Debate on TYT Speech by Wong Ho Leng

DEBATE SPEECH by Wong Ho Leng, ADUN Bukit Assek, on 18th May, 2007 on Motion to Appreciate the TYT’s Speech:

I rise to debate on the Motion in appreciation to the speech delivered by his Excellency the TYT in this august House.

Due to the fact that I am slotted to speak on the last day, I will deliberate on the following issues:


(1) Peace and Security

His Excellency is concerned with peace and security of our state.

Everybody is entitled to enjoy peace and security. My responsible members from the DAP had spoken on this issue in this Dewan in July and November 2006 but had unfortunately generated not much response from the state Government.

It was only after MP Bintulu spoke about the issue in Parliament that the issue began to get attention. I am glad to see that, finally, there is one backbencher from the BN who was speaking the truth in Parliament for Sarawak.

The issue raised in Parliament concerned triads and gangsterism in Sarawak, and in Sibu in particular.

The efforts of the police had been very much questioned recently. Much that the Police have assured us that they had tried their best, unfortunately, even their best is not enough. They are under-staffed throughout Sarawak. The Government should look into this pressing need by increasing the police force in our state.

The first rule to crime reduction is police presence, but the people do not seem to see much of it either in residential areas on in town centres.

That there are organized crimes owe much to the state of the economy. The Government may be painting a rosy picture of the economy, yet the bulk of the people are not enjoying the benefits of the economic growth. When so much money is made from oil palm, oil and gas, timber, mineral exports, I cannot resist asking where have all our money gone to. The people will not commit crime if the economy is rosy.

The BN Government earned more than 90% of the Parliamentary seats in 2004. Despite this strong mandate, the BN Government failed in its duties to ensure that the people are having peace and security.

The people are entitled to be disappointed and annoyed for having given the BN Government such a huge mandate.

ADUN for Pelawan appealed to us not to go overboard or exaggerate about the true extent of gangsterism and security. Isn’t crime rampant in Sarawak and Sibu in particular? Please, do not play ostrich. Ask around, especially your constituents. They are concerned. What is there to exaggerate? Are you alleging that MP Bintulu was exaggerating the issue in Parliament?

When the police were conducting an open forum on triads and gangsterism in Sibu in April, 2007, a murder occurred within 24 hours thereafter. When 90 police personnel had to come to Sibu to look into the issue of triads and gangsterism, it shows that the situation is serious and warrants special attention.

Nobody is exaggerating, except the SUPP leaders in Sibu who seemed to say that triads and gangsterism are not serious in Sibu. Why did they say it is not serious?

Is it because some of them may be associated with triads and gangsters? Who are the Deputy Federal Minister, state cabinet Minister and ex-MP who are said to be connected to triads? I hope the police can release their identities soon.

ADUN Pelawan said: “If you go around Sarawak, I am sure you find people ‘alive and well’ enjoying themselves at night and Sibu is no exception.” Do not wait until the people are killed before you take action. In respect of life and death, do not say, “Better Late than Never”. Do not learn from ADUN Pujut who said “Better Late than Never” yesterday. You are a part of the Government. Do not wait till it is too late. When a person is no longer “alive and well”, what use is action? The SUPP is always suffering from delayed reaction.

A good politician would know the temperature on the ground about the people’s fear for their security. It is irresponsible of any politician to say that because there are people alive and well enjoying themselves therefore the security issue has been exaggerated. How can the people have faith in this sort of Government?

There is no need to worry about implications on tourism if the people are truly safe. What is the use of tourist dollars if the people are not feeling even safe?


(2) HIKE in SESCO RATES

As from 1/4/2007 a new electricity tariff was imposed on the industrial and commercial users. The tariff affecting the industrial sector hiked 25%, whereas the commercial sector 4%. The real hike is more than this.

There is no justification for this hike. Not a single user had been consulted before the state cabinet approved the hike. It shows how irresponsible and insensitive and uncaring the BN Government has been.

Public consultation is the cornerstone to a caring Government. When was it ever done?

At the very least, the intention to review the tariff ought to have been laid on the table of the Dewan Undangan Negeri. None of this was done.

