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Getting to the bottom of the issue

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:09:00 AM / comment : 0

Uggah speaking to reporters after opening the ISP seminar yesterday 


DCM, State Secretary meeting Petronas to get real picture of its hiring policy

KUCHING: The State Government and Petronas will meet on Monday here to discuss the national oil corporation’s recruitment practices in Sarawak.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and State Secretary (SS) Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani will represent the state government in the talk to find out the recruitment and retrenchment practices of Petronas regarding Sarawakians.

“They will be meeting SS and I first before meeting the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem). The issue is very simple. This is regarding Petronas’ employment in Sarawak because before this there were some allegations that there is some unfairness.

“We want to know what is the situation actually and from there, we will see. They will come to explain to us and to discuss with us. Whatever they say, we want to know the truth. That is all. If what they say is right, then we don’t dispute. If there are some issues, we want the issues to be resolved, amicably.

“What we want is transparency and fairness, that is all,” Uggah told a press conference after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony of Betong District Council councillors yesterday morning.

The issue of Petronas’ preference for Peninsular Malaysians over Sarawakians for jobs in the state has recently been widely highlighted in the media.

The issue was raised when Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) revealed that Petronas in a restructuring process had abolished 29 permanent positions which resulted in the retrenchment of 13 experienced staff from Sarawak.

SPG president Hamin Yusuf was quoted as saying that the majority of senior jobs were also filled by non-Sarawakians and the influx of Peninsular Malaysians filling the lower level jobs exacerbated the situation for the state.

Since then, leaders across the political divide have urged the State Government to act fast to stop workers from other states from working here, prompting Uggah to issue a statement that a moratorium would be imposed with immediate effect on all new applications for work permit by Petronas personnel from outside Sarawak intending to work here.

In response, Petronas had on Tuesday issued a statement asserting its stand on hiring practices and that the decision to impose moratorium was based on “the wrong perception that its recent group-wide business restructuring had unfairly impacted its employees from Sarawak”.

When contacted, Immigration director Kent Laben told The Borneo Post that his department had stopped issuance of work pass to any Petronas application, including its subsidiaries until further directive from the state authority since the announcement of the moratorium on Monday.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing on the other hand hoped that after the State Government had imposed the moratorium, Sarawak would not be used as ‘dumping ground’ of workers and government staff from outside the state.

“We have a good pool of talents here in Sarawak, I hope we can provide better job opportunities for them otherwise they will be headhunted by countries like Singapore where they are enticed with good perks,” he pointed out.

Masing, who is also PRS president, stressed that the relevant authorities should apply the same criteria or standard operating procedure (SOP) for the federal public service posts in Sarawak so that more locals could be appointed as heads of various federal government departments and agencies in the state because currently, many have alleged that most of the various government department and agencies were headed by officers from other states.

“I was told that there are departments in Peninsular Malaysia which qualified Sarawakians aren’t allowed to head. If indeed this is true, then integration of civil service will not take place. I hope I am wrongly informed!” said Masing.

Meanwhile, the issue has caught the attention of netizens who had voiced out their opinions on Petronas’ recruitment practices at Borneo Post Online social media page https://www.facebook.com/borneopost.online/?fref=ts.

Among those posting their thoughts Alex Ng supported the state government’s move in imposing the moratorium.

“Our government must be firm on this policy for the interest of the people of Sarawak, it is no more 50 years ago. Any people who is (non-Sarawakian) working in Sarawak must apply (for) work permit, there is no question about it. We can’t afford to open our border where people come in and rob our children’s future.”

Ng’s opinion was supported by Joseph Chiam who stressed that both deputy chief ministers must be firm on the policy.

Another netizen, Tay Taylor, pointed out that “The majority of Sarawakian staff in Petronas were contract staff and were of low ranking workers. Those in high positions are countable”.

Netizens Endu Mariah and Mohamad Fadzairy told Petronas not to be arrogant and reminded it that the origin of its wealth is from Sarawak.

Tengku Faqkaruddin rebutted Petronas by saying “It is not a misperception. It is simple. Anything goes wrong, the Sarawakians will go first.”


 August 11, 2016, Thursday By Lian Cheng & Peter Sibon, reporters@theborneopost.com

Petronas - Meritocracy or Bias?

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:00:00 AM / comment : 0

Petronas in its quest to become an MNC has forgotten its role as a national oil company. It has also forgotten upon whose assets and resources it has risen into the ranks of the Fortune 500. Does it not owe Sarawak anything?

To talk of its thousands of international staff and job seekers from the other 12 states as well is besides the point.

Having sacrificed its petroleum resources to Petronas for the last 40 years, is it too much for Sarawak to ask for priority to be given to Sarawakians for jobs in Sarawak?

While not all Sarawakians may want to work for Petronas, if work is available in Sarawak would they want to work elsewhere including in Semenanjung?

The deal when Malaysia was formed was Borneanisation, not Malayanisation. This is clear from the Malaysia Agreement.

There are good reasons why Sarawak required control over its own immigration and priority for employment for Sarawakians is one of them, notwithstanding which has been flouted by Petronas and conveniently forgotten by most if not all Malayans.

Petronas meritocracy is only an excuse. Sarawakians were employed in O&G long before any Malayans and today are among the best. They can find employment in O&G worldwide, but strangely not in their home state for Petronas. Why?

Why are there no Sarawakians in senior management positions in Petronas itself, or even at board level (have there ever been)? Meritocracy or bias? Coincidence or on purpose? Overlooked or planned?

Yes, Petronas must look at the larger picture, but in doing so must not forget its roots and who it is supposed to look after.

The idea behind the relinquishment of the petroleum-producing states' resources to Petronas was to benefit the non-petroleum producing states as well.

It is ironical that now the petroleum-producing states find themselves among the poorest in the nation, unable even to take advantage of employment opportunities for their own people because Petronas thinks that only it can decide on meritocracy, but in reality not especially when junior staff from Malaya are given jobs replacing senior Sarawakians.

Sarawakians are not asking or begging for jobs which they don't deserve. All Sarawakians want is a fair chance to regain economic parity for its present and future generations. This is not merely in the State's interest but also in the national interest.

If that is denied to them because of pro-Malayan Petronas bias, Petronas has to answer to the State.

Yusuf Abdul Rahman
Media Communications
Suarah Petroleum Group

Olympic Game 2016- Silver Medal

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 1:26:00 PM / comment : 0 ,

Congratulated to national divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong who won Malaysia's first medal, a silver, at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro early today.

Pandelela and Jun Hoong won the medal in the 10m synchronised platform event at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre.

The duo, paired for the third time in international championships, accumulated 344.34 points behind China's Chen Ruolin and Liu Huxia who collected 354 points.

Canadaian pair Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion won the bronze medal with 336.18 points.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 10 — Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong created history when they won a silver medal in the women’s 10m platform synchronised event yesterday.

This is Malaysia’s first ever silver medal in diving at the Olympics and diving’s second, four years after Pandelela won a bronze in the 10m platform.

The Malaysians collected 344.34 points to trail China’s Chen Ruolin-Liu Huixia (354.00) and ahead of Canada’s Meaghan Benfeito-Roseline Filion (336.18).

Pandelela said she was both surprised and delighted with their performance.

