Latest news with #MichaelTiang
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- 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
5 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘Inclusive approach at home, school key to autistic children's progress'
Ngu (left) and Tiang (right) inspect work progress of SAA new building construction in Sibu. SIBU (June 18): Consistent and compassionate support at home and in the classroom is the cornerstone of progress for autistic children, said Datuk Michael Tiang. The Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government said autism is not a limitation, but a unique lens through which individuals perceive and contribute to the world. 'Yet, for their potential to flourish, we must build supportive frameworks ― inclusive education, responsive healthcare, robust social services, and above all, a society that embraces neurodiversity. 'Autism is more than a diagnosis. It is a living experience that shapes individuals, families, educators, and society at large. 'While awareness of autism has grown significantly, true understanding and acceptance remains works in progress,' he said when officiating the opening of Autism Management at Home and School Seminar at Agape Centre here yesterday. The three-day seminar, organised by the Sibu Autistic Association (SAA), gathered parents, teachers, caregivers and those involved in education and social care. Tiang also commended SAA for its unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and families on the autism spectrum. He said the association's work was a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collective action. Commenting on the seminar, he said it represents a vital platform to bring together professionals, parents, and advocates to share knowledge, strategies, and hope. 'This year's theme, 'Autism Management at Home and School' could not be more relevant. It underscores a fundamental truth ― that consistent, compassionate support both at home and in the classroom is the cornerstone of autistic person's progress. 'For parents, the home is the first classroom ― a sanctuary of love and learning. 'For educators, schools are not just institutions but incubators of potential, where every child deserves to thrive. 'When these worlds align, we create a seamless ecosystem of growth, ensuring that no child is left behind. I am deeply committed to advancing policies and initiatives that foster inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all. 'The SAA has been a beacon of progress in this mission. Your relentless efforts ― from advocacy to community programmes ― have transformed lives,' he said. Also present was SAA president David Ngu. autism autistic children education lead Michael Tiang
Borneo Post
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
State govt to reimburse 320 Rajang Park families for septic tank installation
Tiang (left) visits one of the affected houses and families at Rajang Park. SIBU (June 6): The state government will reimburse 320 families in Rajang Park who had independently funded the installation of individual septic tanks after the area's central sewerage system became defunct. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, said these families were identified over the years through a process of verification and documentation. He said many had passed on while some had moved overseas. 'If you think that you are qualified, do not hesitate to contact my Pahlawan Service Centre to claim the reimbursement,' he told reporters after visiting Rajang Park to look into the issue last night. Rajang Park, developed in the 1970s, originally had all its residential and commercial toilets connected to a central sewerage system located next to the Rajang Park Market. However, after nearly four decades, the system failed, leaving many homes and shophouses unable to use their toilets, causing significant hardship for the residents. As a result, many of them forked out their own expenses to build their own individual septic tanks as the central sewerage system needed to be abandoned. Tiang recalled that in 2018, while serving as Political Secretary to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he personally assessed the situation after receiving complaints from the residents. 'During the 2018 General Election, I submitted a petition to the Premier to ask for RM3 million to deal with these problems, including abandoning the central system and giving them individual septic tanks and to also repair the toilets,' he said. Following that, the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) engaged a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs and installations for most of the residential homes. Commercial shophouses remained connected to the central system, albeit through a new underground sewerage network. Tiang, who made a promise during the 2021 State Election to reimburse homeowners who had spent their own money on the issue, said he has finally secured approval from the Premier to fulfill that pledge. 'With the Premier's blessing, we can now compensate the remaining 320 homeowners. I plan to go door to door to assure them that the money is ready.' 'We will fix a date soon, and I urge all eligible residents to come forward and claim the reimbursement. I am truly committed to ensuring the funds are delivered directly to the rightful homeowners,' he added.
Borneo Post
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ministry sets out to identify some ‘sick' housing projects in Sarawak, declaring them as ‘abandoned'
Tiang gives away rice dumplings to an elderly man at the event. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 31): The State Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government sets out to identify 'sick' housing projects across Sarawak to be declared as 'abandoned' projects, as a bid to assist the homebuyers. According to State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, there are currently 14 of such projects in Sarawak being classified as 'sick'. 'Based on our records, we declared 49 'sick' projects all over Sarawak. 'We have resolved many, and also resumed some of the abandoned projects, meaning resuming the construction works. 'In total, we have just 14 'sick' housing projects remaining in Sarawak. 'As I mentioned earlier, we have re-identified some of them, and my ministry will select some to be declared as 'abandoned'. 'This classification is crucial because, once a project is deemed abandoned, we can work together with the bank to offer some relief packages to the buyers. 'That way, they (buyers) do not have to carry the burden of those loan repayments. There are some ways for banks to offer them some relief,' he told reporters when met prior to the distribution of rice dumplings to senior citizens at Jalan Bunga Teratai here, today. Organised by the Pelawan Youth section of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the programme involved the distribution of over 500 packs of dumplings to the public, in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival here. To a question, Tiang disclosed that there were some six 'sick' projects in Sibu, of which one or two was yet to be declared as 'abandoned'. 'As for the 'sick' projects, it means that there are long delays, whereas abandoned projects are those suspended with no works being carried out and no progress. 'Maybe you need to find another 'white knight' to take over (the abandoned projects). 'We have tested a few solutions and are quite happy with the results. 'So that's why I say we have resolved quite a lot,' explained the Pelawan assemblyman. Towards this end, Tiang said that his ministry's special taskforce for 'sick' projects had performed well in their efforts towards resolving the issue. abandoned housing Michael Tiang sick projects
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘Incumbents make the best candidates': SUPP to defend seats, help new faces build stronger team
SIBU, May 31 — Incumbents from Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) will get to defend their respective seats in the coming Sarawak election, opined Datuk Michael Tiang. The Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Pelawan assemblyman expressed confidence in the performance and track record of current representatives. 'We're going to field incumbents (in the coming Sarawak election). I believe incumbents make the best candidates because they have already participated in elections and have proven track records. 'Not only are we going to field our incumbents, but we also want our incumbents to help those new and fresh candidates in our (SUPP) constituencies. 'This will help us build a larger and stronger team to serve Sarawak,' Tiang told reporters, when met prior to the distribution of rice dumplings to senior citizens at Jalan Bunga Teratai here today. The event was organised by SUPP Pelawan Youth section, distributing over 500 packs of dumplings in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival today. On the timing of the next state polls, Tiang said he does not foresee the state election being called this year. 'At the moment, I have not sensed any 'breeze' about the Sarawak election. Primarily, I think people are focusing on Sabah (election) first, followed by Johor and Melaka. After that, I believe you'll start feeling some 'winds' about the Sarawak Election.' 'And if you ask me whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is ready, or if SUPP is ready – we're always ready, because GPS under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has been working very hard. 'Every year, we have been working to find more revenue streams for Sarawak, so that we can make Sarawak financially independent. Our people can enjoy the fruits of our autonomy over natural resources.' On this, he cited the example of the joint declaration between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), which clearly affirmed Sarawak's regulatory control over her own natural gas. 'Elections are simply a time for the people to assess us. But we are always working hard to serve Sarawak, in line with the promises outlined in our manifesto,' Tiang concluded. Among those present at the event was Penghulu Ting Tien Huat. — The Borneo Post
