It has been a busy period for me lately, being in the financial line, and the current global recession, I am being forced to stop blogging for a while.
A while ago a friend from JB called and asked me if I could publish an entry where I can share my RSS feed to the public. Come to think of it.. here goes;
1. Download feedreader
2. Install the application after download
3. Download the FeedReader database
4. Import the database and walla u have all my RSS Feeds
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sabah & Sarawak to Rejects Malaysia?
I have been keeping quiet since Permatang Pauh by Election till 1609, the D-Day when PR is to take over Parliment from BN. After some quiet observations, BN has played their racial politics again. Hence, mp were sent to honeymoon trips overseas? And over the weekend, ISA on civilians and even MP? From Sabah & Sarawak, we would want to say that this is OUTRAGEUS!
People of Sabah & Sarawak....... be reminded of the 20 point of agreement when the federation of Malaysia was formed; people, we seriously need to review the Malaysia Act, the 20-point agenda and other rules and conditions agreed upon when they became part of Malaysia in 1963.
The agreements should be re-looked to suit our current needs, should act like the European countries in the European Union which have relaxed various regulations, including the need for travel documents. Furthermore, there were laws and regulations which were discriminatory against Sabahans and Sarawakians, including the five per cent oil royalty paid to the Federal Government and the non-eligibility of their Heads of State to be appointed Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The 20-point agreement, or the 20-point memorandum, is an agreement made between the state of North Borneo with what would be the federal government of Malayisa prior to the formation of Malaysia in September 16, 1963. A similar agreement was made between the state of Sarawak and the federal government but with certain differences in their 18-Points Agreement.
History
The agreement was written for the main purpose of safeguarding the interests, rights, and the autonomy of the people of Sabah upon entering the federation of Malaysia. Home to 28 culturally distinct ethnic groups, it is also considered the country’s most ethnically diverse state, and is unique in that there is no single ethnic majority. The Iban, who are mostly agrarian and practice a form of Christianity mixed with traditional beliefs and rituals, comprise the largest ethnic group with approximately 30% of the population. The Chinese are next with some 27% of the population, followed by the Malays (23%). It was originally envisaged that Sabah & Sarawak each to be one of the four entities in the federation, the others being Malaya & Singapore. However as times passed, Sabah and Sarawak has ended up being merely one of the 13 States in the federation.
In view of the current issue in regard to the neglegence towards Sabah & Sarawak, we should SERIOUSLY reconsider the clause of the AGREEMENT.
The agreement
Point 1: Religion
While there was no objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia there should be no State religion in North Borneo, and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to North Borneo
Point 2: Language
a. Malay should be the national language of the Federation
b. English should continue to be used for a period of 10 years after Malaysia Day
c. English should be an official language of North Borneo for all purposes, State or Federal, without limitation of time.
Point 3: Constitution
Whilst accepting that the present Constitution of the Federation of Malaya should form the basis of the Constitution of Malaysia, the Constitution of Malaysia should be a completely new document drafted and agreed in the light of a free association of states and should not be a series of amendments to a Constitution drafted and agreed by different states in totally different circumstances. A new Constitution for North Borneo (Sabah) was of course essential.
Point 4: Head of Federation
The Head of State in North Borneo should not be eligible for election as Head of the Federation
Point 5: Name of Federation
“Malaysia” but not “Melayu Raya”
Point 6: Immigration
Control over immigration into any part of Malaysia from outside should rest with the Central Government but entry into North Borneo should also require the approval of the State Government. The Federal Government should not be able to veto the entry of persons into North Borneo for State Government purposes except on strictly security grounds. North Borneo should have unfettered control over the movements of persons other than those in Federal Government employ from other parts of Malaysia into North Borneo.
Point 7: Right of Secession
There should be no right to secede from the Federation
Point 8: Borneanisation
Borneanisation of the public service should proceed as quickly as possible.
Point 9: British Officers
Every effort should be made to encourage British Officers to remain in the public service until their places can be taken by suitably qualified people from North Borneo
Point 10: Citizenship
The recommendation in paragraph 148(k) of the Report of the Cobbold Commission should govern the citizenship rights in the Federation of North Borneo subject to the following amendments:
a) sub-paragraph (i) should not contain the proviso as to five years residence
b) in order to tie up with our law, sub-paragraph (ii)(a) should read “7 out of 10 years” instead of “8 out of 10 years”
c) sub-paragraph (iii) should not contain any restriction tied to the citizenship of parents – a person born in North Borneo after Malaysia must be federal citizen.
Point 11: Tariffs and Finance
North Borneo should retain control of its own finance, development and tariff, and should have the right to work up its own taxation and to raise loans on its own credit.
