Wong Ho Leng Webpage

Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, I rise to give my support to the budget as delivered by the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance and Public Utilities before this august House on 22nd November, 1996.

It is indeed gratifying to note that the Government of Sarawak is making serious efforts to catch up with the level of development and growth at the national level and to reduce the development gap between our state and Peninsular Malaysia. The State Budget adopts a pragmatic approach most befitting an up and coming state. I have confidence that with the vision and Politics of Development propagated by the able and wise Chief Minister of Sarawak, our state would be able to make it all the way to become a state or a force to be reckoned way in its march towards nation building towards the 21st century.

Tuan Speaker, I like to address this august House on the following issues:

Allocation Of Funds To Chinese Private Schools

Firstly, allocation of funds to Chinese private schools. There is a certain amount of truth to suggest that parents of all races view children's education as of paramount importance. Many even say no matter how difficult lives have been for them or to them they would ensure that their children receive good education. I observe that there are even serious competition between parents to outdo one another in giving the children the best education.

It is gratifying to note that there are certain sectors who are committed to enhance education in our state. The establishment of UNIMAS in Kuching and the Sarawak United College in Sibu are two of the good examples. A lot of students will benefit and continue to benefit from these centres of learning.

It is certainly true, Tuan Speaker, that our government is concerned with education including the education of our children in Chinese medium schools. I call upon the government to consider making annual allocation of a certain amount to Chinese private schools in our state which have hitherto not received sufficient funding from the government.

Although the Board of Directors of Chinese Schools throughout the state and members of the public, and, I am here to compliment, including the leaders of the SUPP, have made every effort to raise funds for these Chinese private schools, there is still a strong need for the government to lend a helping hand. There is also a continual need to recruit qualified teachers with appropriate pay and there is a continual need to equip the schools with facilities conducive for proper education. A guaranteed funding from the government will help lighten the burden of these private schools and the Boards of Management. The government's involvement in funds allocation will help secure the future of Chinese private schools in our state. It is one way to boost the confidence of parents, students and the public alike.

Setting Up Of Ship Building Industrial Zone In Sibu

Second issue, Tuan Speaker, I would like to talk on is setting up a ship building industrial zone in Sibu. I am glad to note that the Honourable Minister for Industrial Development had on 21st November, 1996 in this august House announced that an allocation of RM10 million has been approved for the development of a site for shipyard in Sibu and that the ministry will proceed with the planning and implementation of the project once a suitable site has been identified and approved by the State Government.

Tuan Speaker, the said allocation and procedure about to be taken and its implementation is certainly in the right direction. I am sure the Sibu residents are jubilant in receiving the news. The DAP joints hands with Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Dudong and Nangka to thank the government for setting up the ship building industry zone in Sibu.

Renewal Or Extension Of Land Titles

Third issue, Tuan Speaker, is on the renewal or extension of land titles. Under our system, land are leased by the government to landowners. Over the next five, ten or 15 years, these leases will expire and will need renewal upon payment of a certain amount of premium.

Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelawan has cited an example of a land title in Sibu where the landowner is required to pay premium amounting to some 50% of the land value, that is lot of 2504 Block 4, Sungai Merah Town District. Generally speaking, this rate is excessive.

There had been some instances in the past, Tuan Speaker, where leases were merely renewed for 30 years from a particular date and the renewed lease comes attached with conditions which originally were not imposed on the old title. Conditions like "no transfer" or "no sub-lease within how many years" are imposed. One example which I can cite and we have the document of title with me is the Sibu OT4934 which is now Lot 849 Block 10 Seduan Land District, where the original term was for 60 years but upon expiry of the lease, the term was renewed on the 6th May, 1994 for 30 years only from the 1st January, 1987. Effectively, it means the term is no less than 23 years from 1994.

Generally speaking, Tuan Speaker, banks are reluctant to accept land titles as security for loan or mortgage when the remaining period of the lease is less than 25 years.

I would suggest that there is a need to standardise the terms upon which the leases are renewed or extended. I would like to put forward some suggestions respecting renewal of leases for the sake of certainty and for the benefit of landowners:

(a) That there will be a standard term of 60 years for renewed leases;

(b) The conditions against free dealing like transfer or sub-lease within how many years shall not be imposed on the renewed leases; and

(c) That there be a standard formula for calculating the amount of premium payable for having the land title renewed or extended.

I urge the government to consider a formula based on percentage basis. Early this morning Yang Amat Berhormat the Chief Minister has indicated to this House, premium ranges from 25% to 61% (the premium payable for renewal of leases). I humbly urge the government to review or to reconsider this rate. I humbly urge the government to impose a maximum of 5% on agricultural and residential land and a maximum of 10% only for industrial and commercial land.

(d) Wherever possible the landowners be allowed a maximum period of say, how many years, may be five years for which to pay the premium by installments.

Land Imposed Under LCDA Ordinance

The fourth issue that I would like to address is on land imposed under the LCDA Ordinance, Tuan Speaker. Also touching on land titles, there are land in our state which are declared to be a development area under the Land Custody and Development Authority Ordinance 1981. There is nothing objectionable to that particularly if the development here is to be planned.

I am glad to say that there is usually little problem seeking consent of the LCDA to transfer or deal or charge the land or for the development of projects where the usual terms have been that for a particular acre of houses built on the land a certain percentage will be transferred to the LCDA. After the land has been developed with the approval and supervision of the LCDA, this condition still appears on individual land titles. Hence another application has to be made to the LCDA if the new landowners intend to sell or mortgage their house or their land. An example which I can cite is a parcel of land known as Lot 1705, Block 19, Seduan Land District in Sibu. I hope that the government could reconsider and lift this condition from the new issue documents of titles so that the title holders may freely deal with their land. Since the land together with its parent land has already been developed with the approval and supervision of LCDA, why should it be continued to be declared a development area under the LCDA Ordinance?

Increased Royalties On Crude Oil And Gas

Fifth issue, Tuan Speaker, is on increase of royalties on crude oil and gas. In the Economic Report 1996/1997 published by the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia, the production of crude oil is estimated at about 630,000 bpd while oil recovered from natural gas production (condensate) is estimated at about 76,000 bpd which gives an estimated overall production of crude oil of 706,000 barrels per day in 1996. Peninsular Malaysia with 13 oil fields is expected to contribute towards 58.5% of total production while Sarawak's 13 oil fields contribute 32.2% and Sabah's seven oil field the remaining 9.3% of total production. That appears at page 92.

In view of the contribution made by crude oil and gas to the national economy, the State Government should continue making requests to increase the amount of royalties from crude oil and gas from the current 5% to perhaps 10%.

While answering my oral question in this august House on 26th November, 1996, the Honourable Finance Minister had said that an agreement was signed between the state and the Federal Government in the 1970s and that the rate was fixed at 5%. Perhaps the State Government should consider making another request for a review of this agreement which is of the 1970s. I understand and I am glad that the State Government is maintaining very good rapport with the Federal Government. Maybe the Federal Government may consider our state's request for review in due course. Alternatively, the State Government may request for bigger allocation of development funds to the state for infrastructure development which is lagging behind other states.

Also on this, I might as well take this opportunity to point out a newspaper reportage today under the heading "Sensitive Matters Require Delicate Handling: Chan". I beg Tuan Speaker's permission to read out one or two paragraphs from this local newspaper which I think would be enlightening to all the Honourable Members of this House. It says:

"However, sensitive matters of such nature which also affect the two other oil producing states, Terengganu and Sabah and recently Kelantan, require delicate handling.

And then:

'I trust members of the opposition will not work against the interest of the state by championing the issue to score political mileage. Datuk Dr. Chan who is also Finance and Public Utilities Minister said in reply to Encik Wong Ho Leng (Bukit Assek DAP) at the Dewan Undangan Negeri sitting here yesterday ".

Checking through the Hansard, Tuan Speaker, I cannot see those two paragraphs which I have just read out. Not that I am complaining that the newspaper reports are always wrong, perhaps we need to air the matter on some occasions and hopefully through airing, the error can be rectified.

Elections And Money Politics

The next matter, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on is elections and money politics. I am glad that my friend, the Honourable Member for Engkilili have also touched on this matter, and forgive me for quoting another newspaper, the New Straits Times, Tuan Speaker. On the 12th September 1996 issue of the New Straits Times, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister was reported as saying, "Money politics represented a form of gambling which could bring about negative repercussion to the state's development." I can agree absolutely to that.

The DAP is all out against gambling and money politics and hence fully support the Deputy Chief Minister's statement. The DAP would give its full and unstinting supports in the government's effort to eradicate money politics not only during election times but also from all aspects of our lives.

I would also request the government to consider setting up a Committee of Inquiry on the allegation that there had been money politics involved in the last State Election so that future election would be a more clean affair.

Ahli Yang Berhormat for Tupong has very good motive to suggest that the deposit for the state and federal elections be increased ten-fold from the present RM3,000 and RM5,000 respectively to RM30,000 and RM50,000 respectively, in order to control calon-calon amatur yang ingin mengacau dalam pilihanraya. Although the country and our state practise democracy, democratic elections are certainly not for this type of people. Maybe they are opportunists, I would agree with that. However, there must be a balance lest election be only for the rich and the wealthy. Maybe the increase not be ten-fold, Tuan Speaker, doubling it would be a good start.

Also, Tuan Speaker, I humbly suggest an alternative for consideration by the relevant authorities, i.e. the present amount of deposit payable be maintained or maybe doubled but prospective candidates, be they political parties or individuals, must make an outright payment of half the deposit when collecting nomination forms from the designated centres. The balance 50% of the deposit will be paid at the nomination centres. In the event that these prospective candidates fail to turn up at the nomination centres on the nomination day the outright sum paid earlier on are to be forfeited to the Election Commission and to be channeled to the respective state's Consolidated Funds for the good of the rakyat.

