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Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP man slams DAP's Violet Yong over 'misleading' remarks on parliamentary seats
Kua says Yong failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the MA63. KUCHING (July 18): Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Kua Jack Seng, has slammed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong for making what he described as a 'simplistic and misleading' statement on Sarawak's push for greater parliamentary representation. Yong had recently claimed that increasing Sarawak's number of parliamentary seats requires only a constitutional amendment and has nothing to do with state-level representation. In response, Kua said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chairman said Malaysia is not just governed by technical amendments, but by founding agreements and structural principles. He said MA63 clearly outlines that Sarawak and Sabah should collectively hold one-third of all parliamentary seats. 'This was never meant to be a 'population game', it was a deliberate political safeguard. 'Yong's view, whether due to ignorance or political convenience, ignores the reality that any amendment to Article 46 of the Federal Constitution, especially one that increases the number of seats, fundamentally shifts power dynamics in Parliament. 'Without restoring the original one-third ratio for Sarawak and Sabah, every added seat dilutes our representation and weakens our voice in national policymaking,' he said in a statement today. Kua also rejected the notion that parliamentary and state-level representation are entirely separate. He said while technically distinct, they are part of a broader governance ecosystem balancing federal and regional interests. Any move to increase parliamentary seats must be holistic and guided by constitutional intent – not political expediency, he added. Kua further criticised Yong for failing to defend Sarawak's rights and position within the federation. 'Sarawak deserves better than representatives who echo narratives from Malaya without defending our rightful place in the federation. 'We must insist that any increase in parliamentary seats come with the restoration of Borneo's one-third share, in the spirit of MA63. 'Violet Yong should stop misleading the public. Sarawak is not a passenger in Malaysia – we are a founding partner,' Kua said. dap DUN seats Kua Jack Seng MA63 parliamentary seats SUPP violet yong
ABC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Malaysians protest Trump's pick of Sydney-born influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador
Dozens of demonstrators have gathered outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur to protest against the Trump administration's pick for the new Malaysian ambassador. The White House has proposed MAGA influencer and former Sydney councillor Nick Adams to the Senate as its nominee. The move last week triggered concerns in the Muslim-majority nation over Mr Adams's views on Islam and support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, among other sensitive topics. The Malaysian government has been facing mounting calls to reject the outspoken political commentator and author. About 60 protesters chanting "reject" and holding signs saying "Protest Nick Adams" stood outside the embassy on Friday afternoon. The embassy protest followed a similar demonstration in one of Kuala Lumpur's busiest streets the night before. Protest organiser Iskandar Fareez told the ABC that Malaysians were concerned about Mr Adams's behaviour and social media posts that showed "Islamophobia tendencies and misogyny". "This is worrying, especially for a Muslim-majority country like Malaysia, where we have our own culture and sensitivities," said Mr Fareez, the vice-chief of the youth wing of Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP). "He's not a diplomat and the way he carries himself is quite concerning." Another protest organiser said, "an ambassador is supposed to be a bridge between both nations". In posts on social media platform X, Mr Adams has railed against alleged efforts to "teach Islam in schools" and described those expressing solidarity with Palestinians as supporters of terrorism. The posts have sparked outrage in Malaysia, which has a majority of mostly Muslim ethnic Malays alongside significant ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian minorities of other faiths. Malaysia has also long supported the Palestinian cause, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejecting what he described as Western pressure to condemn Palestinian militant group Hamas. Mr Adams has to be confirmed by the Senate before he can be appointed as the US ambassador to Malaysia. He did not respond to the ABC's requests for a response. Mr Fareez said the DAP youth wing had collaborated with youth branches of other political parties in Malaysia to organise the protest. He said the protesters were hoping they would send a message to the US government that they should reconsider the decision to send Mr Adams to Malaysia. "It's a reminder to those involved in the confirmation process that, look at Malaysia, we are not happy with this choice," said Mr Fareez. The protesters also submitted a memorandum to the US embassy asking the administration to nominate a different candidate for the position. Mr Fareez said the protest organisers were told by police they were not allowed to march and could only give speeches. Mr Adams was a Liberal councillor in Ashfield in 2004 at the age of 19, and became deputy mayor the following year. The Liberal Party suspended him in 2009 after he was filmed verbally abusing a Channel Ten reporter covering his repeated absences from council meetings. He reportedly later said he quit before he was suspended. He moved to the US and set up the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, a non-profit dedicated to instilling conservative values in children. Now 40, Mr Adams is an American citizen and MAGA commentator who has self-branded as a Hooters-loving "alpha male" and "cultural thought leader". Malaysians in Australia told the ABC they shared their compatriots' concerns about Mr Adams. Malaysian Australian Maureen Macafee, who lives in Canberra, said Nick Adams being nominated was "weird". She said she was unsure if someone chosen by Mr Trump would have the diplomatic skills to handle a multicultural society like Malaysia. Malaysian Australian Haneen Martin echoed the sentiment. "The country doesn't need someone to come in and further drive division, or not take the time to appreciate what Malaysia has to offer," she said. Earlier in the day, Mr Ibrahim said it was too early to make a decision on Mr Adams's appointment. He said he would "consider the matter accordingly while safeguarding good relations between Malaysia and the US". The protest organisers said they were willing to protest every week if Mr Adams were appointed. Mohamed Sukri