objectives we have set for Sarawak have been achieved.
(4) Towards these objectives, we have formed the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak and will in due cause register and contest under a common logo and common manifesto.
(5) To ensure the success of our said objectives, we shall work with all like minded parties and individuals who share our objectives.
(6) We shall work under a sharing and collective leadership which will ensure that no races or regions in Sarawak will ever be neglected or forgotten again, dated this 6th day of May, 2006.
Tuan Speaker, the signatories are three and they are:
(7) Haji Wan Zainal Abidin bin Wan Sanusi, Chairman, Liason Committee, Parti Keadilan Rakyat
( Edwin Dundang anak Bugak, President Sarawak National Party and;
(9) Nicholas Bawin anak Anggat, Protem President of the Malaysian Dayak Congress.
According to Tan Sri Datuk Ong Kee Hui, in the first volume of his memoirs, “Footprints in Sarawak” the nine cardinal principles were embodied in the 1941 Constitution of Sarawak and accepted by the British Government in 1946.
Now, I come to the manifesto of Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. Barisan Bersatu Sarawak consists of three component parties, Sarawak National Party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Malaysian Dayak Congress and is opened to all and embraces all Sarawakians committed to bringing about changes to the political environment in Sarawak:
(10) The mission of Barisan Bersatu Sarawak:
(c)3 To build a new Sarawak. There will be one for all Sarawakians and allow them to assume their rightful and proud position in the Malaysian entity.
(b) To ensure justice, freedom and equality of treatment, fair distribution of wealth and equal opportunity for all Sarawakians irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.
(1) System of Government:
(c)3 To establish a clean, fair, surely democratic and transparent government and one devoid of corruption, nepotism and abuse of power;
(b) To restructure the State Civil Service with the objective of ensuring optimum transparency and accountability in the running of the State administration;
(c)3 To implement a ruling limiting the tenure of the office of the Chief Minister to a period not exceeding ten years as part of the strategy to prevent corruption and abuse of power by anyone entrusted to serve in that capacity.
Land
We the BBS acknowledged and recognized that all lands in Sarawak belong to the people and that the government holds the land in trust for the people. In this respect, if elected a BBS government will put as its top priority, the passing of the relevant laws that will return all lands to the people of Sarawak.
To amend the Sarawak Land Code with a view to upgrade the native customary rights, land owners from mere licencees to proprietors of land issued with documents of title and to ensure that all residential leases are converted to grants in perpetuality.
To introduce smart partnership policy to ensure all land base developments be participated by and for the maximum benefits of landowners and financiers alike.
Education
To introduce the awards of financial aids by the State Government and its agencies to deserving students and enhances text book assistance scheme in order to benefit a greater majority of the middle and low income groups.
To provide annual state grants to all religious schools, mission and Chinese medium schools in recognition of their century-long contribution to education in Sarawak.
To negotiate for sufficient placements for local students in all institutions of higher learning in Sarawak and to give potential and deserving Sarawakian students opportunities for overseas’ education and training irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.
Eradication of Poverty
Tuan Speaker, to be totally committed to the eradication of rural and urban poverty and to narrow the economic gap between the rich and the poor by way of expanding the economic cake and ensuring fair and equitable distribution of business and job opportunities.
Housing
To establish an efficient housing policy aim at increasing the production of comfortable low-cost and medium-cost houses to cater for the needs of even the poorest segment of the rakyat and towards this end, a one housing lot per family policy shall be adopted.
Infrastructure
In Malaysia’s vision of attaining a developed status by the year 2020 is to have any meaning then, roads and basic infrastructure and amenities should reach every village in Sarawak by then since development is a right and not a privilege, Tuan Speaker, of all Sarawakians.
Agriculture and Fisheries And Other Small and Medium Industries
To intensify the use of natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, timber, agricultural produce and marine resources in the development of small and medium industries. To intensify the use of science and technology as catalyst in industrial development. To set up more training centers to train local entrepreneurs to enable them to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the fields of agriculture and fishing and other industries. Tuan Speaker, to increase financial assistance to the local farmers and fishermen and entrepreneurs involve in small and medium industries.
Natural Resources
To review and re-negotiate the existing agreement with the Federal Government to enable the state to have a greater share and control of the rich petroleum resources. I shall have more to say later on, Tuan Speaker.
To review and examine existing policy and practice relating to the issuance of timber licences to guarantee maximum benefit from these rich resources that will go to the government instead of undeserving politically connected individuals.
Labour
Tuan Speaker, to ensure Sarawakian enjoy all the benefits that all other Malaysians have, the Sarawak Labour Ordinance should be implemented without any delay and full and proper protection are accorded to our workers at all times.
Review of all laws
To expedite examination of all state legislations and to review all unjust laws. To re-amend the Interpretation Ordinance in order to reinstate the Dayak races as native of Sarawak.
General Matters
To ensure and promote firm State/Federal relationship in the governance of Sarawak and its people based on the true spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, fully acknowledging the roles, rights and responsibilities of each as enshrined in the Federal and State constitutions.