Point 12: Special position of indigenous races
In principle, the indigenous races of North Borneo should enjoy special rights analogous to those enjoyed by Malays in Malaya, but the present Malays’ formula in this regard is not necessarily applicable in North Borneo
Point 13: State Government
a) the Prime Minister should be elected by unofficial members of Legislative Council
b) There should be a proper Ministerial system in North Borneo
Point 14: Transitional period
This should be seven years and during such period legislative power must be left with the State of North Borneo by the Constitution and not be merely delegated to the State Government by the Federal Government
Point 15: Education
The existing educational system of North Borneo should be maintained and for this reason it should be under state control
Point 16: Constitutional safeguards
No amendment modification or withdrawal of any special safeguard granted to North Borneo should be made by the Central Government without the positive concurrence of the Government of the State of North Borneo
The power of amending the Constitution of the State of North Borneo should belong exclusively to the people in the state. (Note: The United Party, The Democratic Party and the Pasok Momogun Party considered that a three-fourth majority would be required in order to effect any amendment to the Federal and State Constitutions whereas the UNKO and USNO considered a two-thirds majority would be sufficient)
Point 17: Representation in Federal Parliament
This should take account not only of the population of North Borneo but also of its seize and potentialities and in any case should not be less than that of Singapore
Point 18: Name of Head of State
Yang di-Pertua Negeri
Point 19: Name of State
Sabah / Sarawak
Point 20: Land, Forests, Local Government, etc.
The provisions in the Constitution of the Federation in respect of the powers of the National Land Council should not apply in North Borneo. Likewise, the National Council for Local Government should not apply in North Borneo.
People of Sabah & Sarawak....... be reminded of the 20 point of agreement when the federation of Malaysia was formed; people, we seriously need to review the Malaysia Act, the 20-point agenda and other rules and conditions agreed upon when they became part of Malaysia in 1963.
The agreements should be re-looked to suit our current needs, should act like the European countries in the European Union which have relaxed various regulations, including the need for travel documents. Furthermore, there were laws and regulations which were discriminatory against Sabahans and Sarawakians, including the five per cent oil royalty paid to the Federal Government and the non-eligibility of their Heads of State to be appointed Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The 20-point agreement, or the 20-point memorandum, is an agreement made between the state of North Borneo with what would be the federal government of Malayisa prior to the formation of Malaysia in September 16, 1963. A similar agreement was made between the state of Sarawak and the federal government but with certain differences in their 18-Points Agreement.
History
The agreement was written for the main purpose of safeguarding the interests, rights, and the autonomy of the people of Sabah upon entering the federation of Malaysia. Home to 28 culturally distinct ethnic groups, it is also considered the country’s most ethnically diverse state, and is unique in that there is no single ethnic majority. The Iban, who are mostly agrarian and practice a form of Christianity mixed with traditional beliefs and rituals, comprise the largest ethnic group with approximately 30% of the population. The Chinese are next with some 27% of the population, followed by the Malays (23%). It was originally envisaged that Sabah & Sarawak each to be one of the four entities in the federation, the others being Malaya & Singapore. However as times passed, Sabah and Sarawak has ended up being merely one of the 13 States in the federation.
In view of the current issue in regard to the neglegence towards Sabah & Sarawak, we should SERIOUSLY reconsider the clause of the AGREEMENT.
The agreement
Point 1: Religion
While there was no objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia there should be no State religion in North Borneo, and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to North Borneo
Point 2: Language
a. Malay should be the national language of the Federation
b. English should continue to be used for a period of 10 years after Malaysia Day
c. English should be an official language of North Borneo for all purposes, State or Federal, without limitation of time.
Point 3: Constitution
Whilst accepting that the present Constitution of the Federation of Malaya should form the basis of the Constitution of Malaysia, the Constitution of Malaysia should be a completely new document drafted and agreed in the light of a free association of states and should not be a series of amendments to a Constitution drafted and agreed by different states in totally different circumstances. A new Constitution for North Borneo (Sabah) was of course essential.
Point 4: Head of Federation
The Head of State in North Borneo should not be eligible for election as Head of the Federation
Point 5: Name of Federation
“Malaysia” but not “Melayu Raya”
Point 6: Immigration
Control over immigration into any part of Malaysia from outside should rest with the Central Government but entry into North Borneo should also require the approval of the State Government. The Federal Government should not be able to veto the entry of persons into North Borneo for State Government purposes except on strictly security grounds. North Borneo should have unfettered control over the movements of persons other than those in Federal Government employ from other parts of Malaysia into North Borneo.
Point 7: Right of Secession
There should be no right to secede from the Federation
Point 8: Borneanisation
Borneanisation of the public service should proceed as quickly as possible.
Point 9: British Officers
Every effort should be made to encourage British Officers to remain in the public service until their places can be taken by suitably qualified people from North Borneo
Point 10: Citizenship
The recommendation in paragraph 148(k) of the Report of the Cobbold Commission should govern the citizenship rights in the Federation of North Borneo subject to the following amendments:
a) sub-paragraph (i) should not contain the proviso as to five years residence
b) in order to tie up with our law, sub-paragraph (ii)(a) should read “7 out of 10 years” instead of “8 out of 10 years”
c) sub-paragraph (iii) should not contain any restriction tied to the citizenship of parents – a person born in North Borneo after Malaysia must be federal citizen.
Point 11: Tariffs and Finance
North Borneo should retain control of its own finance, development and tariff, and should have the right to work up its own taxation and to raise loans on its own credit.
