Where Do We Go From Here?
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
Much has been written about the Dayak Political Agenda. It has been the consensus here that the Dayak through BN has NO political Agenda for Dayak. Many opined that the Dayak will not see any change unless the government is defeated and change to the alternative. Even then I have a question – what will change for the Dayak? PR promised a 1 billion start up allocation under the Dayak Development Fund. BN has many millions to offer on ad hoc basis and most of the promises has not been delivered eg Batang Ai by-election, Kanowit during Najib’s visit, etc.
Widening economic gap
The most heart felt problem that many Dayak experience today is the widening gap of economics development between the Dayak and other communities. This has been blamed on to BN “unfair” policies and approach towards developing the Dayak. Yet a more important reason is that Dayak leaders in the Government does not seem to be able to or care about bringing economic progress to Dayak. Read more
Popularity: 1% [?]
The Dayak Political Agenda
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
I want to make it clear that a sector of our people have a clear and precise political agenda and that is to hold the top political power position in Sarawak. Power is everything and to be held on to at all cost and also to be protected at any cost. Please take note that Tan Sri Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan was brought down by Rahman Yakub and Taib Mahmud and Penghulu Tawi Seli was made a puppet Chief Minister. How did Rahman and Taib do it? Kuala Lumpur has a BIG hand in the matter so Ningkan was accused of selling Sarawak to the Chinese and Ningkan was also made to quarrel with Tun Jugah.
The birth of PBB
This is not going to be a history lesson and all I want to say is Party Bumiputera ( Malay /Melanau) cannot rule Sarawak without the Dayak support. Kuala Lumpur wanted Sarawak to be rule by a Muslim. It is Kuala Lumpur that wanted to see a Muslim leader to rule Sarawak. When Stephen Kalong Ningkan quarrel with Tun Jugah, the UMNO scheme kick in and the PESAKA led by Tun Jugah was merged with Bumiputera led by Rahman Yakub. To hide their ultimate political agenda to rule Sarawak, Rahman Yakub made Penghulu Tawi seli as the second Chief minister of Sarawak, just for a while. Then from Rahman took over as Chief Minister of Sarawak for 11 years while Taib Mahmud was given training in Kuala lumpur be being appointed a Federal Minister which eventually see Taib as the Federal Defence Minister.
After having secured a Muslim leader to be the Chief Minister of Sarawak, UMNO / Kuala Lumpur then target the rich and plentiful Sarawak oil and gas resources. KL got all they want within 15 years of the formation of Malaysia. Read more
Popularity: 15% [?]
Political scheming in Sarawak
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
I must say that time really flies now a day as there are so much happening around us. The main stream media and those of the digital world are also alive with so much discussion. i have the opportunity to meet many people in “coffee shop, streets, markets, long house, wharfs” and the topic of all that I met always turn to politics. It seems that no conversation can hold on to other topic for more then 3 minutes before it turns into politics. For me, it is not surprising but what surprises me are those whom I do not not expect to be interested in politics are asking specific questions about certain political issues.
What are the issues?
The voters wanted to know my take on BN Club and Sarawak Workers party. Their question is whether such things are good for Sarawak. The voters all seemed confused with the differences between BN club and BN component parties. Why did BN allow such club to compete with BN parties? Is a club the same as a political party? I must say that the questions are indeed penetrative in their perspective of the political scheming in Sarawak.
Then the next question is why the SWP declare its intention to contest PRS and yet in the same breathe they said that they are BN friendly? A Tuai Rumah told me he knows that certain political idea is mind twisting but now it really go down as low as tongue twisting and even arm twisting as it reaches the longhouse level. Everybody claim to be BN friendly but yet fighting BN.
I must say that I also would need time to try to understand the bigger picture and the motive of those who are scheming.
In fact I felt that both the BN Club and SWP are decoy for a bigger political agenda with a stronger hold on the ability of the Dayak to make decision for their own future. It is to ensure the supremacy of certain party at the expense of the Dayak who wanted change.
