Latest news with #BawangAssan
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Call on younger generation to take up responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward
From right) Sempurai, Stanley, Wong Hua, Johnical, Wong, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others wave the Sarawak Flag. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): Sarawak's younger generation must take up the mantle of carrying Sarawak forward and not just inherit the land, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. He made this call when officiating the Sarawak Day celebration here, which was organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan and Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut. He said Sarawakians must not forget that the state holds a special status in the formation of Malaysia, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'On this historic day, let us once again affirm our rights as Sarawakians—the right to determine our development priorities, the right to benefit from our own resources and the right to protect the interests of our people. 'To our young generation, I urge you to know your history. Be proud of your roots. More than that, take on the responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward. Don't just inherit the land—inherit the spirit of struggle, unity and the drive for excellence. 'Today is a time for hope and renewal. We are committed to bringing better infrastructure, empowering our youths, uplifting education, strengthening rural development and ensuring opportunities reach every corner of our land,' he said. Wong (seventh right) cuts the cake, joined by (fifth right) Wong Hua, Johnical, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others. – Photo by Peter Boon Wong said Sarawak Day was not just a date or public holiday, but a time for reflection, appreciation and unity. 'We reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us—our past leaders and every ordinary Sarawakian who worked with pride and determination to build the Sarawak we know and love today. 'Here in Bawang Assan, here in Sibu, as in all of Sarawak, we are blessed with a rich cultural fabric—Iban, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Bidayu , Orang Ulu and many others—living together in peace and mutual respect. This unity in diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and is something we must continue to cherish and protect,' he said. A huge crowd waves the Sarawak Flag during the celebration. – Photo by Peter Boon He said everyone must know it was the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem who awakened the Sarawak spirit, and it was Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who translated that spirit into policies and political will to institutionalise and move forward with economic empowerment, legal assertion rights and strategic forward planning. Meanwhile, PDP Bawang Assan chairman Wong Hua recounted that during the late Adenan's administration, he boldly championed for greater powers and rights for Sarawak under MA63. 'He was never afraid to voice the interests of the people of Sarawak to the federal government, and did not hesitate to say 'no' when it came to safeguarding the interests of our state. His leadership paved the way for the empowerment of Sarawak's autonomous powers, and the legacy of his struggle is still felt to this day.' Wong Hua said since Abang Johari took over, Sarawak continued to move forward in economic transformation, digital economy, and renewable energy to advancements in education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure. Also present were the event's organising chairman Law Lee Wee, Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut chairperson Ling Leh Eng, Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, a political secretary to the Premier Joshua Ting, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Wee Teck Min, Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Temenggong Stanley Gramong, and PDP treasurer-general Datuk Teo Boon Siew.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bawang Assan to host grand celebration honouring Sarawak Day
Wong says the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22. – Photo by Chimon Upon SIBU (July 18): A grand Sarawak Day celebration aimed at reviving Sarawakians' awareness of the state's historic journey toward self-governance will be held this Sunday (July 20) at RH Hotel here, starting at 11.30am. Organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan in collaboration with Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut, the event is set to gather hundreds from across the constituency, including longhouse chiefs, grassroots leaders, and civil servants. PDP Senior Vice President Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22. 'We are inviting 105 Tuai Rumah in the constituency and also five representatives from each longhouse, as well as all representatives from all government departments and agencies such as Resident Office, District Office, and so on. 'Community leaders such as Ketua Kampung, Kapitan and Penghulu are also invited to join the celebration. 'It (July 22) is one of the most important dates in the history of Sarawak. This grand celebration is geared towards awakening people's consciousness about the significance of this date,' he told reporters today. He recalled the pivotal moment in 2016 when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem officially declared July 22 as Sarawak Day and made it a public holiday to commemorate Sarawak's attainment of self-government in 1963. He said Adenan was the one who initiated and re-ignited this Sarawak spirit. 'So many years after independence, it was buried and remained academic,' said Wong. He also shared his personal connection to the moment, having served as the Minister-in-charge and Organising Chairman for the first official Sarawak Day celebration in Kuching on July 22, 2016. 'After about 10 years, I wanted to do a big celebration. Of course, it is for Bawang Assan but I invite all. Most of YBs (elected representatives) invite them to come. 'I want to remind the younger generation that where we are today is because of the contributions of the last leaders,' said Wong. Wong also credited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for carrying forward Adenan's legacy by strengthening Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Abang Johari pushed on to protect and advance Sarawak rights under MA63, securing economic autonomy and revenue for Sarawak, defending Sarawak identity and heritage, institutional reforms to realise autonomy and strategic vision: from Adenan's Foundation to Post-2030 future,' said Wong. bawang assan sarawak day wong soon koh
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF blends culture, tourism to boost local economy, says Tiong