Point 12: Special position of indigenous races
In principle, the indigenous races of North Borneo should enjoy special rights analogous to those enjoyed by Malays in Malaya, but the present Malays’ formula in this regard is not necessarily applicable in North Borneo
Point 13: State Government
a) the Prime Minister should be elected by unofficial members of Legislative Council
b) There should be a proper Ministerial system in North Borneo
Point 14: Transitional period
This should be seven years and during such period legislative power must be left with the State of North Borneo by the Constitution and not be merely delegated to the State Government by the Federal Government
Point 15: Education
The existing educational system of North Borneo should be maintained and for this reason it should be under state control
Point 16: Constitutional safeguards
No amendment modification or withdrawal of any special safeguard granted to North Borneo should be made by the Central Government without the positive concurrence of the Government of the State of North Borneo
The power of amending the Constitution of the State of North Borneo should belong exclusively to the people in the state. (Note: The United Party, The Democratic Party and the Pasok Momogun Party considered that a three-fourth majority would be required in order to effect any amendment to the Federal and State Constitutions whereas the UNKO and USNO considered a two-thirds majority would be sufficient)
Point 17: Representation in Federal Parliament
This should take account not only of the population of North Borneo but also of its seize and potentialities and in any case should not be less than that of Singapore
Point 18: Name of Head of State
Yang di-Pertua Negeri
Point 19: Name of State
Sabah / Sarawak
Point 20: Land, Forests, Local Government, etc.
The provisions in the Constitution of the Federation in respect of the powers of the National Land Council should not apply in North Borneo. Likewise, the National Council for Local Government should not apply in North Borneo.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
AsiaSentinel : Power and Politics: Dams in Sarawak
Asia Sentinel
Power and Politics: Dams in Sarawak
Lee Poh Onn
22 August 2008
Malaysia’s politicians authorize a spate of dams they don’t appear toneed
Plans to build 12 new dams in Sarawak, allegedly to meet power demandsfor decades to come, have recently been uncovered despite the factthat the state has 20 percent more capacity than it needs now - beforethe controversial Bakun Dam comes online in 2011, bringing with iteven more overcapacity.
When news of the projects became public, environmentalists were up inarms. The two existing dams in Sarawak, Batang Ai Dam completed andBakun Dam nearing completion, were accompanied by a range of widelypublicized socio-economic and environmental repercussions worryingenough for the anti-dam faction to exhibit public outrage.
The pro-dam faction, Sarawak's ruling polity, its electricity board,business conglomerates and businesspeople, see the benefits, giventhat Sarawak has major waterways and a river system that can be drawninto the process of producing hydroelectricity. They also say dams canprovide a clean source of energy and, in addition, help Malaysia todiversify away from fossil fuels which in the past year have witnessedskyrocketing prices.
Dams are also regarded as supplying clean energy which does not add tothe carbon footprint. Industries generate growth and in turn createemployment opportunities, and so the official line goes. Importantly,public projects like these have been known to enrich the privatecoffers of those in power.
The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, launched in February 2008,is expected to add 1.5 million jobs in the state by 2030 and increaseGDP by 5.5 percent per annum. The corridor would include a whole rangeof industries from downstream oil-based production and aquaculture toaluminium smelting and specialized glass making.
For example, the Australian mining giant, Rio Tinto Aluminium Ltd, hasexpressed an interest in setting up a RM7 billion smelting plant with Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, of which two of the chief minister's sons arekey directors. Rio Tinto will reportedly need half of the total energy(1200 MW) produced by the Bakun dam, expected to be completed by 2011.Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has also signed a MoU to supply energy toTenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) in Peninsula Malaysia.
The anti-dam group -- environmental NGOs, indigenous communities,some members in opposition parties in Sarawak -- have expressed alarmabout the proposal to construct the new dams and the in-principlego-ahead given to another dam, the Murum.The anti-dam forces have plenty of justification for concern, whentheir point of reference is the Bakun dam. The host of environmentalissues, social impact on indigenous communities, engineering problemsand cost overruns, and vested interests of the polity have been widelydocumented in the Malaysian press and NGO websites. In fact, theexperience is generating grave concerns that history will repeatitself.
When the Bakun dam was approved in 1986, it involved the resettlement of 10,000 people from about 15 indigenous communities and the flooding of an area the size of Singapore. Studies have shown that the resettled communities have been under-compensated, biodiversityresources were compromised, native community rights have been overridden, and those ousted have experienced hardships which have notbeen adequately addressed by the state government even up to now.
Barring future cost overruns, the total cost of the dam is expected tobe a whopping RM21 billion (about RM15 billion will be used toconstruct the proposed cable to link Sarawak to Peninsula Malaysia,which will only commence after the dam has been completed).In the latest twist, in July 2008 Sime Darby pulled out from the megaproject and relinquished both its ownership option and its involvementin constructing the undersea cable to channel electricity from Sarawakto peninsula Malaysia. The conglomerate cited economic factorsalthough it said it would continue in its role as contractor andcomplete the construction of the dam itself.
Meanwhile, the state and federal governments have been attempting toallay public concerns by saying the project is progressing well andthat the government is open to offers from other companies interestedin completing the cable.
The Second Finance Minister, Nor Mohamed Yakcop, has said that the government would seek new contractors tocomplete the undersea cables. The first cable is expected to be readyby 2013, the second by 2015.
