Tuesday, March 31

News from Batang Ai (Part 7)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election
---------------------------------


1. Rumah Beranda remains isolated

Rumah Beranda Aluk, Nanga Bengap which is about 15 km from the main road is little known longhouse as no VVIPs has ever visited it. Except for Jawah Gerang who visited the longhouse three times already and the late Dublin Unting visited the longhouse once only during his years as YB.

Only three days ago Mong Dagang, PRS youth chief, visited the longhouse. He represented the PRS president James Masing and promised a grant of RM5,000 to the longhouse.

Tuai Rumah Beranda and his “anembiaks” were happy to see a BN man visiting them especially during election times, as he wanted to tell them of their problems that have been harassing them.

Among others the problems are:-

(a) most of them are poor and the government should look after their welfare;

(b) they need plots of land for agriculture as most of the land surrounding them have been taken by Salcra;

(c) their road conditions are terrible and for the last 27 years they have been asking for the road to be tar-sealed; and

(d) they request for RM70,000 to repair their old longhouse.

Other Tuai Rumah should emulate Tuai Rumah Beranda and tell BN of their problems as this is the ONLY time that instant “noodle” projects will be promised.

Unfortunately, a junior official of BN was sent to the longhouse, the one who has no power. A minister in the likes of Joseph Entulu should have visited the longhouse.



2. RM2 million for longhouses in Batang Ai

Some RM2 million has been approved for the upgrading of longhouses in Batang Ai, said deputy rural and regional development minister, Joseph Entulu Belaun.

He said each “bilik” (door) of the identified longhouses would soon receive RM300 to RM1,000 for repairing walls and roofs and kitchen extension.

“The allocations are not carrots or for the purpose of fishing for votes because development in rural areas is ongoing,” he said, when he campaigned for Mussen at Rumah Jarop Kalang, Changkol.

Do you believe what he says?


3. Dayaks do not need PKR to resort to Dayakism

Barisan Nasional youth director of operations Mong Dagang for the by-election says that he is aware of PKR trying to fan the spirit of Dayakism to instigate people turning their backs on the BN government.

“With PKR being a peninsula-based party, it is not right for PKR to resort to Dayakism when their own leaders and the party itself practise multiracialism. The Dayaks in Sarawak do not need PKR as their platform because there are already many Dayak-elected representatives in the four BN components.

“In BN, we have a lot of Dayak-elected representatives albeit in the four components. Thus we don’t need PKR to champion the rights of the Dayaks,”
he said.

What Mong says is true that we have a lot of Dayak-elected representatives. But what is the use if these Dayak-elected representatives have never raised issues such as NCR land issues that are affecting the livelihood of the Dayaks.

Why? Simply because they are scared of Abdul Taib Mahmud. This everyone knows. Even when PRS submitted a memorandum on NCR land to the PM last year, PRS was told off by Taib. So what has happened to the MoU on NCR land?


Secondly, why Dayaks want to use PKR as a platform?

(a) because it has pledged to save Dayak land from being taken away;

(b) because it was Masing who told PM and CM that he strongly opposed the registration of MDC (Malaysian Dayak Congress) (YB Gabriel Adit knows about this as he was present at the meeting); and

(c) because Masing and PRS are the ones responsible for the deregistration of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) which had stood as a symbol of Dayakism.


4. First public duty of Malcolm Mussen

The BN candidate for Batang Ai by-election Malcolm Mussen’s first public duty is to open the Lubok Antu branch of Sarawak Bumiputra entrepreneurs association on 3 April.

The branch was hurriedly formed last week to time it with the ongoing campaign. This was stated by association president Abang Zaibidin Abang Zainal. The branch headed by Penghulu Lembang Bagong has about 100 members.

It looks like that the association is playing politics. And nobody makes noise. But if Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) or Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) or even Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) is to organise such a function during election time, the first to cry foul will be Alfred Jabu. He will surely accuse them of playing politics.


5. CM face defaced

As you enter the Lubok Antu road from the main Kuching/Sibu road, there is a big BN billboard featuring the photographs of Sarawak leaders such as Abdul Taib Mahmud, James Masing, Alfred Jabu, George Chan, William Mawan and the BN candidate Malcolm Mussen. The face of Abdul Taib Mahmud was defaced.


According to PKR, this is the work of PRS members themselves so that the blame will be on PKR. Although Abdul Taib Mahmud has been the target of PKR, we will not resort to such tactic, said a PKR leader. He believes that that was the work of the PRS members themselves.


6. Masing wanted UMNO to come to Sarawak

James Masing has been telling the people of Batang Ai to reject PKR as it is a peninsula-based party. Sarawak should mean for local-based parties and no “outsider” party should be allowed.

According to Gabriel Adit, State assemblyman for Ngemah, it was James Masing who wanted UMNO to come to Sarawak.

Adit recalled that the entire PBDS executive committee members met the top leadership of UMNO including Muhamad Muhamad Taib, Najib Razak and Dr. Mahathir Mohamad soon after the Ming Court crisis.

Masing, Adit said, asked Joseph Entulu, leader of Youth wing of PBDS to tell UMNO leaders to bring the party (UMNO) to Sarawak in order to get rid of Abdul Taib Mahmud whose policies are detrimental to the interests of the Ibans.

In each of these meetings, Entulu repeated the request.

Dr. Mahathir told them that the UMNO should not extend its wing to Sarawak because it might create problems, citing Sabah as an example. He said that it was a mistake for UMNO to come to Sabah as it created many problems. He did not want Sarawak to have such problems.

Today, Masing and Joseph Entulu, according to Adit, not only jealously defended Taib’s policies on NCR land-grabbing, policies that undermine Ibans’ interests and unity, but also went to the extent of “nilat burit Taib” (licking Taib’s ass).

They defended Taib’s family wealth, cronyism, CMS and so on. “These are the qualities of Dayak leaders we have in BN,” Adit said to the applause of the people of Rumah Abeng, Nanga Mepi.

More to come…stay tune to www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com




Monday, March 30

News from Batang Ai (Part 6)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election

---------------------------------

1. 'Satu lawan satu'

Jawah Gerang (pic, right) of PKR is facing Malcolm Mussen of Barisan Nasional in the Batang Ai by-election announced on Thursday.

Sone 10,000 people were present to send their respective candidates to the nomination centre. While the Parti Keadilan Sarawak’s supporters were from local people, the BN’s supporters came from civil servants, council staff and etc.

Johnny Chuat, an Iban blogger and producer of Iban magazine, failed to submit his papers even though he went inside the nomination centre. However, when he came out, he wore PKR shirt and called his supporters to support Jawah Gerang.


2. An encounter with James Masing

One day before nomination day, the small town of Lubok Antu was full of people literally to its brims. Wherever you went, you were bound to meet the same people.

While looking for food, three of us – myself, my colleague and our driver – we met Masing, the BN director of operations and his supporters. After finishing our food, we thought it be discourteous if we did not say hello to the minister.