To reaffirm the true spirit of the 20-point agreement when Sarawak formed Malaysia with territories of Malaya and that of North Borneo or Sabah.
Tuan Speaker, to ensure that development fund approved by the Federal Government for a specific project be utilized for that project and not diverted to an unapproved purposes. A vote for the BBS is a vote for new Sarawak.
Those were the text of the declaration and the manifesto of the BBS together, Tuan Speaker… (Interruption)
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Point of interruption, if you may permit me to… (Interruption)
Tuan Speaker: Are you taking the point of information under 33(b)?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.
Tuan Speaker: Yes, you are, ok.
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Thank you. Well you have been giving us all your objectives of your party. Are the other members of the opposition in consensus with you on all these? I am asking you back.
Tuan Speaker: What was the question, Honourable Member for Asa Jaya?
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: I am asking the Member for Padungan whether what he had said out just now whether the other members of the opposition are in concurrence or in consensus with him on all that he had said on your objectives, on your perjuangan?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Ah, I think you did not hear what I have said just now. Politics is the art of the possible and I believed not only is the DAP in total agreement with the principles that we have declared, I am sure a majority of those who were in this august House… (Interruption)
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: May I have another point of clarification?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: How many clarification do you want to seek?
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: One more.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Ok.
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: If you say they are all together with you then why is the DAP not with you in the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak? (Applause) Is it because they have no confidence in the Barisan, in this Barisanlah, your Barisan. (Laughter)
Tuan Speaker: The question is why the DAP is not a signatory to that.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Again I think you did not hear me correctly. I said not yet. (Laughter) Can I continue?
Tuan Speaker: Yes, you can.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Where was I? Tuan Speaker, those were the text of the declaration and the manifesto of the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak. Together they could be said to lay the blue print of our vision of a new Sarawak, of a new Sarawak that will be one for all Sarawakians and one where there will be justice, freedom and equality of treatment, fair distribution of wealth and equal opportunity for all Sarawakians irrespective of race, culture, creed or religion.
My third point " land. Again the BBS has a policy which calls for nothing short of a revolution of the concept of land in Sarawak and we have a 10-point land policy of the BBS which is entitled " The Return of Land to Sarawakians.
Preamble. We the BBS acknowledges and recognizes that all lands in Sarawak belong to the people and that the government only holds the land in trust for the people. In this respect, if elected, a BBS government will put as it’s top priority the passing of relevant laws that will return all lands to the people of Sarawak.
(1) The term “state land” ought to be changed to “people’s land” or “tanah rakyat”. This will reflect the original and traditional status of land in Sarawak which is that land belongs to the people and not to the government except for waste or unoccupied lands;
(2) Tuan Speaker, lands ought to be made available to all landless and needy Sarawakian families. No Sarawakian families should become squatters in their own land;
(3) All residential lands should be issued with grants in perpetuity and other categories land for 999 or triple nine years. All lands currently held with 60 or 99 years, these periods should be automatically converted to lands with such leases with no further payment or premiums except for a nominal administrative charge;
(4) Tuan Speaker, we are totally opposed to the BN’s government imposition of high premiums on the renewal of leases with a minimum of 25% for agricultural lands to 60% for residential lands and up to 75% for commercial lands of the current market value. A BBS government will abolish such premiums;
(5) All NCR lands must be surveyed and proper titles issued to the rightful owners. NCR must be accorded with full and complete recognition under the Sarawak Constitution and such other laws like the Sarawak Land Code;
(6) A Native Customary Rights Land Commission should be set up to identify, determine and settle all NCR land issues and it should be vested with powers to issue full titles to the NCR land owners;
(7) Tuan Speaker, the BBS undertakes to have a complete review of the Sarawak Land Code with firm objectives of removing all anti-people and unjust provisions that are designed to confer arbitrary powers on authorities that the State Planning Authority which has now the power to take away lands from the people and to give it to those who are well connected with the government of the day;
( Tuan Speaker, there ought to be a Land Acquisition Ordinance in Sarawak. In order to regularize and to ensure the land acquisition in Sarawak will be properly carried out. The current practice over the declaration under Section 48 of the Sarawak Land Code which is of the government’s intention to resume land, imposes hardship and causes lighten injustice to the land owner as there is no time limit. As such, no such declaration should be allowed to be valid for more than two years as is the practice elsewhere in Malaysia especially in the Semenanjung;
(9) Land of any category of holdings may and should only be acquired for truly public purposes and not at the whims and fancy of any person and be properly and fairly compensated by the government. No persons may be deprived of their land without fair compensation. This Tuan Speaker, is a constitutional guaranteed right.
(10) No land should be acquired without the affected landowner having been given the opportunity to be heard first and the government must be required to justify its acquisition.
My fourth point and I think it is a very exciting one. Time for state control of oil and gas resources. Tuan Speaker, the concept of the federation of partners is that is for resources and wealth to be shared. It can only be on the basis of equitable sharing that the Federation can grow and progress in the dignify and meaningful manner for all the partners concerned.
