Voicing my disappointment with the postponement of the tabling of a Bill to amend Federal Constitution to be in line with the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

I was personally a bit disappointed with the postponement of the tabling of a Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to be in line with the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). I have informed our media friends that it should have been tabled yesterday (26 October), and then put up for debate during the current sitting of Parliament.

Perhaps some of our Federal Cabinet ministers still need time for a detailed explanation from the federal Attorney General (AG). That is why, as I understand it, it has been postponed to a future date, but not withdrawn.

I hope for the Bill will not disappear to ensure that the work of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament) YB Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to restore the rights of Sarawak and Sabah is brought to fruition. Personally, to me, this is a small matter but the federal ministers should read the draft Bill. There is no need to seek clarification from the AG.

I have also cautioned that the Bill might not be tabled during the current sitting of Parliament because much of the time will be spent on the federal Budget 2022. Previously, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi had mentioned the postponement of the tabling of the Bill was due to several ministers wanting clarifications and the AG has been invited to provide this as a neutral party in the next meeting.

Meanwhile, our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg had also said that he does not view as problematic the postponement. He was also made to understand by YB Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi that the delay centred on matters concerning Article 160 of the Federal Constitution relating to the definition of the “federation”.

According to him it is just to clarify the matter. Not a big problem, but a matter of clarification what he had mentioned these to our media reporters after launching the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Chair Research Centre of Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Campus, and 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH) 2021.

Establishing Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair in honour of our late Tok Nan

Our State government had welcomed the setting up of Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair that will continue the legacy of our beloved former chief minister, Allahyarham Tok Nan who is well-known for his  enormous love for Sarawak, its people, culture, traditions and environment.

I have mentioned this during my welcoming speech in today’s opening ceremony of 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH) 2021 and having Tok Nan’s chair at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Sarawak Campus’ will bring benefits for our generations to come.

The research chair is our tribute to the late Tok Nan’s struggles as a Sarawakian because during his lifetime, he had brought so much progress to the Sarawakian communities in the name of unity, regardless of race and religion.

The time is right to set up the research chair which will have good ‘database’ on our local communities can help to expand studies on Bornean ethnicities. We hope the RM2.542 million funds provided by our State government for the first three years can be used in research, especially for the development of the Sarawakian communities. Our gratitude also goes to Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Hajah Jamilah Anu for her contribution of RM30,000 towards this initiative which will bring good to researchers all over.

The research findings can also guide our State government in formulating its policies and as such, can make significant reforms in Sarawak and turn legendary names like Tok Nan into an icon in Sarawak ethnic research. Through the collaboration with UPM, we are confident that the expertise available can help the ministry and the Sarawak government collect hidden treasures yet to be discovered or highlighted.

Thus, the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was entered between Sarawak government and UPM and symbolically exchanged during the ICOSSH2021 conference which was themed “The Enculturation of Borneo Ethnic: Perspectives of the Social Sciences and Humanities” which was organised by UPM Bintulu Sarawak Campus and supported by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak (MTAC).

I hope the co-operation between UPM Bintulu Sarawak Campus and my ministry will continue to advance after this. Among the ways to do this is to encourage our staff to further their education in ethnic studies at Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Philosophy levels.

Thanking our Chief Minister for launching "2nd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH) 2021"

Our heartfelt thanks to our Chief Minister,  Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who launched the "2nd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSSH) 2021" this morning. Our appreciation to him for having witnessed the exchange of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Sarawak government and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) of Bintulu Campus on the establishment of the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair during the conference.

Through establishing our Tok Nan’s research chair, there will be good ‘database’ on Bornean communities which can facilitate in expanding the studies on Bornean ethnicities. We also hope that the funds worth RM2.542 million provided by our state government can be used in research, especially for the development of the Sarawakian communities.

Giving stern warning to Bumiputera contractors to buck up or face termination of contracts

I am echoing the stern warning by our Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, Datuk Julaihi Narawi to Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak who must comply and complete all government projects on time or face termination.

It goes without saying that the “inefficiency” of our Bumiputera contractors may hinder economic progress because our state government had given them the opportunities when it comes to awarding contracts for government projects. Thus, they must prove their ability to accomplish the tasks in hand and do not be a rotten apple.

I share the same views and comments with Datuk Julaihi on the unsatisfactory pavement rehabilitation works for PA-1 Kota Samarahan-Sadong Jaya Section 1 and Section 2 coastal road project which had received numerous complaints from local folks and also Netizens.

Both of us were joined by Kota Samarahan member of parliament, Hajah Rubiah Haji Wang in the project briefing conducted by the contractor, Debessa Development Sdn Bhd, project consultant Perunding Anggun Tega Sdn Bhd and Public Works Department (JKR).

