The future of Sarawak, where are we heading?

Socially:

Talking about social development, one tend to compare Sarawak with the rest of the states and bigger cities such as KL.   Though social problems in Sarawak is showing a worrying upward trend, it is still at a level much lower than those in bigger cities.   Social problems in bigger cities is different.   However, later on when a town spring into big city, these kinds of social problems tend to be out of control.   Crime rates will also be on the rise.   Surprisingly, gansterism in Sarawak used to be amongst the worst.   Sibu used to be known as gangster town way back in the 70's and 80's.   Then there emerge a new breed of triad which haunts Bintulu town just recently.   Thanks to the efforts of YB Datuk Tiong in dealing and cleaning them, if not looks like Bintulu would be the least safest place to reside in Sarawak.

Other criminal activities such as theft, house breaking, snatching and drug pushing in Sarawak as a whole seems to be on the rise.   This is probably due to economic pressure on unemployed citizens.   As can be observed from the recent cases, most of these crimes were committed by foreigners, that is the Indonesians.   This phenomena reflects the low level of security in our state.

There's also the problems of drug taking and gum sniffing amongst our youngsters.   Most youngsters involved in these activities are either being influenced or just fancy to try out new stuff.   Smoking amongst young school students seems to be normal.   This trend has been in existence since the olden days.   Who are to be blamed?   Certainly, parents are responsilbe for this social ills amongst school students for not doing sufficient close monitoring.   Most parents are too obsessed in their daily routine until they are overlooking their so-called parental responsibilities.

These young school students are the future citizens who will take over from the older generations as the backbone of our nation.   If they were not properly educated and nurtured as useful citizens, the future of Sarawak will be socially handicapped, hence will affect the states politically and economically too.

Economically:

At least once in a lifetime, a nation is boud to be hit by economic recessions.  This happens as a result of global economic changes.   Once bigger and dominant countries are being affected, the others follows, unless careful measures are taken.   During Dr. Mahathir's premiership, our country has also been hit by several economic downturn, but the ability of Dr. Mahathir in dealing with these situations has saved our country from being devastated and badly affected.   I really adore him for that aspect.   Our present and future leaders should follow his example and learn from his experiences, as they are not as smart as him.

Thus far, the present economic downturn has not affected Sarawakian individually, but more to corporate and big companies.   Comparably, only a small portion of our Sarawak citizens are affected.   Farmers, fishermen and small business are still doing very well.

To me, the economic recessions and turmoil are the jobs of humankind themselves.   Someone with substantial amount of power wants economy turning bad, and these someone are businessman and policians who benefits from these economic turmoils.   Only human kind themselves can cure and bring the global economy to it's original state.

Since the 1970's, workforce from Semenanjung flocked into Sarawak to look for jobs.   They were either being sent by the government, company or individually.   The presence of the abundance natural resources has attracted tens of thousands foreign workforce into Sarawak.   Presently, workforce from Semenanjung are engaged in white colar jobs such as teachers, the police force, the army, oil and gas industries and plantations where a large portions of the high ranking jobs are being dominated by them.

Compared to Semenanjung, jobs in Sarawak are plenty and the ceiling wages are very low.   Take for example in Semenanjung nowadays shops assistance can easily fetch a gross salary of RM700 per month whilst in Sarawak, the maximum wages is around RM500 per month for the same level of jobs.   Another example is the factory worker's salary.   In Sarawak the average daily wages is about RM14.00 whilst in Semenanjung is about RM25.00.

Given these wide gaps in terms of workers wages between Sarawak and Semenanjung, looks like it would take another 10 - 20 years for Sarawak to be on par with Semenanjung.   Who is/are responsible for these slow economic growth?   Let us find the answer in ourselves.

Politically:

Politically, Sarawak is the most stable amongst the 13 states thus far, in the view of the ruling coalition.   The reason for this political stability is due to the reserved and liberal nature of the thinking of Sarawakians.   These reserved and liberal nature of Sarawakians in turn were due to limited communication facilities and limited amount of foreign cultures and informations to the hardcore government supporters and voters.   Years of brainwashing and shaping by the present ruling coalition has formed an ideologically unbreakable loyalty amongst the older generations towards them.   It would take years of hardwork for the oppositions to wrest the trust of these voters, that even if they were to succeed.   If not, it would remain as it is for the rest of Sarawak history.