“I never thought that we could win the silver medal today because the competition is very tough and all of the divers of other countries are very, very good.”

“We started to warm up and after that we found our footing,” she told olympic.org, the official website for the Olympics.

Jun Hoong said the silver medal made up for her disappointment in the synchronised 3m springboard with Nur Dhabitah Sabri on Sunday.

“I told myself to forget what had happened in the 3m springboard and to focus on the 10m platform. Everyday is a new day and I focus on my performance in the 10m platform,” said the 26-year-old.

Jun Hoong has said that it was her error that cost Malaysia a first medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics earlier this week. She said she messed up her dive in round four of the women's synchronised 3m springboard with Dhabitah.

Pairing with Jun Hoong, Pandelela was unperturbed when North Korean pair Kim Kuk Hyang and Kim Mi Rae took second spot after the third dive.

“We were focused on our dives and what we needed to do. Although points were flashed on the giant scoreboard across the platform, we didn't look at our position,” said Pandelela.

She said that the pair had been training together for almost two years and often matched other divers in international championships.

“This is the third time we have competed in a competition as a pair,” said Pandelela who had often paired with Leong Mun Yee.

She said the coaches often experimented with new combinations and found the right match in Rio.

“I am recovering from a string of injuries and the training stint in China was put to good use here,” she said.

Pandelela will compete next in the 10m individual platform on Aug 17, while Jun Hoong will take part on the 3m springboard on Friday. Pandelela's parents and elder brother will watch her in action in the individual event.

China's Chen, who is competing at her third Games, has won every major title in the synchronised 10m platform event since 2006, which makes her overall tally of Olympic goals to five.

This puts her on par with fellow athlete Wu Minxia for scoring the most Olympic diving gold medals in a career.

Petronas asserts its stand on hiring practices

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 12:14:00 PM / comment : 0


KUCHING: The state government’s decision to place a moratorium on all new applications for work permits for Petronas employees from outside Sarawak has raised the concern of national oil company.

In a statement released yesterday, Petronas believed that the decision, announced over the weekend, may have been made based on the wrong perception that its recent group-wide business restructuring had unfairly impacted its employees from Sarawak.

“Sarawak remains a key investment State for Petronas, where its workforce requirement will continue to grow. Petronas expects the majority of the workforce required to meet the new manpower demand will constitute Sarawakians, as per existing recruitment practices. “A number of positions are expected to be filled by experienced employees, which may include non-Sarawakians,” said the statement issued by Petronas’ Media Relations Department Group Strategic Communications here yesterday.

The statement pointed out that the key to the successful delivery and operations of Petronas’ projects in Sarawak is the support and commitment from all relevant parties, especially its teams of qualified, trained and dedicated employees – no matter where they are from.

“Petronas has had a number of engagement and briefings with the Sarawak State Government’s officials at various levels following the restructuring exercise.

“Petronas will continue with its engagement efforts, including with Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas to address the State’s concerns with regards to Petronas’ manpower requirement in Sarawak,” added the statement.

It added that, like many other oil and gas companies worldwide, it will continue to review its business strategies and

manpower requirements for better efficiency and sustainability, to make it more resilient and focused to thrive in the current and future industry landscapes.

The statement was in response to Uggah’s announcement that the State Government had imposed a moratorium with immediate effect on all new application for work permits of Petronas personnel from outside Sarawak intending to work here.

The issue of Petronas staff in the State has been hogging the limelight ever since it was highlighted by Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) on the abolishment of 29 permanent positions that resulted in the retrenchment of 13 experienced staff from Sarawak by Petronas in its upstream restructuring exercise in Sarawak recently.

SPG president Hamin Yusuf was quoted as saying that the majority of senior jobs were also filled by non-Sarawakians and the influx of Peninsular Malaysians filling the lower level jobs exacerbated the situation for the state.

Since then, leaders from both the political divide have urged the State Government to act fast to stop workers from other states from depriving Sarawakians of job opportunities in the national oil company.

 August 10, 2016, Wednesday
Credit- Borneo Post

Freeze on work permits a fair move

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 10:00:00 PM / comment : 0

KUCHING: The decision by the Sarawak government to freeze new applications for work permits from Petronas is a fair decision, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“If Sarawakians (working in Petronas) are retrenched, and yet others (from outside Sarawak) come in and replace them, it is not fair.

“If there are capable Anak Sarawak, who should continue serving in Petronas, let them continue,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting at Sarawak Islamic Council yesterday.

He said the state government took the initiative to freeze the work permits due to several complaints that Petronas underwent a restructuring exercise which involved retrenchment of officers from Sarawak in its operations in the state.

“There were complaints that many non-Sarawakian officers are still retained to serve here. So, (fellow Deputy Chief Minister) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has contacted Petronas senior officers to provide latest figure on Sarawakians working in Petronas.

“In the meantime, we freeze the working permit for them until after we got all the information to be verified,” he said.

The Borneo Post yesterday front-paged news regarding Sarawak government’s decision to suspend with immediate effect all new applications for work permit of Petronas personnel from outside Sarawak intending to work in Sarawak.

Uggah said this would ensure that Petronas would be fair and transparent in engaging with Sarawak regarding its operations here.

The Borneo Post’s front-page reports on two consecutive days highlighted the concern raised by Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) on the abolishment of 29 permanent positions that resulted in the retrenchment of 13 experienced staff from Sarawak by Petronas in its upstream restructuring exercise in Sarawak.

SPG president Hamin Yusuf was quoted as saying that most senior jobs were also filled by non-Sarawakians and the influx of Peninsular Malaysians filling the lower level jobs exacerbated the situation.

Credit- Borneo Post

Upacara tolak bala bertukar jadi ‘bala’

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 12:44:00 PM / comment : 0


ENGKILILI: Upacara tolak bala pembinaan projek jambatan di Rumah Lepang, Sayat di Engkilili bertukar tragedi apabila seorang lelaki cedera di tangan setelah diserang menggunakan parang.

Ketua Polis Daerah Lubok Antu DSP James Jonathan berkata kejadian berlaku pada Sabtu lalu di tapak pembinaan projek jambatan dekat rumah panjang itu.

Menurutnya, mangsa yang berusia 35 tahun dari rumah panjang tersebut diserang seorang lelaki yang juga dari rumah panjang sama.

“Ketika kejadian kedua-duanya sedang mengikuti upacara tolak bala dan meminum minuman keras,” katanya.

Sementara itu, siasatan polis mendapati suspek berumur 41 tahun dalam keadaan mabuk dan berlaku pertengkaran antara kedua-duanya.

Suspek kemudian balik ke rumah dan kembali semula ke tapak pembinaan dengan membawa parang dan terus menyerang mangsa.

James berkata suspek kemudian melarikan diri manakala mangsa dibawa ke Hospital Sri Aman untuk rawatan dan mendapat 14 jahitan.

Susulan laporan polis dibuat mangsa pada Sabtu lalu, polis kemudian bertindak menangkap suspek di rumahnya di Rumah Lepang, Sayat.

Suspek kini ditahan reman tiga hari sementara kes disiasat di bawah Seksyen 324, Kanun Keseksaan iaitu mendatangkan kecederaan menggunakan senjata tajam.

