Dakwaan Ke Atas Taib Adalah Fitnah!! - Abang Johari

Satok menjadi riuh setiap jam 8 malam menunggu berita mengenai Ketua Menteri Sarawak.  Beliau telah difitnah rasuah oleh Sarawakreport.org dan BMF sebelum pilihan raya DUN Sarawak.   Menurut Sarawakreport.org kononnya Ketua Menteri memiliki akaun sulit Swiss Bank akibat daripada pembalakan di Sarawak!!!??  BMF juga kononnya melaporkan bahawa aset dan harta Ketua Menteri telah dibekukan oleh kerajaan Switzerland!!!??

Semalam beliau telah menafikan dakwaan rasuah dan menjelaskan kedudukan kewangan beliau baru-baru ini.   Beliau juga mengaku tidak memiliki akaun bank sulit di Switzerland seperti yang didakwa oleh pihak pembangkang!!  Semua yang mendengar dan mengikuti berita ini berasa kagum dengan keberanian dan keluhuran pemimpin dari anak jati Sarawak ini! 

Semua ini memang berunsur permainan kotor politik pihak pembangkang untuk menjatuhkan kepimpinan Ketua Menteri Sarawak.   Namun berkat kesabaran dan ketabahan beliau maka beliau berjaya mengekalkan kerusi DUN Balingian dan semua parti komponen PBB juga menjulang kejayaan yang tinggi.  Nampaklah PBB dan Barisan Nasional sentiasa berada di hati rakyat.  Semoga perjuangan mengharungi transformasi pembangunan giat berjalan di seluruh negara lebih-lebih lagi di Sarawak ini. 

Penjelasan Taib di DUN cara terbaik, kata menteri

Posted on Utusan Borneo  June 23, 2011, Thursday

KUCHING: Penjelasan menerusi persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri berhubung dakwaan rasuah terhadap Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud oleh Tabung Bruno Manser (BMF) merupakan cara terbaik untuk membersihkan imej beliau dan Kerajaan Negeri.

Menteri Kemajuan Tanah Tan Sri Dr James Masing berkata, penjelasan itu dijangka mampu memadamkan anggapan orang ramai terhadap Taib yang dikaitkan dengan rasuah hasil balak negeri ini.

Masing berkata, tindakan tersebut juga mencerminkan ketelusan amalan tadbir urus kerajaan negeri yang sering dikaitkan dengan rasuah dan salah guna kuasa.

“Beritahu situasi sebenar agar orang tidak meragui anda dan langkah berani (menjawab dakwaan) yang diambil oleh Ketua Menteri adalah sangat wajar dan itu sememangnya yang saya jangkakan dari pemimpin kita,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita di lobi Kompleks Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) sesi pagi, semalam.

Masing yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Baleh berkata, tindakan itu juga perlu dicontohi dan dijadikan teladan oleh pemimpin-pemimpin lain.

Ditanya sama ada ia memadai untuk meyakinkan orang ramai, beliau menjawab: “Orang ramai mempunyai penghakiman tersendiri, bukan berdasarkan undang-undang tetapi lebih kepada emosi namun saya pasti orang ramai tidak akan meragui kerajaan,” katanya.

Manakala Menteri Kewangan Kedua Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh pula memberitahu, penjelasan yang dibuat oleh Ketua Menteri itu akan memulihkan kembali imej kerajaan negeri yang tercemar sebelum ini.

“Dakwaan itu yang disiarkan oleh akhbar bukan sahaja mencemarkan nama KM tetapi juga nama kerajaan negeri Sarawak dan justeru, penting untuk KM membuat kenyataan untuk memperjelaskan keadaan serta membersihkan namanya.

“Saya rasa ia merupakan perkara terbaik untuk dilakukan kerana ia direkodkan secara baik dan diketahui dunia,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Menteri Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg pula berkata, kenyataan tersebut amat jelas dan telus bagi menjawab dakwaan yang dilemparkan.