The people do not agree with the hike for 2 main reasons: Firstly, the effect of the hike will be passed on to consumers. This is the fundament of economics. The ultimate victims are the consumers. Secondly, the Government should encourage industries rather than suffocate them. A new tariff system may kill many SMIs in Sarawak in the future.

With the timber industry quickly becoming a sunset industry, with the agriculture industry not thriving due to lack of incentives, the viable alternative is to be found in the industrial sectors. Yet, before these industries have even started, the Government had approved a slap on them of 25% hike in SESCO tariffs. The BN Government does not seem to encourage the setting up of SMIs.

An example can be found in the Rantau Panjang Industrial Zone. Here, the Government should give incentives such as waiving the payment of development tax to SESCO and also improve the infrastructures there like improving the drainage. The shipping industry was hampered by the limited height of the Igan Bridge and the proposed Lebaan Bridge. The new tariff rates will also put a damper on this industrial zone.

To introduce a new tariff is therefore unfair and uncaring. Why should the rates be increased without public consultation? I think the answer is because the BN is too strong. There need more changes than now.

Yet, there had been so much playacting from the SUPP, as if showing that they cared, but I will show you they do not.

Yesterday, ADUN for Pujut told the Dewan that he did present a memorandum on behalf of the Federation of Chinese Associations in Miri to the Minister. The newspapers on 29th April 2007 reported this. The Playacting was so innovative that ADUN for Pujut submitted the Memorandum at the VIP lounge of the Miri Airport. In the usual tradition known only by the BN formula of timeliness, ADUN Pujut submitted the Memorandum 29 days after SESCO had introduced the new tariff. In this case, the delayed reaction was even more than 29 days. SESCO announced the new tariff on 7th March, 2007. As on this date, the State Government had already approved the new tariff rates. So, how long was the delay reaction, the hallmark of the SUPP? The SUPP had 2 cabinet Ministers who approved the new tariff rates. Yet, ADUN Pujut had to submit a Memorandum to a PBB Minister on 29th April 2007. What does it show? It shows that the SUPP had no say in the decision making process in the Cabinet. What use was it to submit the Memorandum to a PBB Minister? Whether it is from the PBB or SUPP, you are the same Government. The State Government had approved. The water had gone under the Bridge. Yet, ADUN Pujut had the audacity to say, “Better late than never”. As a part of the Government, you have no right to say this. When the Opposition said this in this Dewan, we were giving you face. When you say this in the Dewan, you are slapping your own face. You are slamming on your own toes. Submitting a Memorandum to the Minister urging the Government to reconsider the tariff hike shows that you know that the hike was wrong and unjustified. Yet, it was approved by yourself as a part of the Government. You should apologize to the people of Sarawak, especially industrial operators and businessmen that your Party and the state Government was wrong in approving the new tariff.

In November last year, you wanted this Dewan to know that you are constructive, unlike the Opposition. How wrong? Your yardstick for being constructive is when the horse had bolted, when the goats had escaped the confines, when water had gone under the Bridge, only then you start work. Is this the most constructive playacting which SUPP can present?

Let me show you how to be constructive. Before hiking the rates, consult the public. Be sensitive to the people’s need. State your opposition to the hike in the Cabinet before they approved the hike. The cabinet decision is made unanimously. Do not engage in play-acting. Prime Minister Abdullah expressed his disgust about playacting.

Try to understand that your Government is not caring. You are a part of the Government. You are equally guilty.


(3) Issues of the People

While it is generally accepted that Sibu has peculiar peat soil condition it must be also accepted that this condition should not impede the implementation of development projects much needed by the people. The problem lies in whether there is a heart to solve the plight of the people.

Because of the mix and structure of the population in Sibu, it is impossible to talk only of my constituency issues without linking them to the general picture of Sibu.

ADUN Pelawan had spoken of road improvement to Brooke Drive. I wish to bring in Pedada Road. It is one of the 3 major roads serving Sibu but it is very prone to flood during the rainy season. Unfortunately, this road has been constantly neglected. Many parts of the road have sunk. The authorities should upgrade the sunken parts as soon as possible.