Keputusan beku permohonan baharu permit pekerjaan daripada Petronas tindakan adil

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 12:40:00 PM / comment : 0 ,

KUCHING: Keputusan kerajaan negeri membekukan permohonan baharu untuk permit pekerjaan daripada Petronas adalah tindakan yang adil, kata Timbalan Ketua Menteri Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.

“Jika rakyat Sarawak (bekerja dengan Petronas) diberhentikan dan yang lain dari luar Sarawak datang dan mengambil alih kekosongan ditinggalkan, ia tidak adil.

“Jika ada anak Sarawak berkebolehan, yang seharusnya terus berkhidmat dengan Petronas, biarlah mereka terus bekerja (di situ),” katanya kepada pemberita selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) di sini, semalam.

Abang Johari yang juga Menteri Perumahan dan Urbanisasi merangkap Menteri Pelancongan, Kesenian dan Kebudayaan berkata kerajaan negeri mengambil inisiatif itu atas beberapa aduan berhubung proses penstrukturan semula Petronas termasuk memberhentikan pegawai-pegawainya dari Sarawak yang bekerja di negeri ini.

“Aduan mengatakan ramai pegawai bukan rakyat Sarawak masih dikekalkan berkhidmat di sini. Jadi (Timbalan Ketua Menteri) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas telah menghubungi pegawai kanan Petronas meminta jumlah terkini rakyat Sarawak bekerja dengan syarikat itu.

“Buat sementara waktu, kami (kerajaan negeri) membeku permohonan permit pekerjaan (untuk Petronas) sehingga kami mendapat semua maklumat untuk disahkan,” jelasnya.

Sementara itu Timbalan Ketua Menteri yang juga Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur dan Pengangkutan Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing  berkata Petronas bertindak ‘kebudak-budakan’ jika membawa pegawai Sarawak pulang dari Semenanjung Malaysia atau luar negara untuk bekerja di negeri ini.

“Jika Petronas membawa pulang semua pekerjanya berasal dari Sarawak yang bekerja di Semenanjung Malaysia atau luar negara ia satu tindakan yang kebudak-budakan.

“Petronas akan mengalami kehilangan yang besar jika melakukannya. Kenapa? Ini kerana minyak dan gas berada dalam kawasan perairan Sarawak,” tegasnya.

Selain itu katanya, perkara diperjuangkan Sarawak itu adalah yang termaktub dalam Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63),” katanya.

Utusan Borneo
August 9, 2016, Tuesday

Will Petronas strike back?

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:42:00 AM / comment : 0

KUCHING: There have been concerns that Petronas might call back Sarawakians in the middle and top positions in Peninsular Malaysia and overseas, following the state government’s move to freeze all new applications for work permits for its personnel posted to the state.

However, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing opined that it would be ‘childish’ of Petronas to resort to such drastic action as the national oil company would stand to lose more if they did that.

“If Petronas calls back all Sarawakian middle and top level employees working in Kuala Lumpur (and overseas), that is ‘tit for tat’ and it is childish. Petronas will stand to lose more if they do it. Why? Because the oil and gas are in Sarawak waters!

“Besides, what Sarawak wants is what is ours as enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” Masing told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas told The Borneo Post on Sunday that the measure to freeze all new applications for work permits for the national oil company’s personnel intending to work in the state was to ensure that Petronas would be fair and transparent in engaging with Sarawak regarding its operations in the state.

Uggah said the state government’s decision was prompted by complaints from Sarawakian Petronas officers, whose services were terminated or who were retrenched.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the measure taken by the state government was definitely a good and welcome news to all Sarawakians, and showed that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was truly serious about this matter.

“I’m very happy to hear that all new employment permits from Petronas have been frozen until particulars sought by the state government are furnished. Petronas must know that their political master is not just the federal government, but the state government too.”

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Youth and Sports Minister, reiterated that Sarawakians had been ‘insulted’ by Petronas for too long and wanted this to be stopped.

“I have said that we do not want Petronas to ‘insult’ us. They have insulted us for far too long on this employment of Sarawakians matter and we want them to change their policy. Lest, we will have to tighten it on our side,” the Asajaya assemblyman said.

Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul said the association strongly supported the state government’s latest move, adding that it was within the state’s purview in the MA63.

Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) president Hamim Yusuf said the group was very pleased to note the fast and positive response from the state government on this matter.

“Pursuant to SPG’s statement highlighting the issues faced by local Sarawakians pertaining to Petronas’ restructuring exercise; we are very pleased to note the fast and positive response from the state government on this matter.

“We believe that the state in its wisdom will do its best to resolve this matter with Petronas to address the adverse sentiments at the ground level. This issue is one of immediate concern and is separate, though a reflection of the broader issues, which includes the fundamental economic aspect of how Petronas has been treating the development of local oil and gas industry and job market.” Meanwhile, sources revealed that Petronas officials were expected to have a meeting with Uggah today.

credit: Borneo Post

Lee supports move to freeze new work permits for non-Sarawakian Petronas staff

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:35:00 AM / comment : 0 , ,

MIRI: The immigration right exercised by the Sarawak government to protect the interest and welfare of its people due to Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (Petronas) upstream restructuring exercise in the state should not be challenged.

In making a strong stand on this, Assistant Minister for Land and Air Transportation and Safety Datuk Lee Kim Shin said he welcomed the state government’s decision to freeze all new working permits of Petronas personnel from Peninsular

Malaysia in the state with immediate effect.

“For the welfare and interest of our people, Sarawak has the right to exercise its immigration power.

“They (Petronas) have to respect our immigration right which should not be challenged and questioned,” he stated when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lee, who is also Assistant Minister of Tourism, said Petronas should give Sarawakians due consideration on employment in its operations in the state because they are familiar

with the environment and local culture.

On the Petronas upstream restructuring exercise, he strongly felt that Petronas should place the welfare and interest of its Sarawakian employees into high consideration.

“If they (Sarawakians) are qualified for the posts and have a lot of working experience, it is not right for the company to put them into the retrenchment list and let non-Sarawakians fill the vacancies.”

Petronas staffing issue: Govt urged to do more

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 8:30:00 AM / comment : 0

KUCHING: PKR Sarawak fully supports the state government’s move to freeze with immediate effect all work permit applications from Petronas to bring in outsiders when there are qualified Sarawakians for the job.

Its vice chairman, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, however, said the move should not be limited to new work permits.

“It should also cover renewal of work permits of Petronas staff members who are non-Sarawakians,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

See opined that the moratorium on the issuance of work permits should not just be to demand Petronas to be fair and transparent regarding its operations in the state.

“It should be one of the first steps by the state to demand for the rights and interests of Sarawak in the development of our natural resources as a corporate partner.”

See said for more than 40 years, Sarawakians had left it to Petronas to exclusively plan and decide on the exploitation and development of their petroleum resources, in return for royalty that had been inadequate.

Petronas is wholly-owned by the federal government, and none of the oil producing states in Malaysia has any shareholding in the national corporation.

“Hence, we should take actions to protect the employment opportunities of Sarawakians. We should also look at how best we can participate and benefit from the development of our state’s natural resources.”

See said with the revocation of the Emergency Orders and the Territorial Sea Act 2012, which is void for unconstitutionality, Sarawak is now in full control over all the natural resources within its territorial boundary.

“We have the trump card and all the leverage to demand all the rights and entitlements that are ours, as determined by the founding fathers in this country.”