“Ketua Menteri kita telah memberikan kenyataan begitu jelas dan itu maknanya kerajaan kita telus dan dakwaan itu berlandaskan kepada fitnah,” katanya.

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Kehadiran di Petra Jaya bukti DAP hilang kepercayaan terhadap rakan: Abang Johari

 

Posted on Utusan Borneo June 13, 2011, Monday

KUCHING: Kehadiran DAP yang merancang mahu menubuhkan cawangan di Petra Jaya disifatkan hilang kepercayaan terhadap rakan komponen sendiri iaitu PKR dalam menerajui kawasan tersebut.

Malah, usaha parti itu untuk menubuhkan cawangan di situ turut dikatakan sudah hilang keyakinan terhadap PKR untuk menakluki Petra Jaya daripada PBB.

Perkara itu dikatakan oleh Menteri Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg yang merasakan perbuatan DAP itu sudah tidak lagi yakin dengan rakan sendiri.

“Jika DAP pergi ke Petra Jaya itu bermaksud mereka tidak mempercayai PKR lagi kerana PKR sudah pun berada di Petra Jaya,” katanya ketika ditemui pemberita selepas perasmian Persidangan Mahasiswa Islam Sarawak di Pusat Latihan JAKIM Sarawak di Telaga Air dekat sini semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas mengenai usaha DAP mengembangkan sayap mereka di kawasan majoriti Melayu di Petra Jaya baru-baru ini.

Beliau yang juga ADUN Satok berkata, DAP juga tidak yakin terhadap calon PKR di kawasan itu untuk merampas kerusi itu daripada BN dalam Pilihan Raya Umum akan datang. “Mereka (DAP) tidak yakin dengan PKR kerana PKR sudah pun ada calon di Petra Jaya… itu menjadi masalah mereka (DAP dan PKR).

“Sekarang DAP pergi ke Petra Jaya itu bermaksud PKR tidak dapat perform di Petra Jaya,” jelasnya.

Pada masa yang sama, Abang Johari berkata, perkara itu tidak menjadi halangan kerana negara ini mengamalkan sistem demokrasi.

“Bagi kami (BN) tiada masalah untuk mereka menubuhkan cawangan di situ kerana negara kita mengamalkan demokrasi, yang akan jadi masalahnya adalah antara DAP dan PKR sendiri.

“Sokongan terhadap kami juga meningkat di sini yang boleh dibuktikan pada pilihan raya negeri ke-10,” katanya.

Beliau menambah, BN tidak akan gentar berhadapan dengan DAP mahupun parti pembangkang lain.

“Mereka berhadapan dengan kami, kami juga akan berhadapan dengan mereka, kami juga akan pergi ke tempat mereka, apa yang perlu dirisaukan,” ujarnya.

Sebelum ini, DAP meluahkan hasrat mereka untuk menubuhkan cawangan baru di Petra Jaya dalam masa dua bulan akan datang, yanga dipelopori oleh empat ahli yang baru-baru ini menyertai DAP dengan niat berkhidmat demi rakyat.

Bong Kuet Bui, 29, Awang Saifeluddin, 31, Hii Ting Ik, 30, dan Clement Wong, 30, kini merupakan pembantu ADUN Padungan Wong King Wei.



Awang dilantik mengetui jawatankuasa penganjur agar matlamat dicapai dalam tempoh diberikan.

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Tangani kemiskinan bandar

by Adib Othman. Posted on Utusan Borneo June 11, 2011, Saturday

NGO perlu main peranan, golongan miskin bandar harus bijak berbelanja: Abang Johari

KUCHING: Golongan miskin bandar harus bijak mengatur perbelanjaan bagi memastikan mereka dapat hidup dengan selesa di bandar yang serba-serbinya memerlukan wang, kata  Menteri Perumahan dan Pembangunan Bandar Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.

Sehubungan itu, beliau turut menyarankan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) agar memainkan peranan dalam membantu mengatasi masalah kemiskinan bandar dengan memberi khidmat kaunseling kepada golongan miskin bandar tentang pengurusan perbelanjaan yang berhemah.