Ting (seventh right) representing Tiong to officiate at BCF's Chinese Cultural Night, and joined by Wong (sixth right), Lau (eighth right) and others. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 6): Events like the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) not only facilitate cultural exchange but also help stimulate the local economy and tourism, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. According to Tiong, the annual festival attracts tourists, photographers, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts to Sibu, which in turn benefits sectors such as food and beverages (F&B), hospitality, transportation, and retail. 'The 2025 Borneo Cultural Festival carries the theme 'Rhythm of Borneo', and stands as a major cultural event in Sibu. The programme lineup, including the Chinese Night, Malay-Melanau Night, and Dayak Night, offers an immersive cultural experience through creative presentations. 'It fosters the sustainable inheritance of traditional culture—because culture is not a static exhibit; it lives on through the participation of generations,' Tiong said. Tiong's text-of-speech was read out by his special duties officer Agatha Ting, who represented him at the function. 'By embedding traditional culture into tourism products and services, we enhance the experience, uniqueness, and cultural value. Through such tourism products, traditional culture can become a signature industry, stimulate local economic growth, and offer diverse income opportunities for the people. 'Therefore, I encourage everyone to explore innovative ways to promote traditional culture – preserving its cultural essence while aligning with modern trends, aesthetics, new media promotion, and festival marketing such as this event.' The Bintulu MP was elated to note that many Chinese associations have enthusiastically participated by showcasing traditional delicacies. Visitors not only get to observe how these foods are made but can also taste and buy them—offering a wonderful platform for cultural exchange Also speaking at the event were Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu president Lau Ing Siong. Meanwhile, Tiong also announced a grant of RM50,000 to UCA Sibu through Ting. borneo cultural festival Tiong King Sing tourism
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Expanded SST may burden rural students with price hikes on books, stationery, says SUPP man
Lau (seated, third left) takes a group photo with his mobile team. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 5): The federal government should look into concerns of possible price hikes on books and stationery following the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), said Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman Kevin Lau. He said many rural students were still dependent on textbooks and exercise books, and that this issue had been raised by the Sibu Stationery and Book Sellers Association. 'I came across a news article this morning about the extension of SST to include stationery and paper, and there is a worry that the increase in paper prices would impact items like books and exercise books. I believe the Finance Ministry (MOF) and federal government should address this concern raised by the association. 'As you know, in Sarawak, we have many students in rural areas that still depend on exercise books and textbooks. If this SST expansion becomes a burden for them, we hope that the MOF will find a solution and consider the education sector, which includes schools. 'As we all strive to earn a living, we recognise the significance of education for our children. We sincerely hope that this does not add extra pressure on parents and students, allowing them to continue their education without any hindrance,' he told The Borneo Post when met at SUPP Bawang Assan branch's mobile service here today. Lau said the association's concerns were legitimate and should be addressed and given special attention by MOF and the federal government. When asked if the sector should be left out of the expanded SST, he replied: 'I believe the federal government should think about exempting them but they need to examine the mechanism because it's more complex than that.' Lau said based on what he had read, the SST is applied to the pulp, which serves as the primary component in paper production. 'So, if that happens then it applies across the board. Therefore, I'm not sure how they are able to implement it in their mechanism. 'So again that requires a very detailed study by their side and of course, if it can be exempted particularly for the students and education sector, I think it's for the best. That's what we want for the students,' said Lau. According to Oriental Daily, based on the government's gazette, the scope of the expanded SST includes wood pulp raw materials, various types of paper stationery, printed materials, stamps, and postcards. Among the detailed list of goods subject to the expanded SST were various types of pulp used to produce paper, such as mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and recycled pulp. It reported that this meant various types of paper and stationery products fell under the expanded SST list, including newsprint, notepads, exercise books, account books, folders, receipt books, diaries, and other common stationery. It was also reported that the selling prices for these products would likely be reviewed due to the increasing costs. Meanwhile, on the mobile service, Lau mentioned that it has been ongoing regularly in a bid to connect with the people. 'Being here offers us a valuable chance to engage not just with the public, but also with the business community.'
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Iban community the heart of Sarawak's heritage and soul, says Bawang Assan rep
SIBU (June 30): The Iban community represents the heart of Sarawak's heritage and soul, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. Wong, also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president, highlighted that the culture, spirit, and strong family values upheld by the Iban community continue to strengthen the broader community. 'Let us continue to work together beyond race, religion, and region for a more united, prosperous, and harmonious Sarawak,' he said while officiating at the Ngiling Bidai ceremony at Rumah Munie, Bukit Besai here on Saturday night. The ngiling bidai which marks the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration is not merely a custom but a reflection of the identity, resilience, and dignity of the Iban community, he remarked. 'It is a reminder that even though times have changed, our cultural roots remain our guide and strength, and as a Sarawakian, I am very proud that we live in a society of various races and religions, yet we remain united. 'We not only celebrate our own festivals, but also appreciate and celebrate the cultures and festivals of other communities with great respect,' he added. Wong expressed his appreciation to the Iban community in Bukit Besai for their dedication to preserving and continuing this cherished tradition. 'Culture is not just history. It lives, it grows, and it unites us. While we value culture, we must also look forward,' he emphasised, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting rural development. 'As long as I am given the trust to serve, I will continue to champion inclusive development and ensure that no one is left behind,' he reiterated. Approximately 500 residents from the Bukit Besai area attended the event.
