Latest news with #LandCode(Amendment)Bill2025
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo proposes comparative legislative study tour to US for DUN members
Abang Johari (right) arrives at the GPS Backbenchers' Night held at the DUN Complex. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 28): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed a comparative legislative study tour to the United States for members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). Speaking at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers' Night held at the DUN complex last night, Abang Johari underscored the importance of such study visits in broadening the perspectives of assembly members. He emphasised the value of exposing elected representatives to various systems of governance and parliamentary democracies around the world. 'The Speaker has consulted me on providing exposure for our assembly members to conduct study visits abroad, to learn and understand the diverse systems of government and democratic practices globally, particularly those practised in mature parliamentary democracies. 'I have agreed to this proposal. Previously, we visited the United Kingdom, and this time, the Speaker and I propose that we visit the United States to study its democratic system, which differs in some aspects from the Westminster model. This will be an educational trip for our assembly members,' he said. In addition, the Premier urged all DUN members to familiarise themselves with Article 95C(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which allows Parliament to confer additional legislative powers on state assemblies in certain matters. 'Members of the DUN must be well-versed in this provision, as it supports the extension of legislative authority to the State Assembly. 'Since the establishment of the DUN in 1963 by Order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we have been empowered to enact laws on matters under our jurisdiction, particularly those listed in the State List and those delegated by Parliament. 'This is why legislation such as the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016 remains undisputed, as it is supported by constitutional provisions and Sarawak's special autonomy,' he explained. He reiterated that electricity and gas matters fall under state jurisdiction, and therefore, the DGO 2016 was enacted in accordance with constitutional provisions and the 1963 order. 'Even in the future, if I am no longer Premier or an assemblyman, the next generation of DUN members must understand that this legislative power belongs to the State Assembly. It is a power that we must never compromise,' he stressed. Abang Johari also highlighted two recently passed Bills, the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, which he said would benefit the state's economy. 'The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 amendment enables the registration of wakaf (endowment) lands, as well as other lands granted by landowners for public or charitable purposes, including those for charitable organisations. 'As for the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, some of the research conducted by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) has commercial value. This amendment allows the outcomes of such research to be developed into commercial undertakings,' he explained. The Premier also took the opportunity to congratulate all GPS' assembly members for demonstrating professionalism during the recent legislative debates. abang johari comparative legislative study tour lead
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS voices concern over inclusion of wakaf in Sarawak Land Code
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (May 22): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has expressed deep concern over any proposal to incorporate provisions related to 'wakaf' – the Islamic endowment system – into the Sarawak Land Code. Its permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony said the introduction of wakaf into the Sarawak Land Code could create a dual land ownership framework that complicates land administration and weakens 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 in a statement. He was commenting on the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday. Among the important provisions in the Bill includes the introduction of Section 171A, which formalises the registration of wakaf land in the Land Registry. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who tabled the Bill, explained that the move empowers the Majlis Islam Sarawak and also extends to other religions with similar practices, reinforcing Sarawak's inclusive approach to land rights and religious diversity. In this regard, John Brian pointed out that while PBDS respects and recognises the importance of religious freedom, the party also emphasises the need to preserve Sarawak's unique legal and cultural identity. 'Sarawak is 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,' he said. 'For Dayak and other native communities, land is not just an economic asset but it is 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 added. Moreover, he also stressed that Sarawak's land laws are governed under its own jurisdiction as guaranteed by the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 'We reject any attempt – direct or indirect – to import religious land systems that may be influenced by federal institutions or ideologies not rooted in Sarawak's legal traditions.' As such, John Brian said the people of Sarawak, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, deserve to be fully consulted on any changes to land laws. He reiterated that no major legal reform should be pushed through without transparent, inclusive engagement with stakeholders, civil society, and local communities. 'We call on the Sarawak government to halt any proposal to introduce wakaf laws into the Land Code until full public consultation is held and guarantees are given that Sarawak's multicultural fabric and state autonomy will not be compromised,' he said. Dr John Brian Anthony lead PBDS Sarawak Land Code wakaf