“RM 1,200 untuk keluarga di bandar adalah berbeza dengan RM 1,200 untuk penduduk di luar bandar.

“Di luar bandar penduduk sekurang-kurangnya dapat bercucuk tanam tetapi di bandar nak tanam apa?,” kata Abang Johari.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pemberita selepas Majlis Penyerahan Geran Projek Kecil Luar Bandar di sini, semalam.  

Menurutnya, kemiskinan bandar adalah untuk sebuah keluarga yang berpendapatan RM1,200 sebulan ke bawah.  Katanya, dengan jumlah sebanyak itu, adalah agak sukar untuk sebuah keluarga untuk hidup di kawasan bandar disebabkan keperluan yang berlainan.

Sehubungan itu, beliau menyarankan kepada masyarakat supaya berbelanja berhemah dan mengatur perbelanjaan secara berhati-hati.

Katanya NGO boleh memainkan peranan dengan memberi khidmat kaunseling kepada golongan miskin bandar yang kebanyakannya merupakan masyarakat luar bandar yang berhijrah ke bandar untuk bekerja.

“Untuk bahagian saya yang bertanggungjawab dengan pembangunan bandar, pihak kami bekerja rapat dengan persatuan-persatuan yang berhubung kait dengan kebajikan untuk masyarakat,” jelasnya.

Dalam pada itu, beliau turut berkata bahawa kemudahan pengangkutan awam di negeri ini perlu dipertingkatkan untuk mengurangkan beban kos pengangkutan penduduk bandar.

“Masalah kemiskinan bandar dapat diatasi sekiranya kita mempunyai kemudahan pengangkutan awam yang cekap.

“Orang ramai tidak perlu membayar kos terlalu tinggi untuk minyak, penyelenggaraan kereta dan tempat letak kereta.

“Sekiranya kemudahan pengangkutan awam kita cekap, saya yakin orang ramai akan menggunakannya untuk menjimatkan kos,” katanya.

Terdahulu, Abang Johari menyerahkan geran MRP yang berjumlah RM230,000 kepada 14 persatuan

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Bioreactor in Kubah Ria to produce biogas from market waste

KUCHING: A bioreactor for the production of biogas will be installed in Kubah Ria here, says Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said a large quantity of biomass waste was expected to be generated in Kubah Ria and that the bioreactor was easily adaptable.  

“A significant amount of waste will be generated at the Sunday market and the new Kubah Ria market.

“The technology can be applied at household or kampung level, but I would like it in Kubah Ria for a start,” he told a press conference after chairing the state Saberkas exco meeting here yesterday.

Johari said waste with renewable-energy potential from the market would be gainfully used to produce biogas in the bioreactor.

He said gas produced by the reactor would be a useful source of energy while the slurry would be used as fertiliser. Waste with renewable-energy potential is expected to be huge in the RM32mil Kubah Ria after the iconic Satok Sunday market moves there.

The two-storey market equipped with high-tech facilities will accommodate traders and hawkers from the existing Kubah Ria and Satok wet markets.

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Abg Jo’s European connection

  

By NG AI FERN

Sunday 5 June 2011, Star Online

KUCHING: The Tourism and Heritage Ministry is working with various airline companies to improve flight connectivity to bring European and Australasian tourists to Sarawak. Its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state with vast greenery had a lot to offer especially to those foreigners who love nature and appreciate indigenous culture.

“Western tourists like green environment and want a different experience with local indigenous culture. We are still green and have a lot to offer, such as Sematan and Lundu area,” he told reporters during his visit to TV3’s Jom Heboh carnival at the State Stadium in Petra Jaya here.

He said the state could not offer shopping experience to Arab tourists but the preferred natural environment should be packaged to attract visitors especially Europeans.  Johari said he had new ideas to promote the state but he would only announce it at a later stage.  Among the planned initiatives to boost tourism here is to improve flight connectivity to bring those tourists who love nature.

“I have a new idea but I cannot announce it now. We need a thorough discussion with the Federal Government and airline companies, including Malaysia Airlines and other airline companies based in Singapore.