Geographical factors too, play an important role in contributing towards the dominance of the present government.   The good performance of the present state government has thus far prevented the federal government from bringing in UMNO into Sarawak.   I am ready to bet, if UMNO were to be allowed into Sarawak land, that would mark the end of BN dominance in Sarawak.   This is especially so, judging from the level of patriotism amongst Sarawakians.   As has been said before, and said over and over again, even a child representing the "Dacing" can easily win any constituency in Sarawak.

This is a democratic country.   Opposition come and go, but BN is always there.   To the older generations, BN is the ultimate government.   If BN lose, there's no government for them.   This has been the mentality nurtured by BN amongst the old folks all those years.   BN and opposition alike, take note of this facts.

However, as times passed, there has been a gradual changes in the perceptions of a much younger Sarawakians towards political situations in Sarawak.   As most of the citizens are now more educated and better exposed to fresh ideas and informations as compared to the older generations who are hardcore government supporters, the trends seems to be a little bit worrying for the ruling coalition.   The younger generations no longer listen blindly to baseless claims and empty promises without first accessing the actual truth, unlike the olden days.

The future of Sarawak politics is gradually changing for the better or for the worst.   Judging from the present development, it is very clear that Sarawakians are no longer become "Pak Turut".   They are now more vocal, sensitive and daring in voicing out their views.   These can be proven with the emergence of countless number of social/political blogs written by Sarawakians.   Most politicians do not believe blogs and bloggers help shape the entity of certain government.   My advise, they better do believe.   They better believe in the "Power of Blogging".

To sum up, Sarawak is heading towards a new direction, which only time will tell.

UMNO leaders are racists

This article is taken from Utusan Online "Bangkitlah Melayu"

Bangkitlah Melayu

KUALA LUMPUR 14 April – Orang Melayu perlu bangkit dan bersatu dalam berhadapan dengan tuntutan kaum lain yang kini dilihat semakin keterlaluan.

Mereka juga perlu sedar dan insaf dengan situasi politik semasa yang menyaksikan pelbagai tuntutan hingga boleh menjejaskan kekuatan politik orang Melayu.

Sehubungan itu, orang Melayu diminta tidak tunduk kepada tuntutan keterlaluan tersebut sebalik bangkit bersatu bagi mempertahankan hak dan kepentingan mereka.

Ahli Parlimen Pasir Mas, Datuk Ibrahim Ali berkata, pemimpin bukan Melayu dalam hal ini perlu sedar yang sesebuah kerajaan itu boleh sahaja untuk tidak ‘melayan’ tuntutan mereka.

Katanya, jumlah kerusi terbanyak di Parlimen adalah milik Melayu dan ia cukup untuk membentuk sebuah kerajaan berasaskan wakil rakyat Melayu semata-mata di negara ini.

Katanya, justeru, dari segi politiknya kerajaan itu sepatutnya memenuhi apa sahaja yang menjadi kehendak Melayu kerana mereka adalah majoriti dan bukan asyik bertolak ansur dengan bukan Melayu.

‘‘Parti Melayu akan kuat bila Melayu dijaga. Jadi UMNO kena fokus orang Melayu. Jadi UMNO tak perlu takut kerana saya lihat bila UMNO itu kuat orang bukan Melayu automatik akan sokong juga Barisan Nasional (BN) macam dulu,’’ katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas pandangan mengenai situasi politik semasa yang menyaksikan kedudukan politik Melayu seakan terancam dengan tuntutan bukan Melayu pada masa kini.

Ahli Parlimen Sri Gading, Datuk Mohamad Aziz berkata, parti pemerintah ketika ini tidak boleh merasa bimbang untuk membuat apa sahaja keputusan yang dilihat perlu untuk membantu orang Melayu.

“UMNO kalau kita tengok Fasal 3 perlembagaannya ialah memperjuangkan hak Melayu.

“Pada masa sama orang Melayu pun kenalah sedar, asyik bercakaran sesama sendiri, tak untung Melayu sedangkan kita main politik untuk apa kalau tidak untuk membela Melayu.

“Jadi UMNO dan Pas kena duduk, tak kan dalam berbeza tak ada persamaan. Atas persamaan ini kita duduklah semeja dulu,” jelasnya.