So we shook hands with him. I was the last to do so. “Hello, YB Dr.” I said. Replying, he said: “Why is your Broken Shield always broken?”

“Well, because its parts and pieces are still with PBB, SUPP, SPDP, PRS, and other parties. Unless all Dayaks are united under one political party, the Shield will always remain broken”, I said. Masing looked rather uncomfortable.


3. The pig that did not die

Whatever Ibans do such as farming, constructing a house, working in distant land, “miring” (rites) is part of the custom.

When Malcolm Mussen procceded to the nomination centre yesterday, a “miring” ceremony was performed.

Part of the ceremony was for him to spear a pig. Usually after the pig has died, its livers were scrutinized carefully looking for any strange or unusual formation.

However, in Mussen’s case, they did not look at the livers as they had to hurry to the nomination centre. After they had left, someone found out that the pig was still alive. It had to be speared for the second time. What does this signify? Bad omen?


4. Dominique Ng causes a stir

During yesterday’s nomination day, the entire cabinet of Abdul Taib Mahmud were present. Sabah’s deputy chief minister Joseph Kitingan and two federal ministers were present.


A special tent was constructed for the VVIPs so that they could drink and wait for the outcome of the nomination. Another one was constructed for the Opposition.

Dominique Ng (pic above, left), PKR State assemblyman went to the tent housing the VVIPs to take photographs when one of the VVIPs asked him whether he went to the wrong place and that he should change his shirt. (Dominique at that time was wearing PKR shirt).

“No. I am happy with my baju,” he replied.

“Then you better leave, we do not want you,” said Alfred Jabu, deputy chief minister and deputy president of PBB.

“After this, we also do not want you,” replied Dominique.

“You talk big,” remarked Abdul Taib Mahmud, chief minister and president of PBB to the laughters of all present.

“Don’t worry, we are all big,” said Dominique before he was pulled away by a security personnel.


5. About RM500,000 spent on nomination day

About 5,000 BN supporters were present at the padang during the nomination day yesterday holding BN flags.

It was said that each participant was paid RM40.00 That will come to RM200,000. What about money spent on drinks and food for the VVIPs and other invited guests?

And claims, travelling and lodging allowances of civil servants? There were more than 800 police personnel present. That day alone not less than RM500,000 was spent.

More to come…stay tune to www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 29

News from Batang Ai (Part 5)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election
---------------------------------

1. A BN gathering at Kaong

Joseph Entulu, PRS deputy president and Joseph Salang, PRS information chief, last night campaigned at Rumah Ambau, Kaong for their candidate Malcolm Mussen.

Like in any other longhouses, Tuai Rumah Ambau, while welcoming the two deputy ministers, called on his people not to vote for the BN candidate and told them why.

Several people tried to stop him talking, but he continued talking and repeated what he said “don’t vote for BN candidate.” The two deputy ministers were clearly not amused, but strong supporters of BN were stunned.

Others (perhaps PKR supporters) smiled. Even if the Tuai Rumah did not make a genuine mistake, the damage has been done.


2. Mussen the silent observer

According to a Bernama report dated 28 March, it said that “so far Mussen has been silent observer at the numerous meet-the-people sessions, preferring to leave it to deputy chief minister Afred Jabu anak Numpang, who was constantly with him, to speak his mind on why the Ibans, who are the majority voters (98%) and in Sarawak, should keep faith and confidence with BN”.

So if this is the person who is going to be YB for Batang Ai, then there is no hope for development to come to this constituency. He does not speak, nor says anything that he wants to do as an elected representative. In the end the people of this constituency will lose.

Should we vote for this type of candidate? Why ask Jabu to speak on his behalf?


3. Only Ibans can change Sarawak’s politics

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim last night visited Rumah Abeng, Nanga Mepi and called on the Ibans that they only could help change Sarawak’s politics.

It was up to them, he said, if they wanted to change Sarawak’s politics. “It must begin from the Batang Ai,” he said and urged them to vote for Jawah Gerang, the PKR candidate.

This morning Tan Sri Khalid joined thousands of people accompaning Jawah to the nomination centre.

More to come….stay tune to www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

LATEST UPDATES FROM OTHER BARISAN RAKYAT BLOGGERS:-

  1. http://anilnetto.com/malaysian-elections/nomination-day-updates/
  2. http://dayakbaru.com/weblog08/2009/03/29/batang-ai-it-is-a-straight-fight-between-pr-vs-bnprs/
  3. http://dayaknation.com/blog/?p=899
  4. http://lettersfrombatangai.com/?p=227
  5. http://hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/118/
  6. http://zorro-zorro-unmasked.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-joes-by-one-joe.html
  7. http://delcapo.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/dedicated-page-for-each-07apr-by-election-campaign/

======================================

UPDATES ON BATANG AI- BY ELECTION ~ TAKEN FROM MALAYSIAKINI

11.20am: In Batang Ai, the returning officer has confirmed that the Sarawak state seat will see a straight fight between Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (PRS) and Jawah Gerang (PKR).

10.43am: In Batang Ai, an objection has been lodged against Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (PRS) candidacy. PKR leader Dominique Ng is questioning the BN candidate on whether he has indeed resigned from his job as district officer. He also said independent Johnny Chuat withdrew at the last minute and pledged his support to the PKR candidate.

10.05am: In Batang Ai, the huge crowd of 15,000 is anxiously awaiting the official confirmation of their respective candidates. Only two candidates have filed their nomination papers - Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (PRS) and Jawah Gerang (PKR).


Expected Independent candidate Johnny Chuat, who was at the nomination centre this morning, did not submit his nomination papers.

About 1,000 police officers have been deployed to control the crowd and the traffic at the nomination centre in this tiny border town of Lubok Antu. The returning officer will now take objections to the candidacy of the two before confirming the candidates.

10am: NOMINATIONS CLOSE. OBJECTION PERIOD (10 to 11am)
Two candidates have filed nomination papers in Batang Ai.

9.17am: In Batang Ai, PKR candidate Jawah Gerang, accompanied by Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and thousands of supporters, arrived at the nomination center at 8.40am.

Minutes later they were joined by PRS candidate Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and top BN leaders including Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Deputy Chief Minister George Chan and PRS leader James Masing. They marched to the indoor stadium from the BN operations centre about 2km away. Taib was said to have flown to Lubok Antu by helicopter.

The crowd gathering in a open field outside the Lubok Antu sports complex has swelled to about 10,000 with BN supporters outnumbering Pakatan.

8.45am: In Batang Ai, about 5,000 supporters for the candidates have gathered at the indoor stadium in Lubok Antu, a border town in the Sarawak state seat.While the focus of the battle will be between BN's Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, who is from PRS, and PKR’s Jawah Gerang, an independent candidate may throw his hat into the ring. It is learned that Johnny Chuat, 38, an oil and gas executive and a publisher of an Iban magazine, will be handing in his nomination forms this morning.

