Latest news with #Gira
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Gira, Chukpai to vie for PRS Youth Chief post at October TDC
Gira (left) and Chukpai vying for the PRS Youth Chief post at the party's TDC this October. – The Borneo Post photo KUCHING (Aug 13): Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon are expected to vie for the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief post at the party's triennial delegates conference (TDC) here this October. Both ordinary supreme council members stated their intention to contest for the role soon after current Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan confirmed during a special supreme council meeting last Sunday that he would not seek re-election. Gira when contacted said he accepted the nomination after several party leaders proposed his name following Snowdan's decision. 'I humbly accepted the nomination, and I am prepared to offer my service and dedication to the party's youth wing,' he said. He expressed confidence that delegates would make an informed choice on the next Youth Chief, and pledged to strengthen the role of youth in PRS while contributing positively to Sarawak's development. 'My agenda includes nurturing and grooming youth leadership within the party; providing political training and mentorship for the younger generation; empowering the Youth members to be a positive and influential voice; equipping them with both hands-on skills and digital literacy to meet modern challenges; promoting PRS values in line with the vision of the GPS government and; supporting and participating in the development agendas of the Sarawak government, especially in uplifting the Dayak community,' he said. Chukpai, meanwhile, said his decision to contest stems from a commitment to amplify youth voices, address their concerns, and lead PRS in delivering for the Dayak community and all Sarawakians. He cited the inclusive leadership of the late party president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing as an enduring inspiration. 'PRS was founded in 2004 and its first Youth Chief was Datuk Mong Dagang, an Iban. The second Youth Chief was Datuk Liwan Lagang, an Orang Ulu and the third, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, an Iban. 'Therefore it would be ideal should the next Youth Chief post be held by either Orang Ulu or Bidayuh to reflect inclusive representation. This is ideal to ensure that the party remains inclusive,' he said. The Masing legacy should be carried forward to strengthen inter-ethnic cooperation and empower the party's structures for the future, he added. Chukpai highlighted his long involvement in PRS Youth since the party's formation in 2004, including serving as Central Youth Vice-Chief under Mong Dagang, Belaga Youth Chief from 2004 to 2016, and PRS Murum Division Chairman since 2016. 'Based on this record and my commitments, I am confident I can contribute significantly to strengthening PRS Youth Wings if given the opportunity,' he said. Candidates must secure eight divisional nominations to qualify for the post, he said, adding that he is actively engaging divisional leaders to build support, ensure transparency, and address grassroots concerns. 'I am optimistic that, with sustained engagement, we can meet the nominations in due course,' said Chukpai. His vision is to empower Dayak youth, unite communities through inclusive leadership, and strengthen PRS as a credible voice for Sarawak's future, with a focus on education, economic opportunities, social cohesion, and heritage preservation. By virtue of the position, the elected Youth chief would automatically be appointed as party Vice President. Recent reports also suggest Lubok Antu MP Roy Gingkoi and Baleh assemblyman Nelson Kudi Jantai have also been urged by supporters to contest. Roy declined to comment when contacted, citing his attendance at the current Parliament sitting. Christopher Gira Sambang Kennedy Chukpai Ugon PRS TDC Youth chief
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strategic projects set to drive development in Selangau, assures assemblyman
Gira (third right) presents a cheque to one MRP fund recipient, as Sempurai (fourth left) and others look on. SELANGAU (July 14): Several strategic development projects are meant for implementation in Selangau. In giving this assurance, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira lists a mini sports complex, upgrading works on an access road to Selangau Bazaar, and the construction of stretches connecting Rumah Uban and Ulu Mukah as well as Nanga Selangau and Rumah Dinggai, as among those being planned for the district. 'These various new development initiatives will drive rural development,' he said in officiating at the 'Mangkung Tiang' (housewarming) in Rumah Lawang Umpon, Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau here last Saturday. Organised by the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau, the programme meant to revive the custom symbolising the beginning of life in a new longhouse, as well as the spirit of family, unity and the continuity of ancestral culture of the Iban community. Adding on, Gira also congratulated the residents of Rumah Lawang for their efforts in building a modern, organised and comfortable longhouse. He described the success as a positive sign of the economic growth of rural communities, and also an 'evidence' of the effectiveness of the state government's development policies under the ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'This longhouse is not only a symbol of culture, but also a symbol of shared success. 'We want to see longhouses not just as a physical heritage, but also as active and developed community centres.' Gira also stressed the importance of electrical safety in longhouses, calling for the existing wiring system be upgraded further. 'This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of overloading that can cause fires, in line with the increase in electricity consumption in today's longhouses,' he added. Later at the event, Gira presented Minor Rural Programme (MRP) allocations totalling RM369,000 to 25 recipients including longhouse JKKKs, local sports and youth associations, and educational institutions. The assemblyman also announced an additional special allocation of RM25,000 for Rumah Lawang in support of its community activities. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was among those present. christopher gira development projects lead Selangau
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak targets 50,000 dogs vaccinated annually to achieve rabies-free goal by 2030