Environmentalists have also repeatedly highlighted that theconstruction of the Bakun dam was due to vested political interestsand grandiose plans of the then-prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad and Chief Minister of Sarawak Taib Mahmud. In 1994, the contract was awarded by the Sarawak government without tender to Ekran Berhad, aconstruction company owned by Ting Pek Khiing, a close ally to bothleaders. Ting himself was a timber businessman, with no experience indam construction. Subsequently, the project was shelved because of thefinancial crisis and Ekran's problems with its contractors.
The state cites rising fossil fuel prices which make energy sourcesgenerated from dams economically more viable. But for Sarawak,supplying energy from Bakun to the peninsula may not be viable asestimates have put the costs to as high as 30 sen (US 9 cents) perkilowatt hour if the undersea cable is completed. Currently, Tenagaonly pays RM 17 sen for each kilowatt of energy. Furthermore, Sarawakalready currently has 20 percent overcapacity in its electricity supplies (it has 900 MW but only consumes 700 MW excluding the 2400 MWenergy that will be supplied when the Bakun dam is completed). And Peninsula Malaysia has about 30 percent over capacity in its presentenergy demands.
So where does this lead to? Should the state government carry on asusual and go about constructing the new dams in spite of concerns expressed by environmentalists?
Rest assured, the federal government will not have much say in thematter after the watershed March 8, 2008 national elections. The talkby Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PKR)coalition, of possible defections by MPs in Sabah and Sarawak afterthe upcoming September by-elections of the Permatang Pauh seat and PKR's offer to up petroleum royalties from the current 5 percent to 20percent is enough to silence the ruling Barisan Nasional leaders onvoicing their concerns over the economic viability of these additionaldams. As such, the Sarawak government will be pretty much left to itsown devices.
However, the state government should note that the backlash in thefederal elections could also happen in Sarawak. Local elections are in2011, though it is well known that the chief minister could call forearly ones. The Sarawak government cannot continue to construct thenew dams without listening to the voice of its indigenous communitiesand environmentalist NGOs.
The 2006 state elections in Sarawak itself already serve as a warningof things to come as nine seats were lost to the opposition.Previously, opposition parties only held two or at most three seats.Although a change of government is unlikely, the opposition willlikely increase its stronghold if the present ruling coalitioncontinues to ignore public outcry over environmental excesses, inaddition to ignoring the welfare of the Dayak communities in thestate, which make up more than 40 percent of Sarawak's population.
Issues that are now pressing the state are adequately addressing itsnative customary rights in land ownership, providing adequatecompensation for the revocation of land, opening discussions with thevarious stakeholders, and also a proper dispute settlement mechanismto avoid a repeat of the Bakun dam grievances which could lead to astate election debacle in 2011, similar to the Barisan's loss in March2008.[The writer is a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore. His research interests are in environmental managementissues in Southeast Asia. The views expressed here are his own.]Comments (1)add feedShow/Hide comment stoggle Trainer-Audit Officer : Gursharan Singh C.M.I.I.A.The object of unnecessary dams could be to give contracts directly to'connected/selected' companies. The award would probably be withoutcompetetive tendering resulting in higher costs that will benefitdirectly/indirectly. The selected companies may have no relevantexpertise or resources and would provide substantial profits. As inthe past the works may be 'traded' and sold in the name ofsub-letting. It is not important even if the selected contractor maynot have any expertise/resources that is relevant to to works to beconstructed.
The approving authorities see only the profits that will be enjoyed bythose involved and not the losses and destruction tohabitat/environment and lives taht may happen now and in the future.
The poor are disposable to ensure the rich continue to accumulate morewealth which they think that they will take on their death.
22.8.08August 22, 2008
http://www.asiasentinel.com/
Power and Politics: Dams in Sarawak
Lee Poh Onn
22 August 2008
Malaysia’s politicians authorize a spate of dams they don’t appear toneed
Plans to build 12 new dams in Sarawak, allegedly to meet power demandsfor decades to come, have recently been uncovered despite the factthat the state has 20 percent more capacity than it needs now - beforethe controversial Bakun Dam comes online in 2011, bringing with iteven more overcapacity.
When news of the projects became public, environmentalists were up inarms. The two existing dams in Sarawak, Batang Ai Dam completed andBakun Dam nearing completion, were accompanied by a range of widelypublicized socio-economic and environmental repercussions worryingenough for the anti-dam faction to exhibit public outrage.
The pro-dam faction, Sarawak's ruling polity, its electricity board,business conglomerates and businesspeople, see the benefits, giventhat Sarawak has major waterways and a river system that can be drawninto the process of producing hydroelectricity. They also say dams canprovide a clean source of energy and, in addition, help Malaysia todiversify away from fossil fuels which in the past year have witnessedskyrocketing prices.
Dams are also regarded as supplying clean energy which does not add tothe carbon footprint. Industries generate growth and in turn createemployment opportunities, and so the official line goes. Importantly,public projects like these have been known to enrich the privatecoffers of those in power.
