http://www.malaysianmirror.com/media-buzz-detail/139-sarawak/50829-six-native-students-race-changed-to-malay-raises-fear-among-parents
Six native students' race changed to Malay, raises fear among parents 38
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Chris Reubens
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 18:20
KUCHING - A group of parents who received their children’s report cards were shocked to find that their native children of Lun Bawang, Kelabit, Iban have been changed to 'Keturunan Melayu' instead of the usual lain-lain.
Parents of six students have jointly wrote a letter to the President of Sarawak Teachers Union, William Ghani Bina about the issue stating that the students' official religion is Christian and that they consume pork on a daily basis.
According to State PKR Chief Baru Bian, a father has also refused to sign his son’s report card unless the school reverts the son's official status from 'Malay' to 'Others'.
Baru Bian said based from the complainants' report cards, the matter appeared to have come from the one school in Miri.
“The school is in the Miri city vicinity. I believed that there could be other cases from the phone calls I have received. I have asked all parents to check their children’s report cards and provide proof,” he said.
Baru Bian said he wanted the Education Ministry to investigate the matter immediately and revert back the original status of the students.
He also asked why native students of Dayak origins should be called Melayu or Malay in schools now.
“If we look at the Constitution of Malaysia, the Malay race or Melayu under Article 160 is clearly defined as a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore," he said.
Furthermore, the Federal Constitution also clearly defines what constitutes a "native": a person who is a citizen and either belongs to one of the races specified in Clause (7) as indigenous to the State or is of mixed blood deriving exclusively from those races; and in relation to Sabah, a person who is a citizen, is the child or grandchild of a person of a race indigenous to Sabah, and was born (whether on or after Malaysia Day or not) either in Sabah or to a father domiciled in Sabah at the time of the birth.
Clause (7) states that the races to be treated for the purposes of the definition of "native" in Clause (6) as indigenous to Sarawak are the Bukitans, Bisayahs, Dusuns, Sea Dayaks, Land Dayaks, Kadayans, Kalabit, Kayans, Kenyahs (Including Sabups and Sipengs), Kajangs (including Sekapans, Kejamans, Lahanans, Punans, Tanjongs and Kanowits), Lugats, Lisums, Malays, Melanos, Muruts, Penans, Sians, Tagals, Tabuns and Ukits,” he said.
Baru Bian said one parent went to the school to complain but was told that the status cannot be changed as it was already in the system and the education officer in-charge was not able to make the changes.
“We echo the concerns of these parents because it has great implications in the future. If such status is not clarified and maintained, it can be implied that a native person, once he or she is classified as a MALAY in official school documents, is a MUSLIM by virtue of the definition of Article 160,” he added.
When contacted by MM, the President of Sarawak Teachers Union William Ghani Bina confirmed that he has received a complaint letter recently and has discussed the matter with the Sarawak Deputy Director of Education.
He said the matter is serious as it could cause a lot of misunderstanding: “If you call these students Malays, but they consume non-halal food in public, it is offending the Malay and Islam. And with Christmas coming along, it is not right. These children are church goers but will be celebrating their Christmas under the Malay status,” he stressed.
“We respect the Malay and we also want to be respected and be known by our own race and dialects,” he added.
According to William, it was found that it was neither the fault of the teachers nor the schools concerned but it was a directive from the Education Exam Division of the Ministry.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Native kids being classified as 'Melayu'
http://freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/sabah-and-sarawak/13539-native-kids-being-classified-as-melayu
Native kids being classified as 'Melayu'
Tue, 30 Nove 2010 16:38
By Joseph Tawie
KUCHING: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has received complaints from native parents about their children being classified as Malays in their school report cards.
According to him, the children's “keturunan” (origin) were stated as “Melayu” instead of “Lain-Lain” (others) as practiced in the past.
“We were informed by one parent that the status cannot be changed (back) because it was already within the system and the education officer was not able to make the changes,” he said.
Sarawak PKR was also furnished with a copy of a letter inked by six concerned parents which was sent to the state teachers' union president seeking a clarification on the matter.
“We echo the concerns of these parents because it has great implications in the future,” said Baru.
“If the status is not clarified and maintained, it can be implied that a native person, once he or she is classified as a Malay in official school documents, is a Muslim by virtue of the definition of Article 160 (of the Federal Constitution),” he added.
Article 160 states that “a Malay means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom...”
Whereas, Article 161 on natives states that “in relation to Sarawak, a person who is a citizen and either belongs to one of the races specified in Clause (7) as indigenous to the state or is of mixed blood deriving exclusively from those races; and...”
“The races to be treated for the purposes of the definition of 'native' as indigenous to Sarawak are the Bukitans, Bisayahs, Dusuns, Sea Dayaks, Land Dayaks, Kadayans, Kalabit, Kayans, Kenyahs (Including Sabups and Sipengs), Kajangs (including Sekapans, Kejamans, Lahanans, Punans, Tanjongs and Kanowits), Lugats, Lisums, Malays, Melanos, Muruts, Penans, Sians, Tagals, Tabuns and Ukits.”
Meanwhile, Baru demanded that the Education Ministry launch an immediate investigation into the matter and provide an explanation.
“We are afraid that this may just be the tip of the iceberg and we would like to alert other native parents to check the status of their children before the matter becomes irreversible,” he said.
Union to raise it with ministry
When contacted, the president of Sarawak teachers' union, William Ghani Bina said he had taken up the issue to the state deputy director of education.
“And I am going to Kuala Lumpur and on Thursday, I will discuss it with the Director-General of Education,” he said.
“For you and I this is very bad. How can a Malay go to church? How can a Malay celebrate Christmas? How can a Malay celebrate Gawai?” he asked.
He added that these children and their families ate pork as well.
“How can they be of keturunan Melayu?”
He also noted that while the documents of the children indicated that they were 'Melayu', their birth certificates clearly showed that their parents were 'Christians' (see photos).
The children go to the Temenggong Datuk Muip school in Miri.
Native kids being classified as 'Melayu'
Tue, 30 Nove 2010 16:38
By Joseph Tawie
KUCHING: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has received complaints from native parents about their children being classified as Malays in their school report cards.
According to him, the children's “keturunan” (origin) were stated as “Melayu” instead of “Lain-Lain” (others) as practiced in the past.
“We were informed by one parent that the status cannot be changed (back) because it was already within the system and the education officer was not able to make the changes,” he said.
Sarawak PKR was also furnished with a copy of a letter inked by six concerned parents which was sent to the state teachers' union president seeking a clarification on the matter.
“We echo the concerns of these parents because it has great implications in the future,” said Baru.
“If the status is not clarified and maintained, it can be implied that a native person, once he or she is classified as a Malay in official school documents, is a Muslim by virtue of the definition of Article 160 (of the Federal Constitution),” he added.
Article 160 states that “a Malay means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom...”
Whereas, Article 161 on natives states that “in relation to Sarawak, a person who is a citizen and either belongs to one of the races specified in Clause (7) as indigenous to the state or is of mixed blood deriving exclusively from those races; and...”