Pemimpin UMNO, Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim menegaskan, dalam soal wakil Kabinet misalnya, semua pihak harus menerima pilihan Perdana Menteri kerana ia bidang kuasa beliau.

“Saya fikir kalau dilayan, Najib tak akan ada kerja lain.

“Apa pun ini akan mengajar UMNO supaya terus kuat. Bila kuat, orang segan, kalau lemah orang kucar kacirkan,” ujarnya yang juga Ketua UMNO Bahagian Jelebu.

Ketua Pembangkang Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohamad Khir Toyo berkata, hak orang Melayu tidak harus dilepaskan dalam usaha kerajaan memenuhi kehendak masyarakat pelbagai kaum.

“Biar wujud situasi menang-menang. Kita tidak boleh biar sebelah pihak sahaja menang. Kalau kita nak penuhi apa yang mereka nak, jangan pula kita lepaskan apa yang jadi hak kita,’’ katanya.

Timbalan Presiden Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), Syed Anuar Syed Mohamad berkata, walaupun kerajaan mahu menekankan konsep Satu Malaysia yang menyatukan rakyat pelbagai kaum, langkah juga perlu dilakukan bagi mengembalikan keharmonian di kalangan orang Melayu sendiri.

“Dalam keadaan sekarang ini, orang Melayu berhadapan banyak cabaran semasa dan kita perlu mencari cara untuk memastikan kaum itu tidak berpecah-belah,” katanya.

Katanya, UMNO dan Pas tidak boleh melengah-lengahkan masa lagi untuk bekerjasama dalam memajukan orang Melayu.

Ketua Umum Badan Bertindak Perpaduan Melayu (BBPM), Osman Abu Bakar yang sependapat dengan GPMS berkata, cadangan yang baik seperti itu perlu dilaksanakan secepat mungkin.

Katanya, kerjasama antara dua parti politik itu bukan sahaja akan memberi faedah kepada orang Melayu sahaja tetapi juga kaum lain.

Tambahnya, penyatuan UMNO dan Pas perlu menjadi batu loncatan untuk mengeratkan semua rakyat berbilang kaum di negara ini.

“Sememangnya usaha ke arah itu akan mengambil masa tetapi sekurang-kurangnya kita tidak hanya bercakap atau mencadangkan sahaja,’’ tambahnya.

Batang Ai by-election – my personal analysis

At first, the Batang Ai by-election was seen as a barometer to test the strength of the ruling BN coalition versus it's rival PR, after the last GE where PR shook the world by taking over 5 states from the ruling coalition.   However, things took a turn with a sudden announcement by a would-be independent candidate, Johnny Anak Chuat to contest in this by-election.   It was said earlier that, both parties have a 50/50 chances of winning.

Batang Ai has been the traditional stronghold of BN, since the PDBS era, where the older folks are still the keen supporters of BN.   The acceptance of locals towards PR is somewhat doubtful, for one reason that it is a West Malaysian based political party, furthermore their performance in Perak and Selangor was not up to expectations.   The younger generations which are more exposed to globalization processes are their most likely voters.   Then there are voters who are neither on the BN or PR side, those who are sitting on the fence, for reason known to themselves.   These are the groups that the independent candidate should take advantage.

Talking about BN candidate, Malcolm Mussen, they seem to play safe by fielding new face which has very limited political backgrounds and fresh records.   What is his chance of winning against political veteran like Jawah Gerang?   There is not so much on the candidate's aura, but their gamble is on their "dacing's" logo plus some "kopi o" from the "generous" government to the opportunists, a little bit of dirty trick and some magic performed by "reliable government crews".

On PKR side, the PR is banking on the popularity and seniority of Jawah Gerang.   I would dare say that, PR decision's on their choice of candidates seems doubtful and inaccurate.    Even though he was the MP for Lubok Antu for the previous five terms, that doesn't guarantees the people's support.   What has he done during his previous terms as MP?   The people are not blind.

Talking about independent candidate, Johnny Anak Chuat, most sees it as an alternative to the present sickening political scenarios, where changes are what people want.   Based on the report in some popular medias, as a local boy from Lamanak, he has all the supports from younger generations who are mostly his relatives.    Another x-factor which maybe of advantage for Johnny is that, he has been doing countless number of charity works and community projects for his kampungs folks during the last few years, which could convince the people of his ability to serve.