The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, launched in February 2008,is expected to add 1.5 million jobs in the state by 2030 and increaseGDP by 5.5 percent per annum. The corridor would include a whole rangeof industries from downstream oil-based production and aquaculture toaluminium smelting and specialized glass making.
For example, the Australian mining giant, Rio Tinto Aluminium Ltd, hasexpressed an interest in setting up a RM7 billion smelting plant with Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, of which two of the chief minister's sons arekey directors. Rio Tinto will reportedly need half of the total energy(1200 MW) produced by the Bakun dam, expected to be completed by 2011.Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has also signed a MoU to supply energy toTenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) in Peninsula Malaysia.
The anti-dam group -- environmental NGOs, indigenous communities,some members in opposition parties in Sarawak -- have expressed alarmabout the proposal to construct the new dams and the in-principlego-ahead given to another dam, the Murum.The anti-dam forces have plenty of justification for concern, whentheir point of reference is the Bakun dam. The host of environmentalissues, social impact on indigenous communities, engineering problemsand cost overruns, and vested interests of the polity have been widelydocumented in the Malaysian press and NGO websites. In fact, theexperience is generating grave concerns that history will repeatitself.
When the Bakun dam was approved in 1986, it involved the resettlement of 10,000 people from about 15 indigenous communities and the flooding of an area the size of Singapore. Studies have shown that the resettled communities have been under-compensated, biodiversityresources were compromised, native community rights have been overridden, and those ousted have experienced hardships which have notbeen adequately addressed by the state government even up to now.
Barring future cost overruns, the total cost of the dam is expected tobe a whopping RM21 billion (about RM15 billion will be used toconstruct the proposed cable to link Sarawak to Peninsula Malaysia,which will only commence after the dam has been completed).In the latest twist, in July 2008 Sime Darby pulled out from the megaproject and relinquished both its ownership option and its involvementin constructing the undersea cable to channel electricity from Sarawakto peninsula Malaysia. The conglomerate cited economic factorsalthough it said it would continue in its role as contractor andcomplete the construction of the dam itself.
Meanwhile, the state and federal governments have been attempting toallay public concerns by saying the project is progressing well andthat the government is open to offers from other companies interestedin completing the cable.
The Second Finance Minister, Nor Mohamed Yakcop, has said that the government would seek new contractors tocomplete the undersea cables. The first cable is expected to be readyby 2013, the second by 2015.
Environmentalists have also repeatedly highlighted that theconstruction of the Bakun dam was due to vested political interestsand grandiose plans of the then-prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad and Chief Minister of Sarawak Taib Mahmud. In 1994, the contract was awarded by the Sarawak government without tender to Ekran Berhad, aconstruction company owned by Ting Pek Khiing, a close ally to bothleaders. Ting himself was a timber businessman, with no experience indam construction. Subsequently, the project was shelved because of thefinancial crisis and Ekran's problems with its contractors.
The state cites rising fossil fuel prices which make energy sourcesgenerated from dams economically more viable. But for Sarawak,supplying energy from Bakun to the peninsula may not be viable asestimates have put the costs to as high as 30 sen (US 9 cents) perkilowatt hour if the undersea cable is completed. Currently, Tenagaonly pays RM 17 sen for each kilowatt of energy. Furthermore, Sarawakalready currently has 20 percent overcapacity in its electricity supplies (it has 900 MW but only consumes 700 MW excluding the 2400 MWenergy that will be supplied when the Bakun dam is completed). And Peninsula Malaysia has about 30 percent over capacity in its presentenergy demands.
So where does this lead to? Should the state government carry on asusual and go about constructing the new dams in spite of concerns expressed by environmentalists?
Rest assured, the federal government will not have much say in thematter after the watershed March 8, 2008 national elections. The talkby Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PKR)coalition, of possible defections by MPs in Sabah and Sarawak afterthe upcoming September by-elections of the Permatang Pauh seat and PKR's offer to up petroleum royalties from the current 5 percent to 20percent is enough to silence the ruling Barisan Nasional leaders onvoicing their concerns over the economic viability of these additionaldams. As such, the Sarawak government will be pretty much left to itsown devices.
However, the state government should note that the backlash in thefederal elections could also happen in Sarawak. Local elections are in2011, though it is well known that the chief minister could call forearly ones. The Sarawak government cannot continue to construct thenew dams without listening to the voice of its indigenous communitiesand environmentalist NGOs.
The 2006 state elections in Sarawak itself already serve as a warningof things to come as nine seats were lost to the opposition.Previously, opposition parties only held two or at most three seats.Although a change of government is unlikely, the opposition willlikely increase its stronghold if the present ruling coalitioncontinues to ignore public outcry over environmental excesses, inaddition to ignoring the welfare of the Dayak communities in thestate, which make up more than 40 percent of Sarawak's population.
