Latest news with #LidamAssan
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Nanta hands over appointment letters to 46 community leaders in Song District
Lidam Assan (third left) presents a Letter of Appointment to the Ketua Kampung of Gelam Song, Hossein Damin as others look on. KAPIT (June 6): Minister for Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi on Thursday afternoon presented Letters of Appointment to 46 community leaders (KMKK) in the Song District during a ceremony held at the Song District Office meeting room. Among the recipients were 34 Tuai Rumah and Ketua Kampung, along with one Penghulu and one Pemanca, who received renewal letters for continued service. Ten newly appointed Tuai Rumah also received their appointment letters. In appreciation of their service, eight outgoing community leaders who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 76 were presented with certificates of appreciation. Nanta congratulated both the reappointed and newly appointed leaders, urging them to serve with integrity and dedication. 'For the newly appointed community leaders, you were chosen by the people because they believe you are capable of leading. I urge all of you to work closely with government agencies, the District Officer, and elected representatives such as Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan and myself, to drive development in your respective villages,' he said. During the same event, Nanta and Lidam each contributed RM30,000 to the Song District Community Leaders' Association to support its ongoing activities. They also conducted a symbolic handover of a longboat equipped with a 30HP engine to the Song Fire and Rescue Team, enhancing its ability to respond to emergencies in the interior regions along the Rejang, Song, and Katibas Rivers. Also present at the event were Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin, Watson Awan Jalai (Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak), and Ambrose Abong Bugek (Political Secretary to the Minister for Works). alexander nanta linggi community leaders letters of appointment Lidam Assan
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Special grant formula among top priorities in MA63 talks, S'wak assembly told
KUCHING: Sarawak wants a formula for its special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution to be finalised, says a deputy minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department. Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said this was one of the unresolved issues prioritised by the Sarawak government in the ongoing negotiations with Putrajaya on the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). "For now, our top priorities include the special grant formula as part of the financial review under Article 112D. "We hope discussions on this will be expedited and that it will be acted upon and agreed to," she told Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (May 21). Sarawak and Sabah are entitled to special grants from the Federal Government under Article 112D, which provides for a review of the grants every five years subject to the Federal Government's financial position and the states' needs. Putrajaya increased the amount of Sarawak's special grant from RM16mil to RM300mil last year and RM600mil this year, pending the outcome of negotiations for a fixed formula. Sharifah Hasidah said another matter of priority was the proposed increase in parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak to better reflect the spirit and intent of MA63. She said Sarawak would continue to pursue these matters through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy. "I want to reiterate that our stand and firm position in all our negotiations is always 'Sarawak First'," she said. "This means the Federal Government must acknowledge our constitutional and legal rights as enshrined in MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee Report, Federal and state constitutions,and state laws."
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sharifah Hasidah: Expedite negotiations on Sarawak Special Grant formula in spirit of partnership
Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali KUCHING (May 21): The Sarawak government has called for negotiations on the Special Grant for Sarawak formula with Putrajaya to be expedited in the spirit of partnership, said Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali. The Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) said this is necessary in recognition of Sarawak's constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). She said currently the state government has partially resolved matters in respect of the Financial Review under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. 'In this regard, as an interim arrangement, the federal government has agreed to increase the amount of the Special Grant for Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million for a period of five years,' she said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. She was responding to a question from Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas), who had enquired on the status of MA63 negotiations for Sarawak. Sharifah Hasidah said the state also placed top priority on the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak in the House of Representatives to better reflect the spirit and intent of MA63. 'These issues have been brought up regularly by the Sarawak government through official meetings and negotiation platforms, including the MA63 Implementation Action Council and the technical committees established for this purpose.' She said matters that still require further discussion and negotiation between the two governments included the proposal to amend Item 25A (Tourism) in List I (Federal) to List III (Concurrent), the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution; health matters, such as the proposed delegation of authority to the director of Health of Sarawak to carry out functions under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) and other issues concerning the development, improvement, and planning of healthcare facilities in Sarawak; and education matters such as staffing issues, the implementation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in English, and the use of English for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). In addition, there is also the recognition of the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as a Technical Department under Treasury Instruction 182; establishment matter under Article 112 of the Federal Constitution; Borneonisation of the federal public service in Sarawak; and development of the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan Border Area that has yet to be resolved, she added. She also said that the Sarawak government is actively pursuing matters that have been agreed in principle namely the empowerment of environmental regulatory authority to the Sarawak government through the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB); and amendment to the Federal Constitution regarding the power to appoint the Judicial Commissioner in Sarawak, for