Latest news with #SarawakBiodiversityCentre
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak DUN wraps up session with six Bills passed, senator reappointed
Sharifah Hasidah moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): The first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which saw the passing of six bills and the approval of a motion to reappoint a member to the Dewan Negara, was adjourned sine die at 5.13pm today. Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, moved the motion to adjourn the sitting. On May 20, three bills were passed – starting with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Bill aims to strengthen the state's biodiversity governance, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and economically viable. It also empowers Sarawak to harness its rich biological resources while promoting the commercialisation of scientific advancements. The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by State Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was also passed on the same day. Awang Tengah said the amendments were essential in strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice and standards for governance. Also passed on May 20 was the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The amendment facilitates an increase in the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak, including the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), as well as three municipal councils namely Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). The number of councillors for each of these councils would be increased to 33 from 30, excluding the mayor and deputy mayor for the city councils; and the chairman and deputy chairman for the municipal councils. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas tabled the remaining three bills – the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025, which was passed on May 21, along with the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2025 and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2025, both passed on May 22. The Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025 seeks to dissolve the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund, which has been deemed redundant in view of today's economic landscape. The trust fund, which was set up in 1985, served as a revolving fund consisting of money appropriated from time to time from the State Consolidated Fund into the trust fund for the purpose of building certain basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supplies to any development area. The august House also unanimously passed two Supplementary Supply Bills involving a total of RM391,429,717 for additional expenditures that were not covered in previous allocations. The Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill allocates RM153,769,197 to meet the cost of various services incurred by various ministries and departments for which funds were not provided for or insufficiently provided for in the 2024 estimates. The Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill provides RM237,660,520, including RM100 million required by the Sarawak Premier's Department to cater for rental of air-charter services due to increased activities. On May 22, the DUN also approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. The motion was proposed by Deputy Premier and Bukit Sari assemblyman, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Ahmad's current term, which began on July 22, 2022, is set to expire on July 21, 2025. His new appointment will take effect the following day. During the sitting, a total of 320 questions, both written and oral, were submitted by 41 honourable members. Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of maintaining the dignity and integrity of the DUN as the highest legislative authority in the state. 'All laws passed in this House must be respected, enforceable, and recognised without doubt. Let there be no question about their legitimacy,' she said. Sharifah also spoke of Sarawak's achievements on local, national, and international fronts. Citing the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, she reiterated the state's ambition to become a high-income economy and Asean's energy powerhouse. She praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's leadership, noting Sarawak's increasing recognition as a hub for green energy and hydrogen innovation on the global stage. On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sharifah reaffirmed Sarawak's unwavering commitment to asserting its constitutional rights. 'We will pursue our rights within the parameters of the law, guided by the Federal Constitution, MA63, the IGC Report, and Sarawak's State Constitution,' she said. Meanwhile, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar commended the cooperation and decorum demonstrated by assembly members. 'This eight-day sitting proceeded smoothly and with great order, thanks to everyone's dedication in upholding the sanctity of this august House,' he said. adjourned Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak DUN lead
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak Assembly sitting adjourns sine die; six bills passed
KUCHING: The 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting adjourned sine die today, after eight days of proceedings since May 19, during which six bills were passed with an overwhelming majority. The State Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, announced the adjournment, after a motion to adjourn was tabled by Sarawak Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963, and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali. The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, the first bill passed by the assembly, seeks to broaden the Centre's powers by enabling it to commercialise intellectual property, apply for external funding, and form subsidiary companies to bring research outputs to market. This was followed by the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which, among other provisions, establishes a formal mechanism for the registration of waqf, or religious endowment lands, in the Sarawak land registry. Other bills passed included the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill, the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill approving an additional allocation of RM153,769,197, and the Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill for RM237,660,520.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo proposes comparative legislative study tour to US for DUN members