In conclusion, I would say that, with the presence of Johnny in this race, the chances of BN winning this game is much better, whereas the PR prospective looks somewhat gloom.    However, we must not underestimate Johnny's ability and strength, given all the favourable factors in favour of him.   Whatever it is, it all depends on the last minute campaigning and efforts that each and every candidates are making.

Not a beautiful Sunday

Wake up late today, since today is Sunday.    After taking bath, prepare breakfast, milk and noodles.    Like normally, turn on my laptop to go online and check emails, moderate one or two sites.

But, I feel so disappointed.   I can't even post anything on any forums, least doing the moderation, what the heck.   At first I thought it is due to line problems, but when I checked my connection speed, it's about 7.2 Mbps, which seems to be normal.    Then I tried to log-in into my hosted site, hell, it said I was brute forcing into the site, need to wait for another 10 minutes to re-try.   This is my 1st try when I was not logging-in after quite some time.   Obviously, someone, probably hackers did try to brute force into my account.  Bloody shit, there's nothing in there, nothing precious.  Well, if they want, I can just relinquish my account and my site to them, sort of donating to them.

Well, this is cyber world, what more can I say!!!

Bad Road

This is the photograph of the road at Sg Plan resettlement area. This hole grows bigger and bigger each day. It seems that none of the authority concerned care about it. It is very inconvenient and dangerous to motorists.

Why is the BDA not doing anything about it? We pay road tax, thus deserve better roads to travel. To BDA, please do something.

Mainstream Media - National TV/Radio/Newspapers

To me, these media are nothing more than the tools for the BN to brainwash the rakyat. They are being used to spread gimmicks and propagandas so as to stay in power, while oppressing the rakyat.

In fact there are better usages such as to inform the rakyat on educational opportunities and the availability of government jobs to the unemployed. They should reduce craps that they put into the media and be more responsible towards the rakyat.

I would like to suggest one day in a year to boycott these mainstream media, that is:

1. DO NOT WATCH TV FOR ONE DAY,
2. DO NOT LISTEN TO RADIO FOR ONE DAY,
3. DO NOT BUY NEWSPAPER FOR ONE DAY.

Or better for one week or one month? I’m sure we would not be bored, because we have the internet.

Any feedbacks?

Sarawak football team – suggestions for improvements

Our Sarawak football team has never been doing so well all this while. Or to be concise, our Sarawak football is amongst the weakest, at least at present. Although I do not really follow its development, I know our Sarawak football team is in real bad shape, for quite some times already.

To really excel, it must come a long way and a great effort must be put into it. The followings are just my ideas and suggestions on improving our state football standard.

Football skills and spirits must be nurtured from early childhood, right from primary schools to secondary schools to universities. Every primary and secondary school must have a mandatory football development department where talented kids could be properly and systematically trained and groomed to become an excellent future footballers. These future talents must be identified and continuously and consistently trained until they are skillful and old enough to be absorbed into our state squad. And all those grooming must not ends here, it must continue into national and international levels.

Sarawak is a huge country with diverse resources and complex ethnicity. When it comes to selection of our state players, there has always been bias practice. Pardon me for revealing this reality. As we may be aware, the selection of our state players has been confined to players from Kuching division and a majority Malays. What about other divisions? There should be a well balance intake amongst all races within Sarawak, I mean I’m sure there’s ample talents amongst Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese, Melanaus and so forth. To be fair and to make sure Sarawak a strong football team, I would suggest that, selection of state players to include players from all divisions regardless of race. A proper selection system must be implemented, if we were to make Sarawak a football powerhouse. Do I need to elaborate further?

Players’ commitment is another factor which contributes to the strength of any football team. Without commitment, anything we undertake in life will fail, same thing with football team, as I have experienced from managing my own little football team previously. When I talk about commitment, it involves the welfare and financial status of the players. So, the welfare and finance of the players must be taken care of properly and without fail. Sarawak has been known to face this problem previously, and the effects are unforgettable to other players. So, a well managed team with a well managed financial standing stand a chance to be amongst the best teams in terms of players’ commitments.

An association that is free from outside and political influences is deemed to perform well in terms of managements. When there’s an outside interference in the affairs of any association, the management of that particular association will find it difficult to make decisions and thus affect the performance of the management, which in turn affect the performance of the team in general. So, I suggest, our Sarawak football team management must be 100% free from outside influence, especially political influences.