An exciting "Pesta Babulang & Lumba Karabau" in Batu Danau, Limbang

This morning I have left for Limbang to attend the official opening ceremony of the annual “Pesta Babulang and Buffalo Racing Festival” which is entering its 21st edition this year. I had also represented our right honorable Premier of Sarawak at this colourful festival which is on from 5 to 7 June at the Babulang Festival Grounds of Batu Danau area. Well done and congratulations to the Sarawak Bisaya Association, who have successfully attracted thousands of visitors to this iconic cultural festival which had featured the much anticipated buffalo racing and also the uniquely decorated water buffalo parade by the Bisaya community. 

For the record, Pesta Babulang is the largest traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Bisaya community which is found Limbang, the northern part of Sarawak. It is basically the celebration of the bountiful harvest and welcoming a new farming cycle. The annual festival had always served as a cultural cornerstone by preserving Bisaya identity, unifying scattered communities, and boosting the local rural economy through heritage tourism. 

There were a lot of exciting activities and are packed with unique traditions and cultural of the Bisaya that kept their heritage alive for the society to participate in the merry making. 

Among the list of activities that are included in the weekend festival are:

• The Buffalo Race which is locally known as Lumba Karabau tha is basically the thrilling main event where riders race bareback on water buffaloes.
• Ratu Babulang which is a vibrant beauty pageant where young Bisaya women showcase traditional costumes and grace to win the crown.
• Nakod Babulang is a community feast-giving ritual that highlights ancestral customs, music, and dances.
• Luangan Display of traditional banners and decorations that are highly symbolic and used in rituals, weddings, and festivals. 

The festival is highly significant to the local Bisaya community because it revolves on their identity and pride. The event acts as a living museum, keeping language, art, and heritage alive for younger generations. The event also promotes community unity and cohesiveness because it brings the Bisaya together from across Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei, while also fostering harmony among other ethnic groups in Limbang. Apart from being the economic catalyst, the festival will normally attracts thousands of tourists, driving local entrepreneurship, handicraft sales, and culinary tourism. Last but not least, it is for cultural preservation because tt safeguards ancestral knowledge and rituals from fading into obscurity in the modern era.

Questioning the delay in Federal Government's nod for proposed Sarawak state election seats increase

Recently I have again questioned the delay in obtaining the Federal government’s endorsement for Sarawak’s proposal to increase the number of state constituencies from 82 to 99. This is because the motion, which I have tabled in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) over a year ago, had received overwhelming support but has yet to be acted upon at the federal level.

I am quite sentimental about this issue because I was the one who tabled the motion. The motion received strong support in DUN and our hope is for it to be accepted and implemented. I have pointed out that Parliament had convened several times since the proposal was passed by the DUN. It was tabled more than a year ago. It only needs endorsement from the federal level.

Over the past year, Parliament has sat three times, but there has been no effort by the minister in charge of law to bring it up. The delay appeared to show a lack of respect for the DUN’s decision. I also rejected suggestions linking the proposal to parliamentary constituencies. Whether there is another agenda behind the delay, only they would know. Moreover, I am not talking about parliamentary seats.

We in the state can only arrange for an increase in state seats. The parliamentary seats will remain at 31 but the state seats should be increased to 99. I have pointed out that the proposal is justified as the constitutional requirement for a new delimitation exercise has already been met. Under the Federal Constitution, the delimitation of boundaries can only be done after eight years, and we have passed that period. We feel there is a need to increase the number of state seats which is why it was tabled in Sarawak.

However, I have expressed concern that time may be running short for the proposal to be implemented before the next state election. The next parliamentary sitting will be in July. Even if it is tabled and endorsed, there are still procedures and processes, including public display for the redelineation exercise. Looking at the time now, I have some doubt whether it can go through in time. I have warned that if approval is not secured before the upcoming state election, Sarawak may have to wait another full electoral cycle before the additional seats can be implemented. If it is only passed later, then we may only have it for the next state election after this one and that will be a long time.

My comments and views on speculation of timing for the impending Sarawak State Elections

There were talks and speculation on the timing of exactly when the next Sarawak state election will be held but the matter shall remains\ the prerogative of our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. As the Information Chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak, I was asked to comment by our media friends on Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s remarks on the forthcoming election that may be called within the next 100 days. 

To me, the statement was Dr Sim’s personal assessment based on the current political landscape. The only person who can roughly indicate when the election will be held is the Premier of Sarawak. The prerogative and discretion are on him as to when he wants to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. In general, all political parties in Sarawak are aware that the election must be held this year as the current State Legislative Assembly term expires by early 2027. 

We do not need to worry too much because we are already halfway through the year. Whether it is GPS or the opposition, by now they should already have everything in hand and be prepared for the election. While I personally did not think the state election would necessarily be held within the next 100 days, such a timeline could not be ruled out given developments in Peninsular Malaysia. It can happen. The key is in the Premier’s hands.

I have pointed out that recent political developments, including the dissolution of state assemblies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan and the possibility of more states following suit, could influence election planning nationwide. If more states are going for elections, it may be better to hold them together with the general election to save costs. I have added that organising separate state and parliamentary elections within a short period would incur significantly higher expenses compared to conducting them simultaneously.

