Letters written by a Sarawakian

I have been in Kuala Lumpur for more than 5 years now.I went to the school there,and then when I was 18,I went to a college in Perak and now,I am currently studying in University of Malaya,Kuala Lumpur.Generally,Kuala Lumpur is a nice place to stay;for one,I did not have much difficulties moving around the city as there are many reliable transportation available, namely the LRT,the Monorail,the spacious highway and also the taxis.
As for the school,I have been fortunate to be in a school where the teachers would know immediately if there's any update in the syllabus;the chairs and tables were all brand new,the school use white boards and projectors instead of the blackboard.All in all,those who live and study at Kuala Lumpur enjoy a lot of new things and up-to-date facilities that are available in the market.
However,one thing that I realise here is that racism is still going on strong,which is pretty shocking for me when I first came here.Other thing that I have encountered is that many of my KL friends have asked me, "You guys still live in the jungle? You guys there use cars? You guys there have electricity?You guys there still headhunts?"
This is completely a stupid question,don't you think so?Seeing that we are now living in an Information-Technology era,to ask this sort of questions show how these people have been in the dark for so long,taking the technologies available for granted.This is nonsense.Completely nonsense and shows how some are being too ignorant over this matter.But after four years of living here,I'm used to people ask the same questions over and over again,and as a civilize person,I would love to answer them with facts,not with being irritated and leave them at the dark.But just to set the record straight,think about it.About a hundred years ago,the British have been developing areas like Kuala Lumpur,Pulau Pinang and Johor earlier than any other states in Semenanjung or Sarawak and Sabah.As for Sarawak,this particular state had been under the Brooke administration,and it's only included in Malaysia in September,1963.Another fact needed?Think about it-Sarawak is almost the same size as that of Semenanjung and that's a pretty large area to cover by the Sarawak government,whereas in the Semenanjung,the vast land is divided into several states,and some of them are Selangor,Johor,Perlis and Penang.But there's a lesson that each of us,the Malaysians need to take note here:that all of us are living in a multiracial country,and that has been said,the sensitive issues such as asking an insulting questions like that should be treated with great care.Besides,to ask that sort of questions when we're in this Infomation Era shows how narrow-minded and ignorant these people are.
Another issue that I wish to write on here is about racism. Throughout the years of my stay at Kuala Lumpur and a year at Perak have made me realise how far we have to go to achieve 'Malaysia 'in a whole.The term 'Malaysia' here is used,because in my definition,it is defined as a multiracial country where different races live together in harmony and look at each other based on the person himself or herself,not based on the colour of skin,religion or race. That's why I called this post "Learn from Sarawak,Truly Malaysia",because I believe Malaysians in a whole can learn a lot of how we,the Sarawakians live with each other,regardless of race.Here,in this state,we have a lot of race,namely the Malays,the Chinese,the Ibans,the Bidayuhs,the Kayans,the Kelabits,the Bisaya,the Indian,the Penans,the Kenyah and so on.It is normal for us here to hang out together,either at school or shopping malls,but it is seen as rare if it takes place in KL.
There's this one time when I was having a lunch with the Chinese here,at University Malaya.And then,an hour later,I hang out with the Malays to study and then another time,with the Indians.But what happened after that?A friend of mine came to me and said, "Eh,u so weird lah.You mix with everyone!that's so cool!"
Get what I mean here?It is seen as something abnormal or rare.While I was having my lunch here,either at the University,or my college,or during recess time at my school last time,one that that was and is pretty obvious to me is that one race sticks to their own kind in most of the tables.The Malays with the Malays,the Indians with the Indians and the Chinese with the Chinese.There was this one time when a Chinese guy(a malaysian who stays in Taiwan)posted a video in YouTube who sang the Negaraku in his own style.However,in between the song,he rap about things that he felt unsatisfied with about Malaysia. I suppose if you guys check the video at YouTube,you'll be able to check out what he said.But what I like you to read is the comments of the video.It shows how far we have to go to achieve true Malaysia.And of course,there's another scene that I disliked very much.A video-clip of what happened in the Parliament.Well,here how it went.LimKitSiang,one of the opposition leaders said something,I'm not really sure what he said but after that,another MP stood up and shouted, "Kalau tak suka,you keluarlah dari Malaysia".I have the video in the Politics section,you can check the video there.This really dissapoints me because that was not said by a commoner,but by our MP.
Dearest Malaysians,take note that because of these differences that we have in each one of us,we are strong and we are able to outperform others.But,if we continue to harp on this issues(the differences in belief,race),later,our own defeat is not because of other countries,but by our own.There's so much we can learn from the so-called 'primitive' and 'underdeveloped' Sarawak(which I hope most of you after reading this,will correct your understanding on this matter).The title for this post is 'Learn from Sarawak,Truly Malaysia' because a person who ever lives in Sarawak for more than a month,at least,would understand what I mean by Truly Malaysia.It is a more open society where everyone of us here accepts each other by what we have to offer-by who we really are,not the appearance.
This year,we are celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Malaysia-her 50th,but,if the trend of only sticking with your own race still continues,well,maybe there won't be the 100th.Get what I mean?It is high time for everyone of us to put aside these kind of mind-sets,because it really shows how Third-Class our minds are if we are to continue seeing it that way. For your information,I learn a lot more when I hang out with the other races,mixing with everyone than if I were to only stick with my own race.
But,then again,this is just my opinion,in which,you can choose to read and follow,or read and don't follow.The choice is yours...But if you're serious in seeing a stronger Malaysia,you should read and follow and prove to everyone that Malaysians are a First-Class minded people instead of the ThirdClass but with the First-Class facility.