While Petronas might send some of its officials to meet Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on the issue of work permits, See said the state should not make any concession piecemeal.

“(Instead), the state should demand that the federal government meet with the state government to renegotiate and agree on the new arrangements to jointly develop petroleum resources in Sarawak.”

See suggested that negotiation and agreement be reached on the following matters:

• The terms and conditions of the tripartite Petroleum Development Agreement between the state government, the federal government, and Petronas should be revisited and negotiated anew;

• Sarawak should be the ultimate decision-maker in determining the shares of equity and direct participation of Sarawak state corporations in the new production sharing contracts (PSCs), which are involved in the production and development of oil and gas and related products in Sarawak;

• Sarawak should be the equity shareholders and Sarawak state-owned corporations should be a partner in existing PSCs, which are coming up for extension; and

• Petronas should immediately set up a branch campus of its Universiti Teknologi Petronas (Petronas Technology University) in Sarawak to ensure that more and better opportunities are given to Sarawakians for the pursuit of knowledge and expertise for the advancement of engineering, science and technology in the oil and gas industry.

See said the state government must now seize the opportunity to turn the state from a passive recipient of petroleum royalty to a serious participant in the oil and gas industry to ensure that the state could best utilise its natural resources to develop the state, independent of federal allocations.

“Being the decision-maker in determining the development of our natural resources will also allow the state to conserve our depletable and exhaustible natural resources and to ensure that it is sustainable for the benefits of our future generations.”

Credit- Borneo Post

Chong: Petronas issue raises question on state-federal ties

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 8:30:00 AM / comment : 0

KUCHING: The state government’s move to issue a moratorium on new applications for work permits from Petronas personnel from outside Sarawak who intend to work in Sarawak speaks volumes about the not so close relationship between the federal and state governments when it comes to the distribution of resources between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the fact that the state government had to go to this extent just so that Petronas would review its unfair employment policy towards Sarawak showed that the so-called sweet and cordial relationship between Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had gotten nowhere when it came to the demand of state rights.

“By now, it is hoped that Adenan has woken from his own make-believe that their (Adenan and Najib) soft and cordial relationship will get him the autonomy and rights for Sarawak.

“The cold and hard reality is that, the federal government and Najib need as much resources and revenues for their extravagance and Sarawak has a lot to offer. As such, it is impossible for Najib to relinquish this source of revenue,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

In view of this, Chong, who is Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, opined that the Sarawak state government should start taking a hard position and tough action against the federal government when it comes to negotiation for Sarawak’s rights.

“At present, there are only two tools that the Sarawak government has some leverage over the federal government, namely the immigration autonomy and the threat to withdraw its support for Umno and quit national BN.

“We hope, in the interest of Sarawak, the state government should give these two tools serious consideration.”

Chong said as early as April 27 last year, he had suggested in the Sarawak State Assembly that the state’s immigration power be used by the state government to force the issue of 20 per cent oil and gas royalty.

In quoting the Hansard, Chong said he had then said: “I will give you two suggestions. The first one, the first suggestion is to use our immigration power and cancel the work permit of all the West Malaysians currently employed at the executive and managerial level in the office of Petronas, MLNG and the subsidiary companies in Sarawak.

“Cancel their work permit. They cannot continue to work in Sarawak. This will put a halt, maybe, a stop to its operation production until the matter is finally sorted out. It may cause some loss of revenue but it is better to put a halt to the production than to allow the continuous extraction when we are only getting five per cent royalty. After all, if the operation were stopped, oil and gas will still remain in our soil.”

Three days ago, Chong said he repeated the same call albeit only in respect of the unfair employment policy of Petronas in Sarawak whereby only 39 per cent of the management positions and 46 per cent of the middle management positions were filled by Sarawakians in Petronas’ operation in Sarawak.

“DAP Sarawak welcomes the state government’s adoption of DAP’s suggestion to use the immigration autonomy to force Petronas to view seriously the demands of Sarawak in terms of fairer employment policies and allocation of resources. I am glad that the Sarawak Government adopted the suggestion made three days ago.”

Bring Petronas to the discussion table, says trainer

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 8:30:00 AM / comment : 0

KUCHING: Sarawakians are capable of filling any post in Petronas if given the chance, said Anselm Diye, a contract consultant trainer at Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd.

For it to happen, he said the government would have to bring Petronas to the discussion table.

“What the authority should do is create a win-win situation by going back to the basics, like going to the drawing board and work out a road map. After that, implement the proposals for the benefit of all, especially Sarawakians,” he told The Borneo Post here yesterday.

The PhD student of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), specialising in Entrepreneur and Business, noted that generally Sarawakians were not given a fair chance at the top and senior management level of the national oil corporation.

“There are capable locals with years of experience in operations and good academics. Take me, for instance. I am more than capable of handling human resources issues.”

He is optimistic there would be a positive outcome soon following the state government’s decision to put a moratorium on all new applications for work permits by Petronas personnel who intended to work in Sarawak.

Anselm also hoped the state government would be able to clinch a more comprehensive and long term deal with Petronas as most of the oil and gas are found in Sarawak.

“When I completed my studies, I would also like to work with Petronas Sarawak, if given the chance. So, we hope that all the relevant authorities would put into place a fair play mechanism so that everyone will have a chance to work and climb the ladder in Petronas.”

Anselm, 52, who hails from Kampung Krusen in Serian, has been in the oil and gas industry for more than 30 years. Before joining Petronas, he was with Shell Sarawak for 25 years.

On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state government had frozen with immediate effect all new applications for work permits by Petronas personnel who intended to work in Sarawak.

The move, Uggah explained, was to ensure the national oil corporation would be fair and transparent in engaging with Sarawak regarding its operations in the state

Credit- Borneo Post

6 Press Releases in One Day

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 1:00:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/lee-supports-move-to-freeze-new-work-permits-for-non-sarawakian-petronas-staff/

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/will-petronas-strike-back/

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/freeze-on-work-permits-a-fair-move-abg-jo/

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/bring-petronas-to-the-discussion-table-says-trainer/

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/chong-petronas-issue-raises-question-on-state-federal-ties/

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/09/petronas-staffing-issue-govt-urged-to-do-more/

Propose State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Devt

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:09:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

Proposed the establishment of Sarawak's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development

Sarawak should consider seriously the establishment of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development with a dedicated Minister because the scope covers under this ministry is very wide.

This new ministry should be established with the aimed to promote the development, strategically managed and safeguard the sustainnable exploitation of the State's natural resources, that includes the O&G.




Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Kapit Waterfront go Jungle

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 3:02:00 PM / comment : 0 , , ,



The Terasang Market at Kapit, is one of the most popular and a must visit, for locals as well as foreign tourists. However, the 'jungle produce market', no longer can cater for the high numbers of the rural folks, that came down to sell their products from their longhouses.


Here, it's a case of many products to market, but the place to market is not so conducive enough, thus at times, became an eyesore. To add-up to the Terasang Market space constraints,  there are the presence of these many vehicles, with no place to park, thus turning the place more chaotic, and at times during peak hours haywire, a congestion nightmare as everybody are being tested of their patience to their limits, trying to find a suitable place, to park their vehicles.

Netizens have voiced this not so trivial issues before, and so does the general public.