I must say that the kind of political enemy we are facing now are less clear then before and is tainted with plots and ploys to confuse the people even more. It is a distraction from the real truth that Dayak is far behind in progress and also to ensure that there is never a Dayak unity in politics. Read more
Popularity: 12% [?]
Dayak MRP mentality
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
MRP stand for Minor Rural Project which seemed to be the cornerstone of Dayak term of reference for progress. BN is dishing out MRP because it is the easiest and cheapest to do and yet harvested rich support from the Dayak. The politics of MRP as I called it is the only tangible outcome of Sarawak forming Malaysia for the Dayak. Many Dayak longhouses will stand fast on their support for BN on the premise that by supporting BN they will be rewarded with MRP, even if it worth only $2,000 it is still something that they are happy about.
What does MRP mean to Dayak?
The Dayak are so hungry for progress that even the miserly MRP seemed to be the deal of the century that is made in heaven. The MRP seemed to bring recognition and status for the Tuai Rumah and as Dayak are people who is ever trusting and grateful for a third party show of kindness they allow MRP to influence their decision on who should form the government. So many dissatisfaction among the Dayak are solve by the dispensation of MRP by YBs.
MRP is also seen as being the “government bringing progress” by the longhouse. In Bintulu for example, MRP include even plastic mat, plastic cup and spoon, curtain and other areas even little chicks are used as MRP items. Building materials and generator sets are common items plus fire extinguisher the size of insecticide household spray. All these are highly appreciated and can keep the Dayak support for BN through MRP. Read more
Popularity: 20% [?]
New Party in Sarawak
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
We have just learn that a new party was registered in Sarawak called the Sarawak Worker Party. Actually, even before this party registration was announced the promoter of this party was already working on the ground as early as late 2011 and was confident that the party will be registered.
What bothered me most is that the Registrar of Societies IS NOT consistent in carrying out its work. There are so many application to register political parties that are outstanding that give me the perception that ROS is a political stooge of the BN. Why did ROS allow itself to be held in such low profile by BN by acting as its political tool?
Why did the ROS not register Malaysian Dayak Congress (MDC), Parti Ekonomi Rakyat Sarawak Bersatu, Parti Bumi Kenyalang, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru), People’s Alliance for Peace (Peace Party) and Party Tenaga Rakyat (Teras)?
The hand that Taib played
It is very clear that Taib has a direct hand in the formation of this new party. Let us not dwell with SWP but more on the speculation behind the role of this party in the coming election. SWP has made it clear that it will contest in PRS seats but why?It has something to do with what is happening to the other three parties in Sarawak viz SUPP, SPDP and PRS and also the emergence of Pakatan Rakyat.
After the last state election PR emerged as a strong political force through the defeat of SPDP and SUPP. In the process PRS came out stronger losing Pelagus only and that has to do with an earlier political problems inside PRS with the eventual dismissal of Larry Sng.
PRS must think of what Taib motive is to get SWP registered. If PRS is a spineless sold out party, it may not even want to do anything as long as certain leaders are holding senior position and a chance to make money. It would become very apparent that PRS is not about serving the people but to serve self personal interest. I do hope that PRS have some integrity left otherwise it will also suffer a death similar to SUPP.
What does this mean to Taib?
Taib cannot tolerate the emergence of a Dayak based party like PRS. Now PRS is the second largest party in BN. Taib wanted to see PRS destroyed. Taib has no fear in doing so because PBB is strong without PRS, SPDP and SUPP. Also it is impossible for the 3 BN component party to leave and join the PR because their agenda is so different and also the purse string of many individual YB is directly under Taib control.
For now Taib cannot appoint an additional Deputy Chief Minister because that would rightfully go to Dr. James Jemut Masing. SUPP Wong SK and Tan Sri William has bee n weaken by the G5. Since Tan Sri Jabu is a known quantity of being not a Chief Minister quality in the event that Taib dies in Office, other BN component have no choice but to support Dr. James to be the next Chief Minister, if he is made a Deputy Chief Ministernow. To put PBB in such a position and surrender a Muslim rule in Sarawak is totally not acceptable to Taib and UMNO. The move now is to weaken PRS and SPDP is now already weak.