For the record, the 12.3km upgrading project was contracted at RM11.8 million and works commenced on February 4 last year but completion date was revised and is scheduled on February 19 next year. The project is under the purview of the State government with JKR and Coastal and Second Trunk Road Unit (CSTRU) appointed as superintending officers.

Among the scope of works include survey works and setting out road alignment before and during construction, ground treatment and shoulder widening, site clearance, grubbing and earthwork turfing, supply and installation of necessary road furniture and others.

Once completed, the road will be one of the main arteries for the costal road network linking to several new bridges to improve socio-economic activities and pave the way for other development for coastal areas.

According to the contractor, the delay in delivering the project was due to Covid-19 pandemic and also the shortage of manpower needed in the construction works of roads which are experiencing heavy load of traffic including lorries and passenger vehicles.

Getting excited with the official announcement on the forthcoming State Elections #PRN

I have appealed to the public and also our media friends to be patient while waiting for the official announcement for the dissolution date of the state legislative assembly (DUN). Our media friends had been highlighting this matter the past few days and the official announcement would be made sooner that expected.

I expressed my personal views that the next state election might be held anytime this year following several speculative stories on the official announcement that might be made by our Chief Minister possibly tomorrow if not today. We can feel what the media is feeling. The excitement is that we may be hearing the announcement of the DUN dissolution and what not, this one or two days.

Separately, our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari during his function held in Sri Aman today had also appealed for our media friends to wait for "one or two days" whilst determined not to be committal on the exact date of the dissolution of Sarawak's DUN.

Being the Chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the Chief Minister had preferred to leave the matter to the Yang DiPertuan Agong as only His Majesty has the power to lift the on-going Emergency Order (EO) before its expiry on Feb 1 2022 to pave way for the state polls. On the same note, the Chief Minister Office (CMO) had also issued a statement the media fraternity not to speculate on the state's DUN dissolution date because so far there was no meeting on such matter.

Another cheap publicity stunt by Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB)

Recently I have described Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) public debate challenge to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) on when is the safest time to call an election as mere “cheap publicity”. They have failed to understand that whatever it is, Sarawak is in a state of Emergency and unless and until the Emergency lapses or is lifted, any election cannot be held in the State of Sarawak. 

Speaking as the vice president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), I have mentioned for GPS, it does not matter whether the state election is held soon or later and I have also pointed out that GPS will be ready when the time comes for a fresh mandate from the people is needed.

I have urged PSB to reveal what was their ultimate goal in ‘spinning’ stories. It seems that PSB knows when the state election date will be when they challenged GPS to a debate, when even the GPS doesn’t know when it would be held and also does not have any indication on when the date will be. 

Thumbs up for the newly announced Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund

We thank our State Government and Chief Minister of Sarawak for the newly announced Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund which has RM10 million worth of grants and assistance to those involved in the creative arts industry in Sarawak.

Our Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will therefore be looking into rolling out grants and assistance to local creative arts members in Sarawak and we will see on how the funds can be disbursed out as well on who can apply and be entitled to the funds. We are still looking into it because it has just been announced. The setting up of the fund had reflected on the state government’s concern and support towards the state’s heritage, arts and culture by putting aside a certain amount to be given out to those in the industry.

Our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had announced this in his Sarawak Budget 2022 statement held on October 12 and the state government is also looking to help traditional hand-woven textile weavers in Sarawak to go mainstream and participate in the fashion world.

As handlooms are still in existence in Sarawak and thriving, the local cottage industry should get the support it needs as the people of Sarawak are well known for such wonderful unqiue crafts. The Ibans and Malays communities take pride in their heirlooms such Pua Kumbu, Songket, and Keringkam, with many local folks are still practising traditional techniques on traditional equipment.

I have noted locally organised events such as "Tenun Fashion Week 2021" are serving as good platforms to promote Sarawakian hand-woven textiles and thus, our local weavers should find innovative ways to promote their handiworks. For the record, Tenun Fashion Week 2021 was jointly organised by the Asean Handicra Promotion and Development Association (Ahpada) and Tanoti, and supported by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak (MTAC) and Maybank Foundation through its Maybank Women Eco Weavers Programme.

The transformation of the products is impressive and I have the utmost respect for the weavers who dedicated towards preserving the knowledge and skills of their ancestors, yet brave enough to experiment, innovate, and commercialise their textiles.

