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Borneo Post
6 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
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak opposition parties object to passage of bill to amend land code
KUCHING: Two opposition parties today expressed their strong objection over the passage of a bill to amend the Sarawak Land Code to incorporate provisions related to wakaf, the Islamic endowment system. They said that the amendments to include section 171A shows that the Sarawak government is not sensitive to the feelings of the multireligious, multicultural and multiracial society of Sarawak. "The inclusion of section 171A to the Sarawak Land Code will empower the Majlis Islam Sarawak (MAIS) to deal with land that is (deemed) wakaf," they said. Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony said PBDS recognised and respected the importance of religious freedom for all Malaysians, including Muslims. "However, we must be firm in upholding the unique legal, cultural, and social foundations of Sarawak, especially when they pertain to land — our most vital and sensitive resource," he said in a statement when responding to the passage of the amendment Bill in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly yesterday. He said the party's objection was grounded on preserving Sarawak's multicultural harmony where Sarawak was a model of religious and cultural diversity. "Introducing wakaf laws into civil land legislation risks upsetting this balance by creating perceptions of religious favouritism and state-sanctioned religious encroachment into secular legal systems." Brian said for the Dayak and other native communities, land was not just an economic asset — it was tied to ancestry, tradition, and identity. "The idea of a parallel land system based on religious principles raises serious alarm and may erode confidence in the impartiality of our land laws," he said. He said introducing wakaf into the Sarawak Land Code could create a dual land ownership framework that complicated land administration and weakened the clarity of property rights. "This could have unintended consequences for development, inheritance, and dispute resolution — especially for mixed-religion or indigenous communities," he said. Brian said the people, whether Muslim or non-Muslims, deserved to be fully consulted on any changes to land laws. "No major legal reform should be pushed through without transparent, inclusive engagement with stakeholders, civil society, and local communities," he said. PBK president Voon Lee Shan said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should not impose supremacy of Islam and Malay race in the Land Code because this could cause suspicion among Sarawakians as the treatment of people of different races, culture and religions in Sarawak. He said MAIS, established under the Majlis Islam Sarawak Ordinance 2001, was a corporate body that could do business and own properties. "MAIS, for the purpose of the Land Code, is deemed a Native of Sarawak under the Majlis Islam Ordinance 2001," Voon, a senior lawyer, stressed. He said the amendment Bill, which sought to import the concept of "wakaf or endowment", could create racial and religious tensions in Sarawak if there were disputes involving native property, especially, native land in Sarawak. He said section 1771A(1) which stated that "any person who has rights and interests on any land may lodge an application to declare such land as wakaf or endowment" could create problems, if the claimant came to make bogus claims on any land — more so over a native land. He noted that at the moment, most native lands had no title and were not surveyed and there were bound to be dispute if bogus claims of land to be wakaf arose. Voon said that there was nothing to prevent a person who made the bogus claim to the land, from seeking MAIS to identify and cause MAIS to declare the land as wakaf land. "The land will then comes under the jurisdiction of MAIS," he added.
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Amended Land Code accommodates endowments for all religions in Sarawak, says Daro rep
Safiee Ahmad KUCHING (May 21): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, is significant because it introduced a new legal framework to govern matters relating to wakaf and endowment. Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) said this is intended to formalise the registration and management of wakaf and endowment lands. According to him, the amendment is not exclusive to any one religion, but has the inclusive intent of accommodating all religions practiced in Sarawak. 'Under this framework, landowners who wish to endow or dedicate their lands for religious or welfare purposes will now have a clear, efficient, and legally secure pathway to do so. 'No more unnecessary red tape and, most importantly, the noble intentions of landowners will no longer be hindered by legal uncertainty,' he said. He said as Sarawak is a land of many cultures, ethnicities, and religions, the state's strength lies in Sarawakians' ability to live together in peace despite these differences. 'Therefore, it is only fitting that our laws evolve to reflect this multireligious and multicultural to ensure that such contributions are safeguarded and properly utilised for the benefit of future generations,' he said. He stated the amendments also introduce clear and enforceable provisions to regulate the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak. 'This is a critical step in ensuring that our natural resources are responsibly managed and that Sarawak's rightful revenue from these resources is properly collected. 'By making licensing requirements legally enforceable and enabling the effective collection of fees and royalties, we are protecting not only our environment but also the economic interests of the state,' he explained. He opined the move conveys a clear and firm message that the illegal extraction and transport of rock materials will not be condoned, and that all operators, whether from the public or private sector, are required to adhere strictly to established procedures. The introduction of stringent penalties through the amendments serve as a critical deterrent against unlawful activities that deplete the state's natural resources, he said. He stressed it is imperative that the law remains resolute and that its enforcement is both consistent and credible. Safiee pointed out that approval periods for development proposals are now aligned with updated policies of the State Planning Authority (SPA) for greater certainty and efficiency in the planning process, reducing unnecessary delays, and improving transparency. Additionally, the amendments introduce a new requirement for the submission of as-built utility data, a progressive step that supports the creation of a 3D utility mapping framework and the formation of dedicated committees. 'This is not just about data. It is about building the foundation for integrated spatial planning, underground infrastructure management, and ultimately, the Smart City vision of Sarawak. 'With accurate, real-time utility data, we can plan more intelligently, prevent costly infrastructure clashes, and build more sustainable urban centres,' he added. endowment lands Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 lead Safiee Ahmad