Sand is a natural gift to Sibu. The Rejang and Igan Rivers are now suffering a slow death unless siltation is solved and the sand is dredged regularly. I had measured that in certain places in mid river, the depth of Rejang River is 6 ½ feet. That is the cause of the much unwanted flood in Sibu. Even a downpour in Kapit can cause the Rejang basin to flood, causing multi-millions of losses to the inhabitants in Sibu.

The sand can be dredged for land and road fills. There are so many businessmen in Sibu who are prepared to dredge the sand for land fill and road fill but are unable to get licenses.

There is another type of flood, flash flood. The problem arises from lack of efforts of the authorities to ensure that clogged drains are cleared periodically.

There is no proper monitoring of the Contractors many of whom are politically connected.

At any time you can see clogged drains in Sibu. Weeds are not cut and Monsoon Drains are blocked by debris and refuse. In Kampong Bahagia, grass were not cut and the drains were not cleared. The residents even had to quarrel with the local council who still did nothing. Some poor people are moving out because of frequent flood there. Yet, this is the very place that the Wawasan Team of the Sibu SUPP mooted to move half of the people in Bukit Assek by digging a huge lake in Bukit Assek.

Lorong Rambuttan, Lorong Belian, Lorong Laichee, Jalan Punai, Jalan Hua Khiew, Jalan Tiong Hua, Lorong Oya 8, Lorong Langsat, Jalan Bertuah, Jalan Luku, Jalan Bukit Assek, Jalan Uk Daik, Jalan Rhu, Jalan Kapor, Jalan Chong Sang, Jalan Selangan, Jalan Bunga Mawar, Lorong Tekam, Lorong Oya 18, Jalan Kiong Tung, Jalan Tong Sang Lane 2 are some of the very low lying roads in Sibu which require immediate attention as they are prone to flash flood.

Green algae is easily seen floating in the drains, bearing testimony that the water in the drains is not flowing. The local authorities are partly to blame for the clogged drains. Culverts are covered by contractors, disallowing water to flow.

Some drains had been clogged for years by weeds and refuse. Banana trees are growing into the drains after several rounds of harvests.

Yet, the SUPP had always tried to make political capital out of this. They would do something when election is coming, even working way past midnight.

The flood problem is almost similar in the Arang area in Batu Kawa. The problem has not been solved.

It is high time to implement the flood mitigation Masterplan throughout Sarawak.


(4) Land Matters

After my Motion was moved in this august House in November 2006, the Chief Minister indicated that he would be issuing a policy paper this year. Not so long ago, the Chief Minister said that he would issue a policy paper in May.

The people in Sarawak are waiting with excitement, and pray that the new policy will be acceptable to all and sundry.

I wish to reiterate that the Chief Minister will do all Sarawakians a great favour if all land titles are to be unconditionally extended for 99 years when the lease terms expire.

But there is another matter that has caused uneasiness and concern among landowners. As a responsible wakil rakyat, I cannot ignore it and I ask for an explanation from the Government.

I have come to know that the Lands and Surveys department had imposed as a condition for the approval of AVTC and Subdivision that perpetuity titles are to be reduced to a 90 year leases for the new resultant titles.

This condition is grossly unfair. How can the authority short change the landowners and the developers in this manner? A landowner even told me that this is day light robbery.

If even perpetuity titles are not secure and safe from Government policies, how can we expect titles of 999 years and 99 years and 60 years to be secure and safe?

Please, have a heart for the landowners. They spent their hard earned money buying their land and yet, you robbed them off the rights by reducing perpetuity titles to 90 years in the event of a private development.


(5) Air-Connectivity

Air connectivity and accessibility has been a hindrance to tourism in Sarawak. The rationalization exercise has not done Sarawak any good. We used to have the Malaysian Airline System serving the many destinations in Malaysia for many years. But poor management has resulted in losses. The rationalization exercise was the result. So, Fax Airline came in. MAS provides services to certain sectors, Air Asia or FAX the others.

We had heard often Air Asia’s slogan, “Everyone can Fly”.

During the Forum held in Sibu in December 2005, a new brand was revealed. It said in one of the handouts:

“There’s a new girl in town. She’s twice the fun and half the price.”

That is Air Asia. What a slogan, which can be misunderstood. It carries a double entendre.