Finally, the grouses have reached the attention of the political leaders, the congestion issues have been dragging too long, thus leaving them with no choice but to intervene, for they too, have had enough of this Kapit District Council (KDC), lack of urgency attitude, for not moving fast enough to respond to the general public's grouses and wants.

DCM TSDAJM in BP today quote,

'This is an embarrassment because this problem has been going on for too long. The KDC should have looked into this. Why can't they initiate something? They should used their brain to think of something, instead of being told what to do.'

Kudos to DCM TSDAJM for this constructive criticism, and may KDC take this as a wake-up call, to 'buck-up' and take immediate action.

The criticism on KDC, i.e. on its failure to act fast regarding the Terasang Market's deplorable state, is a constructive one, that is meant, to ensure that Kapit is progressing well, and developing to be a conducive town, to live in, work, visit destination as well as for holidays.

Thus, the key objective is to rebrand Kapit to be the town of of choice, not only for the locals and tourists their visits destinations, for their holidays, but also for the civil service, too, that, it'll be their main choice, for their postings.

The main issues is that, the current state of Terasang Market now is, in the 'below the par standard', thus, the immediate focus will be to come up with the solution, on how to make amend the problems.

The focus is not on who the culprit is, because the relevant authority, knew their job responsibilities and their scope of works, hence, this critiscm is more of a wake-up call, for those in the authority, so that, they will act immediately, and remedy the situation.

In other words, the way forward is, to turn this weaknesses into an opportunity, and the opportunity is, to get the job done.





Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Retiree loses RM180k to ‘parcel scam’ syndicate

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 9:46:00 AM / comment : 0

KUALA TERENGGANU: A retiree incurred losses amounting to almost RM180,000 after falling victim to a ‘parcel scam’ syndicate he got acquainted with, via social media.

Initial police investigations revealed that although the 59-year-old victim was befriended by who he believed was a British woman, the syndicate was masterminded by a group of Africans.

The police suspect that the group had worked closely with locals to obtain the victim’s personal details to fleece him of the amount.

Terengganu Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Koh Ah Tiam said early last month, the victim had befriended a woman who claimed to be British, via Facebook.

He said the woman had sought assistance from the victim on the pretext of buying a house, adding that the victim agreed to help.

“The victim, who acted as a ‘middle-man’, managed to find a house in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur and the woman had agreed to buy it.

“As a token of appreciation, the woman said she wanted to give a present and cash to the victim for helping her to buy the house,” he told reporters here today.

A few days later, however, the victim received a call from a courier company and the Customs Department, demanding that he settle a payment, including customs tax, to the tune of almost RM180,000.

Koh said the victim then wired seven transactions between June 17 and 23, during which he had also received several threatening calls for the money.

“During that period, the victim had paid almost RM180,000 but he received neither the gift nor the cash as promised, until today,” he said, adding that the victim lodged a police report yesterday after realising he had been cheated.

– BERNAMA

Federal Cabinet 2016

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 5:08:00 PM / comment : 0 ,



My aspiration for these new federal cabinet, is to see that more S'wak State leaders, coming out of their shells and make  themselves more visible at the federal level.

However, to make them more optimised, they should  take the initiatives to make a point to have a pool of diversified resource person, closed and associated with them, who can act as their focus group, i.e. by being the 3rd party information provider,  that can provide an independent views, which can be one of their tools in their decision making.

However, it's easier said than done as more often than not, by nature's law of 'pull-factor', those people that are around these leaders are comprised more of the 'lobbyist for projects' group rather than resource person group.

For the rural folks in Sarawak, they, more often than not, they could not visualize the bigger picture, the big disparity between peninsular and Sarawak, with respec to city modernization with the state of art facilities, as their mind are very much preoccupied with their own down to earth thinking, i.e. of their family well-being, to find food for the table, quality education for the kids, the basic needs for their family.

Thus, one way to penetrate and make a  breakthrough in the mindset of the rural folks is to inculcate the buy-in, that there is more to be done, apart from their socio-economic well being, i.e. the betterment of the quality way of life for the future generation.

This can only be materialised, via an agent of change, who will then cascade the 'big picture informations', to the masses.

There should also be a cohesivemess among all, in order to share a common goal, i.e. unity in purpose.


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Kapit - The forgotten frontier

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 7:59:00 PM / comment : 0 , , ,


The majority of the areas in the rural, like Kapit are still under developed, thus, they still need to prioritize on their requirement, i.e. to focus more onto the development of the basic needs especially infrastructure, to escalate them almost to the same level as the urban's.

With good infrastructure connectivity, this will open-up to multiplier effects due to better accessibilty, good telecommunication system, close proximity to medical facilities thus  better quality of life through better living environment.

Kapit Wharf- Express boats plying the waterways

Therefore, during the under developed stage, the communities in the rural area should focus more on the needs, rather than the wants.

However, when the probability of the majority of the communities, inclined more towards the rural to urban migration, then thre is a good tendency for the community to unite and go with the flow.

Without unity, the divisiveness will become a disadvantage rather than an advantage. When all the communities unite with one voice, no matter which side they choose, they wiill then have the numbers, thus they will be able to attain the 'people's power'.

The might of the 'people's power' have been proven in the Philippines, when they were able to bring down the might of the  'Marcos military regime" which were describe previously, as an 'invincible force to defeat' because of the backing by the military forces. People's power have thus, proven them to be wrong.

Thus, for these rural communities, being a pro-government is more of a strategic decision, taking onto account more to fulfilling the basic needs of the masses, rather than fulfilling the wants of the masses.

However, the 'wants' of the masses are not totally forgotten, it's just  parking them at the 'backseat' first, while the more urgent requirements, are being implemented and completed.

The rural communities as a whole are very smart,  but what hinders them now from moving forward is that, they are still divided and fragmented instead of united as one group to attain the 'full force'.

All is not a total loss for these rural communities , as, the delay is only a temporary setback,  more of a 'time delay mode' rather than the 'fast forward mode'.

Another word, the current generation will open the path now, whereby, if the rural communities don't achieve their goal now, sooner or later, they will achieved it through the 'strong determination' and the 'will to succeed' of the next generation.

RMK11will be the final phase to bring the country, to achieve the fully develop status. For the Kapit folks, they have missed the boat for too long, it's about time they work smart and put their ego aside and work together towards achieving their socio- economic goal.

Thus, the support of the gov't of the day is utmost importance, to streamline and to expedite the implementation of the development plan of Kapit, so that it will be on par, and the same level as the urban.




  
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Sarawak O&G industry - A New Beginning

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 6:20:00 PM / comment : 0 , ,


The CM has open the path and leads the way, in the relentless efforts by the State, to restore it's right over its own territory and natural resources, especially the O&G.

Subsequent to that, the State O&G unit should follow-up and request Petronas Regional Office to update them on the following.

1)  the ongoing project in S'wak water
2) the planned project for the next 3-5 years.
3) the estimated project value
4) the new Standard Work Equipment Category (SWEC).
5) the nos. of active Vendor Dev't Program (VDP), and the nos. of S'wakian vendors.
6) the nos of active Licensed S'wak vendors
7) the nos of active Registered S'wak vendors
8) what are the composition of the projects under the RM2.1b
9) the RM2.1 b , is it for this year or for the next 3-5 years
10) the seismic data for the current and potential fields
11) the 5% royalty calculation .
12) the staff composition ratio for all categories.