For several decades now in Sarawak now, Sarawak along with Sabah and Terengganu the state endowed with enormous oil and gas resources has over accommodated herself to the well being of the Federation. The average daily output from Sarawak oil fuels amount to sum 128,600 barrels of crude and this was confirmed by the Honourable Minister when he read it out just now and 2.94 billion cubic feet of LNG. For the decades past, the Federal BN Government has arrogated to itself our State’s vast oil wealth to the detriment of the people of Sarawak. There has been no equitable sharing at all. The tragic proof is the acknowledged development gap between East and Peninsular Malaysia.
The massive resources were signed over to the Federation by the State Government so that in those days it was supposed to be matter managed by a national Corporation which we now know as Petronas. Over the last twenty years or so Sarawak has received just 5% of the national, of its oil and gas revenue.
Tuan Speaker, the Federal Government through Petronas has utterly failed in responsible stewardship of our invaluable resources. Deliberate policy operations especially using Petronas repeatedly to bail out other failed Corporations are in violation of the trust Sarawak has vested on the Barisan Nasional controlled Federal Government. And the State Government has all along only stood in silent consent and in blatant direction of their mandate to oversee and safeguard the judicious use of our oil and gas wealth. Petronas has gained massively.
Tuan Speaker, from the rise in world oil prices as Malaysia is a net oil exporter so should have the government revenues jump. In the financial year to the 31st of March 2006 Tuan Speaker, Petronas reap in over RM70.2 billion in pre-tax profit, a 21% increase over the RM58 billion of the previous period. After tax profit amounted to RM43.6 billion an increased of 22% over the 35.6 billion of the previous period. Talking about so many billions makes my mouth water but unfortunately we can only see but we can never touch.
I hereby Tuan Speaker, put forward the case for increasing the royalty from 5% to 20%. Currently, the distribution of the gross value of the petroleum as prescribed by the Petroleum Development Act is as follows:
(1) The government of the producing State " 5% royalty on gross value of output;
(2) The Federal Government another 5% royalty also on gross value of output; and
(3) The producer company " 20% for cost recovery, making a total of 30%.
The next part for the remaining 70%. The producer company takes 21% or 30% of the remaining 70% and Petronas, Petronas takes 49% or 70% of the remaining 70% making a total of 100%.
The question Tuan Speaker, the facts to be asked is why should be continued to give Petronas 49% when it has done absolutely nothing for us. Shouldn’t it be us who should be given the 49%? The issue Tuan Speaker, of the increasing petroleum royalties of the petroleum of the producing States has often been raised. This august House was informed that Sarawak Government has repeatedly raised it. For instance, during the election campaign of October 1990, the CM of Sabah argued that the rate of petroleum royalty to the State should be increased from 5% to 50% Tuan Speaker.
As for Sarawak, in 1969 the then CM claimed that the Federal Government has orally assured Sarawak that we could have all the revenue from offshore petroleum in return for a lower Federal grant . Since most of the petroleum in Sarawak is found offshore, if all revenue accrued to the State Government its revenue would be boosted tremendously. And just now I quoted this paragraph.
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Interruption please. Can I seek another clarification?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Well, I am very impressed with your fight for the State but then your advisor, he was at one time the Finance Minister of Malaysia, why was he not fighting for all these for Sarawak, can I ask you this?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Just as you are, too, of your party you are now serving. Dato’ Seri Anwar, our current advisor was then serving the Barisan Party that he is, that you are now asking from. Now, I think you know that all Y.Bs are bound by their parties to serve their parties’ interest. Correct me if I am wrong. Can I continue, Tuan Speaker.
Based on the principle of ownership of the continental shelve by adjoining region Sabah and Sarawak could claim ownership before the incorporation of Malaysia in 1963. The status quo could have been maintained in so far as the Malaysian Constitution is silent on the matter. Thus, the claim to its ownership by the Federal Government may be construed as an annexation. And for this I refer to Sabah and Sarawak in the Malaysian Economy, a book written by Wee Chong Hui in 1995. There is Tuan Speaker, a clear case of a breach of the Malaysian agreement with consent and the agreement of Sarawak and for that matter Sabah was not solved and obtained before the Federal Government took over what was Sarawak’s and Sabah’s right which is that over the continental shelve.
I believe and I humbly urge the Sarawak Government should consider taking up the case legally if necessary. So, the claim for just 20%. We are not asking too much. Just 20% will be considered quite low and therefore reasonable. According to the speech of the Honourable Yang Amat Berhormat Ketua Menteri for the Supply Bill (06/05) 2005 the State Government has been paid a total of 1.167 billion for year 2005, 1.1 billion for the year 2005 for its 5% royalty. It is expected that from 2006, which is this year onwards we shall get at least 1.2 billion a year in royalties. Counting only 5%. If we Tuan Speaker, are able to raise the royalty payment to 20% then it will result in a massive RM4.8 billion a year or a surplus, surplus of RM2.2 billion after we deduct the annual budget which is currently costing us for the current year a total of RM2.645 billion, a surplus of 2.2 billion, Tuan Speaker.