It was a pleasure for me to meet our Pua Kumbu master weaver, Puan Bangie Embol from Rumah Gare Tinggang in Sungai Kain, Ulu Kapit, who has achieved international acclaim for her work Bangie had led her longhouse folks through the rituals and practice of pua kumbu weaving and invented natural dyes from plants found in the forests, armed only with mentorship from a line of master weavers.

Grand opening of our new Borneo Cultural Museum expected in first quarter of 2022

The grand opening of our new Borneo Cultural Museum is expected to be opened to the public by the first quarter of 2022 and it deserves such an event where members of the public would be able to enter the beautiful building in large numbers.I have mentioned this to our media friends who seek on the opening date of the new museum building which was supposed to have been opened by the end of 2020 but the plan was put on hold due to the Covid19 pandemic.

I have also mentioned that it will take time for the museum to be opened because it needs to be filled with artifacts and specimens whereby the Covid19 had made the relevant processes a bit slow because those involved in this are not only from Sarawak, but outside of Sarawak as well. However, we are in the final stage in doing all the necessary arrangements and still waiting for a date also from the authorities concerned.

Calling on our youths to keep abreast with latest development in their local communities, state and country

We had a great time with the local youths in Balai Ringin during the "Ziarah Belia 2021" program held there this morning which received overwhelming response including the community leaders and kampung folks there. In my speech, I have urged them to keep abreast with the latest developments in their communities, state and country. 

This is important because they (youths) need to be aware of the things and issues which are affecting the communities which they are living as well as the developments that are happening within Sarawak and Malaysia. The knowledge and understanding of these matters will make our youths become more sensitive on their role and functions towards community well-being. The State Government through the relevant authorities such as Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYSS) have also organised youths' engagement programs as part of the continuous efforts to reach out to them and to provide proper guidance as well as advice.

The role of our youths in nation building and community well-being is important because they are our future generation of leaders who have the potential to bring the state and country to greater heights of prosperity. I have urged them to play proactive role in development programs and government initiatives which are for the benefits of the local folks including their (youth) families and friends. In the long run, our local youths will be among the pillars of strength in community and nation building because past history had shown the young generation is capable of becoming prime movers and catalysts of positive change.      

Big thanks to Sarawak Government for the financial aid to state's civil servants and federal staff

Syukur alhamdullilah our state civil servants will receive special financial assistance amounting to one and-a-half months under the 2022 State Budget. We thank our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who announced this yesterday after chairing the 2022 State Budget Special Meeting. The financial assistance is also to recognise our 24,000 civil servants' contributions and services in handling the government’s machinery during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our Chief Minister had also announced a RM500 special assistance for all the 126,000 federal civil servants in Sarawak as a recognition of their contributions in helping our state to prosper.  

On another matter, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also announced the new Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme, to be introduced next year that will provide cash assistance of up to RM10,000 to B40 and M40 home buyers for payment of housing deposit and will be managed by Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd (Mutiara).

The assistance is applicable to affordable housing projects sanctioned by the state government with a sum of RM10 million will be allocated in 2022 Budget that will benefit about 1,200 home buyers. Our government will also continue to intensify efforts to provide affordable housing to the people, address end financing problems among the low-income group and alleviate cost pressure in the housing market.

As such, related projects and initiatives will continue to be implemented including construction of affordable housing, extension of village resettlement scheme, and urban renewal projects throughout the state with an allocation of RM189 million.

Other projects and initiatives include "Repairs of Houses for the Poor" with an allocation of RM80 million, and "Longhouse Repairs Programme" of which RM50 million will be made available to rebuild and repair dilapidated longhouses in Sarawak.

The “Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme" that provides rental assistance of RM200 per month for up to 36 months or three years, of which a sum of RM48 million will be made available for this purpose; and provision of loan assistance to low-income groups [B40] and middle income groups (M40) home buyers through Mutiara Mortgage and Credit Sdn Bhd of which RM50 million was allocated.

Supporting the 2022 Sarawak State Budget and riding through present challenging times

We are fully behind our Chief Minister who chaired the 2022 State Budget Special Meeting whereby next year's State Budget is expected to generate a deficit of RM610 million. On the deficit to be incurred, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari said the state government ought to embark into fiscal expansionary policy to boost productivity that will revive the local economy given the devastating impacts of the Covid19 pandemic to the state economy and the livelihood of the people.

Our Chief Minister is also convinced that by going in this direction, Sarawak can ride through the present difficult and challenging times but aiming to recover stronger and getting back on track better.

“The consequences for not making any intervention measures in terms of significant public investments and spending may result in severe and disastrous repercussions on the people well-be‐ ing and economic prosperity in the future,” our Chief Minister said during the meeting which was held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Jalan Bako, Kuching.

