Sarawak leaders not happy

June 28, 2016

Sarawak leaders unhappy state loses full minister’s post in new cabinet lineup, accept PM’s prerogative in federal ministerial appointment

KUCHING: The federal cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday is a disappointment for the state, as the minister’s post vacated by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was not filled by a Sarawakian.

Uggah, who stepped down as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister to take up the post as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, said many had expected the replacement for his federal post to come from the state.

“I am very disappointed that no MP from Sarawak was considered to take over my former position. We believe one of our MPs is qualified enough to be appointed. I am speaking on behalf of Pesaka wing in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).”

Uggah, who is PBB senior vice president and still the Betong MP, contested in the last state election in Bukit Saban constituency where he won by 4,599 vote-majority in a straight fight.

He was appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the new state cabinet lineup announced on May 13 and he was also given the portfolio of Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy.

Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong who was appointed Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism is the only appointment from Sarawak.

Prior to yesterday’s federal cabinet announcement, speculations were rife that Kapit MP and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi or Saratok MP Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom would be appointed to take up the post vacated by Uggah.

‘Fare hike should not burden rural folk’

November 5, 2014

Express boat fares must be regulated. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: The increase in express boat fares, while inevitable and necessary, should be implemented in such a way that it would not burden the people.

This is a shared sentiment among several state leaders, in response to reports stating that costs of travelling between Kapit, Song and Sibu by express boats had gone up by RM2 to RM10.

Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) controller William Jinep disclosed that his side was carrying out investigation on the matter.

Azmin, please look at countries implementing GST

November 1, 2013

SIBU: Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a system adopted by almost 200 countries worldwide, Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday.

“Had the tax system been counter-productive, it would not have been adopted by a majority of countries in the world, whether developed or undeveloped,” he pointed out.

“GST is implemented in 160 countries in the world…definitely, there will be hitches here and there when it is implemented come 2015. But Malaysians would soon adjust themselves to this new system,” he said.

He was reacting to Gombak MP Azmin Ali who had said that Malaysia was seen as not ready to implement the new tax because more than 40 per cent of the people had household income of less than RM2,500 a month, with 80 per cent being Malays and Bumiputras.

Azmin was reported by Bernama as saying that GST would squeeze the low income earners and the poor.

He said the government must take a leaf from developed nations which only implemented GST after their tax infrastructure were strong and income taxes were reduced to avoid burdening the people.

Meanwhile, Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said: “I do agree with YB Azmin, MP Gombak. That the current tax infrastructure must be strengthened and consolidated so that the tax system is efficient and only hit the right target and objectives.

Galeri: Youth Day Celebration 2013

May 26, 2013

Tan Sri Morshidi Ghani, Abdul Karim Hamzah, Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Tan Sri William Mawan, Datuk Dr. Stephen Rundi and Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi giving the thumbs up after the launching.