What can we do with 2 billion? Lets forget the 0.2 billion. Just concentrate on the two billion you might save. First, before we think about spending the ringgit two billion a year, we can already do away with three taxes that is burdening Sarawakians.
First, the 10% tax for 4D… 4D. I will be speaking a little bit more on that later on which took from ordinary citizen a sum of RM80 million a year. We can do away with the 5% Sarawak State’s sales tax which is costing Sarawakians a sum of RM163 million and we can also do away without land premium which is netting, netting the government. Of course it comes from the people a sum of about RM180 million annually.
Sarawakians, will for the first time if we abolish these taxes and land premium, for the first time really enjoy the fruit of Sarawak with the lifting of such taxes. And on a short calculation, the 80 million plus 163 million plus 180 million which now we are taking from the people of Sarawak, if we want to give it back to the people of Sarawak will save every Sarawakian an average of RM192 a year.
Now, lets talk about how to spend the two billion a year. With the Ringgit two billion a year, we can subsidize petrol prices at the pump and to keep it to the pre two thousand figures or before the latest round of petrol price increases.
Tuan Speaker, with the Ringgit two billion a year we can contemplate improving our really atrocious public transport system in Sarawak. We can even contemplate a rail and light rail transport in Sarawak beginning in the densely populated Kuching and extending to Padawan and the Serian region, or more cheaply in a rapid transit bus network system which has currently be introduced with great success in some foreign cities. We can even dare to contemplate a safer double lane international great highway from Lundu all the way to northern Sarawak with double lane feeders into larger tones and there can be planned and built perhaps in the next 10 years.
I therefore, Tuan Speaker, call for a total review of our oil, gas and energy policy and I urge the Sarawak Government that is now across the floor, to hear this spree of Sarawakian. Please stand up for Sarawakians. Please, fight for our rights.
Tuan Speaker, the State Barisan Nasional Government must put it to the Federal Barisan Nasional Government to set an immediate time table for idea the return of oil and gas resources to Sarawak or to give us 20% in royalty. I think, if we are determined enough and come up with the fact that the Federal Government may have contriving the Malaysian agreement when it enacts our Sarawak continental shelve. Supported by them. I am quite sure we can persuade Federal Government… (Interruption)
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): On the clarification. I think you probably may not be aware that there is no annexation of the continental shelf by the Federal Government. That is why the Federal Government pays royalty of the oil and gas taken from offshore of Sarawak that is in the continental shelve. You check your fact. No annexation of the continental shelve by the Federal Government.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Y.B. Minister. Just as the Yang Berhormat for Layar, when he replied to Y.B for Pending, there was no price hike, only a reduction in the subsidy. We are fooling ourselves, when we play around with words. Like you had just said, there is no annexation, but, in reality the continental shelve of Sarawak was annex by the Federal Government. We doubt the agreement of the Sarawak, governed it all. The facts are there. Even if, if the letter is not there. Can I continue, Yang Amat Berhormat, no, Tuan Speaker (Laughter). Sorry I get a bit carried away. Finally … (Interruption)
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Can I clarify?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes.
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): No annexation of the continental shelve by the Federal Government. Probably you are right. A lot of the oil that is produced beyond the continental shelve. That of course, is not under our jurisdiction. Thank you.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That is the problem. I think, I think, if I am might make an observation, you, your words just now, Tuan Speaker, if I may say, exemplify the current Barisan Nasional State Government stand. So weak, and so, how should I say, so subservient. There is no annexation. That is why we are not able to fight and stand up for our rights.
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker, as I said in my answer this morning that we have repeatedly appeal to the Federal Government for the revision of the royalties given to Sarawak and so far we have not been successful.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yang Berhormat Menteri, do you know why? Why you have not been successful?
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): I know. Because we have not follow what you have suggested… (Laughter)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Thank you very much. Here you have politics is the art of the possible, if I make my point now. Tuan Speaker, if I may continue, ending on that part, when… (Interruption)
Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Pembangunan Bandar dan Pelancongan (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Tuan Speaker, I thought you have withdrawn the statement. Do you still insist on the withdrawal of Sarawak from Malaysia?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: By the way, since that topic came out again, I think if I remember myself clearly, before, I got the back side fight by the Yang Berhormat for Layar, by his very eloquent question, I think, I was putting the question to him at that time, if I may remember correctly that if Sarawak cannot, cannot get what it wants, then shouldn’t the Government contemplate withdrawing from the Federation. It was not me. How can I, little me, ok, even contemplate withdrawing from the federation. I do not represent the government. So, if I am may make myself clear, I believe on that point.
Now, about the point of annexation. I think, I am a lawyer or you are not, sorry. We can argue until the cows come home. But the facts were still remain a fact. Just like a songkok is a songkok. Like I say, let me add on this part, when there is a political will there will be a political way to corrupt if I may say or to enhance, a popular saying.