8.40am: Nominations for the Batang Ai, Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections began promptly at 8am today.

Saturday, March 28

News from Batang Ai (Part 4)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election
---------------------------------

1. Jawah’s winning streak due to BN: Abg Johari

Abang Johari, deputy president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) said that Jawah Gerang’s winning streak in the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency in the past was possible because of the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Abang Johari was not correct: either he suffers from amnesia or he conveniently forgets. It was Jawah’s own efforts and the efforts of the then president of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Daniel Tajem and past president Leo Moggie.

In fact the State Barisan Nasional tried very hard to end the winning streak in the 2004 parliamentary election when the State BN put up an independent candidate William Nyallau Badak against him. The State BN said that Nyallau was the “true” BN candidate and Jawah was the “counterfeit” BN candidate.

Two other PBDS candidates, Joseph Salang for the Julau Constituency and Aaron Dagang for the Kanowit, were also labeled as “counterfeit” BN candidates. They were challenged by “true” BN candidates Josephine Mawat (Julau) and Federick Bunsu (Kanowit).

Jawah, Salang and Aaron were supposed to have received federal BN funds to finance their elections, but that money was hijacked; instead it was given to the “true” BN candidates.

Assisting and campaigning for Nyallau (although independent candidate) were the entire Sarawak civil service, the Lubok Antu District Council, the councilors, teachers, ministers, Tuai Rumah, Penghulu, PBB, SUPP, SPDP and the other half of PBDS led by James Masing.

It was a very, very and very tough battle, and much tougher than he is facing now and yet Jawah managed to get through with 2,035 majority votes, a far cry from the 6,662 majority votes obtained in the 1999 parliamentary election.


2. Is Desmond Sating contesting?

My friend Desmond Sating was overheard talking to one of his friends that he is interested to contest the Batang by-election.

A lecturer with a private college, Sating should have been picked as a candidate by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS). After all he is a PRS member. Instead Malcolm Mussen, a senior civil servant was chosen.

This is the second time that Sating has been sidelined. In the last parliamentary election, his name was top of the list. Instead William Nyallau Badak, a PBB sympathizer then, was selected not by PRS, but by Alfred Jabu.

It was said that Jabu and his wife Empiang met Chief Minister several times insisting that William be the candidate. Now everyone knows that Nyallau is a PBB man wearing PRS shirt.


3. Salang’s second visit to Lubok Antu

Within days, Joseph Salang, PRS information chief and deputy water, energy and communications minister, made another visit to Lubok Antu in order to campaign for Malcolm Mussen, the PRS candidate.

This time he did not bring any goodies for the people. Instead he repeated what he had said few days back – RM6 million for the setting up of five communications towers and RM2 million for the community broadband centre.

We would have thought that something more useful and beneficial should have been brought along as goodies, something that will help improve the people’s economic well-being.

How would you expect the longhouse people, especially the aged ones to own computers and get access to internets? You may ask: what about young people?

Ya, most of them are working in towns, cities and overseas. There again the question of electricity, as some longhouses do not have electricity although the hydro-electric dam is at their doorsteps. No doubt such facilities are good, but only good for people living in towns.


4. Lubok Antu is full of “antus” (ghosts)

Lubok Antu, as the name implies, is a town full of mysterious stories as political “antus” have come all the way from West Malaysia, Sabah and all over Sarawak to give support to their respective “fighting cocks” this Sunday, the nomination day for the Batang Ai by-election.

Several YBs whose names we have never heard have now arrived from West Malaysia. There are stories where foods are not enough, hotel accommodation is very rare, and car parking is extremely difficult. Some bring their tents.

For some West Malaysians, it is an opportunity to sleep in the longhouses and for them to understand the local culture. Look like there is a big festival in Lubok Antu as BN and PKR are putting up their respective flags and buntings.

Indeed it is a war of flags, buntings and posters. How we wish that more by-elections be held in the near future because in the end the people will benefit.

CREATIVE...PKR flag was seen 'floating' on a river during my recent trip to Lubok Antu.

5. Lack of petrol?

I receive an SMS from a friend that before you go to Lubok Antu, you must fill your car tank full with petrol. Petrol has become a rare commodity here due to the by-election. It can only be sold to those who hold a BN card. Such is the seriousness of the Batang Ai by-election. Well, to solve this problem you can ask your BN friend to lend his BN card. For PKR, they can order a trailer to transport petrol to Lubok Antu.


6. Nine “black” or “grey” areas for BN

PRS has identified nine polling districts where it is considered “black” or “grey” areas based on the results of the previous election. There are 24 polling districts.

Like PRS, PKR has also identified its own “black” areas and has been stationing its own people in order to neutralize the situation.

There are 4,065 male voters and 4,064 female voters with 4,817 voters whose ages are 51 and below. The elder voters are 3,312.

Voting percentage for 2006 State election was 73.3% and for 2008 parliamentary election was 69.97%.

It is expected that the turn-out for the by-election is going to be low due to the fact that 7 April is a working day.


7. MB Selangor to Lubok Antu

Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pic below) will arrive in Lubok Antu today (Sat, 28 Mar) and will visit Nanga Mepi among others.

Preparations are under way to welcome him and his entourage. He is expected to address the people on how he runs Selangor, the richest and the most advanced State in Malaysia.

How his government helps the poor in education, in water bill, during funerals, etc. Hopefully the eyes and minds of the people of Lubok Antu will be open.

More to come…stay tune to www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

LATEST UPDATES FROM OTHER BARISAN RAKYAT BLOGGERS AS FOLLOWS:-

Friday, March 27

News from Batang Ai (Part 3)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election
---------------------------------

1. Is this not corruption?

Reports have been received by PKR operations room in Lubok Antu that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president James Masing visited Rumah Sandah, Sg. Ara on 21 March 2009 (Sat). During the visit he allegedly promised each of the 946 people a sum of RM500.

By now, some money has been paid. And what was the money meant for is not very clear. But giving money during election time is tantamount to enticing people to vote for the BN candidate, and it is wrong in the eyes of the law.

Any one of the receivers can come up and lodge a report with the Police, Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), the Election Commission and Malaysians for Free and Fair Election (MAFREL) so that action can be taken.


2. What Bank account?

The residents of Batang Ai were never asked to give their bank account details to the Land and Survey department as claimed by Anwar Ibrahim, de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). They were only asked to give copies of their identity cards because the department wants to update its data and records, said Masing.

Masing described Anwar’s accusation as very serious and pointed out that it was the opposition’s tactic to stir emotions in the run-up to the Batang Ai by-election.

When contacted today, Dominique Ng, a PKR State leader said that it was a “day light lie” and described it as a “part of pack of tricks” to fish for votes. Masing should explain to the people why they asked for the people’s bank account numbers.

