‘Close ranks to recapture Sibu, Lanang’

December 2, 2017

SIBU: State Barisan Nasional leaders are echoing the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent statement that there is a fighting chance for BN to wrest two opposition strongholds - Sibu and Lanang - this parliamentary election if Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and United People’s Party (UPP) could close ranks and work out an amicable solution to their apparent division before the 14th General Election (GE14).

The Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told TheBorneoPost that in order to win any seat or win any election, the party contesting must be able to maintain and secure unity of its members and supporters.

“I fully agree that to win Sibu and Lanang, BN parties SUPP, PBB, PRS and PDP as well as parties linked to BN like UPP in those seats must be able to unite their members and supporters and make sure they support the BN’s candidates.”

SWP may apply to join BN if subscribed to the struggle

November 16, 2016

 

SIBU: A PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says any party may apply to join BN if they subscribed to BN’s struggle.

“However, before applying, one needs to see whether their act could strengthen BN or it is done for some personal agenda," said Abdul Karim in reference to a claim by Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) that it has sent an application to join the coalition.

He added: “There are already four BN parties in Sarawak and I am unsure having another one would be an appropriate action.”

Meanwhile the State BN Secretary General Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi disclosed that he had not received any application from the party.

“(Furthermore) we have not discussed the matter,” Dr Rundi, who is Public Utilities Minister, told The Borneo Post yesterday when asked if he had received the application and on the status of the application.

In a press conference here last Saturday, SWP president Munan Laja claimed that they had sent the application but were yet to receive any feedback from BN.

Nonetheless, Munan was hopeful their application would be accepted as the party’s intention was to work with the BN in developing the state.

State BN always ready for election

September 6, 2016 

PBB is always ready for an election, says its Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“In fact, PBB machinery has always been actively running activities on the ground, irrespective of whether there’s an election coming or not,” said Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, to a local English daily.

He was commenting on a Bernama report that quoted Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as urging BN components to gear up for GE14.

Meanwhile the PBB Secretary General Datuk Dr Stepten Rundi Utom also concurred with Zahid that Barisan Nasional should "make early preparations" for the general election.

He pointed out the present parliamentary term expires in 2018 which is about two years from now.

However, the Secretary General was confident that PBB had no problem to get ready for the GE as the party's election machinery was still intact and fresh from the recent state election.

SPDP revealed that it was heeding Ahmad Zahid’s call and actually had been making preparations.

GRS has the right to contest but not surprised if rejected by the rakyat -Karim

July 12, 2016

SIBU: Barisan Nasional (BN) is not perturbed by State Reform Party (Reform) teaming up with six other political parties to mount a challenge to BN in the 14th general election (GE14) as their capability is yet to be seen.

For one, it is not a surprise that these small parties are trying to make a mark in Malaysian politics, said state BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi.

“Whether they are able to make an impact or not, (that is) yet to be seen.

“Personally, I doubt they can pose a strong challenge to BN in the coming GE14,” Dr Rundi, who is also PBB secretary-general, said yesterday.

The Minister of Public Utilities was commenting on media report that Reform was teaming up with six other political parties to form an alliance to be called ‘Gabungan Rakyat Saksama’ to take on BN in the next parliamentary election.

Reform president Lina Soo reportedly said the six parties were Parti Sejahtera Angkatan Perpaduan Sabah (Sapu), Pertubuhan Perpaduan Raykat Kebangsaan Sabah (Perpaduan), Malaysia United People’s Party (Mupp), Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru) and People’s Alternative Party.

According to Soo, the seven parties were expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon, and thereafter apply to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to register as a political alliance.

‘KPI will keep BN lawmakers on their toes’

June 18, 2016

KUCHING: The key performance indicator (KPI) introduced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for ministers and Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers will serve as a reminder for them not to rest on their laurels.

Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the KPI would ensure that all BN elected representatives – particularly those in the state cabinet – would maintain a high standard of performance and delivery to the people. He deemed the introduction of the performance-based management report a positive move, adding he was sure BN elected representatives would have no problem maintaining standards.

