http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=110092
Kelabit-owned Persafe Engineering receives certificates of excellence
Posted on March 29, 2011, Tuesday
BINTULU: Its was a commendable achievement by a Bumiputera company recognised for its speed and creativity in delivering quality products and services to its clients, said Sarawak Immigration Department director Datu Robert Lian.
He was commenting on the achievement of Persafe Engineering Sdn Bhd, a company wholly owned by Kelabit ethnic minority of Sarawak for being awarded with the ISO 2001:2008 and OHSAS 1800:2007 certifications.
“This is indeed a special recognition accorded to Persafe Engineering for having established quality management system, which include an effective and efficient organisation structure, policies, procedures and practices in place for managing its processes or business activities throughout its business operations,” he said when speaking at the certificates presentation cum appreciation dinner held last Saturday night.
“I have no doubt that these important elements or ingredients have shaped the corporate culture and contributed towards the rapid and impressive growth of the company since its inception 15 years ago,” he added.
Working hard to meet the changing industry requirements of the day has given the company a strong reputation as one of the best service providers for the oil and gas sector with good prospect to venture for business opportunities outside Malaysia, he said.
He said as the company continues to move forward in search for more business opportunities, it will face new challenges brought about by the rapidly evolving information technology and the process of globalisation.
“I am happy to note that the company has taken the right step to continually adjust its structure and procedures in order to sustain competitiveness and long term survival.
“For this strategy to succeed, the board, management and staff of the company will have to take full responsibility and be accountable for the activities under their charge. They should be conversant with the scope and extent of their accountability and be provided with the necessary reporting and monitoring systems,” said Lian.
In the course of time, it is expected that the company’s business operations will continue to grow and expand both domestically and overseas thus he stressed strong commitment is required besides proactive leadership in wanting to drive further progress.
He said the support of human capital and the implementation of various key initiatives are essential.
It is therefore imperative for the company to continue taking proactive actions to develop professional and business skills and know-how of employees in order to empower them with the right competencies to focus on growth, operational excellence, human capital development and other critical issues, he lamented.
Lian said working as a team is important with each business unit lending an unconditional support to each other.
“You will need the support and help your colleagues and your success or failure will depend on how good a team player you are.
“Knowing the company have the right initiatives, culture and esprit de corps, together you should strive to achieve the company’s vision of becoming the most ‘preferred contractor’ in the region,” he said.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Beads galore
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2011/3/19/lifeliving/8291981&sec=lifeliving
Saturday March 19, 2011
Beads galore
Bead lovers will go gaga over the impressive stockpile of rare and antique Bornean beads in Tun Jugah Foundation’s latest addition, the Leka Marik Gallery.
Culled from the private collection of the late Datin Amar Margaret Linggi, the beads come in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes which are strung into necklaces, dresses and belts.
Most of them originated from the maritime bead trade or were imported from Venice, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean countries, China, Africa, India, the Indo-Pacific region and Indonesia.
A traditional wedding outfit. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
For some indigenous folks of Borneo, beads are valued beyond mere aesthetics. Beads are collected and bequeathed to the next generation.
Some communities use beads in ceremonial rites, while others value beads as status symbols.
In the olden days, the dead were buried with beads as part of their grave clothes, or as “grave gifts”, for use in the deceased’s passage to the underworld. Many beads were sold, traded or lost in longhouse fires.
At the Gallery, the beads on display are described based on how they are worn or used, and the individual strings — suspended from the glass exhibit cases highlight the types of beads, for example, chevron, melon, rosette or millefiori beads.
The beads are also classified based on colours, diaphaneity (opaque, translucent or transparent), shapes (barrel, disc, tubular, spindle) and decorations (motifs such as flower, dotted, spiral or wavy). Special, rare or unique beads are displayed on trays.
The Ibans wear beads as part of their traditional costumes like the dujung marik and marik empang (bead collar), necklaces and decorated textiles (skirts, jackets and blouses) with cowrie shells.