The Broken Shield received a faxed copy of the letter (pics below) from the Land and Survey department. It is clearly stated in the page two of the letter a column was meant for the Bank Account number of the land owner.


The questions here are: “Why is the Land and Survey Department so suddenly interested to update the data and records of land owners during the by election? Why not 25 years ago? Is there any “prawn underneath the stone”?


3. Masing promises to tar-seal Batang Ai roads

The people of Batang Ai are happy to hear that the Minister of Land Development James Masing is going to tar-seal their roads that have been neglected for more than 25 years. The value of the projects is RM50 million for the tar-sealing of 7km Lemanak Road and the survey and design of a 60km road from Lemanak to Ulu Engkari. These projects, he said, and the RM12 million tar-sealing of 10km ring road in Batang Ai would be implemented by JKR.

Upon completion of these roads, the many longhouses in Ulu Engkari would no longer be isolated; they would be linked to Lubok Antu and other major towns and cities in the state.

While the people of Batang Ai are happy to hear about the promised road projects, the people of Kapit especially from Masing’s own Baleh constituency are sad and have called on Masing to do something about their road linking Kapit with other towns like Kanowit, Sibu, Miri, Kuching etc.

Like Ulu Engkari, Kapit has also been waiting for the last 45 years for the road to be constructed. Should not charity begin at home?


4. No Police permits required in longhouses

Political gatherings which are held in enclosed areas or on private property such as longhouses do not require Police permits, says Sarawak deputy commissioner of police Datuk Hamza Taib. Police, he said, will take action against any party that organizes political gatherings in public places without a permit.

In view of the coming by-election in Batang Ai those found to have flouted the rule could face action under section 27 of the Police Act. Fair enough.


5. Johnny Chuat may not contest

Johnny Chuat, an Iban blogger and producer of Iban magazine called Pegari may not offer himself as an independent candidate, if information received by The Broken Shield is correct. It is understood that he has booked his ticket to go to an African country following his gas and oil company.

This makes the PKR camp happy as BN candidate was not doing well in last election in Engkari and the surrounding areas. Up-todate, eight nomination forms have been taken from the Election Commission.


6. Masing is questioning Jawah’s about turn

Masing today questioned Jawah’s about turn from BN to PKR and said that two years ago in which Jawah the MP for Lubok Antu had expressed his undivided support to BN at a longhouse gathering. But in the space of less than two years Jawah is now with the Opposition and has been picked as its candidate in the by-election.

At that time Jawah also praised the chief minister who had brought tremendous development to Sarawak. Jawah also praised Jabu, a Dayak leader who had done so much for the people especially the Dayaks in the fields of education, culture and economy.

Masing should not have raised this issue of Jawah joining PKR, because Masing himself was in a similar situation, although in a different scenario. In 1991, Masing was launching the “KM project 1992” of PBDS. The project, Ketua Menteri Sarawak ‘92, was the key plan in its campaigning strategy to topple Abdul Taib Mahmud’s government.

If PBDS won, Masing would have been the Chief Minister of Sarawak. Unfortunately the plan failed. And now Masing is praising the Chief Minister and even defended his policies that are the sources of Dayak problems during a TV interview.

On why Jawah was praising Jabu, Jawah’s close friends said that it was to please Jabu because Jabu and the late Unting had “detained” Jawah’s MP projects worth about RM1.6 million. Jawah was given MP projects because he was a BN MP through PBDS in 2004 parliamentary election. We were told after praising Jabu, the funds were released.


7. Mussen’s low key campaigns

Reports from Batang Ai described Malcolm Mussen’s campaigns were up to now in a low key. Just released from the Civil Service, he has still retained the civil servant attitude, the “yesman” type of attitude.

Furthermore, Mussen is being surrounded by some civil servants who act as his “body guards” or PR men who do not allow people to see him. These people who could be Mussen’s supporters are not only angry but have also joined Jawah’s camp. Assuming that Mussen is elected, can he become an effective YB?

More to come…stay tune to
www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

LATEST UPDATES FROM OTHER BARISAN RAKYAT BLOGGERS AS FOLLOWS:-

  1. http://lettersfrombatangai.com/?p=174

  2. http://dayakbaru.com/weblog08/2009/03/26/a-personal-letter-from-batang-ai/

Thursday, March 26

News from Batang Ai (Part 2)

The daily update of news
from Batang Ai by-election
----------------------------------

1. Entulu calls on Bawin to join PRS

Deputy president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Joseph Entulu Belaun yesterday called on Nicholas Bawin, Director of Operations of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) for the Batang Ai by-election to join PRS. “I believe that Bawin is only wasting his time by associating himself with PKR, so it will be good if he can use his potential and join PRS to develop Batang Ai,” said Entulu who is also deputy minister of rural and regional development.

Isn’t this irony? Only now that Entulu knows Bawin has the potential to help develop Batang Ai, when he is with PKR. Such a gesture should have been offered to Bawin when he was jobless and partyless (he was a SNAP man and later joined SPDP) after he was asked to resign on 28 February 2004 as deputy president of Majlis Adat istiadat Sarawak.

He was asked to resign after he campaigned for Jawah Gerang, then Barisan/PBDS candidate for Lubok Antu against William Nyallau Badak, the independent. Jawah’s candidacy was endorsed by the Prime Minister as head of the Barisan Nasional, while Nyallau’s candidacy was supported and arranged by the State BN leadership principally Abdul Taib Mahmud and Alfred Jabu anak Numpang.

All state civil servants and leaders of government agencies including Bawin were directed to campaign for Nyallau as he was the “true” Barisan candidate. Jawah was then known as Barisan “Palsu” (false). As Bawin failed to obey the directive, he was asked to resign. Furthermore, Bawin was an expert witness on NCR land court cases. As a result of Bawin’s testimony, the government has lost many cases. Bawin is therefore a thorn in the flesh for the State BN. During this time no one from PRS and SPDP dared to be seen in Bawin’s company as they feared Taib and Jabu might see them.

There are also rumours floating around that the State BN is trying to offer Bawin RM2 million to defect. Is Entulu sincere in inviting Bawin to join PRS? Or is he merely poking fun at him?


2. The rating is 50:50

With the names of the candidates representing each party are now known, political observers are busy making predictions. It depends on who you are talking to. If you talk to Mussen’s supporters, they will say Mussen will win. Likewise, if you talk to Jawah’s supporters, Jawah will win. But I say the two are having a tough fight. The rating is about 50:50 for the time being.


3. Oldest voters

It has been discovered in the latest electoral roll there are about 26 voters whose ages are ranging from 90 to 111 years old. Election watchdog Malaysians for Free and Fair Election (MAFREL) is sending its team to track them at Kutai Polling district. If they have died, then their names must be struck from the roll. What MAFREL and the Opposition fear is that the “deads” may be asked to cast their votes on 7 April as it happened many a time in West Malaysia.