The only party that remain strong is PBB and therefor PBB can dictate political play and influence. Who is PBB? It is UMNO proxy as Taib do not like to see UMNO coming in person to Sarawak.
Who is the best person to weaken PRS?
This is the logical answer and that is Datuk Sng. He has the motives to avenge his son’s dismissal from PRS and thus have to sacrifice his Ministerial position. The face saving cabinet level appointment given by Taib to Larry as Youth Adviser to the State Government is not as sweet as to be in the cabinet.
Now SWP is targeting PRS Parliamentary seats and where does the money come from? There are many sources from where the money come from and not limited to Datuk Sng own resources but from relative and powerful political friends that has the interest to see a weaken PRS.
Therefor the act of “wanting to be called the BOSS” is simply premature and not in line with democratic practices. It will become clear from now that Dr. James may not want to say too much against SWP. If he says too much he will be punished more by his “boss” because he has sold his soul and dream to BN. Where will Dr James and Entulu stand politically if they are to leave BN? No way at all.
In the coming State election SWP will gun down on PRS State seats and Dr. James life would never be easy being “The BOSS”.
Conclusion
For Dayak, especially those who are still supporting BN you may need to review your position knowing very well that Taib is not in favor of seeing a strong Dayak based party. Please join one of PR party and you will not regret your decision because PR has a better plan for Sarawakian and to develop Sarawak through an increase oil and gas royalty of 20%.
Ubah meh for the sake of Malaysia future.
Popularity: 18% [?]
Dayak putting down their own leaders?
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
This was a question posted to me by a politician through his observation of the writing in blogs and face book. It seems we Dayak bloggers and face book owners and friends are running down our own leaders. The politician concern was the damage we Dayak can do to our own community by running down our own leaders.
My response to the question was using the current issue of Mong Dagang instructing the government department to terminate the welfare assistance given to an OKU in Sri Aman for the reason that he allows his house to be used by PR in the last election. Then Dr JJM joined in to say that Dayak should not “lawan towkey” implying that (1) the elected leaders are now towkey i.e rich and powerful (2) the government is the people’s towkey in Sarawak. In both instances, Dr JJM is out of context as the issue is taking away government welfare support from an OKU for his political linkage. That thinking is subversive to international norms under United Nation and humanity in the general sense. Even if Dr JJM is talking about democracy in Malaysia he is also wrong because the people that elect the government can also bring down the government. Majority rule is just a part of what happen in democracy and I do hope Dr. JJM understand what does majority rule mean, in whatever context he chooses. It is definitely NOT TRUE that the elected members of DUN and Parliament are the boss of the people of this country but the reverse is true. If Dr. JJM can accept this he would become a more humble man and a more caring leader. Read more
Popularity: 17% [?]
Dr John Brian Anthony speak at DAP Dinner in Petaling Jaya
Popularity: 20% [?]
Dayak Movement for Change
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
In the old days when you talk about Dayak – someone will label you as racialist or that you are not sensitive to other races. Today, that do not hold true anymore. Why?
Hindraf spoke and acted on their demand. The Indian swing their vote in favor of Pakatan Rakyat. PERKASA came out screaming their lung out to try silence the non – Malay. UMNO and Mahathir came out to support them.The chinese through various platform eg “325″ as an example to demand for action to get Chinese speaking teachers only to teach in Chinese schools. What are the Dayak doing to press for their demand from the Government. Civil societies demanded for clean election through BERSIH and acted on it. Even the orang asli manage to form their platform to demand from the government what they need from the Government.
It is time we form such organization for Dayak.
Dayak Movement for Change (DayMove)
We need to form a Dayak Movement for Change to demand for our need otherwise we may never get the Government attention to our need. I think the political parties has their role but DayMove is outside of the current political platform. We can use some of the approaches used by the above mentioned organization to demand for our needs. Read more
Popularity: 25% [?]