Fine, now I am coming to a nicer part. A proposal for an old aged monthly allowance and I speak for our golden generation. Tuan Speaker, with the Ringgit two billion a year, ah! what wonderful things we can do for Sarawak. We can also contemplate social welfare for our poor and elderly. The average person Tuan Speaker, works from about 18 years till about 60 years of age. Each in his or her on way, toiling and contributing to our community, state and nation. By their seven decades, although some of you are still here, many would have being weaken by sickness or infirmity and would not be able to further apply themselves to gain full work. Such, it is a society of responsibility. It is a Government responsibility to repay and to look after them in their twilight years. We often call it golden years but I think it is more appropriate for those who were infirmed in their twilight years.
Tuan Speaker, the young parents of today, faced for middle work precious in providing for the up keep of your own new clear family. What if the able raising cost of living. They find themselves in severe hardship. If they have aged parents to support, especially should there be infirmed or need more medical care as their aged, aged, the young and the aged in our society both need a break. I would like to call, Tuan Speaker, upon the government to consider for senior citizens aged 60 years and above, a monthly welfare allowance of RM200. There are, Tuan Speaker, currently sum 160 thousand Sarawakians who are aged 60 years and above. A breakdown of figures, according to the Sarawak Year Book of Statistic for 2004, is as follows:-
(1) 60 " 64, we have 53,800;
(2) 65 " 69 years, we have 39,100;
(3) And from 70 " 74, they are 26,800.
And for those who are 75 and above, they are 34,300. Making a total of 154,000 and I round it up to 160,000.
If you, if we, Tuan Speaker, are to give RM200 per month to each and every 60 years old in Sarawak and I am sure not all 60 years old will require this. But, assuming that all of them will take it, it will only incurred an expenditure of sum 380 million a year. The figure sounds big and yet in so many ways sounds so familiar. We have a 300 million Dewan Undangan Negeri, we have another 300 million, Kuching Tower project. The figure 300 million seems to be very common nowadays.
This, Tuan Speaker, is a figure which is only about half the amount we are now wasting and leading through the 1st Silicon annually.
Tuan Speaker, a caring society through jurisdiction should incorporate such concept of care under institutionalize frame work. In an Asian society, traditionally respectful of elders. An obligation of the elected government is surely to support, care and protection of the older citizens who need our help. Such a concept of societal concern and care must not be left to the limited resources of charitable individuals, organizations or religious link groups though their contribution is praised worthy, identifying and to be encouraged.
Tuan Speaker, a start has to be made and made right now, if the government is to establish its position as the function of care and concern for the people. Such must also be necessary the pre-condition for government remained relevant for it to be fit to government. For it to be a credible in promoting desired societal, culture such as a caring society.
Tuan Speaker, it is fitting that, a start be made with the aged and the aging citizens as our flag bearing social sector effective to be expended in scope and greater comprehensiveness as we go along.
Now I go to another fairly important area which is a part for, Tuan Speaker, special annual grants for Chinese independence secondary schools, aided Chinese primary schools and aided mission schools.
Tuan Speaker, Sarawakian well verse in the Chinese language provide the state with the major competitive advantage in the globalize world of today. This fact is recognized not only by the ethnic Chinese, but by many other Sarawakians as well. Chinese education is also the key to the preservation of Chinese culture in Malaysia and the importance of the Chinese language to all Malaysian is now nationally recognized.
Tuan Speaker, in recent years the fourteen Chinese independence secondary schools in Sarawak, yes, there are fourteen such schools, has seen steady annual rises being enrolment in Sarawak. From 4,564 to 5,099 in the year 2006. Testifying to the wide spread community demand, nationally sum 50 thousand are enrolled in 60 non-profit Chinese independence secondary schools. The Chinese Independence secondary schools try their very best to comply with the curriculum standards laid down by the Ministry of Education. BM and English are compulsory subject, Tuan Speaker. The last 30 years also, some of the sum 150 thousand students who completed schooling with Chinese Independence Secondary schools, many, have gone on to tertiary education locally and overseas.
All have become entrepreneurs. They have made significant contributions to national progress in all fields of political, social and economic life. The government should thus accord recognition and encourage community initiatives in organizing quality education to complement the fully national type schools. It is time, Tuan Speaker, the Federal and State Governments, both stepped in to share the burden that has fallen so heavily on the Chinese community.
Aided Chinese Primary Schools
Tuan Speaker, while the Federal Government do provide limited funding for aided Chinese primary schools, the State Government could well give further financial assistance to the aided Chinese primary schools in areas such as buildings, materials, maintenance, IT and sports facilities.
The aided Chinese primary schools are facing the prospect of increased demand in enrolment from all communities not just the Chinese, Tuan Speaker, and this I consider to be a very good thing. There is indeed an urgent need for new aided Chinese primary schools, the building projects to de-congested classrooms, those things with 60 or more students.
However, since the establishment of Chung Hua Primary School No. 6 in Kuching and which brought about the demise of my mentor, the DAP Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching, Sim Kwang Yang, this was the price that we paid. There, Tuan Speaker, there has not been an increase in the number of aided Chinese primary schools.