“A good advice and reminder by our chief minister. This will keep the assemblymen and ministers on their toes. However, keep in mind that BN elected representatives have always been dedicated and committed to their constituencies. Nevertheless, the caution is a good reminder for them not to rest on their laurels,” the Asajaya assemblyman told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.

Abdul Karim was commenting on the setting up of performance-based management for all ministries, where all ministers are required to have their own KPIs as stated by Adenan in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Wednesday.

All BN lawmakers are also required to have their own KPIs, in which a report must be submitted to Adenan every six months.

Adenan said inept ministers would be dropped from the state cabinet, while non-performing elected representatives would not be nominated to defend their seats in the next state election.

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the KPI is part of the Adenan administration’s efforts to fulfil BN’s manifesto for the state election.

State BN leaders attribute landslide win to ‘Adenan’ factor

May 9, 2016

SIBU: State BN leaders have attributed the landslide victory to the Adenan factor, winning 72 out of 82 seats in the just concluded 11th Sarawak Election.

They said the Chief Minister had created a ‘feel good’ factor.

PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said: “He (Adenan) has created an ‘aura’ of confidence towards BN with his many good decisions since taking the helm of the state in the last two years.

“Sarawakian voters feel that he is a good leader and should be given the chance to lead.”

He said BN was also better prepared for the election this time around.

The avalanche of projects through ‘Rural Transformation Projects’ or RTP the last two years had created a ‘good feeling’ everywhere, which had now transformed into votes, noted Abdul Karim.

“The ‘good explanation’ of Adenan’s policy and decision through his criss-crossing the state and through programmes like ‘Sejiwa Senada’ has created a feeling of ‘real confidence’ in Adenan from all levels of society,” he said.

Approval rating is a manifestation of people's confidence in Adenan

April 21, 2016

PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s approval rating is a manifestation of the people’s confidence in his leadership.

However, he cautioned that it was just an opinion survey covering a small spectrum of society of probably a few hundred people.

“It is not a true indication that several urban seats previously held by the opposition would be recaptured.

“We still need to work hard and ensure that what’s shown in the survey would become a reality,” he added.

The State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi also echoed similar standpoint against complacency.

He said the BN candidates needed to work diligently to translate this popularity into votes, saying Adenan’s popularity was no guarantee that all BN candidates would win.

Abdul Karim: No way DAP can form unity government with BN

February 19, 2016

KUCHING: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) will never accept Democratic Action Party (DAP) into its fold as the idea will not augur well with the coalition’s policies, considering the different objectives and set-up between the two political entities.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said both Barisan and DAP have their own history and objectives which are completely different which could prove difficult if the two were to work together in a unity government.

Although nothing is impossible in politics, the Asajaya assemblyman believes the possibility for a unity government between the state Barisan and the opposition party, given the present political scenario, is not feasible.

“DAP, through the years of its struggle, has been seen as a chauvinist, racist party. It might have tried to reach out to the other races in the last few years, to make it look ‘multiracial’, but the fact shows that it is a predominantly Chinese-based party. Unfortunately, the party’s struggle is also seen as more towards one particular race as well.

“Nevertheless, anything is possible in politics but looking at the present political scenario, prospect of a coalition government between BN and DAP looks almost nil and impossible,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.

He was responding to state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s comment that his party did not rule out the possibility of forming a unity government with the Sarawak BN at the state level.

Chong, who is Bandar Kuching MP, was reported in a national Chinese daily as saying that as long as he is DAP Sarawak chairman, the party will not join BN. However, he would not rule out 100 per cent the possibility of forming a unity government with Barisan. He added that in many countries, the opposition cooperates with the ruling parties at state levels but fights at the federal level.

Adenan coy on Uggah taking over Bukit Saban seat

January 25, 2016

Jabu gives the thumbs-up while posing for a group photo with his wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu (fourth right), Dr Rundi (fifth right) and others. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Election fever in the state is beginning to heat up as rumours are swelling that there is a possibility Betong MP Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas might swap seat with Bukit Saban assemblyman Robert Lawson Chuat in the coming state election.

However, PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was decidedly coy on the matter and merely hinted that there was a possibility that this might happen.

“There is always the possibility but it does not only apply to the state elected representative for Bukit Saban,” he told a press conference after chairing the PBB Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters yesterday.

This led reporters to ask if other MPs from Sarawak including Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof might contest during the state election.

Not one to be persuaded so easily, Adenan, who is also Chief Minister, quipped: “Your guess is as good as mine.”

The rumour mill has been on overdrive for the past two weeks as there are whispers from the grassroots that Uggah’s move to contest the state seat is to pave the way for him to become the next deputy chief minister.

Another rumour heard from the grapevine was that Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang might vacate his Layar seat to make way for his son Gerald Rentap.

‘Better for BN if Chinese united under one party’

January 3, 2016

SIBU: There is a higher chance for Barisan Nasional (BN) to wrest back the urban seats in the next state election if the Chinese remained united under one party.

Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, who is state BN secretary-general, was asked if the coming polls would see urban seats returning to BN as well as the swing of support from the Chinese community to the coalition, given the soaring popularity of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“There is swing to BN, definitely but if the Chinese are united under one party, the chances of winning would be better,” Dr Rundi, who is Kemena assemblyman, told thesundaypost.

In the 2011 state election, BN won 55 of 71 seats.

PBB secured all 35 seats it contested in, while SUPP only managed six out of 19; PRS eight out of nine; and SPDP six out of eight. Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is Asajaya assemblyman, personally hoped to see the urban seats returning to BN in the next state election.

He said urban seats to be contested by PBB such as Satok, Nangka and Jepak would definitely be going to BN but those eyed by SUPP, or maybe united People’s Party (UPP) would present a tough fight for the candidates.

“We do hope that the soaring popularity, openness and transparency of the chief minister in his short stint so far, he could bring more urban voters to lean towards BN.

No place in S’wak for Opposition of ‘noise-makers’

January 3, 2016

The Barisan Nasional (BN) is not saying that Sarawak does not need an Opposition which can act as a check-and-balance but it’s against one which “simply makes noise”.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak has taken the position that the state does not need an Opposition which “simply makes noise”. “We are not saying that Sarawak does not need an Opposition which can act as a check-and-balance,” said Nangka Assemblyman Annuar Rapaee. “What we are saying is that we don’t need an Opposition which simply makes noise.”

Annuar along with Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister of Public Utilities Stephen Rundi were expressing the hope in the local media that the urban seats would return to the ruling coalition but acknowledged that the Chinese, in that case, would have to unite under one political party in the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak.

“There’s a better chance of BN taking back the urban seats if the Chinese were united under one political party,” said Stephen who is also BN Sarawak Secretary-General.

He noted that Chinese “had begun swinging back to BN given Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s popularity” but thinks the trend wasn’t pronounced enough. “The Chinese must unite under one political party in the BN for the coalition to win back the urban seats.”

Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya Assemblyman and a PPB Supreme Council member, expects his party to retain its urban seats such as Satok, Nangka and Jepak but concedes the ostensibly multiracial but Chinese-led and dominated Sarawak United People’s Party (Supp) will have a tough fight in other urban seats against the DAP. “We hope that Adenan, given his popularity, because of his emphasis on openness and transparency, can play a big role in wooing back urban voters.”

“The Chief Minister is a leader for all communities. It’s not often that we get a leader like this.”

In 2011, the last state election, BN won 55 of the 71 seats contested. The number of seats has since increased by 11 to 82.

No quarter shown if PAS goes up against BN

December 27, 2015

Sibu: PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah welcomed PAS' decision to contest in more than 10 constituencies in the next state election.

He said Malaysia is a democratic country, therefore any registered political party could contest anywhere they wanted.

However, Abdul Karim didn't believe that PAS could do better because in the past it was defeated badly with almost all candidates losing their deposits.
 

Stick to CM’s decision on seats — Abd Karim

December 18, 2015

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties must agree with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s decision that only one BN candidate will be put up in each constituency in the coming state election.

Concurring with Adenan, Abdul Karim said the candidate would be the one endorsed by BN.

“BN component parties must agree to that and the final decision on who the candidates are rests on the chairman of state BN,” Abdul Karim wrote in his WhatsApp yesterday.

Sarawak BN leaders question PBS’ motive in spreading wings beyond its shores

November 16, 2015

SIBU: Sarawakians are in the good hand of state-based parties under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, hence there is no need for outside party/s to provide ‘advice’.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said yesterday Sarawakians are standing solidly behind Adenan’s leadership.

Dr Rundi was asked to comment on the media report of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), with the green light from the Registrar of Societies (ROS), spreading its wings to Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

PBS president Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan in his speech at the party’s delegates conference had requested that PBS’ application to expand to the peninsula and Sarawak be looked into.

“Whatever their (PBS) reasons are, this is a democratic country and they are free to decide as they deem fit, subject to ROS approval.

“But as far as Sarawak and Sarawakians are concerned – we are confident that we are in the good hand of Sarawak-based parties and we trust the leadership of our YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan and will stand steadfastly behind him.

“And I don’t think we need any party/s outside Sarawak to tell us what is best for us and what to do for the better future for Sarawakians,” Dr Rundi, who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications), told The Borneo Post.

‘Rumoured opposition pact will be disproportionate’

September 5, 2015

SIBU: The rumoured new opposition pact consisting of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has been called a “disproportionate relationship”.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the rumoured union would likely see the DAP continuing to dominate.

“Initially, even when the partner parties of DAP, PKR and PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) were equally strong, there were already fundamental differences among them. It was then a marriage of convenience.

“What would emerge immediately is the disproportionate relationship in the new ‘Pakatan’. DAP will dominate. Sarawakians should be wary about this. The new outfit would be controlled by their big brothers in KL. They are not autonomous,” Talib told The Borneo Post yesterday.

He reckoned that if the opposition were to win seats in the election, they would be mainly held by DAP, leaving PKR and Amanah with reduced roles and influence.

“Amanah being new and their representatives rejected by PAS would nevertheless be used by DAP. It would be a tool,” he said.

BN has brought much devt to Sarawak — Abdul Karim

August 11, 2015

SIBU: Barisan Nasional (BN) policies, whether national or state, have brought tremendous development to Sarawak, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.

He pointed out this was contrary to the claim by state PKR chief Baru Bian that many of the problems in the state stemmed from the policies of BN government and behaviour of BN politicians.

“The results are there to see. We are much harmonious, politically stable and generally everyone is happy except those that have evil intention of wanting the state disintegrate.

“We just work out and nurture what we already have instead of ‘trying out’ crazy formula of some opposition leaders who only know how to criticise,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Baru had also mentioned that his party’s 18-point roadmap was the way forward.

PKR Sarawak launched its 18-point roadmap here on Saturday, which Baru said was meant to address specific areas that needed attention even after decades of BN rule.

To this, Abdul Karim, who is PBB Supreme Council member, said: “How many road maps does Baru Bian want to offer Sarawak? They keep on coming with new ‘offers’ every time there’s an election round the corner.

Karim welcomes the launching of PKR's state election logo

July 24, 2015

KUCHING: PBB Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah welcomed the launching of PKR's election campaign logo.

He noted the launching showed that the party has shifted into high gear for the coming state election.

“This is good as the people need to be informed of what they have to offer," he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

However, on the other hand, Karim who is the Housing and Youth Assistant Minister said, he noticed that PKR would only be active when the election was around the corner.

"After that they will go into hibernation….until the next election comes.”

He added unlike PKR leaders, Barisan Nasional leaders and elected representatives were always seen on the ground attending to people's problem.

Karim was commenting on media reports that PKR has started rolling out its state election machinery.

BN confident of retaining Nangka

July 20, 2015

SIBU: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) grassroot machinery has gone full throttle to ensure the Nangka state constituency remains a BN stronghold as PKR keenly eyes the seat.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said they had read PKR’s game plan in attempting to establish a support base there.

“We are fully aware of their intention and strategies and our grassroot machinery had been working extra hard to make sure Nangka remains in BN.

“We are confident that the team lead by Dr Annuar (Rapaee) will deliver the seat for BN in the next (state) election,” Dr Rundi, who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications), told The Borneo Post yesterday.

He was reacting to PKR Sibu branch chief Abdul Raafidin Majidi’s statement that the party had put up a candidate in Nangka in the next state election to wrest the seat from BN.

Abdul Raafidin further claimed that the candidate identified had been going to the ground, especially to Kampung Hilir and Kampung Datu to assist people such as single mothers and the elderly.

The state PKR youth chief, however, added that they would probably not contest other seats in Sibu like Bawang Assan and Pelawan, giving way to DAP.

Baru urged to consider CM’s invite seriously

 June 1, 2015

SIBU: Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian should consider Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s offer to him to join the state BN if he is serious in wanting to help his people.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi believed the state PKR chairman was wise enough to know that his people needed development.

He reckoned this was also something for Krian assemblyman Ali Biju to think through.

“Why not … if he (Baru) is serious in wanting to help his people. There is no point just talking only, knowing that he cannot deliver or walk the talk.

“He is wise enough not to drag his people into the doldrums much longer. They are in dire need of development, and the chief minister is kind enough to make such offer in public.

“It is up to him and also YB Ali to ponder upon,” Dr Rundi, who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications), told The Borneo Post yesterday.

On Saturday, at the Irau Aco Lun Bawang 2015 festival in Long Tuma in Trusan, Adenan invited Baru to join the state BN.

Pemutus kot nadai nanggul BN nyendia diri napi PRN

May 28, 2015

Pekara nya entara Kot Tinggi enggau SPRM, tepulai ba sida enti deka ngapil baru tauka enda

KUCHING:Pemutus Kot Tinggi Kuching nginsil notis pengawa magi garis sitak Kunsil Nengeri ti dipejalai Komiti Pengawa Bepilih (SPRM) bedau lama tu tadi,nadai nanggul Barisan Nasional (BN) nyendiaka diri napi Pengawa Bepilih Kunsil Nengeri, ku Sekretari Besai BN Menua Datuk Dr. Stephen Rundi anak Utom.

“Ba pemutus Kot Tinggi ti digaga bedau lama tu tadi bekaul enggau pengawa magi garis sitak Kunsil Nengeri baru nya entara SPRM enggau Kot Tinggi.

“Ba penemu BN, enti SPRM deka ngapil, nya barang ku sida iya laban sida iya nemu agi kini tunga kuing ke patut dituju sida iya. Kami (BN Menua) nadai kaul enggau penemu SPRM, nya entara SPRM enggau Kot Tinggi,” ku Rundi.

Ba penemu exco Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB), ti mega nyadi Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madahka pemutus Kot Tinggi nya enda ngachau penuduk BN.

“Enda ngira semua kerusi nya 71 tauka 82, enda ngachau…Kami ditu gawa ke rayat. Ni naka pemayuh kerusi nya pan, nambah tauka enda, BN Sarawak udah besedia,” ku Abdul Karim.

Sarawak dijangka deka ngatur pengawa Bepilih Kunsil Nengeri (PRN), pemadu laun bulan Jun taun baru tu ila, beratika timpuh Kunsil Nengeri ke diatu abis timpuh manggai Jun 2016.

Hari Satu nyin tadi, Hakim Kot Tinggi Kuching, Datuk Yew Jen Kie minta notis ti dikeluarka bekaul enggau pengawa magi garis entara sitak DUN ti dikeluar SPR kena 5 Januari tu tadi, dikinsil sereta enda dikemendarka kelimpah ari enda ngachau pekara bekaul enggau undang-undang.