Latest news with #IreneChang
Borneo Post
6 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
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Former rep urges Sarawak govt to simplify BKK aid process for students
Chang highlights that students from the rural areas, those with parents employed in the informal sector, and those from estranged or single-parent households, often lacked formal income documentation. SIBU (May 25): Irene Chang has called upon the Sarawak government to streamline the application for the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) scheme for tertiary-level students, citing bureaucratic hurdles as potentially excluding those most in need. The BKK scheme, which offers RM1,200 in financial aid to each eligible Sarawakian tertiary student, was lauded by Chang as 'a commendable initiative'. However, the former Bukit Assek assemblywoman noted that the current application process, which required the submission of parents' payslips via the Yayasan Sarawak portal, presented a significant barrier to many applicants. 'This requirement contradicts the scheme's intended purpose of supporting all students regardless of their economic or social background,' she said in a statement. 'It risks excluding the very students the scheme aims to help.' Chang highlighted that students from the rural areas, those with parents employed in the informal sector, and those from estranged or single-parent households, often lacked formal income documentation. As a result, these students might be unfairly disqualified from receiving much-needed assistance, she pointed out. 'If the Sarawak government is sincere about helping our Sarawakian students, they should ensure that their applications should not be hindered by many red tapes. 'As such, I urge the government and Yayasan Sarawak to revise the application conditions to better reflect the realities faced by vulnerable students. 'The only two requirements that should be necessary are the proof that the applicant is a Sarawakian such as the 'K' indicator on their MyKad, and proof of enrolment to a recognised tertiary institution such as a student ID card or official offer letter.' During a recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, it was revealed that only 25,208 students had applied for the scheme out of an estimated 60,000 eligible candidates. 'This means that the scheme has reached less than half of its target beneficiaries,' said Chang, attributing this low uptake to the 'overly burdensome' application process. In this respect, Chang suggested the government extend the application timeline of June 1 this year to give more students the opportunity to apply. 'They should act swiftly and decisively to remove the unnecessary barriers to ensure that this initiative reaches every deserving Sarawakian student,' she added. BKK Irene Chang lead simplify process special financial assistance students