Chinese Independent Secondary Schools
With regards to the Chinese independent secondary schools, it is the faithfully individuals and associations in the Chinese communities who toiled to raise funds for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state, yet the Chinese independent still face a collective budget deficit of some RM5 million a year. So the so-called initiative that the SUPP announced a couple of days that they will come up with RM500,000 a year is far too little and too late. RM500 does not help.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Your Honour, can I speak? How much is Keadilan giving, please?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, Keadilan does not form the government. If Keadilan formed the government, we will give them RM5 million a year.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): The party doesn’t get any money from the government, please. We simply don’t get any money from the government for this thing.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That is what I am interested to know.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Besides I tell you, after No. 6, we build another Chinese primary school in Tudan, Miri.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I stand corrected, I am talking about Kuching.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Thank you.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: The Honourable Member for Piasau, I am sure has the greatest intention and the best intention for the Chinese community in Sarawak but to say that you are going to give RM500,000 a year from the party, why is it that the party is coming out with the money? Where is he going to raise this money? Isn’t it going to come back from the community again? That is why the SUPP has been doing, every year, raising the money from the Chinese community themselves.
Tuan Speaker, what we are talking about … (Interruption).
Y.B. Dr. Jerip anak Susil: Point of clarification, Sir, if you may allow me, please.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Who are you?
Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member of Bengoh.
Y.B. Dr. Jerip anak Susil: Point of clarification. I regret to say, I regret to say that you have misquoted us because it is not from the community. I, as a bumiputera member from the SUPP, also contributes and I never go back to my community (Applause).
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, I do contribute annually, everyday sometimes. Now, that is not the point, Tuan Speaker. How much can we give? Our ordinary salary is only RM8,000.00, the most we can give is RM8,000.00 unless you have any other subsidiary income.
Tuan Speaker, this is a responsibility of a State Government not individuals, not parties, that is my point, Tuan Speaker. So you may be very, very laudable in coming up with personal donations but it is never enough … (Interruption).
Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Point of clarification, Tuan Speaker.
Tuan Speaker: Yes, Honourable Member for Senadin.
Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): May I ask the Honourable Member whether education is a federal subject or a state subject?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, thank you very much for reminding me that. If I remember a far more important document, which is the 20-points which I believe is part of our agreement when we formed Malaysia. Education is supposed to be a state matter.
Tuan Speaker, how can we continue to close our eyes to a substantial need in the community by pushing this responsibility to the Federal Government? How can we continue to say that it is a Federal Government, therefore, our hands are tight. We are Sarawakian, we should be able to feel for Sarawakians if the Federal Government don’t care, we must care. That is my point. Can I continue? I am sorry I am getting a little louder.
Tuan Speaker: You have been continuing (Laughter).
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Tuan Speaker, on the one hand, he said we don’t have enough money, on the other hand, he wants us to spend more money from the state. I don’t understand the argument.
Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Padungan, we are nearly 6:30 p.m., how much longer have you got to go? You have been speaking over one hour now.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I am sorry because of all the interruption although it is very exciting.
Tuan Speaker: I will deduct the interruptions (Laughter). Okay. How much longer do you have?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I still has at least half an hour, I think at the rate that we are going, maybe another one hour but allow me. But seriously, seriously, I am not interested, Tuan Speaker, to take over the job of the Finance Minister for the State Government although the Honourable Member for Piasau used to be a Finance Minister.
Now, money, finance is very important and I have just, I think I have spent about the last 20 minutes talking about where we could have gotten that money and it is so easy, from our own resources itself, from the petrol that Petronas has kept from us. And I just said easily, we have a surplus of RM2 billion a year if we dare to stand up for our rights. Again I think they missed my point, Yang Berhormat from Piasau. We are not talking about money from the sky, we are not talking about building castles in the air. We are talking about stark real facts, we are talking about money in the bank.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Are we saying that we should take over defence, take over medical, take over everything that the federal is doing for the state?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, I think you should make me a Minister (Laughter) because Tuan Speaker, he is asking me, he is a Menteri, he is asking me how, what to do with the government. I will gladly comply. I did not say that we should take over the ministry or the responsibility from the Federal Government. I am saying that as a responsible government, unless, unless the Sarawak Government has been so downgraded and downsized that it is now just an administrative body like the local authority it have become. Surely, surely, we have so much resources, surely we have so much authority on our own hands that we can actually take our destiny in our own hands and not go to big brother in West Malaysia, please tolong give me money, my money back.
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Ya, who is your leader?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: My leader? Tuan Speaker … (Interruption).
Y.B. Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Anwar Ibrahim, your big brother in KL as well. Go back to Semenanjunglah.
Menteri Muda Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Perhubungan (Y.B. Encik Lee Kim Shin): Tuan Speaker, point of clarification.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Can we have order, Tuan Speaker?
Tuan Speaker: We are going to 6:30 p.m., you make a concluding remark.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I haven’t finished.
Tuan Speaker: Yes, by 6:30 p.m.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I will stop at 6:30 p.m. then but I haven’t finished.
Tuan Speaker: Please proceed.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, oh, it is going to get very hot (Laughter), then let’s enjoy.
Y.B. Datuk Haji Talib bin Zulpilip: It is not big brother, it is big sister (Laughter).
