Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for N.13 Batu Kitang

Debate on the Opening Address by Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak

First Meeting, Fourth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN Sarawak)

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity to participate in this debate on the Opening Address delivered by Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.

First and foremost, I wish to congratulate Tuan Yang Terutama for his articulate speech, which outlines a clear vision for Sarawak’s ongoing progress and prosperity. We thank His Excellency for his continued
guidance and wisdom during these important times.

Support for TYT’s Address

I fully support the key points raised by Tuan Yang Terutama, particularly on the strategic importance of our oil and gas industry, the empowerment of PETROS as the sole gas aggregator, and the emphasis on human capital development through education.

Congratulations -Premier /Key Appointments.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Premier for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Sarawak’s development.

Under his leadership, Sarawak has advanced in asserting our constitutional rights, expanding our
base, and leading Malaysia in green energy, the digital economy, and education reform.

He has placed Sarawak on a path of sustainable growth, balancing economic advancement with social fairness and environmental responsibility.

To say that we Sarawakians are thankful does not seem enough. His leadership has instilled in us Sarawakian pride, strengthened our unity, and renewed our faith in Sarawak’s future.

At the same time, I extend my sincere thanks to our Premier for approving the upgrade of Jalan Batu Kitang (Rm500million) and Jalan Bau Lama (another Rm500million) into a dual carriageway. His swift
action—after driving the route himself—shows true leadership. This project will greatly improve connectivity from batu kitang to Bau and boost tourism.

I also congratulate the Honourable Member for N.8 Satok on his appointment as Deputy Minister of Utility, overseeing Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS). His role is
crucial in steering our energy sector towards greater efficiency and sustainability.

Infrastructure and Federal Cooperation

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to YB Dato’ Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, our Federal Minister of Works, for approving the Mile 8 Exchange and Flyover Project (Rm400 Million). I first raised this critical
need in this Assembly on 18 April 2023, with follow-up requests on 27 April and 17 May.

This long-awaited development will ease traffic congestion for thousands of commuters. We are fortunate to have a fellow Sarawakian in federal office who understands and values our infrastructure needs.

Local Goverance in Batu Kitang

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Batu Kitang’s population continues to grow. I wish to highlight the urgent need for two more Penghulus and two new Ketua Kampungs.

Currently, Penghulu Hajjah Sabtuyah binti Yusuf manages the Malay kampungs from Mile 3 to Mile 6—an area far too large for one person. We must appoint a second Penghulu and a Bidayuh Penghulu for our
Dayak communities.

Taman Indah Landeh, Taman Sri Permai, and Taman PPR Landeh house over 7,000 residents. These communities deserve formal leadership. Mr. Ghani anak Chunggat and Mr. Mohd Mansur Abdullah
have served diligently, even without official titles. It is time we formally recognise their roles.

Drug Rehabilitation and SDGs

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Kampung Haji Baki has proudly maintained a drug-free record for the past three years. But we must remain vigilant. Currently, Sarawak has only one rehabilitation centre—PUSPEN in Puncak Borneo.

With the 2024 amendment to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, I urge both federal and state authorities to establish additional rehab centres and halfway houses in Sarawak. These should offer detox services, counselling, vocational training, and life skills programs.

This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially Goal number 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal number 10:
Reduced Inequality.

Engineers and Consultants

I would like to address concerns from our engineers, architects, and consultants—the professionals who ensure our state develops with foresight and integrity.

Yet Engineering Consultancy Practices (ECPs) in Sarawak face unsustainable conditions. The BEM Scale of Fees remains stagnant while costs—salaries, software, hardware, insurance—continue to rise.
More challenging is the undercutting in appointments via a tendering process. Discounts of 30–50% off the gazetted scale are disturbingly common. This must stop.

Underpaying professionals sends the wrong message to our youths. In the 2024 SPM exams, 800 Sarawakian students didn’t even show up. They are losing motivation. If even engineers are underpaid, what message are we sending?

First, we must make the BEM Scale of Fees mandatory and enforce it across all government projects.
Second, BIM (Building Information Modeling) must not be treated as a free add-on. BIM requires expensive software and skilled personnel. AutoCAD suffices for standard projects—BIM should be separately scoped and compensated.

Lastly, the Sarawak-Specific Professional Indemnity Insurance (SPII) requirement is creating a double burden. All ECPs already maintain national PII under BEM rules. SPII results in double premiums for a risk
claimable only once. This is unjust, especially for small firms. If a client demands extra insurance, they should bear the cost.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
We, in Sarawak, are looking and calling on our best minds to gather and to build Sarawak. If we want the best, we must treat them accordingly.

Our Premier recognises the value of human capital. I urge all agencies to follow his lead: enforce the BEM Scale of Fees, abolish discount demands, pay for BIM, and assign insurance costs fairly. We are building
Sarawak’s future. Let us not forget those who are building it.

Oil and Gas Autonomy

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak on a matter of deep importance in this August House.

As lawmakers, it is our solemn duty to amplify the people’s voice. Across Sarawak, there is growing discontent over how the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA2012) were imposed—without consultation, consent, or fairness.

For over fifty years, Sarawak has surrendered more than one trillion ringgit worth of oil and gas—while receiving disproportionately little in return. Some try to shift blame, saying Sarawakian MPs voted for these Acts. This is used to attack the GPS Government.

But Malaysia was under Emergency rule when PDA74 was passed. The Internal Security Act allowed detention without trial. The political climate was not one of open or fair negotiation. Many decisions were made under duress.

Much was obscured from scrutiny.
Many Sarawakians including our representatives were not fully aware of the implications.

Can we truly say Sarawak gave its free and informed consent?