For Sarawak, if the election is called this month, we are well prepared and that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) shall remain confident of retaining its power. At the same time, it was normal for political parties to introduce new faces in elections, noting that candidate renewal is part of the grooming process for future leadership. 

In every election will see some candidates dropped and some new faces introduced. That is part of the responsibility of every party. On another matter, I have expressed doubts for Sarawak’s proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 could be implemented before the coming election. Even though the motion, which was passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last year, it still requires endorsement at the federal level before the delineation process can proceed. Looking at the time available and the procedures involved, I have my doubts that it can go through before the next state election.

Representing our right honourable Premier of Sarawak at the ongoing State Legislative Assembly Sitting

At the ongoing Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session, I had also represented our right honorable Premier of Sarawak in answering several questions that were submitted by fellow elected representatives who were present in the session.

Among the matters which I have presented were on the 5,776 applications for identification documents involving undocumented individuals throughout the state that were approved through the “Program Pemutihan Warganegara” implemented by the state’s Special Task Force together with the National Registration Department (JPN).

Among the matters which I have presented were on the 5,776 applications for identification documents involving undocumented individuals throughout the state that were approved through the “Program Pemutihan Warganegara” implemented by the state’s Special Task Force together with the National Registration Department (JPN).

The approval of applications were decided at the recent taskforce’s Main Committee Meeting chaired by our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on 20 January this year.

A total of 13,224 applications were received including requests of various forms of identification from throughout Sarawak.For the Bukit Semuja State Legislative Assembly (DUN) area which covers the Serian and Siburan districts, a total of 339 applications were received and processed.

Of these, 84 applications have been approved and will be issued with identification documents, 242 applications were unsuccessful, while 13 more applications are still under further investigation. The information I have presented was to answer the oral question from the honourable Encik John Ilus, the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Bukit Semuja.

Of the 13,224 applications received, 5,776 applicants (44%) have been approved, while 6,733 (51%) have been rejected and the remaining 715 (5%) require further investigation. The 4 criteria for applications that cannot be approved are birth certificate holders less than 12 years old, MyKAS holders, MyPR/Passport holders and no birth documents outside Sarawak.

Meanwhile, the categories of applications that require further investigation had involved incomplete application documents and DNA tests. Regarding the application category for residents who do not have identification documents, there are 7 categories, namely Without Identification Documents, Birth Certificate Holders Over 12 Years Old, Birth Certificate Holders Under 12 Years Old, MyKAS Holders, MyPR/Passport Holders, No Birth Documents Outside Sarawak and Others.

Welcoming the staging of 28th Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2026 at Sarawak Culture Village (DUN)

Today I have chaired the press conference on the 28th edition of Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2026 which will be held on 23 - 24 May at Sarawak Cultural Village, Pantai Damai, Santubong in Kuching

This two-day event is among the ongoing initiatives that can position Sarawak as an attractive cultural tourism destination. With the theme: “Celebrating heritage, inspiring the future”, the festival focuses on paying tribute to the traditions of our ancestors while inspiring the younger generation to continue uphold our rich cultural tradition as well as identity. 

Well done to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) who had successfully organized this wonderful festival for such a long but are still able to attract the attention and interest of the public from within and outside Sarawak

The organisers have already recorded 3,875 ticket sales where the public can enjoy the event that emphasises inclusivity by providing a platform for local artisans, ethnic cuisine vendors and young talents to showcase their creativity while preserving Sarawak’s heritage. 

It is also one of the key initiatives of Sarawak Cultural Village as well as our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts to position Sarawak as a premier destination for cultural tourism. Among this year’s highlights is a drama musical titled ‘Belawan Burieng: The Hercules of the Keliman River’, which brings to life the legend of Belawan Burieng, a legendary Kayan warrior believed to be half-human and half-deity.

It is a wonderful musical tells a story of bravery and resistance that inspires pride in Sarawakian identity with the production is based on an original script by Livan Tajang and features local talents including Azam Pit, Lorna Walter, SCV dancers and members of the local community. The outdoor performance will be staged at the lakeside beginning at 9pm.

Apart from the highly anticipated musical theatre, festival-goers can also look forward to the Culturalvaganza show featuring the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, The Ring Ladies of Borneo from Kampung Semban in Padawan, and the Sarawak Tagal (Okolod) Association.

SCV's inhouse artists will also stage cultural performances twice daily at 11am and 3.30pm. The festival would also feature a craft bazaar and food and beverage stalls offering a variety of ethnic cuisines from 9.30am onwards. 

Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival is more than just an event. It is a celebration of unity, culture, heritage, and the future. It proudly involves local communities, students from local colleges, cultural enthusiasts, and creative talents from across Sarawak.

Tickets are available at www.sarawakharvest.com.my, priced at a flat rate of RM20 for adults and RM10 for children for daytime entry from 9am to 6pm. Tickets for the night show from 6pm to 11pm are priced at RM50 for adults and RM30 for children.