4. Mussen’s posters done by PBB

According to The Borneo Post today (25 March) all posters for Malcolm Mussen have been prepared by PBB members at their headquarters at Jalan Bako. Since Mussen is a PRS-nominated candidate, we would have thought that all his posters and campaign strategies be handled by PRS director of operations, who is James Masing himself. It seems that Jabu has a greater say. So what does all this suggest?


5. PKR not serious in Batang Ai by-election?

PRS campaigners have been telling voters of Batang Ai that PKR is not serious in the Batang Ai by-election as they are more interested to see victories in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang by-elections. If PKR is not serious, why is it that Anwar Ibrahim is making a number of visits to Lubok Antu? We are told that some 2,000 campaign workers from DAP, PAS, PKR and SNAP will be going to Lubok Antu and visit each and every one of the 156 longhouses.
During nomination day on 29 March, Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will accompany Jawah to the nomination centre. He will be spending a night in a longhouse? Have you ever heard of our chief minister “yang kita sayangi” spending a night in an Iban longhouse since he became Chief Minister on 26 March 1981?


6. RM500 for each household

We have also received information that BN will give each family RM500 during the by-election. Imagine how much it costs the BN? Let say out of 156 longhouses, the average number of doors is 25, it will mean 25x156xRM500 equals RM1.9 million. Where does this money come from? Is it from the people’s money?

More to come…stay tune to www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com
LATEST UPDATES FROM OTHER BARISAN RAKYAT BLOGGERS AS FOLLOWS:-

Wednesday, March 25

News from Batang Ai (Part 1)

From now onwards The Broken Shield will daily update its readers on news regarding the by-election in Batang Ai.
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1. No split in PKR

Deputy Chairman of PKR Batang Ai Division Maling Anak Luna today denied there is split in PKR following the selection of Jawah Gerang as the candidate for the Batang Ai by-election. No doubt various groups in PKR have lobbied for their favourite son to be selected as a candidate as PKR has a free election process to select a candidate. Some have supported Nicholas Bawin and others Jawah Gerang.

He said: “Since Jawah has been selected, Maling called on members and supporters of PKR to be united and give their support to Jawah. “This is because the enemy is not anyone or anybody inside the party. The real enemy is the BN – the cause of the miseries and problems of the people.


2. Mussen teamed with PBB

Reports reaching Kuching today alleged that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and its candidate PRS operations room was still in disarray. When Dublin Unting was still in coma for nine months, his service centre had been neglected. The PBB operations room is under the general command of “General” Alfred Jabu anak Numpang, who is deputy president of PBB.


3. New names for Jawah and Mussen

James Masing and his men have smsed a number of people naming the PKR candidate as Jawah Sng anak Gerang. They thought that Sng Chee Hua was behind Jawah’s candidacy. In return, the PKR has alleged that Malcolm Mussen is a PBB man wearing the PRS shirt. They have named him as Malcolm Mussem Jabu anak Lamoh.


4. Linang another independent candidate?

Linang Merujun is said to have performed a “miring” ceremony in his longhouse Sebangki. The reason is unknown. Could he perform the “miring”in order to seek blessing from gods in order to contest as an independent candidate in the coming by-election?


5. Is he serious to contest?

Johnny Chuat
of Iban magazine Pegari is seriously thinking of contesting in the by-election as he believes he has the support of about 800 voters from his longhouse and those nearby.


6. Tuai Rumah held

News from Lubok Antu said that several Tuai Rumah from Batang Ai are now being held at the Hilton Hotel, Batang Ai as “hostages”. Each of the Tuai Rumah is said to have been given RM1,000 and given free food and lodging. How nice? No wonder so many want to become Tuai Rumah.


7. Sandau ari for Jawah

Jawah Gerang, the PKR candidate tonight is performing a “Sandau Ari” (a kind of thanksgiving) at his longhouse at Sayat.

More to come…stay tune. – www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Monday, March 23

Tuai Rumah: the powerful tools of the BN against Opposition

From last week, almost every day Tuai Rumah (longhouse headmen) were summoned by ministers, deputy ministers, assistant ministers and elected representatives to receive “angpaus” in the form of minor rural projects.

Last week, deputy chief minister-cum-deputy president of PBB Alfred Jabu anak Numpang gave lectures to about 100 Tuai Rumah in the Batang Ai constituency.

Yesterday (22 March), PRS state assemblyman Snowdan Lawan of Balai Ringin also lectured 39 Tuai Rumah from Batang Ai and told them they “are part of the government and therefore have an important role to play”. They must show good example by not inciting their own people to go against BN and must tell their “anembiaks” to vote for BN. Later the Tuai Rumah were given free and guided tour of Kuching.

On 14 March, several Tuai Rumah from Batang Ai were asked to meet MP for Sri Aman, Masir Kujat who told them that they were “eyes and ears” of the BN and report to BN any “suspicious” characters who are trying to get their support for the Opposition.

Today, several more Tuai Rumah were asked to meet deputy president of PRS Joseph Entulu Belaun and to receive their “angpaus” of minor rural projects. Wai FM (RTM Iban) made the announcement that they must see the deputy minister this afternoon.

It would appear that BN-PRS are making use of the Tuai Rumah as powerful tool to ensure that their rakyat and voters do not vote for the Opposition as well as making Tuai Rumah as “policemen” and money carriers (mai duit) and distribute such money to their “anembiaks”.

Like past elections, for those who did not vote for the BN candidates, they would be deprived of the goodies. Worst still, those voted for Opposition might ask to leave the longhouse (pindah).

Are not the Tuai Rumah the powerful tools of the BN to destroy the longhouse people? – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 21

Jawah Gerang is the candidate


Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has named former Member of Parliament for Lubok Antu Jawah Gerang (pic) as its candidate for the Batang Ai by-election which is to be held on 7 April 2009, sources close to the party revealed today to Malaysiakini.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officially announce Jawah as the candidate at his longhouse at Sayat, Lubok Antu on Sunday, 22 March.

A graduate in Economics from the University of Malaya, Jawah worked with a bank in Kuching. He was recruited by the defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) for the Lubok Antu parliamentary by-election on 3 and 4 April 1987 when the incumbent MP Andrew Janggi Muyang died following a road accident. He won with a thumping victory.

Jawah had won the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency five times. He was returned unopposed in 1990 and 1995 elections.

Isn’t it strange that when Jawah first contested the Lubok Antu parliamentary seat on a PBDS ticket, it was a by-election following the death of Andrew Janggi Muyang in 1987? Now he is contesting the state seat of Batang Ai in a by-election, which is part of Lubok Antu parliamentary seat, also following the death of the incumbent Dublin Unting. Could this mean anything to the voters of Batang Ai? – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Masing the leader of the ‘turncoats’?

In the 1980s, both James Masing (right) and Leo Moggie
were very critical of Abdul Taib's policies when they were still in PBDS.
Can we describe them as "turncoats" too?
President of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) James Masing has accused a group of people who once were with the government now are actively opposing it.