“The races to be treated for the purposes of the definition of 'native' as indigenous to Sarawak are the Bukitans, Bisayahs, Dusuns, Sea Dayaks, Land Dayaks, Kadayans, Kalabit, Kayans, Kenyahs (Including Sabups and Sipengs), Kajangs (including Sekapans, Kejamans, Lahanans, Punans, Tanjongs and Kanowits), Lugats, Lisums, Malays, Melanos, Muruts, Penans, Sians, Tagals, Tabuns and Ukits.”
Meanwhile, Baru demanded that the Education Ministry launch an immediate investigation into the matter and provide an explanation.
“We are afraid that this may just be the tip of the iceberg and we would like to alert other native parents to check the status of their children before the matter becomes irreversible,” he said.
Union to raise it with ministry
When contacted, the president of Sarawak teachers' union, William Ghani Bina said he had taken up the issue to the state deputy director of education.
“And I am going to Kuala Lumpur and on Thursday, I will discuss it with the Director-General of Education,” he said.
“For you and I this is very bad. How can a Malay go to church? How can a Malay celebrate Christmas? How can a Malay celebrate Gawai?” he asked.
He added that these children and their families ate pork as well.
“How can they be of keturunan Melayu?”
He also noted that while the documents of the children indicated that they were 'Melayu', their birth certificates clearly showed that their parents were 'Christians' (see photos).
The children go to the Temenggong Datuk Muip school in Miri.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Beads symbol of status to Kelabits
http://tribune.my/prime/4635-beads-symbol-of-status-to-kelabits.html
Beads symbol of status to Kelabits
Friday, 19 November 2010 15:07
Zainon Talip
MIRI: Since time immemorial, beads have become a symbol of luxury and status.
“For this reason, they (beads) are considered very precious and handed down from generation to generation,” said Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam who is also the Deputy Chief Minister.
Dr Chan said this when officiating at the opening of ‘Our Mothers’ Beads programme organised by the Sarawak Rurum Kelabit here last Wednesday night.
He added that among the beads preferred by the Kelabit community were the light blue glass beads, red gem stones beads and orange and dark brown bone beads.
“Beads are believed to be older than human civilization and the earliest beads were made from seashells, animal teeth, and fruit seeds, stringed up with ropes,” he said.
Dr Chan however disclosed that the most precious beads were the ‘largesized’ blue to pale greenish and dark blue glass beads.
“The blue glass beads are about half an inch long and a quarter inch wide,” he said.
Dr Chan also disclosed that beads had also been used as a form of currency, wedding gifts and personal adornment.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Miri Branch, Datin Sri Mariam Balan said that over 20 years ago, the Kelabit community was worried with the influx of fake beads which are widely sold in the local market.
“We should be proud that we can have ‘Ba’o Kelabit Rawir’ (hat beads) and Bane Alai (chain) made from original beads,” she said.
Mariam, however, also acknowledged that the arrival of the fake beads was giving them the opportunity to promote their customs and jewelries.
Among those present at the function were Assistant Minister of Communication and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Patron of “Our Mothers’ Beads” Datuk Lorna Enan Mullon, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Muran, President Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Gerawat Gala and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok.
Beads symbol of status to Kelabits
Friday, 19 November 2010 15:07
Zainon Talip
MIRI: Since time immemorial, beads have become a symbol of luxury and status.
“For this reason, they (beads) are considered very precious and handed down from generation to generation,” said Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam who is also the Deputy Chief Minister.
Dr Chan said this when officiating at the opening of ‘Our Mothers’ Beads programme organised by the Sarawak Rurum Kelabit here last Wednesday night.
He added that among the beads preferred by the Kelabit community were the light blue glass beads, red gem stones beads and orange and dark brown bone beads.
“Beads are believed to be older than human civilization and the earliest beads were made from seashells, animal teeth, and fruit seeds, stringed up with ropes,” he said.
Dr Chan however disclosed that the most precious beads were the ‘largesized’ blue to pale greenish and dark blue glass beads.
“The blue glass beads are about half an inch long and a quarter inch wide,” he said.
Dr Chan also disclosed that beads had also been used as a form of currency, wedding gifts and personal adornment.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Miri Branch, Datin Sri Mariam Balan said that over 20 years ago, the Kelabit community was worried with the influx of fake beads which are widely sold in the local market.
“We should be proud that we can have ‘Ba’o Kelabit Rawir’ (hat beads) and Bane Alai (chain) made from original beads,” she said.
Mariam, however, also acknowledged that the arrival of the fake beads was giving them the opportunity to promote their customs and jewelries.
Among those present at the function were Assistant Minister of Communication and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Patron of “Our Mothers’ Beads” Datuk Lorna Enan Mullon, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Muran, President Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Gerawat Gala and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok.
Praise for bead-ownership certification
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/19/sarawak/7458166&sec=sarawak
Friday November 19, 2010
Praise for bead-ownership certification
By DIANA ROSE
drose@thestar.com.my
THE pioneering effort of the Kelabit community of Bario Highlands to authenticate their bead collection as treasured heirloom with the issuance of ownership certificates deserves praise and should be emulated by other communities.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said that beads were considered as among mankind’s most durable ornaments.
“One can say that beads belonging to a particular community mirror the culture of that community. They tell us a great deal about the social, political, economic and religious lives of the community concerned.
“It is indeed an appropriate move to preserve the heirlooms as part of the community’s material cultural heritage,” he said at the launch of the Kelabit Beads Certification ceremony organised by the Beads’ Committee of the Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak in Miri on Wednesday night.
About 30 mothers from the highlands received beads ownership certificates from Dr Chan at the event themed Celebrating Our Mothers Beads of which Datuk Lorna Enan Muloon was the patron.
At the event, Dr Chan was officially accepted as a member of the Kelabit community after he was garlanded with a priceless Kelabit bane (bead necklace) and given the name Mayung Balang, meaning Tiger Slayer in the Kelabit dialect.
At the event, he reiterated his suggestion to Sarawak Museum to look into the setting up of a mini beads showcase area in Miri.
Meanwhile, Lorna, in her message in the souvenir programme for the event, said that beads were highly-valued heirlooms and heritage of Sarawak’s indigenous people who were regarded as the bead experts of Borneo.
On the ownership certification, she hoped it would assist in efforts to promote the beads of Sarawak in Malaysia and the rest of the world.
More than 500 guests attended the event.
Adding merriment was a fashion show displaying ways to accessorise beads and a performance by upcoming Kelabit singers Sharon Lugun and Sarah Gala.
The event’s organising chairperson Lucy Bulan, who is also the Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak deputy chairperson, briefed the diners on the types of beads of the Kelabit community.
Friday November 19, 2010
Praise for bead-ownership certification
By DIANA ROSE
drose@thestar.com.my
THE pioneering effort of the Kelabit community of Bario Highlands to authenticate their bead collection as treasured heirloom with the issuance of ownership certificates deserves praise and should be emulated by other communities.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said that beads were considered as among mankind’s most durable ornaments.
“One can say that beads belonging to a particular community mirror the culture of that community. They tell us a great deal about the social, political, economic and religious lives of the community concerned.
“It is indeed an appropriate move to preserve the heirlooms as part of the community’s material cultural heritage,” he said at the launch of the Kelabit Beads Certification ceremony organised by the Beads’ Committee of the Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak in Miri on Wednesday night.
About 30 mothers from the highlands received beads ownership certificates from Dr Chan at the event themed Celebrating Our Mothers Beads of which Datuk Lorna Enan Muloon was the patron.