Dayak paradoxes
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
I had good conversation with some friends at the Sarawak Dayak National Union Triennial General assembly held in Kuching. Some asked me why I am not writing as regularly as before while others suggest new ideas for me to write. But what encourage me to write tonight are people who I do not expect to read a blog like DB that they are reading it regularly to find new ideas and perception of issues affecting Dayak. This article is about Dayak “paradoxes” – meaning we got the opposite of what we want.
What did the Dayak expected by forming Malaysia?
Many people blame Tun Jugah for the plights of Dayak today. I strongly disagree with that view. In my view Tun Jugah care a lot for Dayak in Sarawak and that he would like to see a strong and vibrant Dayak community thriving in Malaysia. I am very certain that when Tun Jugah made his wish over “bebiau” aku minta petara meda, aku manjong minta petara nyukong anak, uchu, ichit wit aku ila ukai mina gerai tang sida deka mansang baka orang, pandai baka ribai, kaya baka raja etc because Tun Jugah only have one wish that Dayak will make substantial progress with Malaysia. I am sure he has never “wish” that Dayak of Sarawak would be marginalized, became victim of circumstances, made poor, made to loss our land, play second fiddle to other races etc.
The Malay knows what they want by forming Malaysia. The Malay wanted to rule this land called Malaysia and instill their religion and culture/language as the key to Malaysia success. Then the Malay thought of how to be supreme in Malaysia. They saw “wealth and richest” as key and so they set out to seek money to support their majority and social structure to uphold their Sultan system. They introduce policies, create platform and government department to support their struggle to be rich so that they will not be indebted to other community. The money can finance their politics and also the money can also put them at least at par with other races if not better then most in Malaysia. Read more
Popularity: 20% [?]
Rural voters
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
I always heard that rural voters “spoilt” the opposition chances of winning election because they always vote BN. my experience say it depends. In Meluan I won in Bakatan and Lasi. I lost badly in Julau town and Merurun which is urban and semi urban. I lost in Engkamop and Entaih which are rural areas. My learning is rural voters have big appreciation for face to face interaction between the candidates and the voters.
I lost in areas that I could not cover properly during the election preparation and during the campaigning period. The bigger reason is the “agenda” of the voters. When the voters expect “development through MRP’ they will vote for BN and also voters who expect to be compensated in order to vote.
Election preparation
It is true that many potential candidates do not do enough ground work before contesting the election. It is also true that many opposition areas do not have proper and committed organization to work for their candidate election. It is at most ad hoc in many instances. The reason are many. Most common is lack of money for the preparation of ground work and infighting on who should be the Opposition representative in the election. Politics therefor become more “personality” in nature rather then the a clear and endearing objective. Read more
Popularity: 24% [?]
Rio Tinto Samalajau Smelting Plant scrapped
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
First and foremost being a native Bintulu person I do not agree that the name Samalajau be changed to Samalaju. It tend to change the history and perception of the area. Secondly, I have written about why the smelting plant is not a welcome industry to Bintulu. Thirdly, Taib and Tengah says that there are 2 more possible investor in aluminum smelting.
Samalajau
Samalajau is a common hunting ground for Dayak from Bintulu. The Dayak used motor boat from Bintulu to go to Samalajau in the good old days. Samalajau is a well known place for good hunting of wild animals and its river is infested with crocodile. You can see old Dayak temporary settlement in Samalajau and even graveyard for hunters who died for various reason during hunting. The beach was pristine and many sea turtle “penyu” come to its shore to lay eggs. Today there is no more sea turtle coming to shore. Read more
Popularity: 22% [?]
What race are you?
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
My friend told me not to touch “racial issues” but I replied it depends. We have heard of many cases both reported in the media and more that is not being reported about mixed parentage contribute to mixed up in children racial category. Personally, I have friends who are married to different races Dayak marry Chinese, Indian marry Dayak, Malay marry Dayak, Dayak marry European ( or whites) etc. What make this complicated is our ability to predict the race of the children. As a multi-racial country we have to come and face this reality and find solution that is not “double standard” so as not to rob the rights of the children as individual.
General rules
Generally the children race would follow that of the father. So if the father is Dayak Iban and marry to Chinese / Indian / whites then the children should be Dayak Iban. Accordingly in Taib’s case, the late Puan Laila is from Poland ( or there about) then his children are categorize as Melanau and therefor a bumiputera. But then we have many cases whereby the father is Dayak Iban and the mother is Chinese but is not recognize by the government as Dayak Iban or bumiputera. Now you readers help me understand what is the difference of this scenario when compared to Taib Mahmud’s case?
In the case of a Muslim – what is the rule?
A Malay friend says if you are a Muslim then there is no problem. Is there really another standard for Muslim in Malaysia pertaining to the category of “race”?.
Imagine this as many so called Malay are actually Pakistani / Indians from India and new addition is the Bangladeshi. If the father is Bangladeshi and has not earn his citizenship in Malaysia and marry a Malay Muslim women, then what is the race of the child. By following the general rule then the child / children should be Bangladeshi or “lain-lain”. But in most instances the child is registered as Malay. I would like to be corrected by any “Official” who happen to read this article on this matter. Read more
Popularity: 32% [?]
Lain – Lain
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
All the official forms ( borang kerjaan) has 4 racial categories: Malay, Chinese, Indian dan Lain Lain. As a Dayak I presumed that i belong to “Lain Lain” category. Why is it so difficult to add “Native of Sabah and Sarawak” as a category as provided for by the Federal Constitution. It seems that NO Member of Parliament or Sarawak Dayak based parties has brought this matter up in their debate. As Dayak we wanted tp know this “logic” because the racial category is really an insult to the native of Sabah and Sarawak. On top of that, I think it does affect our opportunity to secure government job, opportunities as bumiputera, etc. Why is this so I would want to know!
Lain-lain
To me this particular word “lain-lain” or if I can translate it correctly as ‘others” really do not show that we are the natives in Malaysia. We are more bumiputera to the Malay as you cannot find Dayak in any other places in the world, but on the island of Borneo. This “official form” treated the native of Borneo / Malaysia like a no body. As native the Malaysia federal Government seen it fits to label us others as if we Dayak are of no consequences in this country. Read more
Popularity: 27% [?]
Oil and Gas Royalty for Sarawak and Sabah
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
I cannot resist writing on this topic as I felt great injustice has been done to Sarawak and Sabah on this issue. If we look at the poverty standing in Malaysia, Sarawak is 3rd poorest while Sabah is the poorest. That is a difficult fact to swallow because we all know that Sarawak and Sabah has oil and gas but then why are we being made the poorest in Malaysia. This mean that whatever agreement we have signed with Federal Government, it is not benefiting us. Oil and gas are scarce natural resource with high value but we are not making much progress from the money that we got from it.
Why are we the poorest in Malaysia?
The 5% royalty for oil and 15% for gas is grossly insufficient because of our land size. The BN Government is forcing us to swallow nonsensical reasoning that our population is sparse and isolated therefor we cannot be developed easily. The fact is, the royalty given to us is not enough to develop the two country.
Anwar Ibrahim says Pakatan Rakyat will give 20% royalty to Sarawak Sabah while Dr. Jeffrey says it should be 50%. It is not up to Federal government to tell us how much they would like to give us of our own money earned through our own resource. It is up to Sarawak and Sabah to suggest how much to give the Federal Government! Read more
Popularity: 32% [?]
Yes BOSS!
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
Just last year Dr. James was given “Tan Sri” and Mong Dagang given a “Datukship”. Today – both are boss or rather they prefer to be called “The Boss”. Things has really changed to be rather strange that both PRS leaders are well educated and yet could not understand their role as elected representative of the people and being appointed into public office as cabinet members.
Dr. James felt that because he won an election and being a part of the Government he is “BOSS” and untouchable. He believed that it is his rights to be “BOSS” under the democratic principle. How pathetic that thought is and now I begin to understand why the Dayak are not progressing as fast as we should because it is our own very elected leaders who by their undemocratic thinking is in the way of progress. Read more
Popularity: 37% [?]
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