Latest news with #PartiBansaDayakSarawak
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
PBDS calls for strict price monitoring, road safety during Gawai Dayak festivities
Moses further advised consumers to compare prices and act as informed buyers. SIBU (May 23): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Major (Rtd) Moses Ripai has called for strict enforcement of price control measures and heightened public safety awareness ahead of the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration. Moses urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to intensify monitoring of prices for essential goods such as chicken, meat, eggs, onions, and other basic necessities at supermarkets, public markets, and retail outlets across Sarawak. 'The prices of essential goods must be closely monitored, and stern action should be taken against traders who impose unreasonable prices or fail to comply with the maximum price set,' he said in a statement. He also encouraged consumers to report any suspected profiteering or misconduct through official channels such as the Ez ADU mobile app, KPDN hotline, and social media platforms. Moses further advised consumers to compare prices and act as informed buyers. He stressed that the government must remain committed to protecting consumer interests and livelihoods amid the rising cost of living. On road safety, he advised the public to exercise caution while travelling to their hometowns and warned the Dayak community against driving under the influence of alcohol Highlighting a recurring accident hotspot, Moses pointed to the Kanowit Roundabout along the Pan Borneo Highway as an area of concern, and recommended drivers to slow down after the Durin Bridge or Julau Flyover to prevent accidents. He also reminded longhouse residents to inspect electrical systems regularly and remain vigilant, especially during festive seasons. Citing faulty wiring and electrical systems as well as the unsafe use of fuel sources such as gas cylinders as among the leading causes of longhouse fires, he urged for everyone's continued awareness and preventive efforts. enforcement Gawai lead Moses PBDS price control safety
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
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
RM30 Gawai Dayak cash vouchers gesture of goodwill, says Yap
Yap said the cash vouchers were meant to be a gesture of goodwill. KUCHING (May 14): The distribution of RM30 Gawai cash vouchers was meant to be a gesture of goodwill, not a substitute for the broader development needs of the Dayak community, said Wilfred Yap. The Kota Sentosa assemblyman said the gesture was never intended to diminish the profound cultural significance of celebration. He was responding to former Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Bobby William's statement that the quantum was an 'insult to the pride and dignity of the Dayak community'. Yap said he deeply respected Gawai Dayak as a celebration of heritage, unity, and identity. The specifically for Dayak villages in his constituency, sought to provide modest assistance during the festive season, he said. He agreed with Bobby that the Dayak community deserve more than symbolic assistance and sustainable progress in education, infrastructure, healthcare, as well as economic opportunities. He pointed out that he had allocated significant amounts under his Rural Transformation Project and Minor Rural Project allocations to the six Dayak villages in his constituency. Yap added he remains committed to advocating long-term improvements in Kota Sentosa and welcomes constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that future initiatives align with the community's dignity and aspirations. Bobby had labelled the RM30 cash vouchers 'a glaring symbol of disrespect, insensitivity, and political patronage that undermines the cultural significance and dignity of the Dayak people'. Bobby William Gawai Dayak vouchers lead Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Former PBDS president bows out of party leadership race, urges unity and renewal ahead of TDC
Bobby says he has chosen to focus on his business and family commitments at this stage of his life, though his loyalty to PBDS remains steadfast. KUCHING (April 30): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak's (PBDS) former president Bobby William has ruled himself out from contesting for leadership posts in the party's upcoming triennial delegate conference (TDC), scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. In a statement, he said he has chosen to focus on his business and family commitments at this stage of his life, though his loyalty to PBDS remains steadfast. 'I fully support the democratic process and will stand behind whoever is elected to lead PBDS at the upcoming TDC. 'It is my sincere hope that the new leadership will bring fresh energy, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to elevate PBDS to greater heights, ensuring that our party remains true to its founding purpose: to fight for the rights, dignity, and future of the Dayak people nationwide,' he added. As such, he called upon all members to stand united, disciplined, and focused on strengthening PBDS for the challenges ahead. He pointed out that the road to political relevance is not easy, noting that determination and adherence to party constitution will ensure that PBDS remains a strong and respected voice for the Dayak community across Malaysia. 'This is a pivotal moment for our party—a time to reflect on our struggles, celebrate our achievements, and most importantly, plan for a future where PBDS stands as an equal among Malaysia's leading political forces.' Bobby William contest leadership posts Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak PBDS TDC
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS sets out to help become ‘voice' of NCR landowners
Dr Bayang Teron SIBU (April 30): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has offered itself as the main channel for Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners in Sarawak, in an effort to resolve the ongoing polemic surrounding the recognition and surveying of such assets. PBDS vice-president Dr Bayang Teron stressed that PBDS was committed to 'being the voice of the Dayak people' in fighting for their NCR land rights, which had been increasingly constrained by the existing policies and legal frameworks. 'PBDS calls upon all NCR landowners to come to our office with complete information and documentation regarding their lands. 'We will collect this data as a strong foundation to advocate for their rights through official negotiations with the Sarawak government,' he said in a statement yesterday. The call was made following a statement by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who previously stated that NCR land currently involved in court disputes would not be surveyed by the government, while those without any disputes could undergo surveying. Commenting further, Bayang said the statement highlighted the need for a new, more inclusive and transparent mechanism to address NCR land issues so that the people would not be continuously marginalised and denied of their rights due to technicalities or lack of official documentation. 'PBDS will not remain silent. 'We will go to the grassroots to hold dialogues with the landowners, collect names and bring all this information to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, towards seeking the best solution.' Bayang said under the leadership of party president Major (Rtd) Moses Ripai, PBDS was taking a strategic and holistic approach in addressing people's issues, particularly concerning customary land ownership, which had been the lifeblood of the Dayak community for generations. He also called upon Dayak representatives within the GPS government to be 'braver and more responsible' in championing this issue openly. 'This (matter) not only involves legal rights, but also the identity, heritage and dignity of the Dayak people. 'This is not merely an issue of land ownership; it is an issue of the survival of the Dayak ethnic group. 'The relationship between the Dayak community and other ethnic groups in Sarawak largely depends on justice in matters of customary land ownership.' Bayang also stressed that solving the NCR land issue would require genuine political commitment, administrative transparency, and a willingness to listen to the voices from the grassroots. 'PBDS will continue to play its role as a catalyst for the dialogue between the people and the government in the pursuit of social justice and the long-term well-being of the people of Sarawak.' Dr Bayang Teron lead ncr land Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak
