Tiang: Keep politics out of NGOs, focus on serving all Sarawakians
Tiang (fourth left) presents an MRP cheque to a representative from the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association, Penghulu Yong King Sung, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (June 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
He said their autonomy must be respected, and that politicians should not encourage dissatisfied members to leave their associations.
'I think that is irresponsible. And I urge the politicians never use all these NGOs to leverage their political mileage,' he said.
Speaking during the distribution of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds here today, Tiang stressed that service delivery should remain above political interests.
'They don't care which party actually appoints which community leaders,' he added.
Tiang also urged councillors and community leaders to resolve disputes through proper internal channels, instead of airing grievances publicly.
'Do not openly fire against each other or exchange comments in newspapers. Because that is not Sarawak culture. Sarawak culture is all about unity, peace, harmony and respect for each other.
'So, I urge them to seek a proper channel to resolve (any dispute),' he said.
The Pelawan assemblyman also presented RM1.28 million in MRP grants to 131 associations and NGOs.
He emphasised that the allocations are for the benefit of all Sarawakians, regardless of race, background, or political affiliation.
'People means those who support ruling parties and also those who support opposition parties. It doesn't matter; no matter what background, what race you're from.
'So long as you're part of Sibu, you're from Sibu, you're a Sarawakian, we go out to serve.
'We all provide our services. We don't look at your political background. And we believe that political inclinations do not stop us from providing services for the general public.
'Our duty is to listen and to react and to find solutions for the people,' he said.
Tiang noted that although his elected role is for Pelawan, his team strives to assist anyone in need across Sibu and beyond, if resources allow.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the public.
'I always keep my word. Today's RM1.28 million in MRP grants is part of that promise,' he said. associations Michael Tiang ngos politics
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching direct flights may resume soon, says Abdul Karim
(From left) Sherrina, Abdul Karim, Ting and Sharzede in a press conference at the festival. – Photo by Roystein Emmor SANTUBONG (June 21): Direct flights between Pontianak and Kuching may soon resume, following the Indonesian government's decision to reopen its airspace for the route. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the development during a press conference today, saying Indonesia has now agreed to open up its skies for the Pontianak-Kuching sector. 'I'm very happy. It has been announced on that side that they are opening up their skies from Pontianak. 'You see, Indonesia, they have got their own way. The decree must come from the President. I'm not putting the blame on the previous President because we've been asking and asking, please start again the Pontianak-Kuching flight. But it was not given. 'And recently, I was made to understand that they are opening up their skies. So, it's up to the airlines to start operating again. So, probably there are a few that might be looking into it now because I know that sector is a very good sector. It does not benefit Sarawak only. It does not benefit Malaysia only. It also benefits the other side,' he said. Abdul Karim noted that reinstating the route would offer a major convenience for Sarawakians. 'A lot of Sarawakians now, instead of driving four, five hours to Pontianak, they might as well just fly half an hour. And that will definitely benefit the industry, the tourism industry in Pontianak,' he said. When asked whether the Sarawak government would encourage low-cost carriers like AirAsia to take up the route, Abdul Karim confirmed that discussions are ongoing. 'Of course, we will be. Not just AirAsia. Even airlines from Indonesia. Indonesia has got lots of budget airlines. If they are willing to participate in that, of course, we are very, very happy,' he said. He also highlighted growing demand along the Sarawak–Indonesia air corridor. 'You can see now that the flight from Kuching to Jakarta used to be once a day. Now, it's already twice a day. And the loading is very high. Either way. So, there's big potential there,' he said. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Husaini; and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah direct flights Kuching Pontianak
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Tiang: Keep politics out of NGOs, focus on serving all Sarawakians
Tiang (fourth left) presents an MRP cheque to a representative from the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association, Penghulu Yong King Sung, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). He said their autonomy must be respected, and that politicians should not encourage dissatisfied members to leave their associations. 'I think that is irresponsible. And I urge the politicians never use all these NGOs to leverage their political mileage,' he said. Speaking during the distribution of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds here today, Tiang stressed that service delivery should remain above political interests. 'They don't care which party actually appoints which community leaders,' he added. Tiang also urged councillors and community leaders to resolve disputes through proper internal channels, instead of airing grievances publicly. 'Do not openly fire against each other or exchange comments in newspapers. Because that is not Sarawak culture. Sarawak culture is all about unity, peace, harmony and respect for each other. 'So, I urge them to seek a proper channel to resolve (any dispute),' he said. The Pelawan assemblyman also presented RM1.28 million in MRP grants to 131 associations and NGOs. He emphasised that the allocations are for the benefit of all Sarawakians, regardless of race, background, or political affiliation. 'People means those who support ruling parties and also those who support opposition parties. It doesn't matter; no matter what background, what race you're from. 'So long as you're part of Sibu, you're from Sibu, you're a Sarawakian, we go out to serve. 'We all provide our services. We don't look at your political background. And we believe that political inclinations do not stop us from providing services for the general public. 'Our duty is to listen and to react and to find solutions for the people,' he said. Tiang noted that although his elected role is for Pelawan, his team strives to assist anyone in need across Sibu and beyond, if resources allow. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the public. 'I always keep my word. Today's RM1.28 million in MRP grants is part of that promise,' he said. associations Michael Tiang ngos politics
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Uggah: Azam Sarawak key strategic partner to achieving Post Covid-19 Development Strategy
Uggah (centre) speaks with Abdullah (right) and William. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 18): Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak can play a vital role in supporting the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's vision of achieving a high-income, sustainable, and inclusive state by 2030. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Azam is a key strategic partner in helping to realise the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to propel Sarawak towards economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. 'Azam Sarawak's role has become increasingly significant in supporting the state government's development strategy through inclusive communication approaches that resonate with all levels of society,' he said at Azam 'Begawai Chara Kitai' here yesterday. He said Azam not only helps to disseminate development messages but also empowers Sarawakians to embrace opportunities, understand their responsibilities, and take ownership of Sarawak's development journey. Uggah noted that while Sarawak achieved high-income status as a region in 2023, well ahead of the 2030 target, efforts must now focus on ensuring that the people themselves enjoy high incomes and improved quality of life. 'This is where Azam can help. The agency can play a critical role in educating and encouraging Sarawakians to seize the opportunities created under PCDS 2030,' he said. Uggah also paid tribute to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his strategic leadership and courage in ensuring that Sarawak's development stays on track. 'Today, Sarawak is implementing infrastructure projects worth RM30 billion, fully funded by the state government. These include the construction of 16 major bridges across Sarawak, such as the 4.8km Batang Lupar Bridge, which is the longest river-crossing bridge in Malaysia, scheduled for completion by the end of this year,' he said. He also highlighted the state's unprecedented revenue growth from RM6.76 billion in 2017 to RM14.1 billion in 2024, as well as the record RM15.8 billion state budget for 2025. He attributed these achievements to Sarawak's political stability under GPS, the government's development-centric focus, and strong racial and religious harmony, which he described as the envy of other states in Malaysia. 'Let us all work together, unite our hearts and minds, and support Premier Abang Johari's efforts in leading Sarawak into a prosperous future,' he said. Among those present during the event were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol and Azam Sarawak chairman Datu William Patrick Nyigor. Azam Sarawak Douglas Uggas Embas lead pcds 2030