Issues that are now pressing the state are adequately addressing itsnative customary rights in land ownership, providing adequatecompensation for the revocation of land, opening discussions with thevarious stakeholders, and also a proper dispute settlement mechanismto avoid a repeat of the Bakun dam grievances which could lead to astate election debacle in 2011, similar to the Barisan's loss in March2008.[The writer is a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore. His research interests are in environmental managementissues in Southeast Asia. The views expressed here are his own.]Comments (1)add feedShow/Hide comment stoggle Trainer-Audit Officer : Gursharan Singh C.M.I.I.A.The object of unnecessary dams could be to give contracts directly to'connected/selected' companies. The award would probably be withoutcompetetive tendering resulting in higher costs that will benefitdirectly/indirectly. The selected companies may have no relevantexpertise or resources and would provide substantial profits. As inthe past the works may be 'traded' and sold in the name ofsub-letting. It is not important even if the selected contractor maynot have any expertise/resources that is relevant to to works to beconstructed.
The approving authorities see only the profits that will be enjoyed bythose involved and not the losses and destruction tohabitat/environment and lives taht may happen now and in the future.
The poor are disposable to ensure the rich continue to accumulate morewealth which they think that they will take on their death.
22.8.08August 22, 2008
http://www.asiasentinel.com/
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
See how we are being treated
Sarawak rural folks pay dearly for fuel
By STEPHEN THEN
BINTULU: The more than one million folks in interior Sarawak are still paying exorbitant prices for petrol and diesel in spite of the Government’s promise of a rural fuel-transportation subsidy scheme.
In semi-rural towns like Belaga, diesel continues to be sold at more than RM6 per litre, which is twice the price in cities and towns.
In places that are categorised as truly rural (not accessible by roads) such as the deeper areas of Kapit and Baram, the cost is even higher.
The rural populace, who form 50% of Sarawak’s 2.3 million population, have been forced to bear this burden despite repeated assurances from politicians at state and federal levels that the Government will subsidise the transportation cost of supplying fuel to all rural and semi-rural towns and villages.
This promise was made during the state elections in 2006 and repeated during last year’s Budget speech and the March general election, but nothing has changed.
A check by The Star yesterday showed that in Belaga, located 150km from Bintulu, diesel still costs about RM5 per litre.
“If the transportation subsidy scheme is functioning, fuel prices for rural folks must be reduced already, but this had not happened,” said social activist Michael Jok, a former Catholic priest in the Belaga region.
“Many people living in interior Sarawak are very confused. And, whether they like it or not, they are still at the mercy of fuel suppliers.
“No matter how high the fuel prices, they must still buy fuel or else their generators, vehicles, rice mills and longboat engines cannot function.
“The Government must explain what is actually happening and how much longer the rural people must bear this burden,” he said.
A check with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry revealed that the rural fuel-transportation scheme was not being implemented by the ministry, but directly by the Treasury. Something fishy about those money issue right? Timber, Crude Oil & LNG not enough? Now want to squeeze the citizen dry dry??? Hey!! Pek Moh ( white hair aka CM Taim) Belum untung cukup kah????
By STEPHEN THEN
BINTULU: The more than one million folks in interior Sarawak are still paying exorbitant prices for petrol and diesel in spite of the Government’s promise of a rural fuel-transportation subsidy scheme.
In semi-rural towns like Belaga, diesel continues to be sold at more than RM6 per litre, which is twice the price in cities and towns.
In places that are categorised as truly rural (not accessible by roads) such as the deeper areas of Kapit and Baram, the cost is even higher.
The rural populace, who form 50% of Sarawak’s 2.3 million population, have been forced to bear this burden despite repeated assurances from politicians at state and federal levels that the Government will subsidise the transportation cost of supplying fuel to all rural and semi-rural towns and villages.
This promise was made during the state elections in 2006 and repeated during last year’s Budget speech and the March general election, but nothing has changed.
A check by The Star yesterday showed that in Belaga, located 150km from Bintulu, diesel still costs about RM5 per litre.
“If the transportation subsidy scheme is functioning, fuel prices for rural folks must be reduced already, but this had not happened,” said social activist Michael Jok, a former Catholic priest in the Belaga region.
“Many people living in interior Sarawak are very confused. And, whether they like it or not, they are still at the mercy of fuel suppliers.
“No matter how high the fuel prices, they must still buy fuel or else their generators, vehicles, rice mills and longboat engines cannot function.
“The Government must explain what is actually happening and how much longer the rural people must bear this burden,” he said.
A check with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry revealed that the rural fuel-transportation scheme was not being implemented by the ministry, but directly by the Treasury. Something fishy about those money issue right? Timber, Crude Oil & LNG not enough? Now want to squeeze the citizen dry dry??? Hey!! Pek Moh ( white hair aka CM Taim) Belum untung cukup kah????
Monday, August 18, 2008
Kuching Street Talk
Was out at kopitiam with some friends yesterday, I manage to catch up these talks;
Kuching parking rates to be increased!! Haiz!! Probably around next year. Minimun of RM1.00. First petrol now this, next??? So is it true if BN is draining more resources for their Permatang Pauh by Election? All the previous money not enough meh? Sabah & Sarawak print money one ar??? Maybe hor "Lets Boogie" I mean rally outside the MBKS
Talk abt petrol, the subsidy, do u know why the fuel rebate is paid through PMB and not JPJ? ECM Libra Financial Group Bhd has a stake in PMB. Check out who is the Director of Investment and the CEO of ECM Libra. For every transaction PMB gets a commission of 10%. There are 11 million cars and 5 million motorcycles in the country. This does not include the RM 200.00 rebate given to the fisherman. Work it out and you will see how much PMB gets. Somebody is cheating us by pretending to help us!