They favour beads like the pelaga or carnelians; marik gamang — pyjama beads and melon beads.
> The Leka Marik gallery, pua gallery and museum are located at Level 4, Tun Jugah Tower, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak. For more information, call (082) 239 672 or visit: tunjugahfoundation.org.my Opening hours: 9am-noon and 1pm-4.30pm (Monday to Friday). Admission is free.
Saturday March 19, 2011
Beads galore
Bead lovers will go gaga over the impressive stockpile of rare and antique Bornean beads in Tun Jugah Foundation’s latest addition, the Leka Marik Gallery.
Culled from the private collection of the late Datin Amar Margaret Linggi, the beads come in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes which are strung into necklaces, dresses and belts.
Most of them originated from the maritime bead trade or were imported from Venice, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean countries, China, Africa, India, the Indo-Pacific region and Indonesia.
A traditional wedding outfit. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
For some indigenous folks of Borneo, beads are valued beyond mere aesthetics. Beads are collected and bequeathed to the next generation.
Some communities use beads in ceremonial rites, while others value beads as status symbols.
In the olden days, the dead were buried with beads as part of their grave clothes, or as “grave gifts”, for use in the deceased’s passage to the underworld. Many beads were sold, traded or lost in longhouse fires.
At the Gallery, the beads on display are described based on how they are worn or used, and the individual strings — suspended from the glass exhibit cases highlight the types of beads, for example, chevron, melon, rosette or millefiori beads.
The beads are also classified based on colours, diaphaneity (opaque, translucent or transparent), shapes (barrel, disc, tubular, spindle) and decorations (motifs such as flower, dotted, spiral or wavy). Special, rare or unique beads are displayed on trays.
The Ibans wear beads as part of their traditional costumes like the dujung marik and marik empang (bead collar), necklaces and decorated textiles (skirts, jackets and blouses) with cowrie shells.
They favour beads like the pelaga or carnelians; marik gamang — pyjama beads and melon beads.
> The Leka Marik gallery, pua gallery and museum are located at Level 4, Tun Jugah Tower, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching, Sarawak. For more information, call (082) 239 672 or visit: tunjugahfoundation.org.my Opening hours: 9am-noon and 1pm-4.30pm (Monday to Friday). Admission is free.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Christians welcome fast resolution to Bible issue
Peter Kallanghttp://www.theborneopost.com/?p=104236
Christians welcome fast resolution to Bible issue
by Cecilia B Sman.
Posted on March 17, 2011, Thursday
MIRI: Christians here have welcomed the government’s speedy resolution of the issue of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles detained at the Kuching Port and Port Klang, Selangor.
Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna) Miri branch chairman Peter Kallang said the release of the Bibles was a good development
He said Sarawak is known as a friendly place where people of various religious and racial backgrounds live and interact together in peace and harmony.
“Sarawakians do not only tolerate each other’s religion and race but respect them. Forcing one’s ideologies or faith on others is also something foreign in Sarawak,” he said in a statement emailed to The Borneo Post yesterday.
He added that all his Muslim relatives and friends never forced their beliefs on him and added that generally speaking, the Muslims in Sarawak live peacefully and cordially with non-Muslims.
Peter, who is also Peng Lepo Kenyah Miri (Kenyah Association Miri) chairman, added that in the old days, many Muslims took up Bible as a subject in school.
“But until today they are still committed Muslims, none of them became Christians. Many of them have gone for their pilgrimage to Mecca. But one thing I know, my Muslim friends are very open in their interaction with people of other religions. I still meet some of them regularly.”
Sarawak Kayan Association Miri branch chairman Philip Ngo also welcomed the announcement calling it “the right move”.
He said in the Kayan language, the word ‘Allah’ refers not only to God, but also means light and the names of persons.
It’s not uncommon, he said, to find members of the community who are called Allah Emang or Allah Lah.
Meanwhile, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Roland Mattu said he was very happy that the government has released the Bibles.