Thanks for reading.

When Dr. Mahathir quit office in October the 31st in 2004,well,we thought that was the end of him. But it was not to be, it seems.I suppose he couldn't sit still in his home that he felt the strong urge to speak and especially, through his recently launched blog. I suppose it must've been boring staying at home,eh Dr. M?

Okay,okay,no one can deny what he has done for Malaysia. Well,the KLCC,Sepang Circuit, KLIA,Proton Saga and so on; well,he's called The Father of Modern Malaysia,that itself should tell us that he aims to modernize Malaysia,right? But at the end of the days, he decided to quit as the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2004. So, that has been said, why still complain? Ahh...and he replied to this question though; through his blog: It is my right as the citizen of Malaysia.

But the funny thing is, all his criticism towards the current Prime Minister of Malaysia,Abdullah Badawi and the Barisan Nasional as a whole,makes it as if he was an angel while he was the Prime Minister. Come on lah, Mahathir. If you're such an angel,I don't think thousands of rakyat (the people) would call for your resignation in 1999.If you're such an angel, Anwar wouldn't have accuse you of those things. And now,you're criticising Pak Lah of not doing a good job?If you're so innocent while you were the Premier,people wouldn't have accuse you of being involved in the Lingam case. If you're such an angel,a retired Federal Court judge Tan Sri Azmi Kamaruddin wouldn't say this about you: "“I believe the Prime Minister at the time wanted to become a dictator; I may be wrong but this is my conclusion,”

You,dear Dr. Mahathir:

*single handedly responsible for wiping out the impartiality of the legislative judiciary and executive powers through widespread abuse or power, corruption, nepotism and cronyism as well as destroying racial harmony in multi racial Malaysia* (quoted from Malaysiakini)

*Now,you call Samy Vellu a rascist?And you're not?*

*You complain about the lack of press freedom in Malaysia?Oh,poor Dr. Mahathir...so sorry to hear that.But did the mainstream media in Malaysia ever enjoy press freedom,especially under your reign?*

*You handpicked Pak Lah as your successor,and now you complain this lah,complain that lah.*

So sorry la my ex-Prime Minister,I've really lost my respect for you already. I used to so respect and you're my idol before.But no more.The fact that you're being the biggest hypocrite on earth has really made me irritated reading news about your criticism toward others.

Now,don't get me wrong.Just because I said all these things about you,doesn't mean I actually support or like Pak Lah.nah,he's a different story,so now,we just put the spotlight on you,okay Dr.M? I know you're a brilliant guy and all-you go here and there,around the world,to share your views and stuff but come on,you're retired,so live with it and let others run the country,trying to clean up your mess before.

But before I go,I just like to say something that I'm really curious about~you know,being the Prime Minister or MPs are about serving the people,the rakyat.But at the end of your being a Prime Minister,man,you're such a rich fella,eh Dr. Mahathir?Your son is one of the richest men in Malaysia. I wonder why?Hmm...not that I accuse your son of corruption,nah,but the thing is,why being the wakil rakyat and your family is now very rich?I mean,almost all YBs in Malaysia on the government side,after serving one-two terms,already rich bah.wahh...no wonder people really fight for seats before election cuz it's the short cut to get rich.Now,that's the whole new level of get-rich scheme,the fast way!

But,of course,my opinions won't matter.In Malaysia,only the big players matter.An ordinary citizen like me is powerless to say or do anything,so,that's all for now.

God bless you, Dr. Mahathir. And Mahathir, you are so Yesterday!

Many years before, we might say that this problem is impossible or at least, not in the near future.However,it has grown more obvious that the global food crisis is actually imminent and that it's knocking on our doorsteps. I have read various articles on the problem of global food crisis and I was greatly inspired to write my own opinion after reading my friend's blog regarding this crisis.

Yes, it is true that as we put our efforts in building the tallest building in the world (and some leaders rob these moneys to build those buildings from the people,as we very well realize now especially in the case of the African people.Ever watch Blood Diamond? I love the movie), along the way, the deforestation is being done more and more and this means, this does not only destroy the habitats of animals, but also increases global warming. Our roles towards the field agriculture are not entirely forgotten, but merely neglected it. And that is why, as of now, the global food crisis problem is getting more and more real and it is not only Africa's problem in the coming years, but maybe us as well. According to the International Monetary Fund, over the past 12 months global food prices have increased on average by more than 40% and the popular factors that have been identified by experts are as follow:

1.the increased demand for food commodities from developing countries (as a result of population increases and increased consumption of meat)

2. the production of crops for bio-fuels

3.increased costs of transportation, fuel and fertilizer due to the increasing cost of oil

4. a weakening U.S. currency which increases the effective cost for commodities purchased with dollars

5.recurring natural disasters such as drought and flooding.

Therefore, I believe Sarawak has the greatest potential to play such an important role in solving this problem because of its vast area left to be developed. Although this kind of action might require us to deforestation, but at least it's for the productions of foods. Now, according to Datuk David Teng Lung Chi, Sarawak has a lot of land and fisheries resources. Some 3.8 million hectares or 32 per cent of its total land area has been identified as suitable for commercial agriculture. Of this, only 200,000 hectares have been developed into agricultural plantations.

This means there are many more areas that are yet to be fully developed or none at all and this figure further imply that bumi kenyalang does indeed has the potential to be active in agriculture. I am very interested with what Holland has done with their lands and how they develop their agriculture fields and I believe Sarawak can follow their footsteps by emulating them.

Apart from solving the food crisis problem, this could also help the rural folks who are badly hit by the hike in oil prices. When I got back to my long house for the last Gawai festival, my grandfather complaint that his farms are not doing really well because he's still very much sticking to the traditional methods and the sales are very low. So,if this area of growth is developed properly, it could generate profits amounting to billions of dollar to Sarawak. It is time that we should move on from relying too much on oil and concentrate on other areas, especially on the development of our natural resources other than oil itself. You know, I find it amusing how Anwar Ibrahim has promised to increase our oil royalty from 5% to 20% if he ever becomes the Prime Minister while we know that the oil supply would be running out soon. Such an opportunistic fella, Anwar.

Now,here's another interesting note: The state also has vast potential in the field of aquaculture. Studies indicate some 154,000 hectares which are suitable for marine aquaculture. Vast freshwater bodies in the interior, especially the Batang Ai Lake, Baram River, Rejang River and other small river systems are suitable for freshwater aquaculture. "The vast area of the impounded water body at the proposed Bakun Dam which when completed has potential for cage aquaculture fishery," says Teng.

Well,I believe our beloved Bumi Kenyalang has much more to offer and to come, provided that it is well-managed and not exploited by outsiders. We must really get our acts together and stay united for the brighter future of Sarawak.

Ever since I started this blog, I felt happy because there are fellow Sarawakians who are willingly sharing their views on the current politics that Sarawak is going through.It makes me so proud that there are so many of us out there who love our beloved Sarawak very much and for that,I'd like to thank many of you who have contributed your ideas to this blog. However, although the comments and encouragements that I have received so far have been very good and encouraging, there are certain individuals (which I will not name them here) who accuse me of being a rascist and that with this blog, I am actually trying to create dissatisfactions and hatred among my Sarawakians friends towards Malaysia.

Let me make it clear that that is not my main objective in setting up this blog.I believe that by having this blog, I could instill love and patriotism on Sarawak among my friends. It is never my intention to be a rascist for I do love the whole concept of Malaysia. The dissatisfactions that are written here in this blog is merely to express our dissatisfaction, just like Sabah MPs who kept complaining about theirs(which unfortunately, according to them, fell on deaf ears). I owe a lot to Malaysia because without Malaysia, probably I would not be here today. Without Malaysia, I would have the friends that I currently have. Without Malaysia, maybe I wouldn't be the man that I am now. You see, there are so many things that I owe to this country and it is such a sad thing that people actually accuse me of being a rascist.

Perhaps the reason why it is so is because of the dissatisfactions written here. However, it does not actually mean I hate Malaysia.No,not at all. I love the idea of Malaysia but not the idea of Malaysia being ruled by a corrupted government because with Malaysia being ruled by a weak body,this would also affect Sarawak as a whole. What I am seeking here is to share my views with fellow Sarawakians on issues that either: I am unclear of, dissatisfied and happy about.

