Visit by Deputy Director of National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK)

My thanks to Tuan Khairul Anwar Bin Bachok, the Deputy Director of National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) who came to our office recently together with Tuan Abdul Hamediee bin Ibrahim, the Director of AADK Sarawak.

It has been quite a while for us to meet the guests from Putra Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and they are in Kuching for this year's meeting for the Sarawak level Drugs Prevention Action Council (MBDM) at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Petra Jaya Kuching.

Tuan Khairul shared the good news on the approval of drug sniffer dogs for Sarawak after we made the call to the Federal Government. 

I have highlighted such requirements in view of the massive size of the state, but having a small number of enforcement personnel. Sarawak is such a huge state. Drugs can enter from many places, which is why we need more dogs to detect them.

Humans cannot detect drugs (without the use of devices), but dogs can. However, we cannot just buy or train more dogs because this is under the jurisdiction of the federal government. They (drug sniffer dogs) must be taken care of carefully and a special budget is allocated to take care of them if they are in service for the law enforcement.

As  Sarawak's chairman of Malaysia Drugs Prevention Association (Pemadam), I also stressed on the importance of having more drug sniffer dogs in Sarawak as there were too few canines trained for that purpose, and in this regard, he urged the federal government to set an allocation meant to purchase and train more dogs to be placed at entry points around our nation

Malaysia already having many airports, ports, immigration posts and parcel offices, where drugs could potentially be smuggled in, there were just not enough sniffer dogs to be deployed. Members of the public are concerned with the increase in the number of drug abuse and smuggling cases in the country, including in Sarawak, where it has now spread to villages, homes and farming areas in the interiors.

Telling PKR not to jeopardise cooperation with unity govt

Our media friends had recently seek my comments on the issue of PKR and whether they should be contesting in Sarawak's coming state elections due in April 2027. I was also responding to the question from our media friends at the press conference held at our office. 

Personally, PKR should refrain from participating in the next state election that may jeopardise the ruling coalition's cooperation under the unity government. I have mentioned this because considering the past and recent elections, PKR has not managed to make significant inroads in Sarawak. 

Given our current unity government status, there is no point in challenging this balance. I have mentioned that PKR has struggled to gain a foothold in Sarawak, and so far only Democratic Action Party (DAP) has secured two seats in the past state elections. It's best for us to leave it as it is. 

At present, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly comprises of 82 seats, with only two held by the opposition, both from the DAP. PKR holds no seats in the assembly so it is best that it remains the same in future state elections. Disrupting this current situation is unnecessary. Just leave it as it is. You do it that way , we will reciprocate that way also.

PKR should not jeopardise the ruling coalition's cooperation under the unity government, by contesting in the state elections. This stance reflects a strategic choice to maintain stability and cooperation within the unity government, rather than pursuing uncertain electoral gains in Sarawak. 

Good outcomes from the recent Anti-Drug Action Council (MTMD) meeting

Recently I had chaired the annual meeting for the "Anti-Drug Action Council" (MTMD) meeting which was held at our office in Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Petra Kuching recently. The meeting which was organised by National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) was also attended by representatives from local and Federal government departments, agencies and bodies.

The drug abuse situation in Sarawak is still under control and it is heartening to see that this due to the concerted efforts of all parties in combating the problem. I have also mentioned this at the press conference after chairing the meeting. 

Although we sometimes hear about drug arrests and so on, but compared to other states, our problem is relatively under control and that is why Sarawak is in the group of low drug abuse states.

I had also emphasized the important role played by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in combating drug abuse. On another note, our government is willing to bear additional costs to increase the number of drug detection dogs in Sarawak. Our government has made an offer for this dog to be added to the state government which pays the costs involved.

Media interview at the sidelines of recent 18th General Assembly of the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF)

My thanks to our media friends based in Mongolia who took time to interview me at the sidelines of the recent 18th General Assembly of the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) held in the Province of Tuv, Mongolia. A lot of interesting questions posed by our media friends especially on geo tourism matters and I have also cordially invited them to come over to #Sarawak our country for visits to our unique tourist attractions sites.

hashtaghashtag

Bilateral talks in conjunction with recent 18th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) General Assembly held in Tuv, Mongolia.

We had organised bilateral talks with various member provinces during sidelines of the recent 18th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) General Assembly held in Tuv, Mongolia.

As head of Sarawak delegation, I had led discussions with other member countries which were aimed at enhancing regional tourism collaboration and promoting sustainable development.

Our talks with the delegates from Yogyakarta (Indonesia) had focused on developing geotourism initiatives, promoting cultural exchanges, and sharing knowledge on geotourism to boost local economic growth.

Both countries had common interest in the discussions which underscored the importance of leveraging geological features and cultural heritage to attract tourists and support community development.

