Latest news with #Pending
Borneo Post
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
After decades of waiting, stateless man with Sarawakian dad finally granted citizenship
Tan (seated left), shows his MyKad and Certificate of Malaysian Citizenship, joined by Yong and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 8): After decades of trying and more than 20 applications, a man born stateless has finally been granted Malaysian citizenship, making the end of a long and difficult journey. At a press conference today, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong introduced 49-year-old Tan Tang Lung, who was born in Indonesia to a Sarawakian father and an Indonesian mother. Tan became stateless when his family relocated to Sarawak in the 1970s without complete documentation. 'From a stateless person to someone holding a red IC, and now finally a Malaysian citizen, this is truly happy news to share,' said Yong. She explained that Tan had to undergo multiple stages before he was eligible for citizenship, including applying for an entry permit, obtaining permanent residency through a red identity card, and eventually qualifying for a blue MyKad after holding permanent resident status for at least 10 years. According to Yong, Tan applied for citizenship three times. His first attempt was in 2012, submitted alongside his elder brother, who was approved the following year. However, Tan only received his approval in January 2025, more than a decade later. 'His sisters were granted citizenship back in 2010 and 2011,' Yong added. Following years of follow-up efforts by Yong and others, Tan received his 'surat keputusan' (approval letter) in January this year. He was issued the physical document in March, allowing him to apply for his Certificate of Malaysian Citizenship, which he received in July. Tan's citizenship was granted under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution, which applies to individuals aged 21 and above. Most citizenship applications reported in the media involve children and are filed under Article 15A. 'Mr Tan has been working as an IT personnel for many years. He is married to a Sarawakian and has two children, a 21-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter,' Yong said. She also shared the persistent journey of assisting Tan through the lengthy and often frustrating process. 'Every time I received a message from Mr Tan on WhatsApp, I would think, 'How to help?' But I never gave up,' Yong said. 'I tried every possible way — whoever I could contact, ask, or follow up with. I did my best to help him. Now, with his Malaysian passport in hand, he is no longer stateless but a proud Malaysian citizen.' Tan expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him throughout the process. 'I want to thank YB Violet, YB Chong Chieng Jen, YB Kelvin Yii, and the Malaysian government for approving my citizenship after so many years of trying,' he said. Having submitted citizenship-related applications between 20 and 30 times over the years, Tan hopes his story will encourage others facing similar challenges. 'There are still many stateless people out there. I hope my story motivates them to keep fighting and not give up. Apply for your IC,' he urged. citizenship Kuching stateless violet yong
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Chong: No justification for DUN seat hike, push for more parliamentary seats instead
Chong (centre) stresses his point during the press conference while flanked by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and DAP Socialist Youth Sarawak secretary George Lam. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 7): Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) does not see the need for Sarawak to increase its seats from 82 to 99 as the current population-to-state elected representatives (ADUNs) ratio remains relatively small compared to other Commonwealth nations. He said there was no compelling reason to increase the number of ADUNs, especially when then existing representatives already serve fewer constituents than their counterparts in both developed and developing Commonwealth countries. 'In these countries, each state assemblymen or assemblywomen serve a lot more than our current ADUN member-to-population ration which is 1:34,000 persons, and I think the land masses is a lot bigger. 'So, there's no reason why we are already serving under par with other ADUNs of the Commonwealth countries that we still need to increase the number of the state legislative,' he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here. He said this after debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special sitting of the DUN today. Chong acknowledged that rural constituencies present logistical challenges but stressed that urban constituencies also have their own complexities due to higher population density and the diversity of issues. 'The more people an elected representative has to serve, the more the demands that they have to address and tackle their problem.' He proposed the introduction of a weighted index system that factors in both geographical size and population to ensure a fairer allocation of seats. 'If your area is very big, maybe you get one plus point or if your population is large, you get another. 'This index must be drafted and must be applied to the allocation of seats and the number of seats delineation, so that it has at least a fairer delineation of rural and urban seats,' he said. He also questioned the argument made by some elected representatives that they could not adequately serve their constituencies due to workload. 'If you feel it's too difficult to serve, then step aside and let others who can serve take over,' he said. On the claim that a spike in voter numbers justifies more state seats, Chong dismissed the notion as flawed, saying the role of elected representatives is to serve all constituents and not just the voters. 'There has been no sharp increase in Sarawak's population so it's not a justified reason. 'We have always been serving people of all ages even before they are eligible to vote.' The DAP Sarawak chairman also criticised the financial cost of adding 17 more ADUNs, noting that the estimated RM20 million in salaries alone for one term could be better used to benefit the people. 'This does not include their service centres, perks, and lifelong pensions. 'The government should use that money for the people instead of expanding the legislature unnecessarily,' he said. He also questioned the necessity of having 32 political secretaries to the Premier — one for each parliamentary seat in Sarawak. 'If you think that these ADUNs are insufficient, then why not reduce the number of political secretaries first? 'They too receive salaries, perks, drivers, and pensions,' he said, adding that having one or two political secretaries to the Premier should suffice. Chong stressed that what Sarawakians truly want is greater representation in the Parliament and not in the State Legislative Assembly. 'I call upon the Sarawak government to move a motion in Parliament through the deputy prime minister or minister to increase the number of Sarawak parliamentary seats. 'I will pledge my full support for that motion along with the other Sarawakian DAP MPs,' he said. Chong Chieng Jen increase lead seats State Legislative Assemb;y