At the event, Dr Chan was officially accepted as a member of the Kelabit community after he was garlanded with a priceless Kelabit bane (bead necklace) and given the name Mayung Balang, meaning Tiger Slayer in the Kelabit dialect.
At the event, he reiterated his suggestion to Sarawak Museum to look into the setting up of a mini beads showcase area in Miri.
Meanwhile, Lorna, in her message in the souvenir programme for the event, said that beads were highly-valued heirlooms and heritage of Sarawak’s indigenous people who were regarded as the bead experts of Borneo.
On the ownership certification, she hoped it would assist in efforts to promote the beads of Sarawak in Malaysia and the rest of the world.
More than 500 guests attended the event.
Adding merriment was a fashion show displaying ways to accessorise beads and a performance by upcoming Kelabit singers Sharon Lugun and Sarah Gala.
The event’s organising chairperson Lucy Bulan, who is also the Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak deputy chairperson, briefed the diners on the types of beads of the Kelabit community.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Assemblyman on 3-day visit to rural communities
http://tribune.my/home/4563-assemblyman-on-3-day-visit-to-rural-communities.html
Assemblyman on 3-day visit to rural communities
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 13:43
BARIO: The people of Pa’ Longan still believe that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is the ‘agent of change’ that will bring development to their area, despite the long wait for the road network from here to their respective places.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, State assemblyman for Ba’Kelalan Nelson Balang Rining said that Pa’ Longan, which was one of the areas listed in the Ba’Kelalan constituency, was the only place that did not have a road connection to Bario.
“It is the only village not reachable by road,” he said, adding that the people of Pa’ Longan had been waiting for the road connection for a long time.
Nelson said the people there also need urgent assistance from the government to replace their old water pipes which has been in use since the 1970s.
According to him, the people in the surrounding areas such as Pa’ Daleh and Pa’ Mada had also requested for their old water pipes to be replaced.
Nelson disclosed that 300 Penans from Pa’ Tik, Long Lubang and Long Medamut have requested the National Registration Department’s Mobile Team to come to their villages for the purpose of registration for personal documents.
He said the people from the vicinity had also requested for housing loans to build longhouses, as well as for electricity supply.
Regarding the e-Kasih system which was requested by the community, he said that he will submit the names of the applicants as soon as possible for further action.
Nelson was on a 3-day working visit to the area last week together with Miri Deputy Resident, Emang Oyo Emang.
During the visit, he and his team went to several areas including Pa’ Longan, Pa’ Daleh and Pa’ Tik.
Assemblyman on 3-day visit to rural communities
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 13:43
BARIO: The people of Pa’ Longan still believe that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is the ‘agent of change’ that will bring development to their area, despite the long wait for the road network from here to their respective places.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, State assemblyman for Ba’Kelalan Nelson Balang Rining said that Pa’ Longan, which was one of the areas listed in the Ba’Kelalan constituency, was the only place that did not have a road connection to Bario.
“It is the only village not reachable by road,” he said, adding that the people of Pa’ Longan had been waiting for the road connection for a long time.
Nelson said the people there also need urgent assistance from the government to replace their old water pipes which has been in use since the 1970s.
According to him, the people in the surrounding areas such as Pa’ Daleh and Pa’ Mada had also requested for their old water pipes to be replaced.
Nelson disclosed that 300 Penans from Pa’ Tik, Long Lubang and Long Medamut have requested the National Registration Department’s Mobile Team to come to their villages for the purpose of registration for personal documents.
He said the people from the vicinity had also requested for housing loans to build longhouses, as well as for electricity supply.
Regarding the e-Kasih system which was requested by the community, he said that he will submit the names of the applicants as soon as possible for further action.
Nelson was on a 3-day working visit to the area last week together with Miri Deputy Resident, Emang Oyo Emang.
During the visit, he and his team went to several areas including Pa’ Longan, Pa’ Daleh and Pa’ Tik.
Launching of Certification System for Kelabit beads
http://tribune.my/home/4564-launching-of-certification-system-for-kelabit-beads.html
Launching of Certification System for Kelabit beads
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 13:43
KUCHING: The Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (WRKS) Beads Committee is launching the Certification of Kelabit beads at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club in Miri on 17 November 2010.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who is also Minister of Tourism and Heritage, will be officiating at the launching.
The aim of the event themed “Celebrating Our Mothers’ Beads” is to protect the identity and value of the Kelabit community’s heirloom beads which had been passed down the generations.
The traditional beads have always been regarded as an expression of wealth, artistry and deep tradition among the community and therefore, unless the origins and authenticity of the traditional beads can be protected through a registry and certification system as initiated by the WRKS Beads Committee, their real values will not be understood or appreciated by future generations.
According to Lucy Bulan, Organising Chairperson of the event and Deputy Chairperson of the WRKS Beads’ Committee, beads to the Kelabit, as it is to some of the other Orang Ulu communities, were equivalent to currency as well as symbols of wealth, power and beauty.
“There used to be so few antique beads in the community that everyone knew exactly which family had what type of beads, and how many.
They used to be confined only to the ‘noble’ families”, said Lucy.
She added that with the influx of almost exact replicas of the beads that the Kelabit valued so much, which were brought in by Indonesian traders some years ago, everyone could own a “peta b’ao rawir” beadcap or the precious “alai beads”. The Kelabit identity is so entwined in the use of these beads that these new arrivals became real blessings to everyone.
“However, the experienced eye would always be able to tell the antique from the replica. Not only that, they could trace the history of the beads.
“To ensure that these antique beads remain antique and their value preserved, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Women’s Unit had for some years now been proposing that authenticity certificates be given to the owners. It is for this reason that this event has been organised”, said Lucy.
The members of this Committee comprise appointed elders from the community who are knowledgeable about the history and authenticity of the antique beads, as well as representatives from community leaders such as the Pemancas and Penghulus.
“The registration and certification is on a voluntary basis and we encourage those families with antique beads to come forward to have their beads certified by the Committee, so as to preserve the value of their beads and to control and minimise the passing of new and fake beads as heirlooms or antique beads”, said Datin Sri Mariam Balan, the Chairperson of Wanita RKS Beads Committee who is also Advisor to the event’s Organising Committee and Wanita RKS.
Launching of Certification System for Kelabit beads
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 13:43
KUCHING: The Wanita Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (WRKS) Beads Committee is launching the Certification of Kelabit beads at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club in Miri on 17 November 2010.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who is also Minister of Tourism and Heritage, will be officiating at the launching.
The aim of the event themed “Celebrating Our Mothers’ Beads” is to protect the identity and value of the Kelabit community’s heirloom beads which had been passed down the generations.
The traditional beads have always been regarded as an expression of wealth, artistry and deep tradition among the community and therefore, unless the origins and authenticity of the traditional beads can be protected through a registry and certification system as initiated by the WRKS Beads Committee, their real values will not be understood or appreciated by future generations.
According to Lucy Bulan, Organising Chairperson of the event and Deputy Chairperson of the WRKS Beads’ Committee, beads to the Kelabit, as it is to some of the other Orang Ulu communities, were equivalent to currency as well as symbols of wealth, power and beauty.
“There used to be so few antique beads in the community that everyone knew exactly which family had what type of beads, and how many.
They used to be confined only to the ‘noble’ families”, said Lucy.