If Petronas is genuine in helping the S'wak vendor, then all the major projects in S'wak should be awarded to local vendor. W. M'sian vendor who have the capability and capacity can be the sub-contractor. That way, the local vendor can acquired the job experienced as well as achieveing the human capital dev't .

All fabrication for platforms to be utilized in S'wak should be done in Brooke Dockyard. Even if the project is to be awarded to W. M'sian vendor , they must used the Brooke Dockyard. If space is the constraint, Brooke Dockyard  can always arrange with other local fabricators like KKB as they too have the fab yard facilities .

If Petronas can invest over RM60b in RAPID project, S'wak should also demand for more downstream projects. 

To-date, Sabah is already ahead then S'wak when comes to getting new projects eg. Samur Project and Ammonia Plant Project.

If no affirmative action is being given to S'wak, then we can say that we have failed in the development of O&G industry in the state.

The key buzz word is affirmative action, or else, everything fails.


Bazar Ramadan Lawas

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 3:04:00 PM / comment : 0 , ,

‘Apam balik’ sold at Ramadan stall attracts even Bruneians

LAWAS: The culinary delights of Lawas Ramadan stalls have been delighting customers from near and afar every fasting month and its popularity is proven by the expanding number of stalls each year.

The variety of food ranges from novel ‘bubur durian’ to ‘Tahai’-based products such as sambal to taste-bud teasing food and drinks associated with the breaking of fast for Muslims observing the Ramadan obligation of fasting.

Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan had a walkabout at the Ramadan stalls in Lawas and Sundar recently, and the children were happy when they received food and drinks purchased from stalls from him.

Accompanying him were Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong who is also Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism and Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entreprenuer Development, Trade and Investment was happy to see the increasing number of stall operators over the years and the diversification of dishes from traditional to more creative variety by the locals.

Unlike other walk-in-take away stalls, customers from Brunei, Limbang and Lawas have to place prior orders to the most popular ‘apam balik’ pancake stall in town at least two days in advance before they could take a bite of the pancake.

The stall operator nicknamed ‘Si Adol’, assisted by his wife, churns out his sole product non-stop each day of the Ramadan month but is still unable to cope with the overwhelming demand.

There are other stalls selling ‘apam balik’ pancake there but business is not as brisk as his.

The stalls hygiene level is up to the mark, thanks to the strict enforcement from the public health officers with their uncompromising stand on food safety and cleanliness.

It is also a scene of harmony as the Ramadan stalls are set up just next to the Chinese temple in town.

Earlier on, Awang Tengah officiated at the Lawas District Council community programme at Lawas Basketball Court by giving away packets of bubur tahai to members of the public.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/30/apam-balik-sold-at-ramadan-stall-attracts-even-bruneians/#ixzz4D2mIvQfN

Drugs ruin Lawas’ reputation as ‘northern gateway’

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 2:02:00 PM / comment : 0

LAWAS: Drug abuse, one of vices besetting the ‘northern gateway, is a major headache faced by the authorities here.

According to a reliable source, besides drug abuse, other major vices were prostitution, cyber gambling, smuggling, illegal immigrants and theft.

He said Lawas was a major ‘gateway’ for drugs smuggled into Sarawak from Sabah.

“My own son is a drug addict. I have bailed him out a few times. The latest case happened only two weeks ago but I refused to pay. However, he was bailed out by someone whom I do not know,” the source told BAT6 here yesterday.

The source actually refused to comment but after an assurance from BAT6 that his name would not be exposed, he was willing to be interviewed.

According to him, the drugs-related problem here now even penetrated secondary schools as the drug pushers even asked the students to sell the drugs to their school mates.

“I heard from my son syabu or common known as ‘ice’ by the locals is sold RM50 per straw and it is very popular among the students,” he said.

He hoped the higher authority in the police force would allow their officers to be stationed here for only two years.

“I don’t want to point finger at anybody. But suffice for me to recommend that police officers with the rank of inspector and above be stationed here not more than two years to minimise them from getting ‘rooted’ here thereby they would not be able to enforce the law effectively.”

The source also revealed that the majority of drug addicts here were unemployed youths and thus would be involved in petty thefts to sustain their lifestyle.

“You can imagine for yourself that if they don’t have any money, then they would steal. Before, we were able to say that Lawas was a safe town. But now, even my LPG cylinder could just disappear from the kitchen. This is how Lawas has turned into.”

Besides drugs, Lawas was also associated with prostitution, the source added.

“Actually, I don’t want to say negative thing about our people. But that’s the reality. Most of prostitutes here come from the highlands and almost all of them are divorced women.”

Lawas is also a well-known den for cyber gambling.

“My son admitted to me that he is always working for the cyber gambling outlets. I would say the situation is very bad,” he said.

According to the source again, those who earned big bucks were those involved in smuggling activities – ranging from vehicles to cigarettes and liquor.

“Our border with Kalimantan is very porous. Vehicles, especially four-wheel drive vehicles, are easily smuggled from here and Sabah, and would end up at Long Bawang, which is easily accessible through Ba Kelalan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawas District Officer Husssaini Hakim admitted that the drug menace was quite rampant here.

“We are all working towards ‘zero’ drug abuse in Lawas town. Towards this end, we have been ‘engaging’ with the youths, students and their parents, teachers, councillors and community leaders on the danger of drugs.”

Hussaini said the authorities had been working closely together to curb the drug menace but it would take everyone’s efforts to minimise it.

“We hope the enforcement authorities, especially the police, will continue their efforts to rid this town of the dreaded disease to achieve our aim in making Lawas as an important ‘northern gateway’ to Sabah,” he added.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/30/drugs-ruin-lawas-reputation-as-northern-gateway/#ixzz4D2WoiYLx

SPG to chart O&G downstream road map

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 12:05:00 PM / comment : 0 , ,

MIRI: The state government is charting a new direction for the oil and gas industry through the gathering of the best brains under a non-profit group Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG).

The new think-tank — set up at the behest of Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan last year —gathers engineers, lawyers, consultants, entrepreneurs, contractors and service providers in the oil and gas industry. It is regarded as an ‘invaluable body of knowledge and experience’ that the state government could tap into.

“The formation of SPG is timely and appropriate in helping the state government to chart a roadmap for the benefit of our future generation,” the minister said in officiating at the first annual general meeting (AGM) and launch of SPG here on Saturday

According to Awang Tengah — who is also Industrial Development Minister — the state is currently facing the impact from depressed global oil prices, such as reduced earnings as well as a decline in economic and employment opportunities.

He also highlighted the need to dispel the notion that Sarawak’s interest in developing its oil and gas industry was ‘distinct and separate from national interest’.

“I support the view of SPG that the economically-viable industrial development must be aligned to national interest. The rich oil and gas resources in Sarawak need to be exploited more equitably over the long-term so as to generate more economic multipliers for the state, as opposed to a predominantly ‘extract-and-sell’ strategy that has been implemented in the past.

“The primary ‘commodity approach’ is also not sustainable in the long-term and would weaken the national oil and gas industry.”

He also said despite the establishment of Asean Bintulu Fertiliser (ABF), there was still much room for downstream activities, as most of the oil and gas commodities were still exported in their raw forms.