IN the 2022 budget, a sum of RM7.509 billion will be provided for development expenditure estimates and distributed throughout several key sectors which include RM5.371 billion which will be allocated under the economic sector to carry out programmes and projects. It include RM3.796 billion for commerce and industry such as state's investment, state industrialisation programmes, and tourism pro motion; RM1.18 billion for transport which includes roads, bridges, riverine infrastructure and ports, navigational safety and various infrastructure projects under ‘Projek Rakyat’; RM134 million for agriculture development such as crop and industry development, agriculture infrastructure, veterinary services and agri‐ culture research; and RM91 million for provision of energy and public utilities especially in the rural areas.

Allocation on other programmes and projects under our economic sector include RM50 million for the environment such as forest conservation, reforestation and restoration, urban drainage, and flood mitigation projects; RM53 million for feasibility studies on state development planning and policy formulation; and RM67 million for research and development.

Our Chief Minister had mentioned RM1.905 billion will be allocated under the social sector to implement people-centric programmes and projects such as RM1.155 billion for village and community development mainly for Rural Transformation Projects (RTP), Minor Rural Projects (MRP), Kampung Extension Schemes, Urban Renewal Projects (URP) and Rural Growth Centres (RGC); RM220 million for housing development mainly for construction of affordable houses; RM544 million for local authorities and social welfare services which also include urban sewerage and waste management as well as landfill development.

Also covered under the social sector is RM162 million for edu‐ cation and human capital development through upskilling and reskilling programmes; and RM24 million for culture, youth and sports including upgrading of various sports facilities throughout the state.

An allocation of RM253 million will be allocated under the general administration sector such as for the construction of government offices and quarters as well as information and communications technology (ICT) and digital projects.

Sarawak’s economy is also expected to grow between 5 per cent and 6 per cent next year which is an improvement compared to the growth of three to four per cent projected in 2021. Our Chief said this year’s economic growth is supported by external demand and improvement in domestic economic activities.

For 2022, the growth is projected to improve with the reopening of global economies and domestic businesses under Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and it is the state government’s continuous efforts in ensuring Sarawakians are fully vaccinated and creating a safer environment for all segments of the population, have stepped up the progress of recovery. As of September 15 this year, 83.9 per cent of the adult population in Sarawak had been fully vaccinated.

Talking about forthcoming Sarawak State Elections and #UNDI18

I have expressed my opinion on the next Sarawak's state election (PRN) which should be held as soon as possible regardless of whether Undi18 is taken into effect. Our media friends were also informed that I was unperturbed if Undi18 is in effect as the 12th Sarawak Election will need to be held sooner or later since the term of all our 81 state assemblymen was supposed to end in June this year.

If we see the scale of Covid-19 which has slowly dipped down, we are able to manage it nicely. I see nothing wrong in us moving forward because now we are on borrowed time as far as politics is concerned. We are supposed to have the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) automatically dissolved on June 6 but now we are still here. I don’t think some members of the public are happy.

That is why I feel I am quite puzzled the opposition is not calling for election. Maybe they still want to enjoy the extra time ‘gaji’ (salary). I have mentioned that Sarawak is currently still under the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 until February 1, 2022. The DUN should have been dissolved on June 7 and subsequently Aug 2 pursuant to Article 21(3) of the State Constitution but this clause is suspended by Section 3(1) of the current Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021.

It had also been reported previously the Proclamation of Emergency is issued to suspend the election because of the Covid19 pandemic. I have mentioned that there is about three and half months left before the Emergency against Covid-19 imposed in the state is due to end on Feb 1. This does not mean the Emergency could not be lifted earlier than Feb 1. But somebody has got to advise the Yang diPertuan Agong on this matter.

I have explained that our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would need to advise Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in consultation with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong AlSultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Mustafa Billah Shah for the Emergency to be lifted earlier.

On Oct 7, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh urged Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) not to call for the 12th State Election (PRN12) amid the ongoing pandemic.

Wong had said in a statement the ruling coalition must not prioritise politics over the health and general wellbeing of Sarawakians, more so with the state consistently record‐ ing the highest number of daily Covid-19 infections in the country. 

On Undi18 which will be implemented in time to allow those aged 18 to 21 to vote in the state election, I have reiterated that as it is, the next state election, that one (Undi18) will be applicable. The automatic registration is still ongoing. I even checked on my son who is 18 years old and his name is already inside the electoral roll. It is a question of when EC (Election Commission) wants to gazette the date.

Calling on SDMC not to impose further entry requirements for interstate travel

Today I had called on our Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) not to impose further entry requirements for interstate travel now that it has lifted the need for police permits. This is also because any form of movement restriction was a hindrance to tourism.