Gira (front row, second left) gestures as part of a symbolic dog vaccination during the rabies vaccination programme in Selangau. Standing fourth left is Lau. SIBU (July 13): The Sarawak government aims to vaccinate 50,000 dogs each year under the 'One Health' approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, said Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. He said this policy not only involves the implementation of widespread dog vaccination but also includes animal population control, licensing, public education, and the enforcement of the Public Health Ordinance. 'It is proof that the state government and related agencies are committed to making Sarawak rabies-free by 2030,' he said. Gira made these remarks during a Rabies Vaccination Programme, held at SJKC Tong Ah, Selangau yesterday. The event was jointly organised by the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu. Also present was Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau. Gira further stressed that the rabies issue should not be taken lightly as it could lead to loss of lives if left untreated. 'I strongly support this initiative which not only provides free vaccination but also raises awareness among the people about the importance of pet care and preventive actions,' he added. Since 2017, Sarawak has recorded 82 human rabies cases, including 75 fatalities – figures which the assemblyman described as 'heart-breaking statistics'. He revealed that more than 52,000 dog bite cases and 43,000 cat bite cases have been reported. 'These are not just numbers, these are lives, families, and futures impacted,' he emphasised. 'Thanks to proactive public health initiatives, a total of 13,757 dogs had been vaccinated as of October 2024.' Gira said the programme held in Selangau is part of the state's ongoing efforts to curb the spread of rabies, which remains a concern, especially in rural areas and smaller towns such as Selangau. He also highlighted the state government's Rabies Eradication Operation and the establishment of the Mobile Veterinary Team (VMT) as key strategies under the Sarawak Rabies Elimination Action Plan. christopher gira dogs lead rabies Sibu vaccination
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Tamin rep: PRS proposes 8 new state seats, 1 federal seat for Sarawak redelineation
Gira debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special DUN sitting today, – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 7): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has submitted several proposals to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) redelineation committee for the creation of new state seats, in line with the proposed increase in the number of elected representatives in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly from 82 to 99. Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) in his debate speech to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special DUN sitting here today, revealed that the party has proposed for eight new state seats. 'The proposed DUN seats are Bukit Kelankang, which is carved from Bukit Begunan and Simanggang; Mapai/Sibu Jaya (carved from Ngemah and Dudong); Bukit Arip (carved from Tamin and Kakus); Tubau (carved from Murum and Kakus); Pengejau (carved from Bekenu and Marudi); Medamit (carved from Batu Danau); Anau (carved from Jepak and Kakus); and Sungai Plan (carved from Samalaju),' said the PRS Supreme Council member. He said PRS has also proposed for a new parliamentary seat namely Bukit Buan, to be carved out of the current Kakus and Tamin state constituencies, both of which fall under the Selangau parliamentary constituency. 'These proposals are based on careful consideration of voter distribution, geographical remoteness, and the pressing need for improved representation and development planning,' he said. Gira pointed out that since the last redelineation in 2014, Sarawak has experienced significant population growth, especially in the rural areas. 'The state has also experienced accelerated infrastructure and economic development under the leadership of our Premier and the GPS Government and the resulting strain on service delivery across vast and often remote constituencies,' he added. Citing his constituency of Tamin as an example, Gira said the constituency spans over 3,472 square kilometres and serves more than 23,000 voters, many of whom live in rugged and hard-to-reach areas. 'Likewise, the Selangau parliamentary constituency now covers over 9,193 square kilometres and encompasses more than 45,700 voters, making effective representation and delivery of services increasingly challenging.' He said the increase in elected representatives will translate to more equitable voice for all communities, better outreach and service delivery, especially in rural Sarawak, and stronger democratic accountability and local empowerment. 'This initiative directly supports the objectives of Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), ensuring inclusive and sustainable development,' he said. He also said that the proposed increase of seats was not just an administrative move, but a long-awaited move aligned with the principles of equitable development, effective governance, and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'The addition of 17 state seats represents a critical recalibration of our democratic structure. I sincerely hope that a corresponding increase in parliamentary seats for Sarawak will soon be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. 'As a founding partner in the Federation of Malaysia, Sarawak deserves fair and proportionate representation – not just in this House, but also in Parliament. This is not merely about numbers; it is about constitutional justice and regional balance,' said Gira.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Govt-backed loan empowers Rh Digat residents to rebuild longhouse with better facilities
Rumah Digat residents show their signed housing loan agreements under the HDC scheme. SIBU (June 26): A long-held dream is finally taking shape for residents of Rumah Digat Kasi in Nanga Sebindang here, as a government-backed housing loan will enable the replacement of their ageing longhouse with a safer, more modern structure. Twelve families signed agreements on Tuesday under the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) loan scheme, paving the way for the construction of 12 new longhouse units valued at RM50,000 each — a total investment of RM600,000. The signing ceremony, held at the longhouse, marked more than just a legal milestone; it signified a turning point for a rural community that has long been left behind by urban development. 'This is more than just a housing project; it's about dignity, comfort, and a safer future for our rural communities,' said Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira in a statement yesterday. 'We began site preparations as early as 2022 under the Rural Transformation Programme. The government doesn't just make promises; we act.' He added that structured housing development in longhouse communities reflects the government's broader commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that no community is left out, no matter how remote. The loan scheme, introduced by HDC, is aimed at rural communities that often face challenges in accessing conventional loans. With support from the state, families now have the opportunity to build safe, more resilient homes, replacing worn-out timber structures with a new beginning. The Tamin Constituency Service Centre has been instrumental in assisting residents through the loan application process by acting as a bridge between government agencies and the people. 'The bond between leaders and the people is the reason this project is possible. It is about trust, cooperation, and shared goals,' said Gira. Villagers, many of whom never imagined owning structurally sound homes in their lifetimes, expressed overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity. 'We thank the government and YB Christopher for walking this journey with us. Our children will now grow up in a home we can be proud of,' said one resident after signing the loan agreement. housing loan longhouse rebuild Rumah Digat
