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Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Call on younger generation to take up responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward
From right) Sempurai, Stanley, Wong Hua, Johnical, Wong, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others wave the Sarawak Flag. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): Sarawak's younger generation must take up the mantle of carrying Sarawak forward and not just inherit the land, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. He made this call when officiating the Sarawak Day celebration here, which was organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan and Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut. He said Sarawakians must not forget that the state holds a special status in the formation of Malaysia, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'On this historic day, let us once again affirm our rights as Sarawakians—the right to determine our development priorities, the right to benefit from our own resources and the right to protect the interests of our people. 'To our young generation, I urge you to know your history. Be proud of your roots. More than that, take on the responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward. Don't just inherit the land—inherit the spirit of struggle, unity and the drive for excellence. 'Today is a time for hope and renewal. We are committed to bringing better infrastructure, empowering our youths, uplifting education, strengthening rural development and ensuring opportunities reach every corner of our land,' he said. Wong (seventh right) cuts the cake, joined by (fifth right) Wong Hua, Johnical, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others. – Photo by Peter Boon Wong said Sarawak Day was not just a date or public holiday, but a time for reflection, appreciation and unity. 'We reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us—our past leaders and every ordinary Sarawakian who worked with pride and determination to build the Sarawak we know and love today. 'Here in Bawang Assan, here in Sibu, as in all of Sarawak, we are blessed with a rich cultural fabric—Iban, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Bidayu , Orang Ulu and many others—living together in peace and mutual respect. This unity in diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and is something we must continue to cherish and protect,' he said. A huge crowd waves the Sarawak Flag during the celebration. – Photo by Peter Boon He said everyone must know it was the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem who awakened the Sarawak spirit, and it was Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who translated that spirit into policies and political will to institutionalise and move forward with economic empowerment, legal assertion rights and strategic forward planning. Meanwhile, PDP Bawang Assan chairman Wong Hua recounted that during the late Adenan's administration, he boldly championed for greater powers and rights for Sarawak under MA63. 'He was never afraid to voice the interests of the people of Sarawak to the federal government, and did not hesitate to say 'no' when it came to safeguarding the interests of our state. His leadership paved the way for the empowerment of Sarawak's autonomous powers, and the legacy of his struggle is still felt to this day.' Wong Hua said since Abang Johari took over, Sarawak continued to move forward in economic transformation, digital economy, and renewable energy to advancements in education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure. Also present were the event's organising chairman Law Lee Wee, Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut chairperson Ling Leh Eng, Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, a political secretary to the Premier Joshua Ting, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Wee Teck Min, Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Temenggong Stanley Gramong, and PDP treasurer-general Datuk Teo Boon Siew.
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Claims of PBB infighting baseless, says PDP Senior VP
Wong says Abang Johari and Awang Tengah continue to work closely in governing the state and strengthening the party. – Photo by Chimon Upon SIBU (July 19): Bawang Assan assemblyman and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Senior Vice President Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has dismissed claims of a power struggle within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) as baseless rumours. He said PBB president and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and PBB deputy president and Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, continue to work closely in governing the state and strengthening the party. 'Datuk Amar Awang Tengah has widely been seen as loyal and cooperative, accepting the role of Deputy Premier and continuing to work closely with Abang Johari, particularly on resource development, land matters, trade and investment and also on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) negotiations with the federal government,' Wong told reporters yesterday on his view as a senior politician pertaining to the claims of a power struggle brewing in PBB reported by an online news portal. He added that Awang Tengah, seen more as a technocrat and strategic planner than a populist, has consistently supported Abang Johari's leadership. 'Under Abang Johari, PBB/GPS has been remarkably stable and powerful. There is no such thing within PBB like establishing power base for factional infighting,' he said. To illustrate the longstanding relationship between the two leaders, Wong showed reporters a photo taken in Cambodia in 2014 of himself, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Abang Johari, and Awang Tengah holding hands. (From left) Awang Tengah, late Tun Abdul Taib, Wong and Abang Johari. – Photo courtesy of Wong Soon Koh 'I remember vividly that the late Tun Abdul Taib, dubbed the father of modern Sarawak, wanted both Abang Johari and Awang Tengah to work hand-in-hand to maintain the political stability in Sarawak. 