Describing them as ‘turncoats’ Masing said he was disappointed by these highly educated people who were former elected representatives and government retirees.

“The people are confused because when these same people were serving the BN government, they were saying many nice and good rosy things about BN and encouraging people to support BN.

“Today these turncoats are saying all the bad things about the government, dragging people here and there to follow their own personal political agenda,” Masing who is the Land Development minister said. (A turncoat, according to Reader’s Digest Oxford dictionary, is a person who changes sides in a conflict, dispute, etc.; renegade, traitor, betrayer, deserter, defector, backslider, snake in the grass, etc.)

I would have thought Masing himself was/is a turncoat. In 1983 he contested as a PBDS candidate and won the Baleh seat. PBDS joined the state BN government plus. In 1987 he and PBDS joined the Maju group to topple Abdul Taib Government. In 1991 when PBDS was severely defeated, Masing and PBDS applied to rejoin the State BN. Upon rejoining the State BN in 1995, Masing was initially appointed an assistant minister.

Like Masing, government retirees have their own reasons for being turncoats. When serving the government, they must be loyal to the government of the day, observe the general orders and other government regulations. They cannot have their personal agenda otherwise they must resign.

When they become retirees or pensioners, they are free to express their views either for or against the government. As a matter of fact almost 90% of them are critical of the government policies. Why?

Firstly, they could have been marginalised or sidelined in terms of promotion, because they did not know how to do the apple polishing of their bosses.

Secondly, they knew too well government policies that are detrimental to the survival of their people back in the longhouses. For example the policy on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land development when the authorities declared NCR land as state land and sell them to cronies of the powers-that-be and to big companies for oil palm plantations, they cannot stand idle. Their forefathers’ lands have being taken away from their families, their fruit trees and their crops destroyed.

So they better become “turncoats” and do something to defend the land. Some longhouse people will surely follow them because as government pensioners they know what is right and what is wrong. - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 19

Do having degrees make a person better YB?


Does having a good educational qualification make you a better Yang Berhormat (YB)?

Deputy Chief Minister and deputy president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Alfred Jabu Anak Numpang (pic above) thinks so. So are many of us.

Introducing the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Malcolm Mussen Lamoh to the Batang Ai voters, Jabu said Mussen was a highly qualified engineer who had 25 years of experience with the civil service.

If BN could win the by-election, given Mussen’s qualification and working experience, he would be in a position to bring more development to Batang Ai, said Jabu.

Except for one or two Iban YBs who do not possess degree or diploma qualifications, the majority of them have. Now look at the constituencies that have been represented by them. Any dramatic development?

Even Jabu himself being a graduate in agriculture, why is there not much change in our agricultural development? We are still practicing subsistence farming and planting padi. Instead, Jabu wants to use his knowledge to plant ‘kepayang’, to distribute fish fry, vegetable seeds and ‘anak manoks’ and to can rambutans.

As Pro. Jayum Empaling said: “If that is all the Iban politicians have been doing and can do thus far for their constituents, then even an illiterate Iban person would have made a fine State assemblyman or parliamentarian because it does not take much to know how to distribute the annual grant allocations among the electoral constituents.”

What the Iban politicians should do is to find out the needs of the people and come up with a master plan to develop their own respective constituencies.

Discuss the plan with some experts, for example, with the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) and present it to the State Planning Unit (SPU) or the Federal Economic Planning Unit (EPU) as the case may be for consideration.

What are required of our YBs are their dedication, commitment and sacrifice to help their constituents.

It is sad to see that some of the Iban politicians are only looking after their ‘periok nasi’ (pots of rice) and “takut” (scared) to fight for the rights of the people they suppose to represent.(Semua takut ke CM).

Now if our YBs are “takut” type and continue to practice the “traditional” attitudes of BN politicians, then is it worth voting for them? Think about it the voters of Batang Ai! - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 17

Where are the “Rentaps” of Batang Ai?


This afternoon (17 Mar '09) I was listening to a story about Rentap Libau over RTM (Iban) by Datuk Edmund Langgu Ak Saga. According to Langgu, Rentap Libau fought the Rajah Brooke and his men because they cheated the Ibans of Batang Ai, Batang Lemanak and Batang Engkari and robbed them of their rights. First the Brooke wanted to build a fort at Batang Ai and had signed agreement with the Iban leaders in those areas.

Later without telling them, the Brooke moved to Nanga Skrang where the Brooke built a fort. Rentap Libau and the Ibans felt cheated and so they declared war on the Brooke. They defended their rights against the Rajah and his men.

Incidentally, the people of Batang Ai will have a by-election on 7 April. For the past 45 years, they have been deprived of rights to development. Worse still, the government reneged on its promises when the hydro-electric dam was built in 1982.

It seems that after 27 years the people from 400 households from 20 longhouses who were resettled because of the dam continue to remain neglected. Most of the promises were never implemented satisfactorily, if at all, especially on the following:-

#1. Land titles to their lots have not been given. This is a terrible injustice to them.

#2. Farming land. Since the inception of the dam, families or households have grown in numbers. Yet the government, despite of assurance of more land for these families, have failed to deliver on their families.

#3. Poverty alleviation. There are no poverty alleviation projects in Batang Ai that deserves the name. Minor rural projects are simply not good enough.

#4. Medical facilities. The 22,000 people of Batang Ai need more schools and medical facilities like a hospital.

#5. Many households have no electricity despite the dam at their door-step and fresh water supply.

#6. Many of the roads are “lobang” here and “lobang” there.

In the coming by-election, the Batang Ai is looking for “Rentap Libaus” to defend the rights especially the NCR land. Are you one of them? – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

In Iban areas: Projects are waiting for elections

Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) youth chief Fadillah Yusuf said in The Borneo Post today (16 Mar 2009) that it was mere opposition politics to say development projects were being implemented because of elections and by-elections.

“Projects are not carried out just because there is an election around the corner. The truth is for a development project to be implemented, a long period of planning has to take place. If its implementation comes near or during an election time, it is mere coincidence,” said Fadillah.

Perhaps there is some truth in what Fadillah was saying as far as the Malay constituencies are concerned. Plenty and plenty of projects, not ordinary projects, but mega and super-mega projects are being implemented.

But in Iban constituencies especially in the areas controlled by Iban opposition members, the reverse is the truth. Projects are waiting for the elections. Look at Lubok Antu it has waited for 45 years to reap the fruits of merdeka – the simple “merdeka fruits” of electricity, clean water supply, clinics, and other basic amenities.

If there is no by-election, surely the RM12 million will not be made available; the RM40.4 million for communications centres and facilities; the RM400,000 outboard engine rebates.

More goodies and “angpaus” are forthcoming as other ministers have not visited Lubok Antu yet. All these projects are because of the by-election where the Opposition is making a strong bid for the seat.