She added that with the influx of almost exact replicas of the beads that the Kelabit valued so much, which were brought in by Indonesian traders some years ago, everyone could own a “peta b’ao rawir” beadcap or the precious “alai beads”. The Kelabit identity is so entwined in the use of these beads that these new arrivals became real blessings to everyone.
“However, the experienced eye would always be able to tell the antique from the replica. Not only that, they could trace the history of the beads.
“To ensure that these antique beads remain antique and their value preserved, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Women’s Unit had for some years now been proposing that authenticity certificates be given to the owners. It is for this reason that this event has been organised”, said Lucy.
The members of this Committee comprise appointed elders from the community who are knowledgeable about the history and authenticity of the antique beads, as well as representatives from community leaders such as the Pemancas and Penghulus.
“The registration and certification is on a voluntary basis and we encourage those families with antique beads to come forward to have their beads certified by the Committee, so as to preserve the value of their beads and to control and minimise the passing of new and fake beads as heirlooms or antique beads”, said Datin Sri Mariam Balan, the Chairperson of Wanita RKS Beads Committee who is also Advisor to the event’s Organising Committee and Wanita RKS.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Rurum Lun Bawang and Rurum Kelabit Christmas Dinner
http://tribune.my/home/4496-rurum-lun-bawang-and-rurum-kelabit-christmas-dinner.html
Rurum Lun Bawang and Rurum Kelabit Christmas Dinner
Saturday, 13 November 2010 16:27
KUCHING: The Rurum Lun Bawang & Rurum Kelabit Kuching Branches will be holding their Christmas Service and Dinner on December 3 and 4 at Kuching Evangelical Church here (SIB Iris Garden) starting at 7.30 pm.
According to the Chairman of the dinner’s Organising Committee, Richard Labung Ganang,the main aim of the event is to help keep alive the traditions of the two highlanders communities, which includes remembering what God had done in transforming their lives and also to let the younger generation continue the noble practice of fellowship and thanksgiving.
His sentiments were shared by Caroline Agan, the Vice Chairperson of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.
The guest speaker at the Christmas Service shall be Rev Danil Raut, President of SIB Semananjung Malaysia. All the members of the Kelabit and Lun Bawang Community in and around Kuching are cordially invited. Others who can understand the Lun Bawang & Kelabit dialects are also welcome to join in the service.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Dinner on December 4 is open to members of the two associations and their friends. Tickets for the dinner are now on sale.
Please contact the following persons for further details: Ennis (013-8119545) and Margaret (013- 8026826) from Rurum Kelabit Association: Rose Pengiran (016- 8977775) and Floria Apak (013- 5707438) from the Rurum Lun Bawang Sarawak.
The Lun Bawang and Rurum Kelabit’s very own live band will be performing songs in Lun Bawang and Kelabit at the dinner, to bring cheers and add to the mood for the Christmas season.
Rurum Lun Bawang and Rurum Kelabit Christmas Dinner
Saturday, 13 November 2010 16:27
KUCHING: The Rurum Lun Bawang & Rurum Kelabit Kuching Branches will be holding their Christmas Service and Dinner on December 3 and 4 at Kuching Evangelical Church here (SIB Iris Garden) starting at 7.30 pm.
According to the Chairman of the dinner’s Organising Committee, Richard Labung Ganang,the main aim of the event is to help keep alive the traditions of the two highlanders communities, which includes remembering what God had done in transforming their lives and also to let the younger generation continue the noble practice of fellowship and thanksgiving.
His sentiments were shared by Caroline Agan, the Vice Chairperson of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.
The guest speaker at the Christmas Service shall be Rev Danil Raut, President of SIB Semananjung Malaysia. All the members of the Kelabit and Lun Bawang Community in and around Kuching are cordially invited. Others who can understand the Lun Bawang & Kelabit dialects are also welcome to join in the service.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Dinner on December 4 is open to members of the two associations and their friends. Tickets for the dinner are now on sale.
Please contact the following persons for further details: Ennis (013-8119545) and Margaret (013- 8026826) from Rurum Kelabit Association: Rose Pengiran (016- 8977775) and Floria Apak (013- 5707438) from the Rurum Lun Bawang Sarawak.
The Lun Bawang and Rurum Kelabit’s very own live band will be performing songs in Lun Bawang and Kelabit at the dinner, to bring cheers and add to the mood for the Christmas season.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
No plan by MARDI to set up research station in Bario
http://tribune.my/prime/4448-no-plan-by-mardi-to-set-up-research-station-in-bario.html
No plan by MARDI to set up research station in Bario
Thursday, 11 November 2010 15:41
THE Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) does not have any plan to set up a research station in Bario, said Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
“Nevertheless, MARDI and Department of Agriculture (DOA) will collaborate to undertake appropriate research on selected highland crops,” said Jabu in response to Nelson Baling Rining (BN-Ba’ Kelalan) in his winding up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday.
Jabu told Balang, who had suggested for more than one crop of Bario rice per year, that Bario rice or Padi Adan was a traditional rice variety that matured in six months and was sensitive to changes in day length.
“Thus, it is not likely that we can grow Bario rice variety twice a year or five times in two years,” he said.
Responding to Frederick Bayo Manggie (BN-Kedup) on the ineffectiveness of the ‘penanaman berkelompok’ concept, Jabu said that one of the reasons why this approach was not implemented fully in certain areas was because many of rural farmers were dependent on subsidies to start the project.
“With limited budget given to the Agriculture Department for subsidies, it is unavoidable that some areas will have to wait longer for such projects to be implemented,” he said, adding that the real issue was not ineffectiveness of the concept but rather fund constraint, which could delay the implementation of such project in Kedup.
He also said that the Ministry would consider the request for an aquaculture project at Batang Ai hydro dam as suggested by Malcom Mussen Lamoh (BNBatang Ai).
No plan by MARDI to set up research station in Bario
Thursday, 11 November 2010 15:41
THE Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) does not have any plan to set up a research station in Bario, said Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
“Nevertheless, MARDI and Department of Agriculture (DOA) will collaborate to undertake appropriate research on selected highland crops,” said Jabu in response to Nelson Baling Rining (BN-Ba’ Kelalan) in his winding up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday.
Jabu told Balang, who had suggested for more than one crop of Bario rice per year, that Bario rice or Padi Adan was a traditional rice variety that matured in six months and was sensitive to changes in day length.
“Thus, it is not likely that we can grow Bario rice variety twice a year or five times in two years,” he said.
Responding to Frederick Bayo Manggie (BN-Kedup) on the ineffectiveness of the ‘penanaman berkelompok’ concept, Jabu said that one of the reasons why this approach was not implemented fully in certain areas was because many of rural farmers were dependent on subsidies to start the project.
“With limited budget given to the Agriculture Department for subsidies, it is unavoidable that some areas will have to wait longer for such projects to be implemented,” he said, adding that the real issue was not ineffectiveness of the concept but rather fund constraint, which could delay the implementation of such project in Kedup.
He also said that the Ministry would consider the request for an aquaculture project at Batang Ai hydro dam as suggested by Malcom Mussen Lamoh (BNBatang Ai).