Omar, a member of Islamic opposition party PAS, said in a statement the appointment would be "an open insult towards the sensitivities of the Malaysian people". Shahriman Lockman, of Malaysia's Institute of Strategic and International Studies, said protests from Muslim groups and ruling bloc allies could be too politically costly for Mr Ibrahim's government to ignore, although Mr Adams might be a useful conduit during trade talks due to his perceived closeness to Mr Trump. Refusing Mr Adams could also provoke retaliation from Mr Trump at a time when Malaysia faces pressure to make trade concessions in exchange for lowering a potentially hefty 25 per cent US tariff, he said. "There's no elegant solution here. It's damned if you do, damned if you don't," Mr Shahriman said. The US and Malaysia currently have strained relations, in part due to Mr Trump's tariffs but also America's support for Israel's war on Gaza and Malaysia's tightening ties with China. Former diplomats say Malaysia is unlikely to reject Mr Adams's appointment outright, but could make its objections known through informal channels or by delaying its approval. "That would send a subtle but clear diplomatic signal: we value the bilateral relationship, but we also expect a standard of decorum, cultural sensitivity, and respect appropriate to such a posting," said Ilango Karuppannan, a retired former Malaysian ambassador who was once deputy chief of mission in Washington. While concerns over Mr Adams's appointment were unlikely to have a direct impact on trade negotiations, "the broader tone of the bilateral relationship always matters", he said. Former Malaysian foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, a member of the largely ethnic Malay opposition bloc Perikatan Nasional, said Malaysia should stand firm in upholding its values despite Mr Adams's relationship with Mr Trump. "Yes, it would be good to have a US ambassador who is very close to Trump … but you cannot compromise on certain principles," he said. Tricia Yeoh, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, said Mr Adams's success as envoy would be highly dependent on his ability to win the trust of Malaysia's political and policy leadership. "If the comments he has previously made on social media are accurate depictions of his position on sociopolitical matters, he might find it challenging to do so, especially if he intends to make these positions publicly and explicitly known," she said.
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Kuching teacher loses nearly RM240,000 to scammers, forced to borrow from money lender at exorbitant rate
Kong meets with Jong and her husband. KUCHING (July 18): A female teacher here lost nearly RM240,000 to fraudsters last year. Identified only as Jong, the victim then resorted to borrowing from moneylenders, keeping her family in the dark out of fear and embarrassment. 'The situation spiralled out of control and when her husband eventually discovered the issue, they worked together to repay all the money borrowed except for one loan,' Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak assistant publicity secretary Michael Kong said in a statement today. The RM18,000 loan from a moneylender in December last year was for a four-year tenure. Jong paid the instalments for January and February 2025 but upon her husband's insistence, attempted to settle the entire amount. 'The moneylender refused, insisting that since she had signed a four-year repayment plan, she was obligated to pay the full RM48,000, be it in one lump sum now or over the four-year tenure,' said Kong. He arranged a meeting between the middle-aged couple and the moneylender. After much persuasion, the moneylender agreed to terminate the loan arrangement subject to Jong settling the principal sum of RM18,000 and some administrative charges. Kong said the case highlights the dangers of financial scams and the risks of borrowing from moneylenders. He urged the public to be extremely cautious when dealing with unfamiliar financial schemes. 'If you fall victim to a scam or face financial difficulties, do not suffer in silence. Instead, seek help from trusted family members, friends, or legal channels instead of turning to high-risk borrowing. 'Let this be a reminder that seeking support and advice early can prevent deeper financial trouble,' he said. Kong also advised the public to verify financial deals, stay informed, and most importantly, not to let fear or embarrassment get in the way of seeking the right help. lead Michael Kong moneylender
South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China family holds funeral as Indian neighbours host wedding in joint act of communal harmony
A Chinese funeral and an Indian wedding took place on the same street on the same day in Malaysia, but the two families managed to coexist and show mutual respect, winning applause online. Both ceremonies took place on July 5 in Tampin, in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The funeral was that of the mother of a local Democratic Action Party politician of Chinese origin. Good neighbours: The two families live on opposite sides of the same street. Photo: China Press On the other side of the street, an Indian family rented a hall to host a wedding. Funerals are usually considered ominous and a jinx on new couples. Meanwhile, the happy vibes of a wedding are often believed not to be suitable for the solemnity of funerals. However, the politician, surnamed Wong, was more worried about his neighbour's big day, the Malaysian news outlet China Press reported.
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Stone-throwing suspect remanded for four days, says Padawan OCPD
Police photos show the suspect (in red pants) apprehended by the police last night. KUCHING (July 8): A 68-year-old man believed to have been throwing rocks at vehicles along Jalan Batu Kawa has been remanded for four days to assist in an investigation under Section 427 of the Penal Code. Padawan district police chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi confirmed the arrest in a statement issued this afternoon. 'The suspect was arrested on July 7 at about 7.15pm by the Padawan district police 'Task Force Lejang' team at the roadside along Jalan Batu Kawa. 'Some stones have also been confiscated,' he added. Reports of an unknown individual throwing rocks at passing vehicles have been ongoing since May this year. Reports of an unknown individual throwing rocks at passing vehicles have been ongoing since May this year. Irwan said police have received 10 reports regarding the incidents, and the case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief resulting in damage. In a statement earlier, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the suspect was arrested following a month-long police patrol along the road. He added that the suspect is currently in police custody and under observation for his mental state. crime damaging vehicle lead police remand order throwing rocks