Now that we are better informed, we carry a solemn duty—not just to speak, but to ensure the truth is recorded.

Let it be entered into the Hansard: PDA74 and TSA2012 were never tabled, debated, or passed
in this August House, and to this day, they remain unendorsed. Their application is unconstitutional, unjust, and incompatible with MA63. Other oil-producing states may be subject to PDA74. But Sarawak is not merely another state.

We formed Malaysia as an equal partner. Without MA63, there is no Malaysia. Our rights are protected by the Federal Constitution, the IGC Report, and MA63. I hope Malaya hasn’t forgotten—MA63 was carved into the Federal Constitution, effective February 11, 2022.

No law passed unilaterally in Parliament can override those guarantees—not without this House’s consent. That consent was never given.

Malaya has gained far more economically from its association with Sarawak than we have from being in the Federation. Yet now we are told that defending our rights is dividing or unpatriotic.

To the people of Sarawak, I say: your voices matter. Let Putrajaya know Sarawakians are awake, aware, and united.

Let this August House send a clear message: We are not stirring emotions—we are standing for justice and future generations. Let the Hansard show that this House stood firm and defended Sarawak’s
constitutional rights.

Oil Refineries and Skilled Jobs Sarawak should build its own oil refineries, like Singapore. Malaysia
once imported billions in refined oil from Singapore—a country with no oil.

With our own refineries, we could reduce crude outflow, boost revenue, and create thousands of skilled jobs for Sarawakians. The time has come to harness our own resources for our own future.

Education and Human Capital

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
How do we build human capital and stop the outflow of our best brains after nurturing them for 21 years—only to lose them to serve other.

Thankfully, the GPS Government is doing the right thing—offering free tertiary education and monthly stipends of RM1,200 so students need not choose between exams and family income.

Education is the first step
in breaking the cycle of poverty. We also applaud the scheme whereby Sarawakians who are already employed, and even those aged 60 and above, can apply under this initiative to promote lifelong learning.

Our Premier’s recognition of the UEC allows students from Chinese-aided schools to study in Sarawak-owned universities, especially in strategic fields.

We are not just building universities—we are nurturing capable individuals to energise the private sector and strengthen public institutions.

Public Safety and Infrastructure

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Security is a growing concern. More CCTVs must be installed across Sarawak’s urban and semi-urban areas. They deter crime and aid enforcement.

Singapore, which is roughly the size of MPP’s jurisdiction, has 90,000 CCTV cameras and targets 200,000 by 2030.

May I respectfully ask: How many are operational in Sarawak today? And what is our five-year target?

I also urge approval for a new access road linking Jalan Stephen Yong/Jalan Batu Kitang to Jalan Landeh/RPR Landeh. Current congestion is worsening due to rapid housing development. Residents of Jalan Arang face dangerous and heavily loaded lorry traffic which also disturbs the peace in the community.

I urge Member for Padungan to press his commercial vehicles licensing Board, (CVLB) affiliates under JPJ to act immediately.
We also need an update on the Trans Borneo Railway feasibility study—Sarawakians deserve clarity.

The Batu Kitang Flood Alert Sirens must be checked twice a year. They must function properly—lives are at stake. The damaged stretch from Batu Kitang Bridge to Kampung Haji Baki junction should be tar-sealed while awaiting the double carriageway. This will improve safety in the interim. The 15th Mile roundabout is dangerous and must be upgraded to an elevated U-turn.

Finally, roads in our city gets flooded and water splashes left and right as vehicles drive through surface water during heavy rainfall due to clogged roadside drainage holes. Regular inspections and maintenance by all relevant agencies are urgently needed.

Bomba: Fire and Rescue Services
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state, and our geography poses unique challenges for fire management.
We have only 39 fire stations. Selangor has 38, yet it is just 8,104 square kilometres—less than 10% the size of Sarawak. West Malaysia, which is roughly our size, has 261 stations. The disparity is staggering.
Some may say station distribution is based on population density. But fires in kampungs hours away from help are just as deadly.

Let us, however, acknowledge the outstanding dedication of our Bomba personnel. Despite very limited resources and vast coverage areas, they go beyond the call of duty—often at great personal risk.
As BOMBA falls under federal jurisdiction and the federal minister in charge for Housing and Local Government is YB Nga Kor Ming from DAP, I urge MP for Stampin to convey the urgent need for better fire prevention infrastructure. He should also push for funds to equip kampungs with firefighting tools. Volunteer brigades can be trained but they cannot replace—proper infrastructure. Sarawak needs far more than 39 fire stations.

YB pending while trying to make a big Issue out of the bird on affin bank’s card Has Fail to appreciate the bigger picture sarawak is the only state in malaysia owning 31.25% of a malaysian commercial bank the debit card Affin bank has issued is only priviledged to sarawakians with a K 4 times a month, one can withdraw from any ATM machines with no additional charges and no annually charges as long as terms and conditions are fulfilled.

With 6 existing branches and 3 new branches throughout sarawak, many high paying jobs are going to be created Affin bank has been asked by our premiere to better look after our SMEs.

Conclusion
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
Sarawak may not be as developed in terms of infrastructure but in many ways, we are ahead in terms of vision, unity, fairness and sustainability. Our policies are people-centric. Our language rights are constitutionally grounded. Our education vision is inclusive. We enjoy political stability, and Putrajaya should understand: when Sarawak prospers, Malaysia prospers.

We must continue this momentum and demand our fair share from the federal government—not as a favour, but as our right under MA63.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Dayak community, Selamat ari Gawai, gaya guru gerai nyamai, lantang senang Nguan menua and Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha to our Muslim community.

Thank you, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker.