Latest news with #LoKhereChiang
Free Malaysia Today
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
What ‘unity govt' when DAP always attacking us, says GPS man
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said Sarawak DAP has been relentlessly on the offensive against the GPS state administration. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A Sarawak assemblyman has questioned the sincerity of the 'unity' in the Madani government, citing the state DAP chapter's repeated attacks of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition. Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the apparent unity in the federal level contradicted the reality in Sarawak, where DAP has been relentlessly on the offensive against the GPS state administration. He cited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's remarks at the recent retreat involving the government's 143 MPs, where the Pakatan Harapan chairman said the unity of the federal government was intact. '(Anwar) even thanked Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof for their unwavering spirit of unity,' Lo said, according to Dayak Daily. 'But we must ask, what unity is Anwar referring to when Sarawak DAP continues its sustained attacks on GPS?' Lo pointed out that DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and adviser Lim Guan Eng had apologised to GPS over past statements by DAP leaders that offended the Sarawak government and people. The Sarawak United Peoples' Party deputy secretary-general said these apologies, made prior to the unity government's formation, were quickly discredited by Sarawak DAP's actions. 'Since then, Sarawak DAP has done nothing but oppose GPS at every turn, questioning our policies, casting doubt on our initiatives and repeatedly undermining Sarawak's leadership. 'That is not sincerity; that is political theatrics staged for public relations, not rooted in principles.'
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Batu Kitang rep slams Sarawak DAP's refusal to support DUN seat hike Bill
Dato Lo Khere Chiang KUCHING (July 9): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has likened the Sarawak DAP's refusal to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025 to 'wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step.' Lo explained that the Bill, which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday despite objections from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, lays the groundwork for Sarawak government to justify more parliamentary seats in the future. 'Chong Chieng Jen cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens the state's case for it. 'That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,' he said in a statement. He stressed that the Bill is not just about numbers, but represents a vital institutional reform — a move to modernise Sarawak's legislature in line with its growing autonomy, responsibilities, and development scale. Lo said the Bill is also about justice, autonomy, and restoring what was promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'It's about ensuring that Sarawak's voice, especially in our remote and rural areas is heard clearly, loudly, and fairly,' he added. 'With more ADUNs (state assemblypersons), we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability, and enhance service delivery.' Lo argued that if Singapore can have 99 MPs, then Sarawak — with its vast landmass, scattered populations, and complex needs — deserves the same. 'How do we restore Sarawak's one-third representation in Parliament if we don't first increase our voice in our own Dewan? How can we demand fairness in Putrajaya when we won't even give ourselves fairer representation in our DUN?' 'Chong says: 'Table the increment in Parliament and we'll support it.' But who controls Parliament? Not Sarawak. Not GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). The federal government does. And DAP is part of it. 'If Chong and Violet are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission? 'The people of Sarawak are not fools. They can see through this political tap dance.'
Free Malaysia Today
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak opposition leader booted from state assembly over seat increase row
Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen left the Sarawak state assembly after he refused to comply with the speaker's instruction to sit down during a backbencher's debate. PETALING JAYA : Sarawak opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) was kicked out from the state assembly today for interrupting a backbencher's debate on a proposal to increase the number of state seats. Chong had stood up to interject while Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) was speaking. At the time, Lo had accused Chong and fellow opposition member Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) of opposing Sarawak's efforts to expand its parliamentary representation. Chong in turn accused Lo of lying as both he and Yong had said in their earlier debates that the priority should be to demand an increase in Sarawak's parliamentary seats, not in the state assembly. Chong maintained that both he and Yong would support any move to strengthen Sarawak's representation in the Dewan Rakyat. Speaker Asfia Awang Nassar told Chong to sit down after Lo had refused to yield to him on a point of order. Asfia said Lo was merely rebutting Chong's debate against increasing the number of assembly members earlier. Chong slammed the assembly rule book on his desk several times, demanding that he be heard on a point of order. Asfia asked him to be quiet, but Chong refused. 'If you continue to do this, I will send you out. That is it, I am sending you out,' the speaker said. The sergeant-at-arms was told to remove Chong forcibly, if needed. Chong packed up his belongings and left the chamber. Contacted later, Chong said it was unfair that a backbencher was allowed to raise a point of order and then launch into a diatribe against him. He also dismissed Lo's allegation that he did not want more Sarawak representation in Parliament. A special assembly sitting is being held today to debate the state government's proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99. Yong earlier described the move as being unfair, costly, and only meant to shore up support for the ruling state coalition. She also described the proposal as 'gerrymandering dressed up as reform', claiming that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led government was adding new seats only in areas it could win, rather than where they were needed based on voter numbers. Chong had also opposed the proposed increase in state assembly seats, saying Sarawak's large land area alone does not justify adding more assemblymen.