which the Sarawak government has submitted a draft proposal to amend Article 122AB of the Federal Constitution to the Judicial Appointments Commission. Sharifah Hasidah told the august House that to date, nine key areas have been resolved under MA63 including the handing over of regulatory authority for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the Sarawak government through Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros); amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, restoring Sarawak and Sabah's status as equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, in line with MA63; amendment to the interpretation of the term 'Federation' under Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution, which now constitutionally includes MA63 and related instruments such as the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report as part of the Federal Constitution; and amendment to Article 161A to provide full authority to the Sarawak government to define the term 'Native' more comprehensively and inclusively. Other matters that have been resolved include the empowerment for issuance of deep-sea fishing licences to Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development; recognition of the Sarawak Public Works Department and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage as Technical Departments under Treasury Instruction 182, allowing them to administer federal projects in Sarawak valued up to RM50 million; amendment to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia Act 1995 [Act 533] to appoint permanent representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to the board; special guidelines to facilitate the return of land reserved for federal purposes in Sabah and Sarawak; and amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Cap.76) which came into force on May 1. In assuring that the Sarawak government remains committed in reclaiming and safeguarding the Sarawak's rights under MA63, Sharifah Hasidah said the state government remains actively engaged with the federal government through continuous dialogue and consultation. 'The Sarawak government ensures that these negotiations are carried out and addressed in a manner that is in line with the spirit of equal partnership and with full acknowledgment for Sarawak's constitutional position as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report,' she added.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Nanta: Pre-Gawai celebration in Song reinforces unity, cultural heritage
Lidam Assan (left) and Nanta (second left) led the Song District Niti Daun in and around Pekan Song. KAPIT (May 17): Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi recently officiated the Mantar Gawai Pelilih Menua Song – Pre-Gawai Dinner held at the Song Community Hall, an event rich in Iban traditions and a celebration of unity among the diverse communities in the district. In his speech, Nanta expressed his appreciation for being part of a meaningful cultural gathering, highlighting that the annual dinner is attended by people from all walks of life and showcases unique Iban customs such as berpantun, beramban, betabuh, ngajat, pekit kumang , and pekit keling . 'This event is not only unique but serves as a symbol of unity and harmony among the races, customs, and cultures in Song district,' said Nanta. Held every May ahead of Gawai Dayak on June 1 and 2, the dinner also serves to reinforce the importance of preserving ancestral traditions. He emphasised the need to continue cultural events like the Pekit Kumang Dayak pageant contest, which celebrates identity and promotes socio-economic activity. 'Traditional Iban attire featured in Pekit Kumang is now recognised not just in Sarawak, but also internationally,' he noted, adding that criticism claiming such attire undermines cultural values is misplaced and should no longer be an issue. Referring to this year's Gawai theme, 'Beserakup, Betulung, Anang Rindang' (Unite, Help Each Other, Don't Be Complacent), Nanta called on the people of Song to remain united and cooperative to ensure continued progress and development in the Song district and the broader Kapit Division. He reminded attendees that 'Anang Rindang' serves as a call to avoid complacency in the face of development and challenges, and to remain focused on community advancement. 'Many development projects are in the works and being implemented across the Kapit Division. These efforts require not only stable political conditions and racial harmony, but also the full support and cooperation of the people,' he said. Nanta urged the community to continue supporting the government and elected representatives to ensure that development initiatives can proceed smoothly. Among those present at the dinner were Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, Political Secretary to the Minister of Works Ambrose Abong Bugek, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Watson Awan Jalai, Kapit Resident Elvis Didit, Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin, Song OCPD DSP Rowney Michael Jalak, Temenggong Jatmit Untam, Pemanca Temenggong Toh Tze Hua, Pemanca Lim Eng Hock, and many others. alexander nanta linggi Gawai Song District
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Katibas rep calls for unified association to drive development, strengthen community voice in Sg Rassau, Btg Igan
(From left) Lau, Gerald, Lidam, and Romeo in a picture, taken at the Randau Pemansang Programme at Rumah Salim Unang, Sungai Rassau. SIBU (April 27): Residents in the Sungai Rassau and Batang Igan area have been encouraged to form a unified association to effectively channel development-related matters to the Sarawak government. In stating this, Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan said the proposed association would serve a broader purpose than the current Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) which typically represented individual longhouses. Instead, he said this association would represent all longhouses in the Rassau area collectively, allowing for more coordinated planning and communication. 'The Rassau area holds significant potential for agricultural development, particularly for rice cultivation or shrimp farming. 'All these plans, however, require the residents of Rassau to unite under the banner of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), to support the area's transformation,' he said in his speech during the 'Randau Pemansang' programme here on Friday. Organised by the JKKK of Rumah Salim Unang, Sungai Rassau, Batang Igan Tengah, the event was graced by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. Also present at the event was a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bawang Assan branch chief Romeo Christopher Tegong and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Councillor Kevin Lau. Lau highlighted the significance of the programme in disseminating accurate and timely information to the community, while also serving as a platform to reinforce unity across the diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Batang Igan lead Lidam Assan Sungai Rassau unified association