Abang Johari (right) arrives at the GPS Backbenchers' Night held at the DUN Complex. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 28): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed a comparative legislative study tour to the United States for members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). Speaking at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers' Night held at the DUN complex last night, Abang Johari underscored the importance of such study visits in broadening the perspectives of assembly members. He emphasised the value of exposing elected representatives to various systems of governance and parliamentary democracies around the world. 'The Speaker has consulted me on providing exposure for our assembly members to conduct study visits abroad, to learn and understand the diverse systems of government and democratic practices globally, particularly those practised in mature parliamentary democracies. 'I have agreed to this proposal. Previously, we visited the United Kingdom, and this time, the Speaker and I propose that we visit the United States to study its democratic system, which differs in some aspects from the Westminster model. This will be an educational trip for our assembly members,' he said. In addition, the Premier urged all DUN members to familiarise themselves with Article 95C(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which allows Parliament to confer additional legislative powers on state assemblies in certain matters. 'Members of the DUN must be well-versed in this provision, as it supports the extension of legislative authority to the State Assembly. 'Since the establishment of the DUN in 1963 by Order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we have been empowered to enact laws on matters under our jurisdiction, particularly those listed in the State List and those delegated by Parliament. 'This is why legislation such as the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016 remains undisputed, as it is supported by constitutional provisions and Sarawak's special autonomy,' he explained. He reiterated that electricity and gas matters fall under state jurisdiction, and therefore, the DGO 2016 was enacted in accordance with constitutional provisions and the 1963 order. 'Even in the future, if I am no longer Premier or an assemblyman, the next generation of DUN members must understand that this legislative power belongs to the State Assembly. It is a power that we must never compromise,' he stressed. Abang Johari also highlighted two recently passed Bills, the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, which he said would benefit the state's economy. 'The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 amendment enables the registration of wakaf (endowment) lands, as well as other lands granted by landowners for public or charitable purposes, including those for charitable organisations. 'As for the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025, some of the research conducted by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) has commercial value. This amendment allows the outcomes of such research to be developed into commercial undertakings,' he explained. The Premier also took the opportunity to congratulate all GPS' assembly members for demonstrating professionalism during the recent legislative debates. abang johari comparative legislative study tour lead
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tebedu rep: Amendments to biodiversity ordinance can end biopiracy
KUCHING (May 21): Biopiracy can be prevented and stopped following the amendments to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance, said Dr Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu). He said the amendment to Section 6 of the Ordinance opens the door for the Sarawak Biodiversity Council (SBC) to create, develop, apply and own intellectual property rights for all its research and development (R&D) work. '(This) will protect the Council from the threat of potential biopiracy),' he said in his debate supporting the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday. He also cited the insertion of Section 6A in the amended Ordinance would allow the SBC to incorporate a company to commercialise its research findings. He said this would attract both local and foreign investors to invest in Sarawak, and would greatly contribute and improve Sarawak's socio-economic standing in line with its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'The groundbreaking research and development leveraging our abundant hydropower resources to support The Net Zero and Carbon Plan, and the SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) developed from microalgae is a classic example that requires this Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Bill to be amended accordingly to meet the current needs and requirements. 'The findings from the research could be commercialised to monetise their findings—R&D is an expensive investment. It is right that this investment can be recouped, recovered and for the council to profit from their R&D. The partnering and collaborations with Mitsubishi Corporation had unlocked the full potential of outdoor algae cultivation,' he said. Meanwhile, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (GPS – Lingga) said the amended Ordinance is a critical enabler that empowers the SBC to build upon its existing achievements, effectively pursue its mission, and realise its ambitious vision for the future of biodiversity management in Sarawak. She explained this Bill strengthens the SBC's role as a leading force in conservation and sustainable development, by aligning its capabilities with Sarawak's broader economic and environmental goals. 'For example, imagine the SBC successfully isolated a compound with medicinal properties. This amendment would allow them to patent the compound, license it to a pharmaceutical company, and use the royalties to fund further research into other promising natural resources,' she said in her debate in support of the Bill.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Baru: Amendment Bill part of Sarawak's vision for leadership in biodiversity research
Baru Bian addresses members of the August house during the DUN sitting today. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (May 20): The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is part of a broader vision to position Sarawak as a leader in biodiversity research, said Baru Bian. The Ba Kelalan assemblyman said through the amendments, this would ensure that the state's resources are protected, respected and beneficial to the people. 'The Bill updates the terminology and scope concerning naturalists and biodiversity experts involved in the (Sarawak Biodiversity) Centre's operations. 'It provides legal clarity for individuals who may not hold formal scientific credentials but possess deep traditional and indigenous knowledge,' he said in his debate on the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. He said these individuals play an important role in the documentation and preservation of local biodiversity and cultural practices. 'By recognising their contributions through formal legal language, we strengthen community engagement and respect for indigenous knowledge systems.' He also said that with the amendment of the Bill, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) would be empowered to establish corporate or profit-oriented entities. 'This provision enables SBC to engage in commercialisation of research and innovation. For example, developing pharmaceutical products, natural extracts, and biotechnological applications based on Sarawak's biodiversity. 'This strategic move aligns with Sarawak's vision to build a bioeconomy and ensure our natural assets translate into tangible benefits for the state, our researchers, and our local communities,' he said. Baru said through the Bill, the state is putting in place mechanisms to ensure that any commercial gains from biodiversity resources are equitably shared with the rightful stakeholders, especially the indigenous communities who have preserved this knowledge for generations. 'At the same time, the Bill introduces a clear financial penalty framework. This is a matter of policy ensuring that unauthorised exploitation or misuse of Sarawak's biological resources will be met with firm legal consequences. 'It is an important addition that signals our seriousness in safeguarding biodiversity from exploitation,' he said. 2025 Baru Bian lead Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill