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
MASwings to fix booking and seating problems on rural air services
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=73908
MASwings to fix booking and seating problems on rural air services
Posted on November 9, 2010, Tuesday
MIRI: MASwings will reduce glitches in their rural air services operation through introduction of computerised booking and seat allocation system.
“Currently, everything is done manually. We have to do seat allocation upfront,” its managing director Dato’ Mohd Salleh Ahmad Tabrani disclosed to reporters after launching the Safety and Security Seminar and Workshop here.
Mohd Salleh was asked to comment on the problem faced by passengers from remote areas in Baram, that they were often left stranded in Marudi when on transit in the township before proceeding to Miri. They claimed that their seats were given to passengers from Marudi while leaving them to catch the next available flight.
Admitted the fault, Mohd Salleh said: “The problem arise because of all the inventory management is not computerised and we have to decide upfront on the number of seats going to be allocated… probably half of the aircraft (seats) would be given to passengers from Long Akah and another half to those from Marudi to Miri.”
The managing director said they have to be flexible in managing the inventory, adding that, however, the complaints or problems were not on regular basis.
Mohd Salleh assured that they will address the problem.
MASwings embarked on a pilot project called ‘Highlander’ to computerised all their short take off and landing (STOL) ports’ operations. The project was now in trial basis in both Bario and Ba kelalan, where the airline provided both area with solar power, satellite dishes, battery packs and basic computer resolution programmes to computerised their operations.
The system will be introduced to other STOL ports in rural and remote areas in the state upon the success in their pilot projects.
MASwings to fix booking and seating problems on rural air services
Posted on November 9, 2010, Tuesday
MIRI: MASwings will reduce glitches in their rural air services operation through introduction of computerised booking and seat allocation system.
“Currently, everything is done manually. We have to do seat allocation upfront,” its managing director Dato’ Mohd Salleh Ahmad Tabrani disclosed to reporters after launching the Safety and Security Seminar and Workshop here.
Mohd Salleh was asked to comment on the problem faced by passengers from remote areas in Baram, that they were often left stranded in Marudi when on transit in the township before proceeding to Miri. They claimed that their seats were given to passengers from Marudi while leaving them to catch the next available flight.
Admitted the fault, Mohd Salleh said: “The problem arise because of all the inventory management is not computerised and we have to decide upfront on the number of seats going to be allocated… probably half of the aircraft (seats) would be given to passengers from Long Akah and another half to those from Marudi to Miri.”
The managing director said they have to be flexible in managing the inventory, adding that, however, the complaints or problems were not on regular basis.
Mohd Salleh assured that they will address the problem.
MASwings embarked on a pilot project called ‘Highlander’ to computerised all their short take off and landing (STOL) ports’ operations. The project was now in trial basis in both Bario and Ba kelalan, where the airline provided both area with solar power, satellite dishes, battery packs and basic computer resolution programmes to computerised their operations.
The system will be introduced to other STOL ports in rural and remote areas in the state upon the success in their pilot projects.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Categorise SK Long Napir as Penan school
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=73334
Categorise SK Long Napir as Penan school — Batu Danau repCategorise SK Long Napir as Penan school — Batu Danau rep
Posted on November 6, 2010, Saturday
PAULUS Palu Gumbang (BN-Batu Danau) has called for SK Long Napir to be recognised as a Penan school so that all its students could receive allowances as those in other Penan schools in the state.
At the moment, the school, located deep in Ulu Limbang has about 81 students including pre-schoolers.
From the number, 57 students (80.2 per cent) are Penans while the 24 others are Kelabits.
“Now that the Penan students in SK Long Napir are more than 80 per cent, it is only just that the school received recognition. Furthermore, it is to help the people,” said the Batu Danau assemblyman when debating during the State 2011 Budget at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
Gumbang also mentioned that the school used to be dominated by the Kelabits but as the Penans became more aware of the importance of education, more of their young have entered school.
On another note, he urged the government to implement as soon as possible the community’s much needed Batu Danau-Nanga Medamit-Tedungan water supply project under the national key result area (NKRA).
“I understand that no less than 49 settlements including longhouses and villages along the said areas will benefit from these projects.
“In addition, I also hope that the clean water supply projects could be extended to Kubong-Ulu Pandaruan areas comprising of Rumah Bujang, 12 1/2 Mile Kubong road, Rumah Ungkil, Kampung Reda, Rumah James Jimbau, Kampung Semabat, Rumah Baba Ajit, SK Penganan, Rumah Sintau, Lubok Kepayang and Rumah Manai.”
Regarding the rural electricity supply (RES), Gumbang said 12 projects costing RM4.7 million under the NKRA was supposed to be implemented in 2009-2010.
The contractor for the projects covering Kampung Anak Bukit/Kuala Awang, Tanjung Riman, Tanjong, Ranggu/Pengkalan Jawa, Pengkalan Gurah, Lembuak Tedungan, Nanga Medamit (including its health clinic), Tanjung Ungar (Limbang), Bawang Ubor and Pengkalan Madang have been identified and it was hoped that the implementation would commenced soon.
“Apart from the said areas, there are many more villages and longhouses in Batu Danau that do not have 24-hour electricity.
“The villagers are so accustomed to generate their own electricity but due to the increase in diesel cost, it has become a burden for the people.
“Therefore, I hoped that the government would speed up the implementation of the projects and I hope that these said areas could be included.”
The areas are Kelati, Teban, Tubai, Ensurai, Sungai Lumbong, Pulau Brunei, Ensungei, Staie and Nanga Merit.
Categorise SK Long Napir as Penan school — Batu Danau repCategorise SK Long Napir as Penan school — Batu Danau rep
Posted on November 6, 2010, Saturday
PAULUS Palu Gumbang (BN-Batu Danau) has called for SK Long Napir to be recognised as a Penan school so that all its students could receive allowances as those in other Penan schools in the state.
At the moment, the school, located deep in Ulu Limbang has about 81 students including pre-schoolers.
From the number, 57 students (80.2 per cent) are Penans while the 24 others are Kelabits.
“Now that the Penan students in SK Long Napir are more than 80 per cent, it is only just that the school received recognition. Furthermore, it is to help the people,” said the Batu Danau assemblyman when debating during the State 2011 Budget at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
Gumbang also mentioned that the school used to be dominated by the Kelabits but as the Penans became more aware of the importance of education, more of their young have entered school.
On another note, he urged the government to implement as soon as possible the community’s much needed Batu Danau-Nanga Medamit-Tedungan water supply project under the national key result area (NKRA).
“I understand that no less than 49 settlements including longhouses and villages along the said areas will benefit from these projects.
“In addition, I also hope that the clean water supply projects could be extended to Kubong-Ulu Pandaruan areas comprising of Rumah Bujang, 12 1/2 Mile Kubong road, Rumah Ungkil, Kampung Reda, Rumah James Jimbau, Kampung Semabat, Rumah Baba Ajit, SK Penganan, Rumah Sintau, Lubok Kepayang and Rumah Manai.”
Regarding the rural electricity supply (RES), Gumbang said 12 projects costing RM4.7 million under the NKRA was supposed to be implemented in 2009-2010.
The contractor for the projects covering Kampung Anak Bukit/Kuala Awang, Tanjung Riman, Tanjong, Ranggu/Pengkalan Jawa, Pengkalan Gurah, Lembuak Tedungan, Nanga Medamit (including its health clinic), Tanjung Ungar (Limbang), Bawang Ubor and Pengkalan Madang have been identified and it was hoped that the implementation would commenced soon.
“Apart from the said areas, there are many more villages and longhouses in Batu Danau that do not have 24-hour electricity.
“The villagers are so accustomed to generate their own electricity but due to the increase in diesel cost, it has become a burden for the people.
“Therefore, I hoped that the government would speed up the implementation of the projects and I hope that these said areas could be included.”
The areas are Kelati, Teban, Tubai, Ensurai, Sungai Lumbong, Pulau Brunei, Ensungei, Staie and Nanga Merit.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Geographical constraint hampers communication in remote areas
http://tribune.my/prime/4279-geographical-constraint-hampers-communication-in-remote-areas.html
Geographical constraint hampers communication in remote areas
Friday, 05 November 2010 12:01
Assistant Minister of Public Health and Public Utilities Dr. Stephen Rundi Atom revealed that the geographical constraint and unavailability of stable power supply are hampering efforts by the government to provide optimum cellular coverage and fixed line services to the remote areas.
Rundi was replying to a question by Nelson Balang Rining, Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, on the installation of telephone lines for Ba’Kelalan, Long Semadoh and Long Sukang.
“Nevertheless, the government in collaboration with telecommunication industry players has taken the initiative to deploy Nano Cellular Base Transceiver Stations as an interim solution to the telecommunication requirement in these areas,” said Rundi.
He said currently, there are two locations being served by this cellular service, namely the areas surrounding a primary school and airport in Ba’Kelalan and Kampung Bario.
“Powered by generator sets and solar power respectively, these two sites deploy minimal coverage radius of up to 1,000 meters,” he said.
Rundi gave his assurance that For Long Semadoh and Long Sukang, and extended areas in Ba’Kelalan, the Ministry would propose the said locations to the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) for consideration to be included in future cellular coverage expansion initiatives.
Geographical constraint hampers communication in remote areas
Friday, 05 November 2010 12:01
Assistant Minister of Public Health and Public Utilities Dr. Stephen Rundi Atom revealed that the geographical constraint and unavailability of stable power supply are hampering efforts by the government to provide optimum cellular coverage and fixed line services to the remote areas.
Rundi was replying to a question by Nelson Balang Rining, Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, on the installation of telephone lines for Ba’Kelalan, Long Semadoh and Long Sukang.
“Nevertheless, the government in collaboration with telecommunication industry players has taken the initiative to deploy Nano Cellular Base Transceiver Stations as an interim solution to the telecommunication requirement in these areas,” said Rundi.
He said currently, there are two locations being served by this cellular service, namely the areas surrounding a primary school and airport in Ba’Kelalan and Kampung Bario.
“Powered by generator sets and solar power respectively, these two sites deploy minimal coverage radius of up to 1,000 meters,” he said.
Rundi gave his assurance that For Long Semadoh and Long Sukang, and extended areas in Ba’Kelalan, the Ministry would propose the said locations to the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) for consideration to be included in future cellular coverage expansion initiatives.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Three road projects for Lingga
http://tribune.my/prime/4170-three-road-projects-for-lingga.html
Three road projects for Lingga
Wednesday, 03 November 2010 15:23
MINISTER of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong relayed his answer to a question by Simoi Peri (BNLingga) who wanted to know the completion dates for the road upgrading projects in her constituency.
Manyin revealed that there were three road upgrading projects approved by Ministry of Rural and District Development under the NKRA programme in Lingga constituency.
“The projects include the road upgrading of Stumbin-Tanjung Bijat-Stirau, Jalan Sri Aman- Sembau-Stumbin-Lingga and Jalan Stumbin Link, which is a new inclusion,” he said.
“The architectural drafts for the three projects have been completed and the Ministry is now preparing for a tender process. The road upgrading work is expected to start in early 2011,” he added.
To a question from Nelson Balan Rining (BN-Ba’ Kelalan) who wanted to know if the government had plan to build more roads in his constituency, Manyin said there was no plan to build a road from Ba’Kelalan to Bario.
He elaborated that Bario would be connected by proposed road projects, namely Long Lama-Long Laput-Long Miri-Long Pilah-Long Nikan-Long Kesih-Long Akah road, the 40-Km Long Akah-Long Banga road and the 67-Km Bario- Pa’ Dalih-Long Banga road.
Three road projects for Lingga
Wednesday, 03 November 2010 15:23
MINISTER of Infrastructure Development and Communications Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong relayed his answer to a question by Simoi Peri (BNLingga) who wanted to know the completion dates for the road upgrading projects in her constituency.
Manyin revealed that there were three road upgrading projects approved by Ministry of Rural and District Development under the NKRA programme in Lingga constituency.
“The projects include the road upgrading of Stumbin-Tanjung Bijat-Stirau, Jalan Sri Aman- Sembau-Stumbin-Lingga and Jalan Stumbin Link, which is a new inclusion,” he said.
“The architectural drafts for the three projects have been completed and the Ministry is now preparing for a tender process. The road upgrading work is expected to start in early 2011,” he added.
To a question from Nelson Balan Rining (BN-Ba’ Kelalan) who wanted to know if the government had plan to build more roads in his constituency, Manyin said there was no plan to build a road from Ba’Kelalan to Bario.
He elaborated that Bario would be connected by proposed road projects, namely Long Lama-Long Laput-Long Miri-Long Pilah-Long Nikan-Long Kesih-Long Akah road, the 40-Km Long Akah-Long Banga road and the 67-Km Bario- Pa’ Dalih-Long Banga road.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Brain drain continues to put the country on the losing end
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/2/sarawak/7339395&sec=sarawak
Tuesday November 2, 2010
Brain drain continues to put the country on the losing end
By YU JI
yuji@thestar.com.my
REPORTS on the brain drain come and go every so often, but behind all the headlines and letters to the editors, there exists a real problem that will take generations to remedy.
First off, let it be clear, there can be no solving of the brain drain. The exodus of human capital is part and parcel of globalisation. It is the result of universities with international reach, the Internet and borders that are getting more porous by the day.
Indeed, when so much economic talk these days is focused on free trade agreements and foreign direct investment through which commodities and money move so freely, the very idea of nationality erodes.
This is not to say, however, that Malaysia’s brain drain should not be tackled.
In February this year, a report based on Parliamentary proceedings stated that between March 2008 and August 2009, about 305,000 Malaysians left the country for jobs elsewhere.
The figure was almost double the number of Malaysians who left in 2007.
Throughout the years, Singapore has been the recipient of some of the brightest and most hard-working workers from its neighbouring country. An estimate a few years ago claimed that about 40% of those leaving Malaysia headed for the tiny island nation.
Other countries that Malaysians prefer are Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Britain.
On a smaller scale, the brain drain happens inter-state as well.
The Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party has set up clubs in Johor, where the party says almost 40,000 Ibans are working.
Meanwhile, thousands of rural Sarawakians continue to arrive in the state’s towns and cities every year, looking for better salaries.
Take Bario, the fertile Kelabit Highlands, as an example. Well known for its rice, the area’s youths, however, have left in droves over the past three years.
Its rice production is in decline. Rice fields have been abandoned while some locals have started importing rice from nearby villages.
Even Padiberas Nasional Bhd, the country’s regulator and distributor of rice in the industry, said it faced great difficulties in promoting the award-winning Bario rice as the export volume was inconsistent.
To counter the migration of youths, farmers left behind in Bario have been employing Indonesian workers.
Multiply Bario’s situation by a few hundred and you have Malaysia’s scenario – talent leaving, influx of low-skilled foreigners.
The country’s policymakers have never denied there is a brain drain, yet they also seem to resist taking drastic measures. Some politicians have spoken up in support of a true 1Malaysia, but then balked at the smallest sign of trouble from certain groups.
What brain drain comes down to is opportunity. Simple as that.
National Heart Association Malaysia president Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, rumoured to be a state election candidate, is among a few who had been enormously successful overseas, but eventually returned to Malaysia.
“When people ask me why I came back – mind you I left a better paying job overseas – I say it’s because I miss my laksa, my kolo mee.
“But when I really think about it sometimes, the reason why I’ve stayed back is because of the prestige. I like the challenge of heading a cardiac unit here (in Kuching),” he told StarMetro recently.
Dr Sim is a founding member of the Sarawak General Hospital’s Cardiac Unit, which is making a move to the Sarawak Heart and Cancer Institute in Samarahan.
Had there been no cardiac unit to be set up here, would Dr Sim have returned?
Why should talented people stay put anywhere when better, more challenging and more rewarding opportunities abound somewhere else? Even if you don’t feel that way, would you deny your child such an opportunity?
Opportunity is dependent on equality. The rate of the brain drain can only increase further if a disadvantaged social environment continues to be felt in a world made smaller by great leaps in technological progress.
The Gini Coefficient Index is the internationally-accepted standard to measure inequality, usually used to estimate the difference between the rich and the poor.
It’s saddening to note that the index shows that Malaysians have been growing apart in wealth in the past decade.
It indicates a trend where the rich are getting richer while the poor remain poor, or make so little progress on income levels that any increase is negated by inflation.
Surely, one of the best ways to improve on this would be to introduce the much-talked-about but long-delayed minimum wage scheme.
You see, setting a minimum wage will also positively adjust salaries up the job ladder. It will likely offset the brain drain to some extent.
The minimum wage scheme wasn’t introduced in Budget 2011, but a council was founded which would look into how the scheme could be implemented.
The worry, though, is whether such much-needed efforts will come too little too late. Much has been said about Malaysia falling into the middle-income trap.
Putting targets on higher income levels is a noble aim. And there is no reason to assume the country can’t reach them. Still, rebalancing income distribution and to stem the brain drain are faraway goals from where we stand.
Tuesday November 2, 2010
Brain drain continues to put the country on the losing end
By YU JI
yuji@thestar.com.my
REPORTS on the brain drain come and go every so often, but behind all the headlines and letters to the editors, there exists a real problem that will take generations to remedy.
First off, let it be clear, there can be no solving of the brain drain. The exodus of human capital is part and parcel of globalisation. It is the result of universities with international reach, the Internet and borders that are getting more porous by the day.
Indeed, when so much economic talk these days is focused on free trade agreements and foreign direct investment through which commodities and money move so freely, the very idea of nationality erodes.
This is not to say, however, that Malaysia’s brain drain should not be tackled.
In February this year, a report based on Parliamentary proceedings stated that between March 2008 and August 2009, about 305,000 Malaysians left the country for jobs elsewhere.
The figure was almost double the number of Malaysians who left in 2007.
Throughout the years, Singapore has been the recipient of some of the brightest and most hard-working workers from its neighbouring country. An estimate a few years ago claimed that about 40% of those leaving Malaysia headed for the tiny island nation.
Other countries that Malaysians prefer are Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Britain.
On a smaller scale, the brain drain happens inter-state as well.
The Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party has set up clubs in Johor, where the party says almost 40,000 Ibans are working.
Meanwhile, thousands of rural Sarawakians continue to arrive in the state’s towns and cities every year, looking for better salaries.
Take Bario, the fertile Kelabit Highlands, as an example. Well known for its rice, the area’s youths, however, have left in droves over the past three years.
Its rice production is in decline. Rice fields have been abandoned while some locals have started importing rice from nearby villages.
Even Padiberas Nasional Bhd, the country’s regulator and distributor of rice in the industry, said it faced great difficulties in promoting the award-winning Bario rice as the export volume was inconsistent.
To counter the migration of youths, farmers left behind in Bario have been employing Indonesian workers.
Multiply Bario’s situation by a few hundred and you have Malaysia’s scenario – talent leaving, influx of low-skilled foreigners.
The country’s policymakers have never denied there is a brain drain, yet they also seem to resist taking drastic measures. Some politicians have spoken up in support of a true 1Malaysia, but then balked at the smallest sign of trouble from certain groups.
What brain drain comes down to is opportunity. Simple as that.
National Heart Association Malaysia president Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, rumoured to be a state election candidate, is among a few who had been enormously successful overseas, but eventually returned to Malaysia.
“When people ask me why I came back – mind you I left a better paying job overseas – I say it’s because I miss my laksa, my kolo mee.
“But when I really think about it sometimes, the reason why I’ve stayed back is because of the prestige. I like the challenge of heading a cardiac unit here (in Kuching),” he told StarMetro recently.
Dr Sim is a founding member of the Sarawak General Hospital’s Cardiac Unit, which is making a move to the Sarawak Heart and Cancer Institute in Samarahan.
Had there been no cardiac unit to be set up here, would Dr Sim have returned?
Why should talented people stay put anywhere when better, more challenging and more rewarding opportunities abound somewhere else? Even if you don’t feel that way, would you deny your child such an opportunity?
Opportunity is dependent on equality. The rate of the brain drain can only increase further if a disadvantaged social environment continues to be felt in a world made smaller by great leaps in technological progress.
The Gini Coefficient Index is the internationally-accepted standard to measure inequality, usually used to estimate the difference between the rich and the poor.
It’s saddening to note that the index shows that Malaysians have been growing apart in wealth in the past decade.
It indicates a trend where the rich are getting richer while the poor remain poor, or make so little progress on income levels that any increase is negated by inflation.
Surely, one of the best ways to improve on this would be to introduce the much-talked-about but long-delayed minimum wage scheme.
You see, setting a minimum wage will also positively adjust salaries up the job ladder. It will likely offset the brain drain to some extent.
The minimum wage scheme wasn’t introduced in Budget 2011, but a council was founded which would look into how the scheme could be implemented.
The worry, though, is whether such much-needed efforts will come too little too late. Much has been said about Malaysia falling into the middle-income trap.
Putting targets on higher income levels is a noble aim. And there is no reason to assume the country can’t reach them. Still, rebalancing income distribution and to stem the brain drain are faraway goals from where we stand.
Will God visit Malaysia Again, 37 years after the Bario Revival?
http://www.sinclairwong.com/2010/11/02/will-god-visit-malaysia-again-37-years-after-the-bario-revival/
Will God visit Malaysia Again, 37 years after the Bario Revival?