Adding on, he said the recent approval for the setup of South Korea’s Huchems fine chemicals production plant in Bintulu indicated the state government’s seriousness in boosting downstream value-adding activities in the division.

“Bintulu has the necessary infrastructure, so we should look forward to developing it into becoming the petrochemical hub for this region,” he said.

Awang Tengah added that as part of the aim towards greater participation in the industry — both upstream and downstream — through more business opportunities, his ministry had set up Sarawak Oil and Gas Committee (SOGC) and Sarawak Oil and Gas Development Unit (SOGDU).

“Both entities would play the roles of advising, coordinating, monitoring and formulating policies to promote Sarawak’s interest and participation in industry development, as spelt out by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem who stressed that Sarawakians should not be happy just being ‘bystanders’ in such development.”

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah later announced the appointment of SPG pro tem president Hamim Yusuf and his deputy president Jamel Ibrahim as alternate members representing SPG in SOGC.

Earlier Hamim thanked Awang Tengah for his unwavering support for SPG since the very beginning, adding that the group was focused on helping the government on the negotiation for higher oil and gas royalties for the state, addressing the impact of low oil prices and ensuring holistic development of the industry.

The event was also attended by Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/03/07/spg-to-chart-og-downstream-road-map/#ixzz4D23RCUSK

Eksploitasi minyak, gas bantu pacu ekonomi Sarawak

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 10:54:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

MIRI: Kekayaan sumber minyak dan gas di Sarawak perlu dieksploitasi secara saksama bagi merancak pertumbuhan ekonomi sekali gus memanfaat industri tersebut dalam jangka masa panjang.

Menteri Perancangan Sumber dan Alam Sekitar Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata, pendekatan komoditi utama pernah dilaksana tidak mapan untuk jangka masa panjang dan lama-kelamaan akan menjejaskan industri minyak dan gas itu sendiri.

“Pelaburan dalam projek minyak dan gas serta industri hiliran di negeri ini bukan hanya merancak pertumbuhan ekonomi malah ia turut memanfaatkan industri tersebut di Malaysia.

“Oleh itu, saya menyokong penubuhan Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) membangunkan industri minyak dan gas dengan cara lebih ekonomik dan holistik sejajar kepentingan negara,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian berucap pada majlis pelancaran SPG di sebuah hotel terkemuka di sini semalam.

Hadir sama Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perindustrian (Pelaburan dan Promosi) dan Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar Sarawak, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Protem Presiden SPG Hamim Yusuf, Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar Sarawak Datu Liaw Soon Eng, Residen Miri Antonio Kahti Galis, Datuk Bandar Miri Lawrence Lai dan tetamu jemputan lain.

Awang Tengah juga Menteri Kemudahan Awam menambah, sejak penemuan minyak di Miri 105 tahun lampau, industri minyak dan gas memain peranan cukup besar dalam memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi negeri dan negara.

Selain, ASEAN Bintulu Fertiliser (ABF) yang mengeluarkan ammonia dan baja, kebanyakan minyak dan gas yang dieksport dari Sarawak adalah mentah.

“Meskipun Sarawak sekarang merupakan pengeluar utama gas di Malaysia,namun masih ada kawasan belum diekploitasi dan dibangun sepenuhnya, khususnya melibatkan industri hiliran.

“Selain itu, industri minyak dan gas kini turut berhadapan dengan cabaran penuruan harga  berterusan di pasaran global sekali gus memberi impak terhadap ekonomi negara,” katanya.

Jelasnya, usaha itu trut membantu mengurangkan pendapatan Sarawak, ekonomi dan peluang pekerjaan dalam sektor ini.

Awang Tengah menambah, baru-baru ini kerajaan meluluskan Huchem dari Korea Selatan untuk pengeluaran bahan kimia.

“Kita berharap lebih banyak aktiviti hiliran dapat dibangunkan di Sarawak termasuk pembinaan komplek petrokimia di Bintulu,” katanya.

Mengenai SPG, Awang Tengah berharap ia dapat menjadi platform kepada anak kelahiran Sarawak yang mempunyai kepakaran dan kemahiran untuk bekerjasama dan berkongsi pengetahuan untuk bersama-sama kerajaan negeri membangunkan industri ini.

“Saya gembira kerana ahli-ahli SPG ini terdiri daripada jurutera, peguam, perunding, usahawan, kontraktor dan penyedia perkhidmatan dalam industri minyak dan gas.”

“Objektif utama SPG ialah mempromosi industri petroleum sejajar dengan polisi kerajaan negeri untuk melihat lebih ramai anak-anak Sarawak terlibat dalam industri ini.

“Sehubungan itu, penubuhan SPG tepat pada masanya dalam membantu kerajaan negeri mendapat hak untuk masa depan generasi kita,” katanya.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/03/06/eksploitasi-minyak-gas-bantu-pacu-ekonomi-sarawak/#ixzz4D1rY7fGO

Group supports state government’s pursuit of reclaiming its rights

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 10:54:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

KUCHING: Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) fully supports the state government under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem in its efforts to restore the state’s rights over its own territory and resources, especially its petroleum resources.

SPG president Hamim Yusuf said in a press statement that Petronas activities within the state must benefit the state and therefore must be regulated by the state, in accordance with all applicable state laws and the Federal Constitution.

“This is in line with SPG’s mission to assist the state government by providing professional advice and services to maximise Sarawak’s socio-economic benefits and safeguard its rights in the oil and gas industry for its present and future generations,” he said.

There is no doubt that Sarawak has been left out of an equitable share of the nation’s development, even though its petroleum resources have contributed a substantial portion to the national budget, he added.

“After 40 years of one-sided development riding on the back of the state’s petroleum resources, it is high time that Sarawak and its people utilise its own petroleum resources for the benefit of the state itself towards achieving economic parity, which is also in the national interest as a whole.”

SPG wholeheartedly agrees with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing’s recent statement that local

firms are capable of taking over oil and gas production from Petronas.

SPG itself has grouped together a pool of expertise of more than 50 oil and gas professionals in all aspects of the petroleum industry who are highly capable of assisting the state government in its objectives to obtain greater economic benefit for Sarawak from its own petroleum resources, the statement added.





Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/30/group-supports-state-governments-pursuit-of-reclaiming-its-rights/#ixzz4D1lVHExz

Waterways- Whispers of Hope

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 9:41:00 AM / comment : 0 , ,

Express Boat at Kapit
With good infrastructure connectivity, this will open-up to multiplier effects due to better accessibilty, good telecommunication system, close proximity to medical facilities thus  better quality of life through better living environment.

Managing our own resources

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 2:42:00 PM / comment : 0

KUCHING: A Sarawak-based corporation should take over the oil and gas production in the state, suggested Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing.

He said this is because the state has companies that have the expertise in the field, naming one of them as Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Corporation, which he said can be the leading agency.

“With over 100 years of experience, Brooke Dockyard is not a kindergarten institution anymore as it is now a university when compared with the other industry players in the county. Other industry players in the country made it big because they got backup from the big guns,” he reasoned.

According to him, Brooke Dockyard, originally a marine ship building company, is the oldest oil and gas fabrication company in the country.

Speaking to reporters at the company’s office in Sejingkat yesterday, he also suggested that the state agency take over some sectors of oil and gas production from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).