In our discussions with this year’s host, Tuv of Mongolia, we had spoken on opportunities for joint tourism promotion and improving air connectivity among EATOF members. It is also aimed at fostering a common understanding of cultural heritage and traditional sports tourism, which are vital components of both regions' tourism strategies.

Meanwhile, our counterparts from Gangwon, South Korea had mentioned on Sarawak's pioneering efforts in geotourism and the Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. In fact, we are the only region in EATOF which had a strategic plan for sustainable growth including PCDS 2030 which focuses on economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

Our counterparts from Gangwon had expressed interest in several initiatives including golf tourism, the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme, edu-tourism for short-term English courses, and participation in the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS). We have also cordially invited all EATOF member provinces to participate in future Rainforest Youth Summits which is aimed to foster greater regional collaboration and youth engagement in environmental conservation.

Attending 18th General Assembly of East Asia Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) in Tuv, Mongolia

The recent 18th General Assembly of the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) held in the Province of Tuv, Mongolia had ended on a high note with positive outcomes for all member countries. I was leading the #Sarawak #Malaysia delegation and our thanks to this year’s host, Tuv province of Mongolia for their warm hospitality to all delegates representing 10 Asian countries.

The recent assembly was attended by members including Gangwon, South Korea; Jilin of China; Sarawak, Malaysia; Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Cebu in the Philippines; Tottori of Japan; Luang Prabang, Laos; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Quang Ninh, Vietnam.

Under the theme of “Bridging Global and Local”, this year’s meeting had highlights which include exchanging of information on tourism policy and industry, and development of joint programs which promote tourism of the individual provinces. We had also discussed on training, education, and exchange of personnel working in tourism coming from government and private sectors.

My comments on Sarawak Day celebrations

It is always delightful and a joyful occasion for all of us to celebrate Sarawak Day on every July 22 simply because it is held in conjunction with the anniversary of Bumi Kenyalang - the name of Sarawak which is also popularly known.

It is also the time when we extend gratitude and appreciation to our ancestors as well as unsung heroes who had struggled for Sarawak's freedom and independence. 

While the "Ibu Pertiwi" official flags are being displayed all over the place, there are still those who preferred to continue flying the old "crown flag" at some premises which to my personal views is an act of ignorance about Sarawak’s history.

I have commented to our media friends on this matter and suggested that the group of individuals flying the old crown flags as "confused lots" who should get back into reading the history of Sarawak.

It is not an offence to fly the old Sarawak crown flag but it only reflects the ignorance of some who probably might need to read back the history book. The old Sarawak crown flag was the flag (used) when Sarawak was still under the rule of the Brooke family and later a colony of Britain.

Perhaps those who fly those flags still wanted to be subjects of the United Kingdom which I have my doubts that they would even be granted (British) citizenship and that is whyI look at them as confused lots.

Positive outcomes from recent Supreme Council Meeting on 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI)

We had the final meeting with the Supreme Council members of Malaysia Games (SUKMA) which was chaired by the honourable Puan Hannah Yeoh, the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports and she had officially announced that the forthcoming 21st SUKMA in Sarawak will feature 37 different sports and games.

The delightful announcement was good news to all of us because Sarawak will host the largest SUKMA ever and the total number of sporting events is much more than the ones to be held in this year's Olympics in Paris, France.

I had attended the meeting together with his honourable Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, our Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Sarawak and also Datu Hii Chang Kee, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of our SUKMA's secretariat.

On another note, it was also officially announced that Selangor will host the coming 22nd edition of SUKMA in 2026 and it was well received by all the Supreme Council members who also applauded Sarawak's willingness to become one of the venues for the 2027 edition Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. 

Courtesy visit by Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Sabah's Minister of Youth and Sports

I had the pleasure of meeting his honourable Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Sabah's Minister of Youth and Sports who came over to my office for a courtesy visit together with his senior officers from the ministry and Sabah Sports Council.

Earlier on Datuk Ellron and his entourage had also visited the secretariat's office for the forthcoming 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) located at Level 1 of Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Medan Petra Jaya in Kuching. 
 
Also present during the courtesy visit were Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, our Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) and Datuk Mansur Asun, Permanent Secretary to the Sabah Ministry of Youth & Sports.

Getting full authority on Sarawak's Malaysia My 2nd Home (S-MM2H) programme

We had thanked the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MoTAC) which on July 1 has delegated full authority over the Sarawak's Malaysia My 2nd Home (S-MM2H) programme to us which had enabled our government to independently process and issue permits, licenses as well as to develop its own terms and conditions. 

This is much welcomed and Sarawak's Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) will set up a small lab to discuss as well as to refine the terms and conditions for the S-MM2H programme in which the findings from the lab would be presented to the Cabinet for approval and endorsement.