Talk about cheating, haiz.... Alan Sim have cheated the people there and now he wants to develop the area into a highly priced residential gated unit. Buyers are by invitation only. Each unit will cost at least 3/4 of a million.
Alan Sim you are a liar. Same goes to Sim Kheng Hui. I hope that both of you along with the Kapitan will be lectured by Datuk Kong
Kuching parking rates to be increased!! Haiz!! Probably around next year. Minimun of RM1.00. First petrol now this, next??? So is it true if BN is draining more resources for their Permatang Pauh by Election? All the previous money not enough meh? Sabah & Sarawak print money one ar??? Maybe hor "Lets Boogie" I mean rally outside the MBKS
Talk abt petrol, the subsidy, do u know why the fuel rebate is paid through PMB and not JPJ? ECM Libra Financial Group Bhd has a stake in PMB. Check out who is the Director of Investment and the CEO of ECM Libra. For every transaction PMB gets a commission of 10%. There are 11 million cars and 5 million motorcycles in the country. This does not include the RM 200.00 rebate given to the fisherman. Work it out and you will see how much PMB gets. Somebody is cheating us by pretending to help us!
Talk about cheating, haiz.... Alan Sim have cheated the people there and now he wants to develop the area into a highly priced residential gated unit. Buyers are by invitation only. Each unit will cost at least 3/4 of a million.
Alan Sim you are a liar. Same goes to Sim Kheng Hui. I hope that both of you along with the Kapitan will be lectured by Datuk Kong
Sunday, August 17, 2008
SUPP in Crisis??
Last weekend, SUPP held a secret workshop for hand-picked members. Every branch was asked to send two delegates. They were broken into six groups. George Chan wanted to test his popularity and see if there is support for another term. As usual, he forgot his public promise last year that he will not stand for re-election. What he wanted from the delegates was a plea for him to stay on.
Instead of asking him to stay on, the delegates said they wanted all party positions to be contested. Chan’s running dogs like Peter Chin and Lee Kim Shit, who chair the break out groups, could not get the delegates to support Chan.
This episode puts Wong Soon Koh in the dog house. He has lost all credibility by backing Chan after telling all his supporters that he will fight Chan.
The only person who still has credibility is David Teng. Problem is Teng is disliked by CM. CM wants Chan to be in charge so that SUPP will suffer a total defeat in the next state election. Already some SUPP members say SUPP must follow SAPP and leave BN in order to win at next state election.
SUPP is really a hopeless party now. Chan and Soon Koh are being manipulated by CM. their control over the party is a joke. Soon Koh cannot even control sibu with Dudong branch established right under his nose.
Sigh, Sad to say but the Chinese of Sarawak are now at the mercy of CM. His idea is that when UMNO, MCA and MIC comes to Sarawak, only PBB can survive. All the other parties will be destroyed. SUPP will be forced to join MCA or Gerakan.
The Sarawak Chinese are really a pitiful lot. They might as well join DAP and PKR since they have nothing to lose. The Sarawak Chinese are now really coolies and its due to SUPP's failures! The two Ministers from Sibu, alleged to be involved in gangster activity and now let Sibu is such a reputable situation, they were being investigated before. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE CASE NOW? I think corruption settle the case already. That's why so silence and money in the pockets. Yup, pocket full, eat full ful, mouth zipped, case closed! I wonder, if Pak Lah's ACA is doing their job or just cakap cakap saja?
Instead of asking him to stay on, the delegates said they wanted all party positions to be contested. Chan’s running dogs like Peter Chin and Lee Kim Shit, who chair the break out groups, could not get the delegates to support Chan.
This episode puts Wong Soon Koh in the dog house. He has lost all credibility by backing Chan after telling all his supporters that he will fight Chan.
The only person who still has credibility is David Teng. Problem is Teng is disliked by CM. CM wants Chan to be in charge so that SUPP will suffer a total defeat in the next state election. Already some SUPP members say SUPP must follow SAPP and leave BN in order to win at next state election.
SUPP is really a hopeless party now. Chan and Soon Koh are being manipulated by CM. their control over the party is a joke. Soon Koh cannot even control sibu with Dudong branch established right under his nose.
Sigh, Sad to say but the Chinese of Sarawak are now at the mercy of CM. His idea is that when UMNO, MCA and MIC comes to Sarawak, only PBB can survive. All the other parties will be destroyed. SUPP will be forced to join MCA or Gerakan.
The Sarawak Chinese are really a pitiful lot. They might as well join DAP and PKR since they have nothing to lose. The Sarawak Chinese are now really coolies and its due to SUPP's failures! The two Ministers from Sibu, alleged to be involved in gangster activity and now let Sibu is such a reputable situation, they were being investigated before. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE CASE NOW? I think corruption settle the case already. That's why so silence and money in the pockets. Yup, pocket full, eat full ful, mouth zipped, case closed! I wonder, if Pak Lah's ACA is doing their job or just cakap cakap saja?
Sabah & Sarawak Power House?