“Sarawak owns the oil and gas but Petronas is the one currently using our platform created by Brooke Dockyard. As for now we have many marginal oil and gas reserves in Sarawak and since Petronas is not producing anything from these reserves, I hope to see oil and gas from these reserves produced by the state,” he added,.

He pointed out that many job opportunities would be created for Sarawakians if Sarawak is allowed to manage its own oil and gas industry, lamenting that presently a big part of the workforce of most companies engaged in oil and gas production in Sarawak are foreigners.

At the same time, he hoped that many Sarawakians would seize the opportunity should one such company is created by the state government in the future.

“There is no point of creating jobs for Sarawakians in the oil and gas industry if they are not interested. We (the state government) are doing our best to provide jobs for Sarawakians,” he said.

The Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation was on a working visit to the Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Corporation with Assistant Minister for Land and Air Transportation and Safety Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety Liwan Lagang and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

Their visit was received by Brooke Dockyard chairman Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg and the management team with a simple welcoming ceremony.

Lately, there had been several suggestions including one by Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang at the State Legislative Assembly that Sarawak should consider setting up its own company to increase the state’s involvement in the oil and gas industry.





Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/24/managing-our-own-resources/#ixzz4D8XhRFYn

Masing: Bill Kayong’s killing a heinous crime

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 9:27:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

MIRI: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing described the killing of PKR Miri secretary Bill Kayong in broad daylight as a heinous crime and called on the police to arrest and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice without delay.

He said Bill’s death was most unfortunate and should not have happened in this state and country.

“It is my wish and my hope that the authorities concerned find out who the perpetrators are – and do it as soon as possible,” he said when met during his working visit to Miri Port in Kuala Baram yesterday.

Bill, who was also secretary of Pedas (Sarawak Dayak Association) and personal assistant to Miri MP Dr Micheal Teo Yu Kheng, was shot dead in broad daylight at a traffic intersection near E-Mart Shopping Mall in Permyjaya on Tuesday morning.

Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation and president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), said the heinous crime should be solved speedily so that Miri city would be safe again.

“Whatever differences you have, do not take the law into your own hands,” he stressed.

Later, he paid his last respects to the late Bill at his house in Senadin Housing Estate, together with SUPP secretary-general and Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew and others.

Meanwhile, PBB Youth leader and Minister of Works Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof expressed shock and sadness over the murder.

Like others, he called on the police to immediately launch an investigation into the case and haul those responsible to justice.

“Irrespective of political inclination, I unreservedly condemn such criminal act,” he said in a statement.

Fadillah also appealed to any member of the public who witnessed the incident to cooperate with the police and urged the people against making any speculation as a mark of respect to the victim’s family.

He prayed that the family would be strong in facing the trying times.

A PBB veteran, Datuk Peter Minos, said the broad daylight murder was most reprehensible and condemnable.

“Whatever was his political leaning and whatever cause he fought for, nobody has any right to murder him. If he was not safe, many of us who also at times speak up on Dayak and other issues are also not safe,” he said.

“Let there be justice. It is a really sad day for a fallen Dayak member and may Bill Kayong rest in peace,” he added.

Murder is an offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code which carries the death penalty by hanging.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/23/masing-bill-kayongs-killing-a-heinous-crime/#ixzz4CMU2vqRn

Quantum of Solace

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:56:00 AM / comment : 0

Quantum of SolaceNewest James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" has been circulating in the world. The latest James Bond movie is a movie 007 from 22 all the James Bond film ever released. For who have been watching the previous James Bond film Casino Royale is certainly already know that the 21 movies in the James Bond, the story repeated from the beginning or in other words not the continuation of the James Bond movies number 20, Die Another Day. James Bond movie Casino Royale previously told the adventure first known secret agent with the number 007. I have been watching for the Casino Royale in 2006 and, certainly curious that at the end of the story hanging. Now James Bond 007 "Quantum of Solace" This is a continuation of the story Casino Royale.

Movie Casino Royale told that James Bond betrayed by his friends and movie ended without any answers gives puzzles who actually traitor in the eyes of the organization-eye MI6. The following reviews the latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, which is a continuation of Casino Royale.

Once betrayed, James Bond (Daniel Craig) also feel that the mission already exceed what are as a detective. Even he felt that the problem is precisely the problem tend to personal affairs. Assisted by M (Judi Dench), James Bond to investigate further who possibly Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), the Vesper is forced to do dangerous mission, which then later disclosed that the body itself, there are organizations MI6 traitor.

Bond then approached a beautiful woman named Camille (Olga Kurylenko) to bring to Dominique Greene (Mathieu Amalric) of a rich businessman who is also the remorseless, but leaders of a group of mysterious.

James Bond and then find out that Greene, in cooperation with the General Medrano (Joaquin Cosio) to control world energy resources for the sake of their privacy, so while to find the traitor, the James Bond must act more quickly from the CIA and MI6 to stop these dangerous terrorists.
This movie is a movie both Daniel Craig in the role of sleuth James Bond 007. As is usually film James Bond, the film Quantum of Solace also show the sexy girl who's often called the Bond Girl. This time, they display Olga Kurylenko, a Russian actress.

Awang Tengah: Avoid being individualistic

Posted by: 2win Posted date: 11:45:00 AM / comment : 0 ,

LIMBANG: Teacher must educate children beyond books and academic excellence to excel as well-rounded citizens who care about living as a harmonious community instead of only being successful in careers but overtly individualistic.

Human capital development starts with teachers who instill virtues as the country moves forward with a generation which is dynamic, balanced and well-grounded.

Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment and Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this when officiating at the Limbang District Teachers Day celebration in Limbang Civic Centre yesterday.

“Students should be moulded by teachers to have good values and virtues that shine with academic achievement as no man is an island, not matter how successful he is in his career. Virtuous values are as important as academic or career success and our children must be educated to live well in a community instead of being individualistic,” he said.

Awang Tengah said the way forward for Sarawak’s economic development is through industrialisation in achieving a high income economy in a harmonious and politically stable state.

The minister thanked teachers for playing a critical role in nation-building as reflected in the success of students and country.

Among their contribution is character moulding of students to be disciplined, appreciative, patriotic and dynamic to be successful generations taking the country to the next level.

He stressed that schools should be proactive and think out of the box in tackling the challenge of educating the younger generation to cope with future challenges.

Professionals in their fields be roped in to encourage students to develop their career path by sharing their experiences and knowledge.

“You can do all these to broaden their horizon – it boils down to your creativity and innovativeness,” he said.

Present were newly promoted Assistant Minister of Welfare and Community Wellbeing Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibolah, Batu Danau state assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Limbang Resident Datuk Maria Hasman and the teaching fraternity.

Limbang District Education Officer Mohamad Tangahin thanked all teachers in Limbang District for their provision of quality education for students.

Meanwhile, Pemanca Willie Marum Liaw from Limbang District received the Exemplary Teacher Award 2016. He started teaching in 1969 and retired in 2003. He was later appointed an Iban community leader.

Present at the function were Welfare and Community Wellbeing Assistant Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibolah, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Miri Resident Maria Hasman and Temenggong Ang Kheng Su.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/27/awang-tengah-avoid-being-individualistic-as-students/#ixzz4CH8BPvqn
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