“We may not have a perfect government but at least they are doing something right with regards to the Bibles and this paves the way for a greater Malaysia,” said Dr Roland yesterday.
He added that religion is something very personal and thus should not be imposed on others or politicised by any political party to gain support.
“We in Sarawak have for generations had full respect for each other irrespective of religious backgrounds and hope that issues such as detention of imported Bibles will not happen again,” he said.
Don’t waste your time, Bario youths tell opposition
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=104117
Don’t waste your time, Bario youths tell opposition
Posted on March 17, 2011, Thursday
MIRI: The Youth bureau of JKKK Bario has advised the opposition to abandon their plans of conquering the Kelabit highlands.
Its chief Leju Balang, 46, said his people were all for the Barisan Nasional to continue to champion their cause
“We totally reject PKR here,” Leju said when contacted in Bario yesterday.
He pointed out that the opposition had brought nothing to Bario all these years.
But the BN had brought in economic developments and had long-term plans for Bario and Ba Kelalan.
“The BN government has improved the lifestyles of the Kelabit. We still need the BN. The opposition should stop wasting their time campaigning here.”
Sharing the same views is Peter Matu, 45.
He claimed that 97 per cent of the Kelabits in Bario were all for the BN.
He pointed out that currently under progress in Bario were an airport, clinic and a concrete road linking Bario Asal to the airport.
“We would like to thank the BN government for its sincerity toward the people.”
Its treasurer Douin Madang, 42, from Para Mapuh Bawah, Bario, also said the opposition had done nothing for Bario.
Don’t waste your time, Bario youths tell opposition
Posted on March 17, 2011, Thursday
MIRI: The Youth bureau of JKKK Bario has advised the opposition to abandon their plans of conquering the Kelabit highlands.
Its chief Leju Balang, 46, said his people were all for the Barisan Nasional to continue to champion their cause
“We totally reject PKR here,” Leju said when contacted in Bario yesterday.
He pointed out that the opposition had brought nothing to Bario all these years.
But the BN had brought in economic developments and had long-term plans for Bario and Ba Kelalan.
“The BN government has improved the lifestyles of the Kelabit. We still need the BN. The opposition should stop wasting their time campaigning here.”
Sharing the same views is Peter Matu, 45.
He claimed that 97 per cent of the Kelabits in Bario were all for the BN.
He pointed out that currently under progress in Bario were an airport, clinic and a concrete road linking Bario Asal to the airport.
“We would like to thank the BN government for its sincerity toward the people.”
Its treasurer Douin Madang, 42, from Para Mapuh Bawah, Bario, also said the opposition had done nothing for Bario.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
‘Tap into tourism potential of highlands’
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=103497
‘Tap into tourism potential of highlands’
by Mohamad Abdullah
Posted on March 16, 2011, Wednesday
MIRI: The Lun Bawang, Tagal and Kelabits in Ba Kelalan and Bario must tap into the beauty of the highlands.
WELL DONE: Nelson (third left) hands over a certificate to a homestay participant.
This call came from Ba Kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining.
“Tap into these opportunities as they are God-gifted natural beauties that can generate income for us in the highlands,” Nelson told participants of a homestay programme in Ba Kelalan over the weekend.
The programme is organised by the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Pejabat Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia Negeri Sarawak.
Nelson listed some of nature’s beauty in the highlands of Bario and Ba Kelalan: Gunung Murut which is 2.423 metres high, salt spring of Ba Kelalan, Batu Lawi in Bario, Pulun Tau National Park, Batu Angan legendary stone and the 152 species of birds in Ba Kelalan, Bario Rice and organic vegetables.
The Ba Kelalan assemblyman asked the relevant ministry to set up signboards at strategic places of interest in Ba Kelalan including a homestay locality map.
He will bring up a request from villagers to put up a walking track from one village to another, including cycling path for mountain bikes.