Sabah & Sarawak Power House? Is this some kind of plot? CB CM Taib wants to build more dams... DAMM! More deforestation? More natives get halau (chase off their ancestral land)??? Was doing some reading and this is what I found.......
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans will have to be prepared to pay more for their power supply now that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is restructuring the power tariffs.
Sabah Electricity managing director Baharin Din said the company would be seeking government approval for the revised rates soon. He said the rates had been unchanged for 22 years.
He told participants of an international trade and investment seminar here on Friday that the new structure would also incorporate features like off-peak rates to encourage industries to operate when power demand is less such as in the evenings.
He said this was among the measures being considered to address a power supply shortfall particularly in the east coast of the state.
Last May, Sabah Electricity chairman Tan Sri Amar Leo Moggie said there was a 30MW shortfall in power supply in the area, where demand was 200MW.
On the revised rates, it is understood that among the options being considered by the utility officials was having similar tariffs with those in the peninsula where new tariffs were introduced on July 1 following an increase in global fuel prices.
At present, domestic users in Sabah are charged 40 sen per unit for the first 40 units, 16 sen per unit subsequently for usage between 40 and 200 units, and 28 sen per unit if usage exceeds 200 units.
Describing Sabah’s existing electricity tariffs as an anomaly, utility officials pointed out that it meant heavy domestic users were paying less for supply.
“This is one of the reasons why we are looking at the electricity tariffs in the peninsula,” said an official here.
SANDAKAN: A prominent business group here wants the state government to compel Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to use alternative fuel such as gas instead of coal for a proposed 300MW power plant.
The Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce said the public, through 28 NGOs, had voiced opposition to the coal power plant, which is aimed at overcoming supply shortfall in the east coast.
“We have been suffering power shortages for decades, but we strongly object to a coal plant to accommodate the power demand. It is an undeniable fact that coal is the dirtiest and most carbon-intensive of all fossil fuels,” the chamber said in a statement yesterday.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman told participants of a trade and investment dialogue that the government was in a dilemma as SESB was proposing a coal-fired plant in Sandakan and the state also had to consider the public’s opposition to the proposed facility.
He said the state government would decide based on the findings of an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken by SESB. Musa said various factors would also be considered, including the fact that coal-fired power generation was still being used in developed nations such as the United States and Britain.
The chamber said yesterday these countries used coal as they were producing the fuel while this was not the case in Sabah where natural gas was abundant.
It added that China had announced last October that it was shutting down 253 coal power plants as part of efforts to curb carbon emissions there.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans will have to be prepared to pay more for their power supply now that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is restructuring the power tariffs.
Sabah Electricity managing director Baharin Din said the company would be seeking government approval for the revised rates soon. He said the rates had been unchanged for 22 years.
He told participants of an international trade and investment seminar here on Friday that the new structure would also incorporate features like off-peak rates to encourage industries to operate when power demand is less such as in the evenings.
He said this was among the measures being considered to address a power supply shortfall particularly in the east coast of the state.
Last May, Sabah Electricity chairman Tan Sri Amar Leo Moggie said there was a 30MW shortfall in power supply in the area, where demand was 200MW.
On the revised rates, it is understood that among the options being considered by the utility officials was having similar tariffs with those in the peninsula where new tariffs were introduced on July 1 following an increase in global fuel prices.
At present, domestic users in Sabah are charged 40 sen per unit for the first 40 units, 16 sen per unit subsequently for usage between 40 and 200 units, and 28 sen per unit if usage exceeds 200 units.
Describing Sabah’s existing electricity tariffs as an anomaly, utility officials pointed out that it meant heavy domestic users were paying less for supply.
“This is one of the reasons why we are looking at the electricity tariffs in the peninsula,” said an official here.
===============================================
SANDAKAN: A prominent business group here wants the state government to compel Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to use alternative fuel such as gas instead of coal for a proposed 300MW power plant.
The Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce said the public, through 28 NGOs, had voiced opposition to the coal power plant, which is aimed at overcoming supply shortfall in the east coast.
“We have been suffering power shortages for decades, but we strongly object to a coal plant to accommodate the power demand. It is an undeniable fact that coal is the dirtiest and most carbon-intensive of all fossil fuels,” the chamber said in a statement yesterday.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman told participants of a trade and investment dialogue that the government was in a dilemma as SESB was proposing a coal-fired plant in Sandakan and the state also had to consider the public’s opposition to the proposed facility.
He said the state government would decide based on the findings of an environmental impact assessment to be undertaken by SESB. Musa said various factors would also be considered, including the fact that coal-fired power generation was still being used in developed nations such as the United States and Britain.
The chamber said yesterday these countries used coal as they were producing the fuel while this was not the case in Sabah where natural gas was abundant.
It added that China had announced last October that it was shutting down 253 coal power plants as part of efforts to curb carbon emissions there.
==========================================
So... what's next move on the chess board??? Submarine cable to Johor not laid, More Dams, sell power to Sabah?? Hmmmm more kang tow. More kang tow more money. 5% chukup kah?
for himself. Need I to say more? 40+ years after S'wak independence, is this the best? Or is this for 'His' own benifits....................... *furious*
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