Lots of people held high hopes about the future of flights to and out of Sarawak when Air Asia came to serve Sarawak. But they were soon disappointed. There had been frequent delays. Not too long ago I was at the LCCT. I saw that 1/3 of the flights had been delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. Many were stranded at the airport. Everybody whom I met was unhappy. Maybe sometimes budget fares come with it the risk of delay and no compensation. But over time, the amount of delays had become unbearable.

The Government should put its foot down for the airlines to get their houses in order. While some delays are unavoidable for technical reasons, passengers have to be compensated or provided with food and drinks each time that delay is caused not by technical reasons. Air Asia had been stringently enforcing its weight limit, and even half a kg is not spared. Yet, when flight delays were over 2 hours, not a single sen was compensated.

Millions in revenue to the tourism industry had been lost due to reduced air connectivity. The losses are brought home to the State and the tour operators. Many operators are saying that they are at the brink of bankruptcy.

The State Government can do away with this brand as “There’s a new girl in town. She’s twice the fun and half the price.” If there were so much delay, where is the fun, even if it is for half the price? Sometimes the low fares are even more than the routine flights.

I am not saying that MAS is perfect. Many people called it “Mana Ada System”. It has to improve too. But the quality of the services provided by Air Asia has really left much to be desired.

There is little point in bringing in FireFly unless we can be sure that its services will be satisfactory.

The time has come for the State of Sarawak to form its own airlines. The proposal for a Sarawak Airline had been made by other members before. I had also proposed this. In view of the need of an improved air services, in view that we may as well live by our own standards, in order to preserve our pride, Sarawak should seriously consider having its own airlines.


(6) Principals for Chinese Primary Schools

I have learnt that there are at least 25 Chinese Primary schools in Sarawak which do not have headmasters. I understand that the State education office is tasked to do something about this. May the honourable Minister overseeing education update this august House on this issue.


(7) Respect and Love to TYT

The DAP had been accused of being disrespectful to the TYT. I resent the accusation.

Yesterday, ADUN for Tasik Biru accused that members of the DAP did not give due regard to our TYT who officiated the opening of the Dewan on 14th May, 2007. He said that we stood at the staircase of the Dewan watching his Excellency from a distance.

Nobody who is sane would in his/her right mind question my and my colleagues’ loyalty to Sarawak and my and my colleagues’ respect to his Excellency.

If we are not loyal to Sarawak, we would not have sacrificed so much to serve the State in the Opposition platform in order to ensure that the Government would do a better job. There is no kantow awaiting the Opposition politicians.

On 14th May, 2007, all ADUNs gathered at the garage of the Dewan. Apart from the heat, the seating arrangement left much to be desired. Those sitting behind were unable to see anything that happened at the Dewan compound. They would not be able to see his Excellency performing the inspection of the guards of honours and the parade. We chose to move ourselves from the crowd to stand at the staircase out of respect to his Excellency. You can only respect a person by knowing or seeing what he did.

What happened when you could not see the happenings in front of you? Naturally, when you saw people in front stand, you followed. When you saw their backside moving to sit, you also followed. That is not loyalty. This is blind following. Following people’s backside is not the DAP’s style. We are not “Yes Men”.

Out of this incident, ADUN for Tasik Biru asked why we could not be ones in this Dewan? I have 3 answers for you. One, we cannot be part of you because we are not “Yes-Yes” men and follow whatever actions without question.

Secondly, you do not treat us as part of this democratic institution. For example, you passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Privileges and Powers) Bill on 15th May 2007 to stifle us.

Thirdly, there is double standard and discrimination against us. We are not treated as a part of this institution though the TYT is neutral. On 14th May, 2007, there was supposed to be a dinner with his Excellency. No one from the DAP was invited. Of course, we don’t come here to have dinner only but more importantly to do the cause of the people. But if the Government did not practise discrimination, no member of this House should be excluded from the invitation from the TYT’s office.

I thought that everybody is equal, just that in this Dewan, some are more equal than others.

I pray that the TYT continues to be blessed with health and will understand that DAP members are loyal to him and respect him as the head of the state.

I support the Motion of appreciation.