I have lived in Sarawak for almost all my life and the idea of it being treated unfairly inspired me to speak and voice out my dissatisfaction, but in doing so doesn't mean I am being a rascist.When I came to Semenanjung (West Malaysia) and lived there ever since 2004, I've witnessed the opposite of Malaysian dream where rascism is still strong. While Sarawak herself is not entirely perfect, however at least the communities here accept each other more willingly and able to integrate with each other better. I will keep on writing issues that I find interesting, worth disscussing but hopefully, from now on, those who have been messaging me about me being a fascist should get a clearer picture.

Thank you.

(Note:i was confuse with the term "fascist" and "racist". Pardon me for that. :P )

If there's one country that I feel inspired of,it is Russia. Not United States of America, not France, nor Singapore or Germany, but Russia. As we all know, the famous Soviet Union fell in 1991,that means the country then, after 1991, went into a period of transition. The transition was from a communist system to a capitalist system. However, such an abrupt move caused them problems that they had not anticipated. When they opened up their markets, they went into a moment of instability, especially in terms of political instability.

However, Russia managed to recover from their 'dark ages' and grow again, largely contributed by their vast natural resources, especially in oil and gas. For example, Russia's gas state-owned company, Gazprom is the largest gas exporter and producer in the world; that should tell us how vast their resources are. I believe, although Russian Federation now is not as strong as United States of America, but one day, I hope they will. But why am I suddenly talking about Russia?


Well, I like to point out the fact that Russia was able to recover and once again, going strong in terms of development was because of their natural resources and so does Sarawak. Referring to my previous article titled SCORE (Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy), I believe Sarawak could emulate Russia because Sarawak too has her own sets of natural resources and in which, could really help bringing her development to a greater height. Even if SCORE failed and may end up like the MSC Cyberjaya programme, however, I believe some of us Sarawakians would take up the challenge and make full use of our natural resources, someday. By having more factories being set up, especially in the central region of Sarawak, that could lead to more housing developments being planned and done, and people will have jobs and would stay at their own Sarawak rather than moving to other places.

We need to attract more Sarawakians to be interested in the energy sector and create more opportunities for the people here to join the millionaire list. Although I myself not a millionaire, but I believe if more people join the list, this could further help bring more development around the millionaire's surrounding, and influence his or her family to follow the millionaire's footsteps. Another place that I like is Dubai (part of UAE). This is because, unlike Arab Saudi, the rich people of Dubai know they have lots and lots of money and now,they are making full use of their resources. And by taking one step forward from the other Arab countries, they are now doing well in becoming a tourist attraction.That is why (take note: this is my personal opinion) I hope that more and more Sarawakians should be rich and by becoming richer, we can ensure we have a louder voice and more able in representing our people and our Sarawak.

The resources are there, what's left is the people themselves. :)

for any of you who's unfamiliar with this name,refer to this website.I think they provide a very good brief introduction of the man here.

Well,Stephen Kalong Ningkan was the first chief minister of Sarawak,where he was in office from 1963 to 1966.

But that's not the point I'm writing this today.I'd like to highlight that Stephen Kalong Ningkan was a firm believer that "that Sarawakians were entitled to have full citizenship rights and to participate in Malaysia's national development on a par with the Malays on the Malaya Peninsula."

You see,we the younger generations today, could not fully appreciate the true meaning of Sarawak and how our ancestors fought for their independence before,because we weren't there.I believe,if we were to experience it personally,then I think we'd know what Sarawak means.Even I'm still in the dark over the whole thing. But take note here,that our early leaders fought for our rights and they struggled everyday so that we now could have much better future and to leave our marks in this world.

When Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia in 1965,the Federal Government was scared that Sabah and Sarawak would follow suit,but of course,we didn't.No,we didn't.But after that,we've gone through many trying periods and even until today,we Sarawakians,especially the Dayaks are not united.At the end of the day,what matter is "united we stand,divided we fall."
We've heard about our neighbour in Sabah complaining that the Federal Government is quite insensitive to their needs and complains,and the development in our Bumi Kenyalang herself is not really encouraging.The poverty rate is still high.The supply of electricity and water not really good,as in the case at longhouses in rural areas.Why do we still deserve this kind of treatment?I believe it's because we're not united because even more so now,it is really important that the Dayaks,orang Ulus,the Malays,the Melanaus and the Chinese should stay united and make our voices louder.

I love Sarawak very much.It is not the case of being fascist or racist,because I really do love Malaysia as well,but for most of the time,I've been growing up in Sarawak,I've witnessed the true meaning of "Malaysia" but when I came to west Malaysia,the racism is still strong,no doubt.