I'm not happy with the other requirements that the Sarawak government is putting to enter Sarawak. I don't see the basis for it. The police have done their part, why do we need to have these requirements to enter Sarawak? I was commenting to our media friends' request for my reactions on SDMC's announcement on Sunday (Oct 10) that fully vaccinated individuals can travel to Sarawak from other states without a police permit, in line with the Federal Government's decision to allow interstate travel.

However, SDMC had also required individuals travelling to the state must still apply for entry via "EnterSarawak" online with proof of their vaccination status and they must submit negative PCR or antigen test results from a health clinic or laboratory within three days of departure.

I opined that our state should allow fully vaccinated individuals to enter from within Malaysia without the need for further requirements. You don't need (these requirements) to enter Sarawak, the way I see it. Just show that you have received two doses of the vaccine and you are free to enter.

Now that the Malaysian government has put aside the need for the MyTravelPass for Malaysians to travel overseas, so why is Sarawak still putting all these conditions because adding such requirements would hinder tourists from coming to Sarawak.

My comments on the search and rescue (SAR) mission in finding our missing anglers

Last night I had voiced my comments to our media friends who were present at Telaga Air Esplanade in Kuching where the search and rescue (SAR) mission base that was set up to find the 15 missing anglers who were involved in two separate fishing boat incidents which occur on October 2 and 3 respectively.

This is because the present situation had shown that there are conflicts between several enforcement agencies including Sarawak Coast Gurad (SCG), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) and Civil Defense Force (APM). This also as to each of the agency’s respective jurisdiction.

I was made to understand that the establishment of our Coast Guard (SCG) by the State

government was meant for surveillance and rescue purposes, not for defence security or to go to war. Our coast guard’s jurisdiction is also limited as they cannot go beyond certain

distance out to sea and they require prior permission from Kuala Lumpur before they can

proceed for any operations. While deep sea areas comes under the jurisdiction of MMEA and the coastal area is under Bomba, I did query on where are other agencies such as SCG are situated?

In any SAR, it is an emergency situation and every related agency is supposed to come

together and help as fast as possible. When our government established SCG, the purpose is not for security or for going to war with other countries. Instead, it is meant for surveillance and rescue so let them perform their duties. However, when unfortunate incidents arise such as the cases where two boats went missing at sea, the problem of who has the jurisdiction and conflicts arises. 

That was why I questioned where was our coast guards during the SAR operation which started on Saturday (Oct 2). I believe our Sarawak government had spent about RM80 million to set it up and buy the boats. If the boats are only sitting at the jetty then it is useless and wasting our Rakyat’s money.

Thus, there are certain areas the federal and state governments must refine when it comes to this issue. I have also mentioned that when Malaysia was formed, matters concerning security was enshrined in the Malaysian Agreement and enforcement agencies such as the army, Police, Bomba and APM were under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

However, in view of the vast size of Sarawak’s waters and borders, I have asserted that our State government knew these agencies are likely to face problems when it comes to

surveillance and disasters that requires many agencies to participate in SAR.

Therefore, if we need to bring this negotiation to the federal government, then please do so

because the intention of the Sarawak government in setting up SCG is not to clash or

find problems with foreign countries. Our goal is to help in the event of a disaster. Human life is important. That is why all these agencies must work hand-in-hand, together with the local communities or villages.

On this note, I have expressed appreciation for the joint efforts by related agencies such as Maritim, Bomba and SCG’s the past few days in searching for the missing anglers. I have also asserted my earlier remarks were not meant to scold or reprimand any side. I finally knew why our coast guards could not be deployed for the SAR operation on the first day because of the circumstances and therefore, I expressed hope for all the agencies involved would be able to continue cooperate in finding the missing anglers.

Thanking management and staff of Sarawak Culture Village for their hospitality and splendid service

Better late than never and I thank Sarawak Culture Village (SCV) for the invite to join the working visit by YB Dato' Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri on Sunday morning. The weather was fine and it is good to be here at the village of months being closed due to Covid19 and PKP.

We were invited in conjunction with the official opening announcement of SCV to the general public and also on the RM5 million improvement works that will be conducted at the respective ethnic houses found in the village. But of course, our local folks will be excited because the entrance ticket is only RM20 per person for the promotional period until end of December 2021. We also support YB Dato' Seri Nancy's hope for the announcement of interstate travel to be made soon so that by the time it comes, perhaps a travel bubble could be formed between Sarawak and those states in the Semenanjung.

Thank you so much to our kind hosts who had provided us delicious lunch at the Rumah Melayu and also the lovely hospitality arrangements that had smitten all who were present for the morning's event.