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: No, no, no, no. I have not gotten the sex wrong. Yours is big brother, mine maybe big sister. It is not my big brother. Sorry, no pun intended.
Tuan Speaker, for the sake of the continuous survival in progress of Chinese independent schools, public sector funding and not the dependent on charity must be the only way forward.
Tuan Speaker, there is ample precedent throughout the whole of Malaysia for state governments to provide funds for Chinese independent schools, examples, states with Barisan Nasional State Governments making annual grants or having alienated land to Chinese independent secondary schools include Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah. The Malacca Barisan Nasional Government grants scholarships annually for the students from poor financial background attending Chinese independent middle schools.
In Sabah, the PBS, Tuan Speaker, and now the Barisan Nasional Government has been making annual grants for the nine Chinese independent schools since 1991. Sabah boleh, tetapi Sarawak tak boleh and in Kelantan a non-BN government, indeed a PAS government, it is even more dedicated to the principle of mother-tongue education by solving the funding problem once and for all for them. It generously, Tuan Speaker, donated 1,000 acres of land for agricultural development to the Chinese school association. The proceeds from which will see Chinese education go a long, long way and this, for government, Tuan Speaker, which augurs in this House, both sides, enjoyed vilifying so often and so wrong and again, Kelantan boleh tetapi Sarawak tak boleh.
Thus, Tuan Speaker, Sarawak, not have a greater percentage of ethnic Chinese and active Chinese political participation than Kelantan and Sabah. Does not the Sarawak BN Government not have a stronger Chinese political partner than the Chinese partnership in the Kelantan-PAS Government?
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Pemodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Why don’t you live in Kelantan?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, I am a Sarawakian. If I am a Kelantanese, I would love to go there but I, no jangan say balik, if balik, you also balik juga because I am a Sarawakian and this is my home. Tuan Speaker, if I may continue, I am finishing this part.
Tuan Speaker: Yes, Honourable Member for Pujut.
Y.B. Encik Andy Chia Chu Fatt: Allow me to say something here, please. I would like to ask our Honourable Member for Padungan, you are only pointing one case in Kelantan. Do you have any business signboard in Kelantan, in Chinese, road signs in Chinese, even Malay doctors clinics with Chinese signboard in Kelantan? You come to Miri, you see lots of them. Please come to Miri. Don’t just point out a few problems and highlight that and talk about other things, Sir, please. Look at the whole picture.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: The Honourable Member for … (Interruption).
Tuan Speaker: Pujut.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Pujut, sorry. We have Chinese signs in Kuching too. That is not the point and it is not the Kelantan State Government that is giving its proper share and duty towards Chinese education but numerous other states throughout Malaysia we are talking about.
I am not just comparing Kelantan, I am comparing a lot of other states but Kelantan is useful because the Barisan Nasional Government loves to vilify it. I do not love Kelantan, I love Sarawak but Kelantan is leading the way for us. Why is this so? … (Interruption)
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Have they given to Chinese school that we give here in Sarawak to Chinese Independent School and you know, Primary Chinese School in Kelantan?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Sorry. Sorry I didn’t get you.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): How many, how much land has the Kelantan government given to Chinese Schools… (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: One thousand … (Interruption)
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): You know that we have given out a lot of land in this government. Sarawak Government for Chinese schools that’s worth millions of dollars.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: But the problems… (Interruption)
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Are you aware of that? May be you are not aware. You are so blinker in your outlook. Never look at… (Laughter)
Tuan Speaker: Alright Member for Padungan, you make your closing remarks.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I will. I will. Let me finish that point with him.
Tuan Speaker: Ya.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I have the facts and figures here, Tuan Speaker. I am not blinkered just because I don’t have a Chinese educational background means that I am blinkered because I am trying to speak up for Chinese education. Now the point I am making Tuan Speaker, I am not saying that the Sarawak Government has done nothing. I don’t think I have said that. But what I am saying … (Interruption)
Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, why did he said that Sarawak tak boleh? Aaa … (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: But I said yes… (Interruption)
Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam (Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): What are you talking about?..(Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tak boleh. Tak boleh. Sarawak tak boleh at the moment. But … (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina: Yang Berhormat, you are talking about Chinese in Kelantan. Do you know some Chinese in Kelantan even don’t know how to speak in Chinese?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That is beside the point. We are talking about the Kelantan Government as compared to the Sarawak Government… (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina: That means, that means the government is not taking care of the Chinese in Kelantan. That’s why the Chinese in Kelantan don’t know how to speak Chinese. I can get one Chinese man here to you.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I don’t think we are talking about Chinese man not speaking Chinese. We are talking the issue here is funding for Chinese Independent Schools.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): For every year, the State Government through MRP gives half a million to the Chinese primary school.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Only the primary school?
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): Ya, Chinese primary school. Half a million through our MRP. Okay.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes. MRP… (Interruption)
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): How much is the Kelantan Government giving?
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: What are MRPs?