“Last time Europeans can fly directly here but the flight is no longer available. We need to connect to major cities in Europe and Australia, New Zealand, and other major cities in Asia so international tourists can come direct here.”

However, Johari declined to mention when he would make the announcement.

“Let me work first. I have a deadline but I will keep it to myself (for now),” he said.  He added that tourism products and infrastructure in the state should be good in order to attract tourists.  He pointed out hotels in the state were good but needed to be upgraded

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Darul Hana Will Benefit All!!!

Darul Hana is a project to modernise and uplift the nearby city located in Pantai Damai constituency.  The surrounding villages will be modernised in line with the new township Darul Hana.  In order to develop the nearby villages, the beautification and facelift of the current village is essential.  For a start, the trimming of those trees along the Sarawak river with unique design and also upgrading and beautifying the current infrastructures in that area.    

Apart from that, a few landscaping projects which might include a recreational park will be develop to ensure that there is enough space for the people to spend time with their family. and their neighbour  The developer is advised to allocate a few area or spot for playground even for a mere basketball court when developing a new housing area.  This is to ensure that these neighbours will mingle and get along well to protect their neighbourhood later just like living in a village where everyone knows each other.

The government should adapt these in the planning of the new township or housing area.  If we look at other country, the developer will ensure that there is enough parking space provided for guest and also a nearby family park with playground and beautiful surrounding to ensure a healthy lifestlye.   The housing community could benefit more by providing a platform for them to get together and get to know each other well.  This will promote the 1 Malaysia spirit among neighbours. 

The new housing area being developed should have a good and acceptable design with ample space.    This will attract the locals to buy home in the new township with affordable price thus enjoying higher quality materials.  It is another form of appreciation by the government for being elected for the next term.  Do  bear in mind that those houses being erected will be the home for the next voters!!!

Abg Jo: RM125 mln fund for Pantai Damai

by Saiful Bahari. Posted on May 17, 2011, Tuesday

CELEBRATING POLLS VICTORY: Abang Johari (centre), Dr Abdul Rahman ( third right), Juma’ani (third left) and Shorgayah (second left) together with others cut the ‘pulut kuning’ to start the celebration.

KUCHING: Some RM125 million has been allocated for the development, beautification and improvement projects for Pantai Damai constituency.

This was stated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Pantai Damai Barisan Nasional victory and appreciation dinner at Regency Rajah Court on Sunday night.

“The government is looking at various angles to improve and beautify Pantai Damai. For example, the funds will be allocated to cut down trees by the riverside along the Seberang Hilir and Satok area. This is to maintain the riverside and ensure greater visibility,” Abang Johari, who is also PBB deputy president said.

On another note, he said the people needed to be open and receptive to changes that would be brought by the government to the constituency.

“For example, we are looking at ways to improve and modernise the Malay villages, especially in the Seberang Hilir area in line with our development plans for Darul Hana, a modern redevelopment scheme for villages in the area.

“To modernise a village, we will need the villagers to play their role by accepting changes, having a mindset shift and giving cooperation. We are sure that the Darul Hana project has big potential, especially as one of the tourism spots in the state,” he said.

He pointed out that with better facilities and living conditions, the people’s quality of life would be uplifted, saying that this would greatly improve their village’s image.

Commending the constituency for having a young and capable representative, he described the local PBB team as a well informed group which is quick to act.

Earlier on, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi in his speech thanked the PBB workforce for assisting him to retain the seat.

“Everyone had shown great cooperation during the initial stage of our campaign. PBB Pantai Damai election team had kicked start our campaign at the ground level since February 2010 and I am glad that it had returned
good results at the end,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rahman also attributed his victory to the community leaders in the area.

Also present during the event were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Juma’ani Tuanku Jaafar, Dr Abdul Rahman’s wife Siti Shorgayah, Kuching North Pemanca Rashidi Junai, village chiefs and community leaders.

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Borneo Jazz 2011 Miri

Miri is blessed with talented musicians and artists.  It is not only a beautiful city but also changing into Jazz Haven.