I have conveyed the good news to our media friends recently and we will not bind ourselves to all the conditions set by the federal government for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

We have noted that many agencies and companies handling the S-MM2H programme have faced pressure and uncertainty since their yearly permits have not been renewed since October or November last year.

After discussions with our counterparts from MoTAC and the Federal Minister of Tourism and Culture and consultations with the Premier...we had finally received the delegation of powers. If we were to impose the same conditions as the federal programme in Sarawak, it will be time consuming for participants. That is why we need the lab, which will include industry stakeholders.

Once the outcomes from the lab’s are completed, I will present its recommendations to Sarawak's Cabinet for endorsement. After that, we will start issuing permits under terms and conditions suitable for Sarawak. We will not impose the same fixed deposit requirements as in Peninsular Malaysia.

Our pleasure to have met author of “Masks of Bali-Between Heaven & Hell” book

It was a pleasure to have met Indonesia’s mask dancer and scholar Professor I Made Bandem who is also the author of “Masks of Bali-Between Heaven & Hell” book. It is the first complete academic study on the origins, history and the living legacy of Balinese mask dance, an ancient performance art. 

Prof Made together with Indonesian art expert, Bruce W Carpenter had produced the wonderful book on the subject matter which has existed for over a 1,000 years. I admire the book which had served as an illustrated visual tour de force that includes rare historical photos, artworks and stunning contemporary images of Indonesia’s living traditions. 

It had featured 600 masks, many of which are rare and unpublished, which were discovered over a period of four years from temples, museums and private collections around the world. The book itself is a major contribution to the study of Indonesia’s Balinese art and culture.

Thumbs up to BAYU cultural dance troupe of University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) for their participation in Bali Art Festival 2024

Well done to the cultural dance troupe (BAYU) of University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) for being invited to participate in this year's Bali Arts Festival which is on June 15 to July 15 in Bali, Denpasar.I had the opportunity to meet up with members of BAYU who were preparing for their performance at Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre. This year's theme for the exciting festival is entitled "Jana Kerthi Pramaguna Wikrama" which means "Uplifting Human Dignity and Excellence.

Apart from having street parades and culture performances, this year's festival also featured modern music, dances and theatrical shows with wonderful traditional cultural elements that showcase the unique mixture of cultural diversity of the Indonesian folks. 

Last year, the BAYU group was also invited to participate in the Festival De Confolens of France and a total of 20 students from UNIMAS had performed at the event with the support of Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).

Courtesy visit to office of Bali's Head of Culture Department in Denpasar, Indonesia

Our appreciation to Professor Dr Gede Arya, the Head of Culture at Bali’s Department of Culture who had received our courtesy visit to his office in Bali, Denpasar recently. We had the visit in conjunction with our brief trip to this year's Bali Art Festival which is on from June 15 to July 13 under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).

Our delegation had also met Bapak Tjok Bagus, the Head of Tourism in Bali for having received our courtesy visit to his office on the same day. Also present during the visit were YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, our Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak and Datu Sherrina Hussain, Permanent Secretary to the ministry as well as Puan Dayang Mariana, the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of Sarawak Art Council (MSS) and Encik Charles Surya, the CEO of Sarawak Crafts Council (SCC). 

Thanking our media friends from National News Agency (BERNAMA) for the interview on 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMAXXI)

Our appreciation to the editorial team from Malaysia's National News Agency (BERNAMA) who came all the way to Kuching from Kuala Lumpur yesterday in order to interview me on the forthcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

Our media friends from BERNAMA had also inquired the gold medals forecast for Sarawak in the 21st edition of SUKMA and I had reveal that it is being finalised but will be announced soon.

This year's SUKMA had created much a buzz among our media fraternity because it is the largest to be organised in the country with 37 different types of sports and games to be held in 9 different locations in Sarawak. 

The positive spin off from one-week long games will also boost our tourism sector with thousands of athletes who will be travelling to Sarawak together with their coaches, contingents' officials and supporters consisting of family members and friends.

Counting the days to staging of 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMAXXI)

With 39 days to go, the forthcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) is expected to become the largest to be staged in our country and the centre stage is all set for the event to commence from 17 to 24 August. I had the opportunity to meet with all of our Assistant Chef-de-Mission (ACDM) and representatives from the respective associations in the SUKMA Sarawak Briefing session which was held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

I had also the opportunity to get latest updates with the preparations of our athletes vying for top honours in the 21st edition of the games which will feature a total of 37 different types of games and sports. Each of the associations had revealed their preparations as well as the gold medal forecast which was generally modest in numbers.

Nevertheless, I am satisfied with our athletes' readiness in spearheading Sarawak's challenge in becoming the runaway champion this time round. It will not be an easy task but we can achieve it together with the moral support from our local folks when the games commence.