Timbalan Ketua Menteri dan Menteri Permodenan Pertanian dan Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian (Y.B. Datuk Patinggi Dr. George Chan Hong Nam): It is a State Government … (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Minor rural projects. We are talking about substantive needs here. We are talking about facts and figures where the 14 Chinese Independent Schools need something like or spent something like 9.8 million a year. Giving them 500 is just like giving them candy when they need food in the belly. Tuan Speaker, we are talking about a substantive issue here. What is the point of giving things… (Interruption)
Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi Bin Narawi: Tuan Speaker, boleh saya dapat penjelasan… (Interruption)
Menteri Muda Sumber Manusia dan Menteri Muda Pertanian (Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Abdullah): Tuan Speaker, point of clarification.
Tuan Speaker: Yes.
Menteri Muda Sumber Manusia dan Menteri Muda Pertanian (Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Abdullah): Now, I would like to say here that, that the government had never, at any point of time, discriminate against schools according to the medium of instructions. Now, the government pay the salaries of the teachers also to schools with Chinese as a medium of instruction. The government also pay, not only the salaries of the teachers, the government also provides text books and then per capita grant according to the subjects and many others. The government doesn’t discriminate. Wait, wait I haven’t finished. Now what the government doesn’t provide is that what we called as building fund. Now the building fund is not given to schools whereas the school doesn’t belong to government and the land doesn’t belong to the government. We don’t provide that. I am sure you would not repair somebody else house. Thank you.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Is that the stand of the Barisan Nasional Government, that Chinese education in Sarawak doesn’t belong to Sarawak? Is that the stand?
Menteri Muda Sumber Manusia dan Menteri Muda Pertanian (Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Binti Abdullah): No. No. We’re not saying that. We’re not saying that.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: That’s what you say.
Menteri Muda Sumber Manusia dan Menteri Muda Pertanian (Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Binti Abdullah): No. No.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I don’t want to build somebody else’s house.
Menteri Muda Sumber Manusia dan Menteri Muda Pertanian (Y.B. Datin Hajah Fatimah Abdullah): No. No. No. No. No. No. Now, I have. See, if the land doesn’t belong to the government, if the building doesn’t belong to the government but if that particular Board of Directors would like the government to help to repair the buildings which belong to, which doesn’t belong to the government they can put a request and Bantuan Modal will be given according to the availability of fund, according to the application from the Lembaga. Thank you.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: According to the availability of funds. I think you just made the point and I am sure many of these schools have time and time again applied but minta maaf, tiada fund. That is the problem we’re talking about right now, Tuan Speaker. Let me point that and end that part. Sorry no point. (Laughter)
I am saying that clear and simple and I am going to aided missionary school tomorrow. The point is very simple. I think everybody is missing that totally… (Interruption)
Tuan Speaker: No.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Education… (Interruption)
Tuan Speaker: Member for Padungan, we have so many members who want to speak as well. So it is only Thursday and Friday. So if you finish your speech today, that is your speech.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, that is quite unfair.
Tuan Speaker: Because I have to allocate time to other members as well. I am giving opportunity to those who want to deliver maiden speeches first.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Yes, I am giving my maiden speech.
Tuan Speaker: So you finish today. Tomorrow I have to accord to other Honorable Members who have to deliver their maiden speeches as well and they also represent bigger political parties.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: See, Tuan Speaker. You see I have been very nice in giving way whenever I am interrupted and I have done my part and everybody is participating in this debate. Now I am not boring the assembly I think, and this is not an unimportant subject. Now there are a few others which I would like to touch. Now if I may be uninterrupted can I read through it as fast as I can?
Tuan Speaker: Let me put it to the votes, okay. Do we finish at 6:30 or not?
Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: Yes.
Tuan Speaker: Ya. So tomorrow will be another Honorable Member because there are so many others who have not spoken… (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, that is quite unfair. You say we finish at 6:30 I do agree also. I am very tired. I want to go home.
Tuan Speaker: I have given you more than one hour.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: But I, half of the time I am not speaking.
Tuan Speaker: No. No. No…(laughter). So Dewan is adjourned. Sitting resumes at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, can I just beg for ten minutes to read through what I have to do.
Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: No.
Y.B. Encik Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: No, injury time, Tuan Speaker.
Tuan Speaker: Otherwise, there is no.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: No. No. No.
Tuan Speaker: There must be a quorum.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: There’s a quorum.
Tuan Speaker: Ya, if they all leave, you have no quorum.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker.
Y.B. Dr. Jerip Susil: Time’s up. Time’s up.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I think it is unfair to me, Tuan Speaker.
Tuan Speaker: It’s not. I have given, you have been speaking the longest today. (Laughter)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I’ll been standing the longest here… (Interruption)
Tuan Speaker: The Member for Batu Lintang spoke for one hour five minutes; you have taken more than one hour, almost one and a half hours. If they all pack up there is no quorum.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, just five minutes. I’ll finish mine…
Tuan Speaker: It’s up to them.
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Just five minutes. Just five minutes.
Tuan Speaker: So… (Interruption)
Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You can time me. You can time me. Just five minutes.
Barisan Nasional Backbenchers: No.
Tuan Speaker: Sitting is adjourned. We resume sitting tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.
(Mesyuarat ditangguhkan pada jam 6:38 petang)
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