Tuesday, November 02nd, 2010
Author: Sinclair Wong
Last Sunday, I had a wonderful time listening to a first hand account from Pastor Solomon Bulan on the Bario Revival in Sarawak, Malaysia which took place in 1973. A humble Kelabit pastor, Pastor Solomon was a school teacher then. The revival broke out as a result of much prayer for revival among the young people in the Bario church. Bario is in the Kelabit Highlands (Mount Murud). The Kelabit is a small tribe with just about 5,000 persons. The Holy Spirit came upon the people with great power and conviction. The young as well as the old began to cry out and repent of their sins. School children, farmers and almost everyone stopped everything they were doing and went to church from morning till night, everyday, to pray. There were miraculous signs of speaking and interpretation of tongues, healings, casting out of evil spirits, word of knowledge and a great zeal to spread the Gospel to other villages and tribes. Hidden charms kept by the believers were revealed by the Holy Spirit and those convicted had their lives greatly changed. Groups of school boys, aging between 13-15 years, went out into the dense forests, walking for days to preach the Gospel from village to village. Whole villages were converted and set on fire by the Holy Spirit. The journey from one village to another by foot would normally take about 8 – 10 hours. Sometimes, because the team would stop for prayer, the delay may cause them to have to travel at night in pitch darkness. The Holy Spirit would lit up their path by causing leaves to glow in the dark. Each of these mission trips would take about two weeks. This went on for several years. Pastor Solomon co-authored a book with his sister in 2004 to give an account of the revival. It is entitled “The Bario Revival”.
The revival spread to the Lun Bawang who live in Ba Kelalan which is on the other slope of Mount (Gunung) Murud. In 1985, God visited the Lun Bawangs with great signs and wonders. There were many miracles and “lights” which looked like fire balls appeared in the sky as the Christian choir sang praises to God. ( Read about the news reports by a New Straist Times Journalist on Sarawak Sightings 1,2 & 3). In November 1985, a group of these Lun Bawangs came to Kuala Lumpur to attend a Morris Cerullo conference. We managed to invite 5 of them to come to our church and share what they had witnessed in Ba Kelalan. I can remember clearly how they related the burning of the sand and wet moss and also how the birds in the forest sang together with the choir as the lights appeared and “danced” in the sky in accordance to the singing. One of the team members was quite unforgettable because his name was called “Buaya” which means “crocodile”.
Ps Solomon noted that there were three phases in the Bario Revival. The first was Repentance, the second was Praise and Worship and the third was Retreat to the Mountain for Prayer. The first phase of Repentance was an obvious sign as the initial move of the Holy Spirit. The second is when the people of God gave themselves to daily worship and praise at the church. The believers would go to church at 5.30 am and end at 12.00 pm. They then attend to their work. From 6.00 pm to 12.00 am there would be another service in church. They were never physically tired of meeting in the church nor feel hungry. Even today, church services are held daily. The last phase was when they would retreat to the mountain top for prayers (Prayer mountains).
It is now 37 years since the Revival took place. Ps Solomon was reflective on this. He mentioned a sobering fact; what was the purpose of such a great revival and signs from God? A new generation of Kelabit and Lun Bawangs have arisen but they have no experience or personal knowledge of God’s power. The church is losing them to modernity and Islamization. He said that there is a desperation in the country and a deep underlying spiritual desperation in the Church. The Church has been complacent and as a result, we are losing our children to the world. Ps Solomon feels that Revival is for believers and not non-believers. When God gives a revival to His people, He brings a Restoration of Direction to the Church. God has His timing for revivals but His people must pray because prayer brings revivals.
Will God visit Malaysian again? Will His next visit bring an even greater outpouring; not only in Sarawak but to the whole country of Malaysia (East and West Malaysia)? Will this also mean the salvation of the “sons of the land”?
Will God visit Malaysia Again, 37 years after the Bario Revival?
Tuesday, November 02nd, 2010
Author: Sinclair Wong
Last Sunday, I had a wonderful time listening to a first hand account from Pastor Solomon Bulan on the Bario Revival in Sarawak, Malaysia which took place in 1973. A humble Kelabit pastor, Pastor Solomon was a school teacher then. The revival broke out as a result of much prayer for revival among the young people in the Bario church. Bario is in the Kelabit Highlands (Mount Murud). The Kelabit is a small tribe with just about 5,000 persons. The Holy Spirit came upon the people with great power and conviction. The young as well as the old began to cry out and repent of their sins. School children, farmers and almost everyone stopped everything they were doing and went to church from morning till night, everyday, to pray. There were miraculous signs of speaking and interpretation of tongues, healings, casting out of evil spirits, word of knowledge and a great zeal to spread the Gospel to other villages and tribes. Hidden charms kept by the believers were revealed by the Holy Spirit and those convicted had their lives greatly changed. Groups of school boys, aging between 13-15 years, went out into the dense forests, walking for days to preach the Gospel from village to village. Whole villages were converted and set on fire by the Holy Spirit. The journey from one village to another by foot would normally take about 8 – 10 hours. Sometimes, because the team would stop for prayer, the delay may cause them to have to travel at night in pitch darkness. The Holy Spirit would lit up their path by causing leaves to glow in the dark. Each of these mission trips would take about two weeks. This went on for several years. Pastor Solomon co-authored a book with his sister in 2004 to give an account of the revival. It is entitled “The Bario Revival”.
The revival spread to the Lun Bawang who live in Ba Kelalan which is on the other slope of Mount (Gunung) Murud. In 1985, God visited the Lun Bawangs with great signs and wonders. There were many miracles and “lights” which looked like fire balls appeared in the sky as the Christian choir sang praises to God. ( Read about the news reports by a New Straist Times Journalist on Sarawak Sightings 1,2 & 3). In November 1985, a group of these Lun Bawangs came to Kuala Lumpur to attend a Morris Cerullo conference. We managed to invite 5 of them to come to our church and share what they had witnessed in Ba Kelalan. I can remember clearly how they related the burning of the sand and wet moss and also how the birds in the forest sang together with the choir as the lights appeared and “danced” in the sky in accordance to the singing. One of the team members was quite unforgettable because his name was called “Buaya” which means “crocodile”.
Ps Solomon noted that there were three phases in the Bario Revival. The first was Repentance, the second was Praise and Worship and the third was Retreat to the Mountain for Prayer. The first phase of Repentance was an obvious sign as the initial move of the Holy Spirit. The second is when the people of God gave themselves to daily worship and praise at the church. The believers would go to church at 5.30 am and end at 12.00 pm. They then attend to their work. From 6.00 pm to 12.00 am there would be another service in church. They were never physically tired of meeting in the church nor feel hungry. Even today, church services are held daily. The last phase was when they would retreat to the mountain top for prayers (Prayer mountains).
It is now 37 years since the Revival took place. Ps Solomon was reflective on this. He mentioned a sobering fact; what was the purpose of such a great revival and signs from God? A new generation of Kelabit and Lun Bawangs have arisen but they have no experience or personal knowledge of God’s power. The church is losing them to modernity and Islamization. He said that there is a desperation in the country and a deep underlying spiritual desperation in the Church. The Church has been complacent and as a result, we are losing our children to the world. Ps Solomon feels that Revival is for believers and not non-believers. When God gives a revival to His people, He brings a Restoration of Direction to the Church. God has His timing for revivals but His people must pray because prayer brings revivals.
Will God visit Malaysian again? Will His next visit bring an even greater outpouring; not only in Sarawak but to the whole country of Malaysia (East and West Malaysia)? Will this also mean the salvation of the “sons of the land”?
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