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Yoga can bring harmony to people, communities, says Batu Kitang rep
Loh (third left) presents a memento to Lo during the event. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (July 7): Yoga plays a role in fostering harmony both within individuals and across communities, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang. Speaking at the 11th United Nations International Day of Yoga event organised by the Brahma Kumaris Foundation Kuching branch at the Indian Association Kuching's multipurpose hall here yesterday, he said this year's global theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', was not only timely but meaningful especially in today's environment as well as social and emotional challenges. 'It reminds us that the well-being of humanity is linked to the health of our planet. As we face challenges in our fast-paced world, yoga offers us balance, harmony and self-awareness,' he said, while commending the Brahma Kumaris Foundation for its commitment to promoting holistic health, peace and unity through yoga. He also reflected on the significance of peace and expressed gratitude for Sarawak's diversity and social harmony. 'Sarawak has been blessed in recent years with increasing returns, such as the 5 per cent sales tax on oil and gas revenue which generated RM8 billion in three years. 'Our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is using this money to build roads, bridges, schools and hospitals—things that improve our quality of life and bring us closer together.' Lo thus called on Sarawakians to appreciate the peace that they currently enjoy, and to continue supporting the current leadership to maintain stability and prosperity. Also present were Brahma Kumaris Foundation Kuching branch manager Loh Fu Min; member of the Board of Trustees Cindy Lim; Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Batu Lintang branch chairman Sih Hua Tong; and Indian Association Kuching president Ratha Perumall. community lead Lo Khere Chiang yoga
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Dayak traditions foster unity in Sarawak, says Batu Kitang rep
Lo (right) strikes the gong ten times as a symbolic gesture to officiate the Tematu Ethno Fest 2025, accompanied by (from right) Atok, Geofrey, and John. KUCHING (June 28): The customs and traditions of the Dayak community can contribute to the spirit of unity in Sarawak, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang. Speaking at the launch of Tematu Ethno Fest 2025, held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration at Kampung Tematu's multipurpose hall last night, Lo highlighted that harmony is possible when all communities embrace and respect each other's unique cultural practices. 'The diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and religions is not a barrier for us to become a united and harmonious society, as long as we uphold mutual respect,' he said. 'We in Sarawak are very fortunate because religion and ethnicity have never been sources of conflict in the spirit of unity that has long been established.' An opening performance by participants of the Sindok Gawea Tematu 2025 competition. He also commended the event's organising committee, led by chairman John Pata James Jumin, for continuously improving the event's organisation with each passing year. Formerly known as Karnival Gawai & Bitanding Dayung Gawea Tematu, the event has been rebranded as Tematu Ethno Fest. This year marks a decade of the event's organisation. The evening also featured the introduction parade of finalists for the Onak Dayung Gawea Tematu 2025 and Sindok Gawea Tematu 2025 competitions, along with a talent and contemporary dress showcase by the Dayung Gawea Tematu 2025 finalists. During the event, Lo announced an allocation of RM200,000 for road repair works in Kampung Tematu, specifically from Lorong Tematu 13 to Lorong Tematu 17. A captivating dance performance by a Dayung Gawea Tematu 2025 contestant (right) and her partner during the talent showcase. Lo also presented a cheque for RM3,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Tematu, which was received by village chief Geofrey Tahang during the event. Also present were Kuching Division Bidayuh Temenggong Atok Derop, along with other invited guests and attendees. Dayak community lead Lo Khere Chiang Tematu Ethno Fest
