Longhouse chiefs among 53 joining DAP

SRI AMAN: Two Tuai Rumahs (longhouse chiefs) in Sri Aman were among 53 people who submitted their membership forms to join Democratic Action Party (DAP) recently.

They presented their applications to state DAP vice chairman Leon Jimat Donald in a simple ceremony held at DAP Sri Aman office.

Leon, who is also DAP Sri Aman chief, said the party welcomed the longhouse chiefs and the new members with open arms.

“We are also very happy that these new Dayak members are open to struggle of the DAP,” said Leon, tipped as the party’s potential candidate for the Simanggang state constituency.

One of the longhouse chiefs, Tuai Rumah Whelton Timbang of Melugu claimed that DAP was the best platform for the Dayaks as they had been marginalised for far too long.

“DAP is very consistent in their struggle, very disciplined and ever ready in helping the ‘rakyat’ (people).

“Moreover, the DAP is actively fighting for the our rights to be heard and respected, we have been left behind so much in terms of economic and social advancement,” he said.

Another longhouse chief Tuai Rumah Spencer Sungkui said the DAP, especially the Sri Aman branch led by Leon, had been very consistent in voicing out the people’s concerns and grievances to the present government.

Pointing out that DAP Sri Aman had been in service for the people since 2009, he said the new members were very happy about being a part of the party.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/01/12/longhouse-chiefs-among-53-joining-dap/#ixzz3x2dYRZh2

DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman questions PM's promise of devolution of power to Sarawak


I propose that our Sarawak DAP in the next DUN sitting should debate the proposed devolution of power in DUN.

Having read the proposed devolution of power for Sarawak last September 16, I am is still doubtful. Devolution of power always refers to a unitary state giving away power to its provincial government. In a federal system, I would believe PM Najib meaning of devolution may mean decentralization of power to state government.

But we have to read the statement by PM carefully as he is talking about devolution of administrative power in terms of award of contracts or decision in projects. Even then, such a decision is still to be decided by both federal and state agencies.

If the so called devolution is only to facilitate award of contracts through state agencies, then it only addresses the grievances among BN connected contractors. It means nothing to the general public. We the public feel nothing.

Also it appears to me PM is merely talking about delegating federal power to the state government and not sincere in relinquishing any real administrative power to Sarawak and Sabah.

DAP Sarawak has been very consistent in demanding the Federal Government to adhere to the original Malaysia Agreement 1963 as to that certain powers due to our state must be returned.

This requires constitutional changes to restructure power arrangement between state and federal. PM is only talking about devolution of administrative powers, not constitutional changes.

The Rakyat must know that delegated power can be cancelled anytime and constitutional power  transferred through constitutional means stays forever. Adenan's call to study it via Government departments is a cautious move at best but the political will to move forward with constitutional changes must be done.


We need to ask PM to tell us what is the form of devolution he wants to give. Is it pure administrative or constitutional changes?

Leon Donald

DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman

Press Release 

A week after DAP Sri Aman highlighted the plight of Batu Lintang Undup residents request for clean treated water, some leaders from Kara,Bukit Begunan & Lachau have requested that DAP Sri Aman highlight their problems as well.

The drought has hit the residents of the longhouses hard in this region of Sri Aman and they are now asking that DAP Sri Aman write on their behalf to request to the Chief Minister to have a water treatment water plant be built in Lachau as to provide clean treated water to the many longhouses in these areas.

'We have lost hope in our elected representatives in highlighting our problems of treated water so that is why we are turning to Leon for help', said one Tuai Rumah from who requested anonymity.

'The rakyat now is more aware of their rights & privileges  and the BN Government must not try to ignore their requests this time around. The introduction of GST has not only burdened the longhouse people but it has also made them more aware that the tax collected is their money as such they are now demanding more basic amenities be built after 52 years of misinformation by the BN propaganda,' said Leon Donald DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman.

'I hope that the State Government will be building a new water treatment plant in Lachau which will be connected to the Pantu & Sri Aman main water pipes.' 

' The CM must be seen as serious in building these basic amenities here since the CM has created the formation of a new Water Ministry which is headed by Datuk Seri Awang Tengah. Water is an essential part of life and access to clean treated water should be paramount in the planning of Sri Aman Division. I will also be requesting that my colleagues who are members of the DUN to highlight and propose this as well,' added Leon.

Leon showing the old water treatment plant at Pantu which is unable to supply the needs of the ever increasing residents of Pantu and Lachau region

DAP Sri Aman today donated 60 Malay Language Bibles & Children's Bibles to various churches in Sri Aman.

Press Release 

DAP Sri Aman today donated 60 Malay Language Bibles & Children's Bibles to various churches in Sri Aman.

This was done because the various chapels & churches around Sri Aman has requested for aid from DAP Sri Aman to help them in acquiring the Bibles.

'We are giving out Bibles for free to the churches & chapels especially Children's Bibles because we feel that the spiritual upbringing & uplifting should be nurtured from a young age in order when in their teens, the spiritual body is strong & resolute. The spiritual knowledge is important for the youngsters to be armed with so that the Word of the Lord will be enlighten them to know what is right & wrong', said Leon Jimat Donald representing DAP Sri Aman in giving out the free Bibles. 

'On another note, I would like to inform the public especially the Sri Aman folks that haven't registered as voters to register as soon as possible so they are able to vote in the coming State Election which is due by June next year. Please exercise your right as a responsible citizen and register as a voter. The public can either register in our Sri Aman Office, tel no 083-3222023 or register at the Sri Aman Post Office', said Leon Jimat Donald DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman.





Leon giving a Children's Bible to Pastor Billy as Pastor Apin and Lay reader Brayan looks on. Bennet Empi far left

Sri Aman Hospital 'confirms' what caused infantile death

Press Release 

Sri Aman Hospital 'confirms' what caused infantile death

DAP Sri Aman Branch Chief Leon Jimat Donald and Pn Mading ak Roney was brought to a meeting at the office of the Director of the Sri Aman Hospital.

Both of them were briefed by the Sri Aman Hospital Director on the progress of the investigation on the infantile death of Pn Mading's son 5 days after he was born, suspected due to negligence on the Sri Aman Hospital personnel.

'The Health Ministry from Putrajaya has sent for an external investigation to be conducted, where a panel of Specialists has been appointed by the Health Ministry. The investigation from the specialists has managed to discover some evidence of negligence from the Hospital personnel, which was presumably caused by faulty equipment. Due to these findings, an ex-gratia payment will be reached by the external investigative committee which will be forwarded to Madam Mading soon,' said Leon Jimat Donald DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman.

'The grieving parents still hold to the belief that had there been better facilities or a new hospital altogether, their son could have survived', added Leon.

Commenting on the New Sri Aman Hospital is being built and the opposition should stop harping on it, Leon had this to say, 'The BN YBs should explain to the rakyat on why the budget of the hospital is slashed from RM200 million to RM150 million whereby only 15 acres is earth filled while 35 acres is still a swamp. To claim that 15 acres of earth filling which costs an astronomical RM50 million  is a great misappropriation of the Rakyats' money.'  added Leon.


Leon together with Madam Mading and her father in law Mr Liew in front of Sri Aman Hospital