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Affin Bank says bank card's artistic design a ‘symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak coat of arms, Ibu Pertiwi flag
Affin Bank has clarified that the card's design was inspired by the Jata Negeri. KUCHING (May 19): The design of the Kenyalang Card is a 'symbolic creation' inspired by Sarawak's Jata Negeri (Coat of Arms) as well as the state flag Ibu Pertiwi, said Affin Bank Berhad. In a statement today, the bank said the artistic adaptation seeks to symbolise the spirit and unity of Sarawak. 'The design featured is a symbolic creation, thoughtfully blending elements of Jata Negeri as a tribute to Sarawak's rich cultural legacy,' said Affin Bank. 'Inspired by the Jata Negeri Sarawak, the Kenyalang Card stands as a proud symbol of strength, heritage, and identity, reflected in its bold black and white design.' In an infographic shared on Facebook, the bank said the card's colour palette of black, white, and yellow gold 'mirrors the state flag, blending modern elegance with traditional values'. According to the bank, to harmonise the bold black background of the card, yellow gold stripes were incorporated as a visual adaptation of the hornbill's graceful wings, adding contrast and balance to the design. 'The artistic motifs are influenced by Sarawak's rich cultural artistry, paying homage to its legacy while embracing a contemporary aesthetic,' said the bank. The bank also said that the design is rooted in culture and inspired by legacy, as a tribute to tradition through contemporary design. Affin Bank thanked the public for their support and interest in the Kenyalang Card. 'Our priority is to ensure that our creativity and designs genuinely reflect what matters to the communities we serve. 'Your feedback guides us, and we remain committed to celebrating Sarawak with authenticity, pride, and respect,' said the bank. The card's design has come under fire from Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who stated during a Democratic Action Party fundraiser last week that the hornbill used is not the Rhinoceros Hornbill, which is the state bird. Yong claimed that the card actually features a Great Hornbill, which is not found in Sarawak. Affin Bank Bhd ibu pertiwi Jata Negeri Kenyalang Card lead
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- Borneo Post
CVLB launches fifth Kuching SBST route connecting Saujana bus station to Bako terminal
Kong (second right) is joined by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and others in riding the bus following the launch of the Saujana-Bako terminal route. KUCHING (May 8): The fifth route under the Kuching Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) project, connecting Saujana bus station to the Bako terminal, was officially launched today. Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Michael Kong said this reflected the board's continuous commitment towards improving public transportation services across the city. 'This newly introduced Saujana-Bako route will connect the Saujana Bus Station to Bako Terminal, passing through landmarks including the Kuching Waterfront, SJK Chung Hua No. 3, Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, Kolej Komuniti Santubong, Public Bank Padungan, Demak Laut Industrial Park and SMK Bako,' he said in a statement. The first bus will depart Bako Terminal at 5.30am, with departures from Saujana Bus Station beginning at 6.30am on weekdays. The last buses in both directions will leave at 7.30pm. To accommodate peak-hour demand, Kong said the frequency of services will increase to one bus every 30 minutes between 6.30am and 8.30am, as well as from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. On weekends, he said buses will run from 6.30am to 8.30pm in both directions. Sarawak CVLB has been launching the SBST Kuching routes in stages over the past couple of weeks, with many members of the public giving their input on where they would like the buses to operate. Kong said the board takes public feedback seriously and will closely monitor ridership trends and public responses for this route and other routes under the Kuching SBST. 'Through this data-driven approach, we will be able to identify areas with unmet demand and make the necessary adjustments and refinements to the existing routes in order to provide more comprehensive and efficient coverage for the people of Kuching. 'As we move toward a more sustainable and accessible public transport system, we remain committed to enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and improving the quality of life for all,' he said. Bako CVLB Kuching Stage Bus Service Transformation Michael Kong Saujana
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Man arrested during Palestine rally at Roundhouse
Mar. 19—A man is accused of trespassing during a pro-Palestine gathering at the Roundhouse on Tuesday. Elliot Shawn Vigil Pending, 22, of Albuquerque, is charged with criminal trespass and concealing his identity. Pending was one of dozens of people at Tuesday's Freedom for Palestine Day at the Roundhouse, an event that included music, poetry readings, and speakers who advocated for a stop to political and financial support for Israel. At about 1 p.m., "a group of people were engaged in a 'free Palestine' demonstration, leading to three individuals being trespassed," including Pending, who was arrested after trying to re-enter the property, New Mexico State Police spokesperson Amanda Richards said. Pending was released on personal recognizance, according to court records. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 21, court records state.
