Latest news with #Safiee
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Prioritise dedicated Form 6 centre in Daro for rural students, rep urges MOE
Safiee says a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively. – Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 21): The construction of a dedicated Form 6 centre or college in Daro should be prioritised by the Education Ministry of Education (MOE), said Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro). Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, he said a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively. Safiee said the existing Form 6 centre in Daro is currently housed at SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, where it shares facilities with regular secondary school students. 'It also accommodates students from neighbouring schools such as SMK Matu, SMK Semop and SMK Belawai. 'The current setup limits student intake due to space and infrastructure constraints. 'We need a proper, dedicated facility with science and technology stream amenities, as well as hostel accommodation, to provide a conducive learning environment for Form 6 students,' he said. He added that the proposed centre would not only benefit local students but also improve access to quality education in rural areas and enhance their chances of continuing to university. At the same time, Safiee took aim at individuals who had recently criticised Sarawak and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, describing such remarks as rooted in ignorance or envy. 'Lately, we've heard many negative comments and distorted perceptions about Sarawak, especially from across the sea. 'Whether they deliberately ignore or simply do not understand the history of Malaysia's formation ― particularly the contents of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the IGC Report ― or whether they are just blinded by envy over Sarawak's rapid progress, the result is the same: they fail to see how Sarawak's success contributes to Malaysia's prosperity as a whole,' he said. He noted that international recognition received by the Premier for his sustainable energy and green economy initiatives had brought prestige not just to Sarawak, but to the entire nation. 'Sarawak's success should not be met with envy and malice ― it should be emulated by those who truly want to see Malaysia thrive,' he added. Safiee also criticised certain opposition politicians, accusing them of seeking publicity by fixating on trivial issues while pretending to be experts on Sarawakian identity. 'Some seem obsessed with pointing out faults just to gain popularity ― even acting like specialists on the hornbill species,' he said, referring to recent controversy surrounding Affin Bank's use of the hornbill, a symbol of Sarawak, in its card design. Daro DUN Form 6 Safiee Ahmad
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Amended Land Code accommodates endowments for all religions in Sarawak, says Daro rep
Safiee Ahmad KUCHING (May 21): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, is significant because it introduced a new legal framework to govern matters relating to wakaf and endowment. Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) said this is intended to formalise the registration and management of wakaf and endowment lands. According to him, the amendment is not exclusive to any one religion, but has the inclusive intent of accommodating all religions practiced in Sarawak. 'Under this framework, landowners who wish to endow or dedicate their lands for religious or welfare purposes will now have a clear, efficient, and legally secure pathway to do so. 'No more unnecessary red tape and, most importantly, the noble intentions of landowners will no longer be hindered by legal uncertainty,' he said. He said as Sarawak is a land of many cultures, ethnicities, and religions, the state's strength lies in Sarawakians' ability to live together in peace despite these differences. 'Therefore, it is only fitting that our laws evolve to reflect this multireligious and multicultural to ensure that such contributions are safeguarded and properly utilised for the benefit of future generations,' he said. He stated the amendments also introduce clear and enforceable provisions to regulate the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak. 'This is a critical step in ensuring that our natural resources are responsibly managed and that Sarawak's rightful revenue from these resources is properly collected. 'By making licensing requirements legally enforceable and enabling the effective collection of fees and royalties, we are protecting not only our environment but also the economic interests of the state,' he explained. He opined the move conveys a clear and firm message that the illegal extraction and transport of rock materials will not be condoned, and that all operators, whether from the public or private sector, are required to adhere strictly to established procedures. The introduction of stringent penalties through the amendments serve as a critical deterrent against unlawful activities that deplete the state's natural resources, he said. He stressed it is imperative that the law remains resolute and that its enforcement is both consistent and credible. Safiee pointed out that approval periods for development proposals are now aligned with updated policies of the State Planning Authority (SPA) for greater certainty and efficiency in the planning process, reducing unnecessary delays, and improving transparency. Additionally, the amendments introduce a new requirement for the submission of as-built utility data, a progressive step that supports the creation of a 3D utility mapping framework and the formation of dedicated committees. 'This is not just about data. It is about building the foundation for integrated spatial planning, underground infrastructure management, and ultimately, the Smart City vision of Sarawak. 'With accurate, real-time utility data, we can plan more intelligently, prevent costly infrastructure clashes, and build more sustainable urban centres,' he added. endowment lands Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 lead Safiee Ahmad