So,remember,that the rise and fall of our great Sarawak is in our hands.We'd determine whether it would stand firm against time,or it would fall into disaster.Some of us thought the coming of Anwar Ibrahim and his party,Parti Keadilan is a good news for us Sarawak.But to me,it gives me a sense of deja vu,you know?Remember reading about Tunku Abdul Rahman came to Sarawak and convince our then leaders about the Malaysian dream,but 40 years after that,we are hugely dissapointed with what Mahathir and Pak Lah have done to us?So,is Anwar Ibrahim any good?Personally,I do not know,but as much as I dislike Pak Lah,I am feeling very suspicious of Anwar Ibrahim.He was in UMNO and he's throwing all these promises to us which is what we want to hear,but you know what?We are free to choose what we want to believe and if you think he's good,then he's good but if not,well,he's not.That's all.

Thanks.

well,for those of you who aren't familiar with this,SCORE actually stands for Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.this project was launched by the government of Malaysia on the 11th of February 2008.i don't wish to write much about the whole matter,so let me make it short.

so,SCORE based on what i've got from wikipedia,

The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy or SCORE is a new development corridor in central Sarawak state, Malaysia. It is one of the five regional development corridors being developed throughout the country. SCORE is a major initiative undertaken to develop the Central Region and transform Sarawak into a developed State by the year 2020. It aims to achieve the goals of accelerating the State's economic growth and development, as well as improving the quality of life for the people of Sarawak.

i believe should this project is implemented well enough, without too much corruption or better, no corruption at all, should this project achieve its objectives, Sarawak can keep more of her brilliant citizens who at the moment, are leaving her because lack of opportunities here in our Bumi Kenyalang. It has been too long indeed, where we see one after another, our great minds are being used in other places, including west malaysia, eventhough clear at the moment, Sarawak is in dire needs for more people with the right minds and skills to help bring it forward as a developed state.

what more, it is saddening because judging from the vast amount of resources that our Sarawak posses, looking at the poverty rate throughout the state, this reality really makes us angry. i was at saratok last week (it's a place only an hour away from sarikei), celebrating gawai.while i was at my long house, i asked some of the seniors there who could be around 80 to 90 years old and that said,more and more of the younger generation are leaving the long house to go to the city, and look for more promising opportunities out there.well,they're not wrong,judging from what saratok, roban (a neighboring town) and betong have to offer.not much.very little and simply not enough.while Malaysia tries to project itself as one of the best developing nations with a very encouraging economy,however,Sarawak,especially the central part and also the rural areas,still lagged behind,could be a 100 years behind.

we need more good roads to connect one town with another, so that along the road,more development could be carried out and the land values would rise.the sarawak government has to provide more economic opportunities to their people, because it's really a win-win situation.if the people everywhere in Bumi kenyalang is well educated, informed and more business-minded,we could be among the best and help bringing the development of Sarawak to a greater height.

so,hopefully,SCORE would turn out a success and would help retain her best people in the state and help developing the state.because currently,because of it being too neglected,Sarawak is losing her best people very fast and this trend is worrying.lucky miri found oil.Had it not found it,well,doesn't look good wouldn't it? :)

that's all.

i'd like to ask anyone who knows,what's our the amount of money paid to us in terms of oil royalty?my cousin told me the other day that apparently,our oil royalty is around RM2 billion,while Sabah receives rm1 billion and terrenganu receives RM 7 billion! if this is true (my cousin works at Bank Negara, so i think this information is pretty reliable.but still,i'd like to know if this figure is correct) this is outraging! i mean,our state produces much more oil than terrenganu and yet...we only receives rm 2 billion???
wtf! i mean,this state is pretty big,no im wrong,it's very very big!for heaven's sake,the other day i went back to my long house for gawai and the some parts of the roads there were and still are very very extremely HORRIBLE! and i've come to realise that there isn't any road linking the places near the shore and Kapit.isn't this maddening? i mean,okay,realistically,it is true to develop good roads require a lot of money,heck yeah. but we sarawakians are of course,be willing to pay road tolls if we drive on good roads.no doubt.
i was at kuala lumpur for the holiday last week,and i was very jealous of their roads there.it was smooth and no holes or whatever as we drove from shah alam to klcc.nope.i mean,judging from the vast amount of resources that sarawak posses,we sarawakians want to see at least, a good road system from lawas all the way to lundu. and also to kapit.but...what i'm angry about is that we only receives rm 2 billion? (correct me if im wrong though)

that's all for now.i'd like to calm myself first.lol