   

Maria Muldaur (USA)

 The Borneo Jazz 2011 is held annually in Miri and this year, the Jazz community were presented with serenade from Zee Avi to Victor Yong, born in Miri and now living in Canada. 

Yuichiro Tokuda's Ralyzz Dig (JPN)

Apart from local talents, the international Jazz community were presented with Jazz fusions from all over the world.  Among them were famous names like SIU2 from China, State of Monc (Holland), Les Doigts De L’Homme (France), Yuichiro Tokuda’s Ralyzz Dig (Japan), Cunha E Piper (Brazil/Australia), The Electric Carnival Band (Malaysia/Canada), Dhruv (India) and CQuence (Miri).  

State of Monc (HOL)

The audience was captivated by Muldaur’s energetic performance and powerful voice. Grammy nominated Muldaur is best known for her seductive top 10 single ‘Midnight at the Oasis’. From her teen years as part of the folk revival of the sixties, to her recent ‘Bluesiana’ efforts, Maria has released more than 35 records which have been embraced by fans and critics alike.  

SIU2 (CHI)

 A random survey conducted by The Borneo Post at the event that night revealed a large number in the audience who want Malaysian jazz queen Sheila Majid to perform in the next edition of Borneo Jazz.  Hopefully the Sarawak Tourism Board will work towards the request of having Sheila Majid performing in Miri next year!!

Victor Yong & The Electric Carnival Band (CAN)

Next event to look forward to is the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching from 8-10th July 2011 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai.

Abg Jo: Miri can be jazz haven

Posted on May 16, 2011, Monday The Borneo Post

MIRI: With its mix of multi-racial and cosmopolitan society, Miri should be able to become a jazz music centre in this region.

ENJOY THE SHOW: Abang Johari gets a wrist tag on his arrival at the festival.

Expressing this optimism, Minister of Tourism and Heritage Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was inspired by the good response from performers and jazz music lovers at the Borneo Jazz 2011 which concluded on Sunday night.

“We have two international music festivals in the state, namely the Rainforest Music Festival in Kuching and Borneo Jazz here in Miri. Rainforest Music Festival has become the icon of the traditional, ethnic and folk music and songs internationally,” he said.

Abang Johari, accompanied by his wife Datin Jumaani and permanent secretary to the Ministry of Social and Urban Development Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, was among the audience at the festival held at ParkCity Everly Hotel here.

Abang Johari noted that the festival had attracted a growing following every year and more participation from places beyond Asia such as America, Canada and Europe.

“Apart from that, Miri is also located near Brunei which is where we could tap into the international visitors and tourists including the expatriate communities to come as tourists to Miri,” he added.

The presence of Miri born Victor Yong and The Electric Carnival Band also boosted his confidence.

Born in Miri and now living in Canada, Victor marked his musical return to Miri through Borneo Jazz with his Latin inspired Carnival Band.

Though growing up with rock and roll, Victor’s love for jazz eventually moved him into a career as an international guitarist.

Victor is an incessant explorer discovering new styles, techniques and directions that he blends within a foundation of Latin jazz-rock fusion.

Victor’s debut compact disc reveals his collective experience of over 25 years of writing and performing in the rock and jazz genres.

The album, as well as the concert band, features some of the top names in Canadian jazz scene, performing delicate mix of composition and improvisation always with an attention to detail.

“We together with Sarawak Tourism Board are going to evaluate and think of ways to pave the future direction of the festival. This festival would be the foundation to develop Miri as a jazz centre in this region,” he added, saying that music has evolved to become a big industry internationally.

Among the steps to be taken to develop the local jazz scene, he suggested holding small concerts and workshops involving local artistes and musicians.

“We must rope in international jazz music experts including musical instrument companies to create awareness and interest among youngsters in the music.

“With this we would be able to create performers of international level,” he added.

He said Miri should be proud as Zee Avi has created a storm in the international jazz music arena.

The lass from Miri currently positions herself as a singer and composer of jazz music in New York, America.

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