Latest news with #StateLegislativeAssembly
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DUN special sitting regarding redelineation of electoral boundaries?
Although no official agenda has been released, the timing of the July 7 special sitting comes amid ongoing discussions between the Sarawak and federal governments regarding electoral reforms. – Bernama photo KUCHING (June 21): The announcement of a special one-day sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has sparked speculation that it may be related to the long-anticipated redelineation of Sarawak's electoral boundaries. Although no official agenda has been released, the timing of the July 7 special sitting comes amid ongoing discussions between the Sarawak and federal governments regarding electoral reforms, including the redrawing of constituency boundaries and the potential increase in parliamentary and state seats. During the DUN's most recent sitting last month, the august House was told that discussions with Putrajaya on the matter were still ongoing. The state government has consistently championed the call to restore one-third parliamentary representation for Sarawak and Sabah, as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report of 1962. During a question-and-answer session on May 22, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and MA63) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali told the DUN that no final decision had been made over the implementation of the upcoming electoral boundary redelineation. She said this when responding to a question from Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. To a question on the additional number of seats in Parliament and the DUN, Sharifah Hasidah said this was also still being discussed. 'Discussions on strengthening Sarawak's representation in the Dewan Rakyat remain active under the framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and the Sarawak government will continue to champion this matter,' she said at the time. electoral boundaries redelineation Sarawak State Legislative Assembly
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Two ‘Datuk' figures nabbed over mining licence bribery
KOTA KINABALU (June 18): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sabah has detained two individuals bearing the title 'Datuk' on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to approximately RM200,000 in connection with the issuance of mining exploration licences in the state. According to sources, the two male suspects — aged in their 30s and 60s — were arrested on Wednesday at around 9.45am and 11.50am. One was apprehended while giving his statement at the MACC Sabah office, while the other was picked up at MACC's headquarters in Putrajaya. 'The suspects, a businessman and a serving member of the State Legislative Assembly, are believed to have been involved in the corrupt dealings between 2023 and 2024. 'Preliminary investigations revealed that both individuals had allegedly solicited and received bribes from each other amounting to RM200,000, purportedly to facilitate the approval process of mining licence applications in Sabah,' the source said. When contacted, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests, stating that the case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. He added that the businessman was released on bail after having his statement recorded, with bail set at RM100,000, of which RM10,000 was paid as a deposit, along with two guarantors. The state assemblyman was also released after his statement was recorded, with bail set at RM50,000 and one guarantor.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep urges Peninsular politicians to respect Sarawak's constitutional status
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 16): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed deep concern that some politicians from Peninsular-based political parties continue to misrepresent Sarawak's rightful constitutional position as one of the founding partners of Malaysia. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) lawmaker said these mischaracterisations ignore the historical context, legal safeguards, and the unique constitutional status accorded to Sarawak upon the formation of Malaysia. 'Politicians — particularly those serving in the federal government — must uphold the third and fourth principles of the Rukun Negara: Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution) and Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). 'These principles require all Malaysians, especially leaders, to respect the constitutional framework that guarantees Sarawak's special status and legislative autonomy,' he said in a statement explaining the significance of the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Sarawak's Legislative Rights. Yap, who is a lawyer, urged those who remain uninformed to educate themselves on the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Federal Constitution. 'Sarawak is not merely one of the states in Malaysia, but an equal founding partner with its own distinct constitutional arrangements. 'Our State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak) retains wider powers under the State List, including in matters of natural resources, land, licensing, and oil and gas — areas which are not under the control of the federal legislature,' he explained. According to Yap, the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, enacted under the Malaysia Act 1963 by the British Government with the consent of Sarawak and Sabah, amended the Federal Constitution to expand the legislative competence of the Borneo States. 