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in DUN
Awang Tengah said these amendments were essential for strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 20): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these amendments were essential for strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice of governance standards. 'Essentially, these amendments are pivotal to enhancing service delivery to the people, and advancing the objectives of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as we work collectively towards a developed Sarawak for the benefit of all,' he said in his winding-up speech after the Bill was passed after its third reading. One key point of the Bill is the comprehensive regulation of rock materials and the revised Section 32A, which now requires proper licensing for the extraction, removal and transportation of rock materials within the state. Individuals or entities involved at any stage — on-site or during transit — must now obtain the necessary licence issued by the Director of Lands and Surveys. In addition, a newly inserted Section 32AA prohibits the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak without a specific licence or those found exporting without valid authorisation. Those in breach of these may face a fine of between RM100,000 and RM1 million, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Other important provisions in the Bill include the introduction of Section 171A, which formalises the registration of wakaf (religious endowment) land in the Land Registry. This move empowers Majlis Islam Sarawak and also extends to other religions with similar practices, reinforcing Sarawak's inclusive approach to land rights and religious diversity. Section 230 increases penalties for unauthorised subdivision and development to a maximum of RM3 million, with an added daily fine of RM5,000 for continued offences while amendments to Sections 209A and 209B broaden the scope of enforcement, including enhanced powers of arrest, eviction, and seizure. To improve judicial processes, amendments to Sections 63 and 65 now require that assessor opinions in land reference cases be formally recorded and their fees standardised. Administrative changes such as simplified procedures for issuing duplicate titles and the digital submission of documents reflect the government's push towards a more efficient and paperless system. A total of 16 august House members debated on the Bill. When thanking them, the Deputy Premier said they provided constructive views and suggestions when debating. 'Many thoughtful opinions and views have been presented, and we assure you that all constructive views and comments will be considered in our efforts to implement amendments to this Bill.' Awang Tengah Ali Hasan DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Land Code amendment ‘timely' in protecting Sarawak's natural wealth
Wong Soon Koh. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 20): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a timely measure to safeguard Sarawak's natural wealth while balancing economic development and environmental protection, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. He expressed his firm support for the amendment, but noted concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen over Clause 3, which introduces harsher penalties for those found extracting, removing or transporting rock materials without a valid licence. However, Wong brought up Clause 4 of the Bill, which empowers the Director of Lands and Surveys to issue licences for the export of rock materials from Sarawak. 'In doing so, we must ensure that resource extraction contributes meaningfully to the state's economy, while also maintaining environmental sustainability and our long-term sovereignty over Sarawak's natural wealth,' he said when debating the amendment Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Wong pointed out that rock materials such as granite, limestone, silica sand, kaolin clay and even rare earth elements were of high commercial value domestically and internationally. He said given their depletable nature, he urged that exports be tightly regulated and aligned with Sarawak's constitutional right to manage its own land and resources under Article 95B(3) of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Once these materials are gone, they are gone forever. That's why we must set annual limits on how much can be extracted and exported.' Thus, he stressed that all exports must be licensed and subject to strict Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), with operators held accountable for rehabilitation and pollution control. In addition, he proposed that a special resource fund be established, financed through export duties and royalties, to support infrastructure development and environmental conservation. Wong also advocated for exploring local processing of certain rock materials before export, as part of Sarawak's push for downstream industries, which would help generate employment and spur domestic economic growth. 'Before every licence is issued, we must assess whether the rock material can be processed locally. This would create value-add opportunities and benefit our local communities.' Emphasising the need for effective enforcement, Wong called for stringent monitoring mechanisms to track the movement of rock materials and to clamp down on illegal mining and exports. 'The Land Code (Amendment) Bill represents a significant step in asserting Sarawak's control over its land resources. If implemented responsibly, the export of rock materials can yield long-term benefits for the people of Sarawak today and for future generations,' he said.
