Latest news with #DUN
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
ROSE calls for transparency in Sarawak govt's overseas trip expenditures
ROSE has voiced concern over recent statements from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who argued against disclosing the costs of these trips, citing the economic 'returns' they have brought to Sarawak. KUCHING (May 29): Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat (ROSE) has urged the Sarawak government to reconsider its current approach and publish itemised reports on public expenditures related to official overseas trips, particularly those involving top state leadership. ROSE voiced concern over recent statements from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who argued against disclosing the costs of these trips, citing the economic 'returns' they have brought to Sarawak. 'ROSE extends its congratulations to the state leadership for successfully securing billions of ringgits in investments for Sarawak. These achievements are commendable and reflect the capability of the government in pursuing development and economic growth for the state. 'However, it must be clearly stated that the returns or benefits gained from these trips must not be used as justification to avoid transparency and accountability. Public spending and investment outcomes are two distinct matters, and both must be subject to scrutiny,' said the civil society organisation in a statement today. ROSE emphasised that the people have a right to know how much public funds were spent on official international travel, stressing that transparency is not a political attack, but a fundamental pillar of responsible and trustworthy governance. 'Civil society organisations, including ROSE, have a legitimate role in monitoring, reviewing and offering constructive feedback to ensure public funds are spent prudently and ethically.' ROSE said it was deeply concerned by recent developments in the DUN involving the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill, particularly the allocation of an additional RM100 million to the Premier's Department for chartered flight services. 'What is more troubling is that questions raised about this expenditure were disallowed, effectively shutting down avenues for public scrutiny and parliamentary oversight. 'Simultaneously, the approval of a taxpayer-funded study tour to the United States for assembly members raises pressing concerns about the state government's spending priorities and its commitment to transparency and accountability,' it said. ROSE stressed that these are legitimate concerns, particularly when ordinary Sarawakians are struggling economically. It added that elected representatives should lead by example by ensuring transparency, justifying expenses and staying accountable to the people who put them in office. 'ROSE firmly believes that a strong government has nothing to fear from transparency. In fact, openness strengthens public trust and reinforces the legitimacy of the government's efforts.'
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Toastmasters gain insight into Sarawak's legislative process in visit to DUN
Ho (fifth left) and the Toastmasters International District 87 delegation in a group photo with Dr Sim (fourth left) and Kho (left). KUCHING (May 28): A group from the Toastmasters International District 87 club gained firsthand insight into the state's legislative process and the role of public institutions in nation-building during a visit to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Tuesday. According to a statement, the visit was made possible through a special invitation by a political secretary to the Premier, Kho Teck Wan, who shared an overview of the DUN's history, structure and significance. She also explained the state's decision-making process, which sparked meaningful discussion among the attendees. A key highlight of the visit was a dialogue session with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who shared his perspective on the responsibilities of elected representatives and the far-reaching impact of the laws passed. 'Laws passed here are not merely procedures – they shape development, safeguard our future, and reflect the aspirations of all Sarawakians,' he said. Division D director Dr Lucy Ho Jia Yiing described the visit as inspiring. 'We are grateful for this opportunity. It was more than just a visit – it was a reminder that public speaking is not just about confidence, but also purpose, civic awareness, and the courage to engage with systems that shape our society,' she said. Toastmaster Chua Wei Ling of Azam Toastmasters Club said the visit helped her reconnect with her heritage. 'As an 'Anak Sarawak' returning from overseas, this visit helped me reconnect deeply with my roots. It reminded me that we, as Toastmasters, are not just speakers – we are empowered citizens who can carry the Sarawak spirit forward through leadership, service, and storytelling,' she said. The visit reinforced the importance of civic education, youth involvement, and people-oriented leadership, leaving members inspired to contribute with purpose. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation dedicated to empowering individuals through communication and leadership training.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Former assemblywoman slams dismissal of public scrutiny over S'wak leaders' overseas spending
Chang says more concerning was the Speaker's remarks that the travel costs were a 'pittance' and 'triviality' compared to the investments brought in by these overseas trips. SIBU (May 28): Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Nassar's decision to disallow the question raised by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong on the breakdown of the Premier and state Cabinet ministers' overseas trips expenses is an outright assault on the principles of transparency and accountability, which are the fundamentals of good governance. In stating this, former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang said more concerning was the Speaker's remarks that the travel costs were a 'pittance' and 'triviality' compared to the investments brought in by these overseas trips. 'This rationale is deeply flawed and reflects a dismissive attitude towards public accountability. These overseas trips are public expenditures and funded by taxpayers' money. 'Every sen of these taxpayers' money must be subject to scrutiny, regardless of the amount,' she said in a statement. She also referred to the RM100 million being allocated to the Premier's Department for overseas duties in the latest Supplementary Supply Bill. Chang said the notion that the trips were necessary and the cost incurred did not need to be revealed because they were 'small' or offset by future investments was a dangerous precedent to the unchecked misuse of funds. 'Claims of investment returns do not, and cannot, in any circumstances negate the public's right to know how and why the public funds are being spent. It is therefore totally justified for Yong to request for the expenditures incurred from these overseas trips to be revealed to the public. 'This is to ensure transparency, to prevent misuse, and to protect the public interest. Denying this right not only disrespects and undermines the people's mandate for the elected representative in question but also erodes public trust in our democratic institutions.' Adding on, Chang said the DUN should not allow itself to be reduced to a rubber stamp for executive decisions, and must remain a platform for honest debate, scrutiny and accountability. She added it was the very place where legitimate inquiries, such as the one raised by Yong, are encouraged and not silenced. 'As it is, denying this request for such crucial information could further erode public trust in the current government.' DUN Irene Chang overseas travel expenses
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dismissal of motion to review Premier, Cabinet's travel expenses a ‘planned charade', says Chong