The Star
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Wakaf land to gain legal status following amendments to Sarawak Land Code
KUCHING: Wakaf or religious endowment lands in Sarawak will be granted legal recognition following amendments to the state Land Code. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said a new Section 171A was introduced to provide a formal mechanism for the registration of wakaf in the Land Registry. On concerns raised by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) that the amendment would introduce a religious element into the Land Code, Awang Tengah said this was a misconception. "It is clear in this Bill that the provision only touches on the registration and administration of wakaf land. "This is important to ensure that wakaf or endowment land is managed efficiently according to the law, whether by Majlis Islam Sarawak or Unifor (Unit for Other Religions)," he said. He said the amendment would empower individuals and Majlis Islam Sarawak to apply for such registrations while extending similar provisions to other religions with equivalent concepts. "This marks a progressive and inclusive step forward, reflecting Sarawak's commitment to safeguard the rich diversity of religious faiths within its multicultural society," he said when tabling the Land Code (Amendment) Bill in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (May 20). While debating the Bill, Chong had said religious ideology should not be incorporated into a law of general application to all as it could lead to legal and religious conflict. He called on the state government to introduce a separate Bill to regulate wakaf matters instead of amending the Land Code. Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said other key amendments included expanding the scope of regulation over rock materials to require licensing for their extraction and transportation within and out of Sarawak. "This ensures that all stages of handling, from on-site removal to off-site transit, require proper licensing," he said. Other amendments aim to enhance enforcement provisions, such as increasing the penalty for the unlawful occupation, cultivation or clearing of state land to a maximum fine of RM500,000 or five-year jail term. Unauthorised subdivision or development of land is now punishable by fines of up to RM3mil and an additional daily penalty of RM5,000 for continuing offences. "The provisions introduced through this Bill are intended to strengthen Sarawak's land governance framework by updating current administrative practices and clearer policy direction. "Notably, the amendments also introduce strengthened enforcement mechanisms within the Land Code, empowering the enforcement authorities to act swiftly and decisively against non-compliance, encroachments and illegal occupations," Awang Tengah said. The Bill was passed after 16 assemblymen debated on it.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Yap: New Land Code amendments safeguard Sarawak's resources, endowment lands
Wilfred Yap. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 20): The introduction of Sections 32AA and 171A into the Sarawak Land Code reflects Sarawak's evolving needs and ensures that its land legislation remains just, relevant, and functional, said Wilfred Yap (GPS Kota Sentosa). Section 32AA introduces a crucial safeguard by prohibiting the transportation of rock materials outside Sarawak without a valid licence, he said. 'Our rock materials – gravel, sand, limestone, and other minerals – are vital natural resources that play a key role in our economy, environment, and cultural identity. Without proper regulation, unlicensed extraction and transportation could lead to serious environmental degradation, including soil erosion, river siltation, and habitat destruction,' said Yap. This provision is fully in line with Sarawak's constitutional right to manage and protect its natural resources, he said when debating on the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. A robust licensing system not only ensures compliance with environmental, labour, and safety regulations but also secures rightful revenue for the state through royalties, taxes, and fees, he said. Licensing enhances transparency, allows for effective monitoring, and deters illegal mining activities, he pointed out. Yap then said he disagreed with the observations Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Padungan), pleading for leniency on behalf of offending transporters. The principles of natural justice are fundamental legal rules that ensure fairness in decision-making processes, Yap argued. 'For a person transporting rock materials, for example sand, gravel and stones, these principles apply in cases involving regulatory enforcement, licensing, penalties, or disputes.' Yap said these key principles include right to a fair hearing and the inherent right to challenge an adverse decision before a higher authority or court. The absence of such control risks irreversible damage to Sarawak's ecosystem, the depletion of resources, and loss of state revenue. 'Section 32AA, therefore, is a proactive and necessary measure that reinforces Sarawak's legal sovereignty and environmental stewardship,' said Yap. The new Section 171A provision addresses the legal status and protection of endowment lands, or wakaf, which have long supported religious and charitable institutions such as mosques, churches, temples, and mission schools, Yap pointed out. These lands are not only spiritual assets but also economic ones, often providing income to fund religious, educational, health, and community services, he said. 'However, in the absence of a specific legal framework, endowment lands remain vulnerable to encroachment, mismanagement, or unlawful acquisition. 'Section 171A will provide legal clarity, safeguard ownership rights, establish dispute resolution mechanisms, and impose penalties for violations,' he said. Yap said the introduction of Section 171A is both forward-looking and essential and, provides the necessary legal protections for endowment lands, ensuring transparency, preventing abuse, and enhancing the contributions of religious bodies to Sarawak's social fabric. The proposed Sections 32AA and 171A represent thoughtful and strategic legislative improvements that will benefit Sarawak economically, environmentally, and socially, said Yap when supporting the bill, tabled earlier on by Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill transportation wakaf Wilfred Yap