'This Order is a key constitutional instrument that grants Sarawak greater autonomy in law-making, particularly in relation to land, forests, mining, oil and gas, and the granting of licences related to these sectors. This means that Sarawak holds legislative authority over licensing for activities related to its own natural resources, including petroleum operations.' Additionally, he said Article 161 of the Federal Constitution provides further protection by preserving laws that were in force in Sarawak prior to Malaysia Day (Sept 16, 1963), including laws relating to land, natural resources, native customs, and religion. 'These pre-Malaysia Day laws remain valid unless and until repealed by the Sarawak Legislature – not by the federal Parliament. This ensures that Sarawak's legal traditions and safeguards, including those affecting oil and gas, continue to have constitutional force,' he added. Yap said the ongoing relevance of both the Borneo States Order and Article 161 cannot be overstated, a they serve as critical constitutional safeguards protecting Sarawak's sovereign rights, particularly in sectors vital to our economic development such as oil and gas. 'Any attempt to override Sarawak's licensing authority or regulatory powers in these areas runs contrary to the Constitution and the spirit of MA63,' he added. He concluded by calling on all Sarawakians to remain united and vigilant in defending their constitutional rights. 'We must reject any narrative or policy that diminishes our status or centralises control over resources that constitutionally belong to Sarawak.' Yap added that the federal government must honour MA63 not only in word but in action, and respect the legal instruments — including the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Article 161 — that define Sarawak's rightful place as an equal partner in the Malaysian Federation. constitutional position lead Wilfred Yap
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Senior scribe Kommineni held
Guntur: Police arrested senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao at his residence at Journalist Colony in Hyderabad n Monday for his alleged derogatory remarks against the women of Amaravati region during a Telugu TV channel debate. Based on the complaints lodged by local women, Thullur police registered the cases against Kommineni Srinivasa Rao and journalist VVR Krishnam Raju. Police officials team is shifting Kommineni from Hyderabad city to Thullur police station for further action. They will produce him in the court in Guntur district. The police also went to VVR Krishnam Raju's residence in Vijayawada city, but they fund the house locked. Police booked cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities)Act and other relevant sections of the IPC against them. AP Madiga Corporation director Khambampati Sirisha also lodged a complaint against the two journalists. Several Amaravati-based women, farmers and members of various JACs, condemned the alleged remarks made by Kommineni Srinivasa Rao and VVR Krishnam Raju against the women of Amaravati region. Deputy Speaker in the State Legislative Assembly Raghurama Krishnam Raju complained to the Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta on the derogatory remarks made by Kommineni Srinivasa Rao and VVR Krishnam Raju and demanded action against them. Cases have been booked at 52 police stations against them across the State, it is learnt.
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chieng: Phase 1 of Bukit Assek drainage, road project to be completed by August
Joseph (second left) presents a pack of sacrificial meat to a recipient, while Ramli (left), Chieng (second right) and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 8): Phase 1 of the road upgrading and drainage improvement project at Taman Rimba Bukit Lima and Kampung Usahajaya Baharu in Sentosa is now scheduled for completion in August, said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng. He mentioned that the project was originally scheduled for completion in May, but it encountered a minor delay due to the rainy weather earlier this year. Chieng revealed that he raised the funding for Phase 2 during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. 'As we are set to complete hase 1 of the project in August, we require phase 2 to bring the project to fruition. The design, proposal, and working paper originate from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu and have received approval from DID Sarawak. 'During the (recent) DUN sitting session, I brought up this topic, and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian responded, stating that for the second phase of this project, the DID is putting up the submission under the Sarawak government (for) RMK13 (13th Malaysia Plan), Rolling Plan 1 in 2026, with the project costing RM56.6 million,' he said. Chieng made the remarks to reporters during a sacrificial meat distribution programme at Masjid Al-Muhajirin Sentosa, attended by SUPP Bukit Assek chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon and mosque chairman Ramli Hussin. He also announced a second project request for upgrading the drainage system and associated works in the Jerrwit and Ek Dee areas, including Kampung Saujana. 'With the project cost of RM41.75 million, it will be put out under RMK13, rolling plan 2. 'We are thrilled that Bukit Assek (constituency) will benefit from these two projects as well,' he said. drainage project infrastructure joseph chieng lead Taman Rimba Bukit Lima