Again look at Kapit, it has waited 45 years for a trunk road to be constructed linking it with other towns in the State. Until today there are only talks.

How the people of Kapit wish that an YB should die in office so that the construction of the road can be materialized. Cruel it seems to be, but that is the truth. Projects are waiting for elections. No elections, no projects. – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Monday, March 16

Where are the Iban Warriors In Politics?

Written by YB Encik Voon Lee Shan *



Rentap, the most famous Iban warrior in Sarawak

Iban people were traditionally brave people. They feared no one and were well known for their bravery. History told us that they also had good leaders, who were capable to enter into military alliances with one another and able to moblilize hundreds of followers under their direction for territorial expansion.

For newly opened region or territory during their head hunting days, their tuai menoa allocated settlement areas to their followers and their young men who displayed courage in the battlefield were entitled to called bujang berani or “brave bachelor”. In the old days, they were truly warriors and they led and were never wanted to be led by other people. So, they fought against the Rajahs.

Their bravery helped young Malaysia grew to what it is today. Malaysia needed them in early years and in time of peace, they still served the nation well. Iban were good trackers and their service in the Royal Malaysian Rangers was exemplary and many were awarded with bravery awards for their prowess in fighting the insurgencies. Their display of bravery was consistent with their motto, “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban”.

In Rangers, they also displayed not only exceptional courage, but, also exemplary leadership and discipline.


Brookes Changed Iban Leadership

Things now changed. They no more led, but, were led by others through their leaders. Why and how could this happen?

One thing for sure about the Iban people was that, the Iban or Dayaks in general were good, honest and obedient followers. The Brookes were smart and when they ruled Sarawak, they appointed Iban warriors as native chiefs. It was through these native chiefs that Brooke’s rule became more peaceful and Sarawak’s territory then expanded.

The British who took over from Brookes also did the same thing and this strategy worked well to keep the Iban in peace with the government. Iban people lived simple lives and were never demanding and it was their culture taught them to respect and be obedient to their elders or tuai.

In the longhouses, their tuai who headed their longhouses were called tuai rumah. These tuai rumah were powerful figures and they provided the link with the government.

The anembiaks in the longhouses in return for their loyalty and obedience to their tuai rumah will get some subsidies in terms of fertilizers, some granite for their roads which normally were distributed to them as “election installments”. That is, these subsidies will only normally be distributed when elections were around.

However, the Iban could not simply get these subsidies unless their tuai rumah were obedient and loyal to the government. The BN government held them under 'political ransom' and the present system will continue to make them so.

Therefore, until today the system of tuai rumah has been maintained and given the few hundred ringgits as monthly allowances, these tuai rumah had then been instrumental in controlling and influencing their anembiaks to be obedient and loyal to the government.

With the exceptional loyalty as trademark and embedded as a culture, the Barisan Nasional government has until now since independence ruled Sarawak through Iban patronage. That also prolonged Pehin Sri Taib, a Melanau and a Muslim as the Chief Minister of Sarawak. With that, Taib may wish to perpetuate the Melanau dynasty which began from his uncle Tun Rahman, in ruling Sarawak, by making his son, Sulaiman as the next chief minister.


Kuala Lumpur followed Brookes

When Malaysia was formed in September 16, 1963, the federal government in Kuala Lumpur also followed Brooke. They knew, Apai Jugah was too influential among the Ibans and other Dayaks. They respected and were loyal to Apai Jugah.

So as not to rock the peace already established through Brookes’ rule, the federal government then appointed Apai Jugah as a Federal Minister. With Apai Jugah, the Iban just continued to get some subsidies. The Iban together with the Melanaus and Malays in Malaysia were Bumiputera, but, the Iban until today could not enjoy what the Malays could get.

Gone was Apai Jugah, the BN government perpetuates Iban loyalty to the government by absorbing Iban leaders and politicians into the government. These leaders were given posts and many perks.

The few leaders, like Jabu, Moggie, Masing, Mawan, Entulu, were said very rich. So, the story continues. The Iban never then led, but, was led through their leaders. What the Iban got until now were subsidies and not capitals for the development of the community.

The majority of the Iban will continue to be poor. While their leaders lived in big towns and cities could enjoy piped water and driving luxurious cars with oil palm plantations from Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands giving them perpetuating income and wealth, the majority of the Iban will see themselves poor and to live without proper water and electricity supply.

In return for their wealth they got from their positions in the government, these Iban leaders who presently are in the government will continue to tell the Iban people that only BN government could give the Iban subsidies in the longhouses.

This was of course true, but, the Iban did not realize that the giving to them subsides will continue to make them poor. It would be different, if Pakatan Rakyat takes over the government. Instead of subsidies, the Iban will get capitals to start their lives.

The Iban now has no political warriors who are capable to lead the community against the Barisan Nasional and against the dominance of the Melanau-Malays in Sarawak politics.

Ningkan an Iban from Betong who was supported by many Chinese tycoons in his days was too aggressive. His display of the typical Dayak arrogance and bravery was seen a threat by the federal government led by the Malays from UMNO, who then politically kicked him out of his chief ministership.

Ningkan who displayed exceptional political courage and leadership of an Iban warrior, Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban, was seen a threat to UMNO rule in Sarawak through Melanau-Malays. These Melanau-Malays were mostly Muslims, but, is not a large group in the state.

Had Ningkan not been toppled, Iban today would be under a better umbrella had enjoyed better lives. Maybe, it was and still is the policy of federal government to see that Iban should not become the governor and chief minister of Sarawak.

This was made more difficult in recent years after the amendment of the State Constitution because, it seems that to be a governor, the governor must be a Muslim and in the case of Iban, this would be something almost impossible as most Ibans are Christians.

Due to the amendment of the State Constitution, the Iban, like the Chinese, would also find themselves difficult to become Speakers of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN).

Peter John (centre), is he our modern Iban Warrior?
Picture Credit: www.dayaknation.com

Iban Must Change

DAP and PKR are here to change the Iban lives, but, if Iban people refuses to change nothing much DAP and PKR could do. Iban leaders like, Jabu, Masing, Mawan, Sylvester Entri, Peter Nyarok and Francis Hardin, being senior Iban politicians could bring better change to the Iban community, but, it seems that they prefer to be led and not to lead.

They should be the Iban political warriors taking lead to bring the Iban to greater heights. They should realize that Iban being the largest race in Sarawak should lead and not be led by the minorities.

Never, at anytime I heard them speaking against any of the policies put up by the government. They lacked political courage to speak against the evils of the government and when they saw Taib coming to the Dewan Undangan Negeri, they all rushed towards him, trying to get Taib’s attention. Sometimes, I observed that when Taib saw them coming, Taib just shook their hands with them, but, with his face turning away looking at others around!

So if Iban people want to change themselves, they should no more be dependent on their present leaders. Instead, they have to take the lead themselves, throw away their present leaders and change the government.