Chong says what the Speaker did earlier today has undermined the function of the DUN on providing an oversight on the Executives. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen is unhappy that a motion submitted by him at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) was dismissed by Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. In a statement, he said what the Speaker did earlier today has undermined the function of the DUN on providing an oversight on the Executives. 'The main reason it has come to such is because of the overpowering 80-2 majority the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) enjoys in the DUN sitting. If such unbalanced government to opposition ratio continues, more extravagance and wastage of public funds will be kept from public eyes and swept under the carpet,' said the Democratic Action Party Sarawak chairman. He was referring to the motion seeking review of the Speaker's decision to disallow the question by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong on the detailed expenses of the Premier and Cabinet ministers official overseas trips. Asfia had cited multiple procedural and substantive breaches under the DUN's Standing Orders in dismissing the motion. Chong was also unhappy that Asfia allowed Wilfred Yap (GPS-Kota Sentosa) to speak on the motion without even allowing him, the mover of the motion, to start debate on it. He described this as a 'planned charade'. 'He (Asfia) seems to have subscribed to the claim by ADUN for Kota Sentosa that I should go and ask the Prime Minister on the expenses of the Prime Minister and federal Cabinet ministers' official oversea trips. For the information of the Speaker and the ADUN for Kota Sentosa, information of the expenses of the Prime Minister and the federal ministers' official trip has been made public in a parliament answer. 'If the federal government can reply such a question in Parliament, there is no justification why the state government cannot reply such a question in DUN. The Speaker's reliance on foreign investment to justify the huge oversea trips expenditure of the state ministers is misplaced,' he said. He pointed out in the supplementary supply bill for 2025, it was mentioned the Premier's office alone needed RM100 million as its 'rental for air-chartered service'. He said that figure does not even include the expenses for official oversea trips of the other 10 ministers and 26 deputy ministers. 'Last year, the Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Public Health alone, sought additional RM3 million for overseas trips. 'Even taking the Premier's office's RM100 million rental of air-chartered expenditure alone without counting the overseas trips of other ministries, it is still too extravagant given that the whole of the federal cabinet's oversea trips in 2024 was only RM44 million,' he said. Chong was referring to the ruling by Asfia on May 26 in dismissing a question by Yong concerning the overseas travel expenses. Asfia had stated that the costs involved were merely a 'pittance' and 'trivial' compared to the billions in foreign investments the state has successfully attracted. 'If we compare the foreign investment, the country attracted a total RM378.5 billion while Sarawak attracted RM14.12 billion – 3.7 per cent of the country's FDI. In contrast, the RM100 million is more than double the RM44 million spent by the whole federal cabinet on oversea trips,' he said.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN wraps up session with six Bills passed, senator reappointed
Sharifah Hasidah moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which saw the passing of six bills and the approval of a motion to reappoint a member to the Dewan Negara, was adjourned sine die at 5.13pm today. Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. On May 20, three bills were passed – starting with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Bill aims to strengthen the state's biodiversity governance, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and economically viable. It also empowers Sarawak to harness its rich biological resources while promoting the commercialisation of scientific advancements. The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was also passed on the same day. Awang Tengah said the amendments were essential in strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice and standards for governance. Also passed on May 20 was the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The amendment facilitates an increase in the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak, including the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), as well as three municipal councils namely Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). The number of councillors for each of these councils would be increased to 33 from 30, excluding the mayor and deputy mayor for the city councils; and the chairman and deputy chairman for the municipal councils. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas tabled the remaining three bills – the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, which was passed on May 21, along with the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2025 and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2025, both passed on May 22. The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025 seeks to dissolve the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund, which has been deemed redundant in view of today's economic landscape. The trust fund, which was set up in 1985, served as a revolving fund consisting of money appropriated from time to time from the State Consolidated Fund into the trust fund for the purpose of building certain basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supplies to any development area. The august House also unanimously passed two Supplementary Supply Bills involving a total of RM391,429,717 for additional expenditures that were not covered in previous allocations. The Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill allocates RM153,769,197 to meet the cost of various services incurred by various ministries and departments for which funds were not provided for or insufficiently provided for in the 2024 estimates. The Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill provides RM237,660,520, including RM100 million required by the Sarawak Premier's Department to cater for rental of air-charter services due to increased activities. On May 22, the DUN also approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. The motion was proposed by Deputy Premier and Bukit Sari assemblyman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Ahmad's current term, which began on July 22, 2022, is set to expire on July 21, 2025. His new appointment will take effect the following day. During the sitting, a total of 320 questions, both written and oral, were submitted by 41 honourable members. Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the DUN as the highest legislative authority in the state. 'All laws passed in this House must be respected, enforceable, and recognised without doubt. Let there be no question about their legitimacy,' she said. Sharifah also spoke of Sarawak's achievements on local, national, and international fronts. Citing the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, she reiterated the state's ambition to become a high-income economy and Asean's energy powerhouse. She praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership, noting Sarawak's increasing recognition as a hub for green energy and hydrogen innovation on the global stage. On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sharifah reaffirmed Sarawak's unwavering commitment to asserting its constitutional rights. 'We will pursue our rights within the parameters of the law, guided by the Federal Constitution, MA63, the IGC Report, and Sarawak's State Constitution,' she said. Meanwhile, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar commended the cooperation and decorum demonstrated by assembly members. 'This eight-day sitting proceeded smoothly and with great order, thanks to everyone's dedication in upholding the sanctity of this august House,' he said. adjourned Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak DUN lead