At the function, 14 participants in the homestay programme received their certificates from Nelson.
‘Tap into tourism potential of highlands’
by Mohamad Abdullah
Posted on March 16, 2011, Wednesday
MIRI: The Lun Bawang, Tagal and Kelabits in Ba Kelalan and Bario must tap into the beauty of the highlands.
WELL DONE: Nelson (third left) hands over a certificate to a homestay participant.
This call came from Ba Kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining.
“Tap into these opportunities as they are God-gifted natural beauties that can generate income for us in the highlands,” Nelson told participants of a homestay programme in Ba Kelalan over the weekend.
The programme is organised by the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Pejabat Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia Negeri Sarawak.
Nelson listed some of nature’s beauty in the highlands of Bario and Ba Kelalan: Gunung Murut which is 2.423 metres high, salt spring of Ba Kelalan, Batu Lawi in Bario, Pulun Tau National Park, Batu Angan legendary stone and the 152 species of birds in Ba Kelalan, Bario Rice and organic vegetables.
The Ba Kelalan assemblyman asked the relevant ministry to set up signboards at strategic places of interest in Ba Kelalan including a homestay locality map.
He will bring up a request from villagers to put up a walking track from one village to another, including cycling path for mountain bikes.
At the function, 14 participants in the homestay programme received their certificates from Nelson.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Dr Chan: Let the Bibles go
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/13/sarawak/8258235&sec=sarawak
Sunday March 13, 2011
Dr Chan: Let the Bibles go
BY STEPHEN THEN
stephenthen@thestar.com.my
MIRI: The Sarawak government wants the Home Ministry to release all detained or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan (pic) said the state government was of the opinion that detaining and seizing the Bibles was “totally unacceptable in multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.”
Dr Chan, who is SUPP president, said Sarawak could not understand the rationale behind such treatment of the Bibles or why the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bibles could not be imported into the country.
“The state government objects in the strongest term to this sort of treatment of the Bibles. Whoever is doing this sort of thing, whether it is the Federal Government or any Federal ministry, it is wrong and unjust.
“We in the state government cannot accept this,” he told reporters here when reacting to the latest controversy over the detention of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan pointed out that there were never such problems in Sarawak and could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians.”
“What is wrong with allowing the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bibles to be used by Christians? In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side-by-side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other.
“Chinese and Muslims eat at the same table. We never have any problem with race or religion.” He said the state would talk to the Federal Cabinet and the Home Ministry on this.
“Please don’t create unnecessary problems for the rakyat. Don’t spread such behaviour to Sarawak.”
The Home Ministry has said that the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Last year, the same controversy erupted in Kuala Lumpur when the ministry banned similar Bibles from being used.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated to churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Dr Chan yesterday said state leaders would raise the issue for discussion during the next state cabinet meeting and bring the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
He said Sarawak did not want to see such controversies happen again and if the Bibles could not be imported from Indonesia, then Sarawak would print them.
“The Federal Government better get this resolved fast,’’ he said.
Asked if the state Barisan Nasional was worried about political repercussion during the coming election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not because of political reasons, but more so because such acts were unjustified.
He, however, claimed that SUPP lost in last May’s Sibu by-election partly because of the controversies over the use of the word Allah and also because of the detention of the Bibles in Port Klang at that time.
Dr Chan warned that the Barisan could face a similar backlash if the matter was not resolved quickly.
Sunday March 13, 2011
Dr Chan: Let the Bibles go
BY STEPHEN THEN
stephenthen@thestar.com.my
MIRI: The Sarawak government wants the Home Ministry to release all detained or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan (pic) said the state government was of the opinion that detaining and seizing the Bibles was “totally unacceptable in multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia.”
Dr Chan, who is SUPP president, said Sarawak could not understand the rationale behind such treatment of the Bibles or why the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bibles could not be imported into the country.
“The state government objects in the strongest term to this sort of treatment of the Bibles. Whoever is doing this sort of thing, whether it is the Federal Government or any Federal ministry, it is wrong and unjust.
“We in the state government cannot accept this,” he told reporters here when reacting to the latest controversy over the detention of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan pointed out that there were never such problems in Sarawak and could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians.”
“What is wrong with allowing the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bibles to be used by Christians? In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side-by-side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other.
“Chinese and Muslims eat at the same table. We never have any problem with race or religion.” He said the state would talk to the Federal Cabinet and the Home Ministry on this.
“Please don’t create unnecessary problems for the rakyat. Don’t spread such behaviour to Sarawak.”
The Home Ministry has said that the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Last year, the same controversy erupted in Kuala Lumpur when the ministry banned similar Bibles from being used.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated to churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Dr Chan yesterday said state leaders would raise the issue for discussion during the next state cabinet meeting and bring the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
He said Sarawak did not want to see such controversies happen again and if the Bibles could not be imported from Indonesia, then Sarawak would print them.
“The Federal Government better get this resolved fast,’’ he said.
Asked if the state Barisan Nasional was worried about political repercussion during the coming election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not because of political reasons, but more so because such acts were unjustified.
He, however, claimed that SUPP lost in last May’s Sibu by-election partly because of the controversies over the use of the word Allah and also because of the detention of the Bibles in Port Klang at that time.
Dr Chan warned that the Barisan could face a similar backlash if the matter was not resolved quickly.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Orang Ulu happy with BN govt — Federation
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=101671
Orang Ulu happy with BN govt — Federation
Posted on March 12, 2011, Saturday
MIRI: The Orang Ulu are happy with the present BN government, which recognised contribution of the minority ethnic groups toward nation building.
Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) Wanita Wing chairlady councillor Kijan Toynbee said the government treated the small Orang Ulu community well as some have jobs in the government and private sectors.
“The Orang Ulu have high hopes toward BN government that have proven to champion the people’s interest including the minority,” Kijan said to The Borneo Post during the International Women Day celebration Tea Party organised by Wanita FORUM held at Tuah Cafe near Miri Airport yesterday afternoon.
According to Kijan, members of the community are happy because they continue to enjoy tremendous development under BN government that is sincere towards the people and its priority to the rakyat.
Kijan who is also a political secretary to Chief Minister said, the community would continue giving their undivided support to the visionary BN leaders to bring more development to Sarawak including the rural areas.
At the same time, she said, the government also recognised the role of women in the country and state as they form pillars of success to their male counterparts.
She said, women in the country are also given greater roles alongside their male counterparts and thus showing clearly the sincerity of the present government.
About 100 FORUM Wanita (Women) members were present at the tea party.
Guests were treated with Kelabit delicacies and cuisine.
Orang Ulu happy with BN govt — Federation
Posted on March 12, 2011, Saturday
MIRI: The Orang Ulu are happy with the present BN government, which recognised contribution of the minority ethnic groups toward nation building.
Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) Wanita Wing chairlady councillor Kijan Toynbee said the government treated the small Orang Ulu community well as some have jobs in the government and private sectors.
“The Orang Ulu have high hopes toward BN government that have proven to champion the people’s interest including the minority,” Kijan said to The Borneo Post during the International Women Day celebration Tea Party organised by Wanita FORUM held at Tuah Cafe near Miri Airport yesterday afternoon.
According to Kijan, members of the community are happy because they continue to enjoy tremendous development under BN government that is sincere towards the people and its priority to the rakyat.
Kijan who is also a political secretary to Chief Minister said, the community would continue giving their undivided support to the visionary BN leaders to bring more development to Sarawak including the rural areas.
At the same time, she said, the government also recognised the role of women in the country and state as they form pillars of success to their male counterparts.
She said, women in the country are also given greater roles alongside their male counterparts and thus showing clearly the sincerity of the present government.
About 100 FORUM Wanita (Women) members were present at the tea party.
Guests were treated with Kelabit delicacies and cuisine.
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