The Iban people have lost its grip in power and the only way to overcome this is to change the government. So, the coming Batang Ai by-election will a testing ground for Iban Baru or New Iban. Whoever be fielded by the Opposition against the BN in Batang Ai, the Iban people, please rise up to the occasion to support the candidate for a change. He is your Iban Baru!

Good luck, my Dayak friends! DAP are with you!

14th day of March, 2009

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* YB Encik Voon Lee Shan is a member of Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Sarawak, N. 11 Batu Lintang

Sunday, March 15

Huge instant “noodle” projects for Batang Ai?

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made it very clear that it will do away with the practice of announcing “instant noodle” projects during election times (Ref: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=396226)

Instead, he said, development programmes and projects would be planned in a holistic manner and implemented based on the people’s needs. This “instant noodle” approach where we see tractors coming in during elections will be done away with.

On the comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister, the people are divided over this approach. While the Opposition describes this type of instant projects during election times as a form of corruption and abuse of power, the government says it is their duty to give projects to the people.

For Batang Ai by-election, it is perhaps good that such instant projects continue to be given to the people as they are 45 years behind West Malaysia. If it is possible, every minister should come to campaign at Batang Ai so that each one of the minister brings his own “instant noodle” projects.

For example, Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu anak Numpang who is also the infrastructure development minister as well as rural development minister should ready his “instant noodle” projects such as roads, electricity, clean water supply to be given to the people of Batang Ai.

He should not talk too much about the success of other’s ministry like the Ministry of Land Development, of which SALCRA is one of them. Although he may be chairman of SALCRA board of directors, James Masing is the boss.

The fact that Jabu does not speak much about projects under his ministries seems to project that he has not done much; his Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) through out Sarawak have failed to generate the desired objectives; the State roads which are under his ministry are full of “lobangs” here and “lobangs” there. And the Penan welfare programme seems to go no where.

Even in his Layar constituency, we often hear of people’s complaints against Jabu’s “instant noodle” projects when tractors came during election times. After the elections were over, tractors and bulldozers were withdrawn leaving the roads uncompleted; the construction would begin again come next election.

As Najib mentioned that although the BN would not practise the “instant noodle” projects any more, the voters have also to be wary as the government has other means of giving another version of “instant noddles” (a.k.a. angpaus).

We have heard that a sum of RM20 million is ready for such purpose and what the BN needs is only 4,000 voters to win the Batang Ai by-election. It is up to the voters of Batang Ai: if they play smart, they take the money and vote for the Opposition candidate. And if they are stupid and “takut” of “tulah” then they will succumb to the temptation. Like the Eve of the Garden of Eden, they will pay for their “sins”. – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com
Comments by Dayakbaru.com on this issue >> Najib says BN - Not selling Instant Noodle anymore

Saturday, March 14

Selection of Mussen: what transpired behind the scene?

PRS president Datuk Seri James Jemut Masing holding a photograph of
Malcolm Mussen anak Lamoh, who is BN Sarawak's choice for
the Batang Ai state by-election. - Picture by NIK HARIFF HASSAN
Picture credit: http://www.nst.com.my

Now it is finally known that Malcolm Mussen is the BN candidate for the Batang Ai by-election. Apart from Mussen, the man who is very happy is the President of Parti Rakyat (PRS) James Masing who really fights for Mussen to be his party’s candidate.

Although Mussen’s selection appeared to be unanimous, yet no one knows what transpired behind the scene. Even when Masing entered the meeting room he was not so sure whether his nomination might be accepted as there were names nominated, one by Deputy Chief Minister and deputy president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Alfred Jabu anak Numpang and the other by Donald Lawan, a businessman with a strong PBB connection. The Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud admitted he had received a number of names for consideration by the Barisan Nasional.

According to Masing, only Mussen’s name was discussed. And during the meeting, Jabu was unusually quiet; normally he was very critical and vocal. Even at the end of the meeting, Chief Minister noticed that Jabu was very quiet and he was heard to have commented: “Fred manah meeting sehari tu nadai maioh jaku” (Fred, it is good to have a meeting today with little discussions).

Jabu’s unusual quietness puzzled BN members at the meeting. Was Jabu unhappy because his “manok sabong” could not fight? Or did the chief minister tell him off and not to disturb Masing’s candidate? - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 12

Is Jabu anti West Malaysians?


Is Deputy Chief Minister and deputy president of Parti Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang anti-West Malaysians?

This is the question that members of the public especially members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) asking themselves after reading Jabu’s statement appearing in The Borneo Post today (12 March 2009).

Jabu had warned “outsiders” not to mess around with the Ibans. Foremost, he said, these “outsiders must never show disrespect for the community’s tradition and culture and they must adhere to the Iban rituals whenever they entered longhouses otherwise bad luck would befall them.

Jabu did not name who the “outsiders” were. If the word applies to West Malaysians, then no one from West Malaysia not even Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister can come to Lubok Antu. Even if they come, do we expect them to go to certain rituals (genselan) as suggested by Jabu?

If the “outsiders” means those outside Lubok Antu, then Jabu himself, Abdul Taib Mahmud, James Masing and William Mawan also cannot come to Lubok Antu. Let the Lubok Antu people conduct the by-election by themselves.

It is obvious that Jabu has nothing to say any more as he keeps on repeating what he said several times before. Just imagine the other day Jabu was addressing students and talked politics to them and repeated what he has been saying about “outsiders”.

As the students do not understand politics, Jabu’s intention is/was to sow seeds of hatred against “outsiders” who are Malaysians from the peninsula.

By using the words “don’t mess around with Ibans” does not Jabu appear to behave more like a 'gangster' than a minister or a Dayak leader? – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 11

Batang Ai by election: Taib confirms more names submitted

Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud today confirmed that more names have been submitted for consideration as a possible candidate for the Batang Ai by-election. And this seems to confirm the news disclosed by The Broken Shield yesterday.

In an interview with a national newspaper, he said that the Barisan Nasional would meet this Saturday and would name the candidate.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) James Masing had submitted the name of a senior civil servant to the chief minister. However, the chief minister was said to have asked for more names, so that he had a better choice to choose from the list.

Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu also submitted another list of candidates for consideration.

Meanwhile, the youth leader of PRS of Batang Ai Branch, Vicker Andrew Enting wanted the BN to consider Nelson Naga Alam, private secretary to the late Dublin Unting to be a candidate.

The people, he said, would prefer a local rather than a parachute so-called professional to be a candidate.

“We will be very disappointed if Naga Alam is not the candidate,” he said.

Knowing that Taib was not happy with the PRS’ recommendation, two more persons have expressed interest to contest in the by-election as a BN candidate. One of them is a headmaster of a school and the other is an engineer.

Both of them have been conducting a signature campaign right in front of PKR officials today.

While PKR candidate is more or less settled, the Barisan Nasional candidate is uncertain and this has placed the PRS and BN leadership in a dilemma. - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com