'This was Tun Abdul Taib's insistence. I am sure both Abang Johari and Awang Tengah will work hard to abide with the words of wisdom from Tun Abdul Taib. 'And now, Abang Johari is the Premier of Sarawak, and I am very sure that Awang Tengah will go all out to support him. 'This historic photograph from 2014 captures the strong bonding between Abang Johari and Awang Tengah,' said Wong. Echoing PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Wong reiterated that PBB has always upheld a culture of respecting its leadership. 'As far as I am concerned, there is no rivalry in PBB. These claims are spawned by irresponsible quarters to create confusions only,' he said. Abang Johari Awang Tengah lead PBB wong soon koh
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Henry: Increasing state seats a logical step toward more parliamentary representation
Dato Henry Harry Jinep KUCHING (July 7): The move to increase state seats is a logical step toward increasing parliamentary seats for Sarawak, said Deputy Transport Minister Dato Henry Harry Jinep. 'Normally, one parliamentary seat comprises not less than two state seats. If we want Sarawak to increase its parliamentary seats, then logically, we need to increase the existing state seats so that the number goes (up) proportionately… It's a simple logic,' he said in a statement. Henry, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president and Tasik Biru assemblyman, was responding to critics of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 which aims to increase the number of elected representatives in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) from 82 to 99. This increase would result in the creation of 17 new state seats. The Bill was tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the DUN special one-day sitting today. Once appoved by the DUN, the Bill will then be brought to Parliament for federal approval After both legislative bodies have endorsed the Bill, the Election Commission (EC) will be responsible for conducting the redelineation exercise. Sarawak has been seeking an increase to its current number of parliamentary seats, which stands at 31. This is in line with the proposal to restore the 35 per cent representation of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament, in honour of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Henry Harry Jinep increase lead parliamentary seats state seats
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Iban community the heart of Sarawak's heritage and soul, says Bawang Assan rep
SIBU (June 30): The Iban community represents the heart of Sarawak's heritage and soul, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. Wong, also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president, highlighted that the culture, spirit, and strong family values upheld by the Iban community continue to strengthen the broader community. 'Let us continue to work together beyond race, religion, and region for a more united, prosperous, and harmonious Sarawak,' he said while officiating at the Ngiling Bidai ceremony at Rumah Munie, Bukit Besai here on Saturday night. The ngiling bidai which marks the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration is not merely a custom but a reflection of the identity, resilience, and dignity of the Iban community, he remarked. 'It is a reminder that even though times have changed, our cultural roots remain our guide and strength, and as a Sarawakian, I am very proud that we live in a society of various races and religions, yet we remain united. 'We not only celebrate our own festivals, but also appreciate and celebrate the cultures and festivals of other communities with great respect,' he added. Wong expressed his appreciation to the Iban community in Bukit Besai for their dedication to preserving and continuing this cherished tradition. 'Culture is not just history. It lives, it grows, and it unites us. While we value culture, we must also look forward,' he emphasised, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting rural development. 'As long as I am given the trust to serve, I will continue to champion inclusive development and ensure that no one is left behind,' he reiterated. Approximately 500 residents from the Bukit Besai area attended the event.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Eyewear initiative identifies Sibu students with severe impairment
Soon Koh (second from left) presenting a pair of spectacles to a student while Wong Hua (right) looks on. MORE than 170 students in Bawang Assan, Sarawak, have received free spectacles through a programme called 'Clear Vision, Excellent Life'. The initiative for the area in Sibu district was organised by Sungai Empawah neighbourhood committee, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan branch and Norkiah Madani Community. The programme is aimed at helping students who have vision problems but cannot afford spectacles. PDP Bawang Assan chairman councillor Wong Hua said the initiative had come about following a request from about 20 schools with students who had difficulty following lessons. 'Clear vision is the starting point of dreams,' he said. 'Without the spectacles, affected pupils are left behind from the beginning.' Speaking at the spectacles handover ceremony, Wong Hua said a notification letter had been sent to all primary and secondary school heads in Bawang Assan to identify affected students, with eye examinations carried out during the school holidays in collaboration with local opticians. He expressed shock at learning that some students had severe vision impairment. Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who was present at the event, hopes that the students will be better able to focus on their studies with their new spectacles.