Tuan Speaker, this is also one democratic way of raising revenue for the state while at the same time serving the dual purpose of discouraging "opportunists" who may tarnish an otherwise sacrosanct election.

Women In Development Of State

The seventh issue, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on is women in development of the state. I note with particular gladness that Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samariang has made a resounding point for women in this august House. The women sector in Sarawak ought to be proud of having such a courageous and responsible representative in this House. Hopefully, the Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat in this august House also will not forget the role of women played in our state. It has been universally accepted that women plays a vital role in the processes of nation development, nation building. It has also been said that behind every successful man there must be a very capable and vibrant woman. The contribution of women in the efforts of development and nation building cannot be over-emphasised.

Tuan Speaker, I note that there is only one woman, honourable woman Minister in the State Cabinet. We need more women participation in politics and holding portfolios in the government. The government has yet to find a successor to Tuan Speaker as the Mayor of Kuching South, after Tuan Speaker's appointment as Speaker of this august House. The DAP extends congratulations to your appointment. It is not necessarily bad to stick to tradition, and the tradition in Kuching has been that Mayors usually are from the gentlemen side. Perhaps it is timely that the government recognises and appreciates the contribution of women in politics and their ability to hold high and responsible offices. Perhaps the government would consider appointing a lady Mayor for Kuching South. I am sure there are suitable candidates around. And as far as SUPP is concerned, I think Puan Lily Yong is quite capable. Despite being in different political platform. (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat, I think you better don't mention any names here while delivering a speech on the budget.

Encik Wong Ho Leng: Thank you, Tuan Speaker. Although we may be of different political platform, Tuan Speaker, DAP would support the appointment of a lady Mayor.

Parabolic Dishes

The next issue, Tuan Speaker, is on the parabolic dishes. Although I do not understand what have been said by Ahli Yang Berhormat for Engkilili very well, a mix of, I think Iban, Bahasa and English and I am quite unable to understand Bahasa Iban, forgive me, the issue of parabolic dishes I think has been touched on.

Now, I am duty bound to raise this problem faced by many Sarawakians who have installed parabolic dishes at their homes way back two and a half years ago.

Again 1 would like to quote from a newspaper and this newspaper appears on the 20th November, 1996 issue of the New Straits Times at page 19. It was reported that this illegal television satellite dishes will have to be dismantled once the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, 1996 becomes law in our country.

It was also reported that the Information Ministry Parliamentary Secretary said the owners would have to replace this television satellite dishes with those approved by the ministry which is developed by Phillips for ASTRO TV broadcast. According to the said Parliamentary Secretary, and I quote: "There are 40,000 of such dishes being used in Sarawak now."

The figure is alarming and the amount of money at stake is also alarming. We also understand that there are severe penalties imposed under the new act. Many owners of these TV satellite dishes are worried what lies ahead and on the other hand they are unwilling to dismantle them because they have installed them at their own expenses.

I have checked and I have been told that one dish plus its accessories cost an average of RM2,500 to install. In the event these owners have to dismantle them because of the implementation soon of the Broadcasting Act, it will mean costing the Sarawakians RM100 million. Apart from that they may like to install the ASTRO dishes which will cost about RM1,650 per unit.

I do not suggest that illegal installations ought to be condoned. However, in view of this huge number of dishes and also a huge sum involved which will be wasted by the dismantling, and incurred when installing the new ones and as the circumstances in Sarawak may be different from the Peninsular because of its sheer sparseness, I urge the State Government to appeal to the Federal Government to grant special treatment to Sarawak. It has been said that law has its humane side as exemplified by the State Government's regularisation exercise before enforcing the Building Ordinance. I urge the government to appeal to Federal Government to ask for a grace period of say, one to three years and also to ask for a review of the subscription rate imposed for ASTRO dishes at the rate of RM80.00 per month. To many Sarawakians that sum is hefty.

Privatisation

The next issue, Tuan Speaker, I would like to touch on is privatisation. The privatisation policy in our state can be considered quite successful. I hope the government will continue to embark and carry on with privatisation exercise towards the 21st century. The prospect for privatisation in Sarawak are tremendous when viewed from the potential of development in Sarawak for various sectors such as land development for plantations, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports and the ports. I like to make the following suggestions.

One, ferry services in our state be openly tendered. At present I am not very certain whether ferry services at Durin and Sungai Assan and Sungai Maaw are operated through open public tenders. May be the Minister may tell us the position in these areas.

Two, private sectors be encouraged to undertake construction of low-cost or medium-cost housing in Sarawak. Alternatively, may the government consider that a certain quota be allocated to the private sector particularly the land and housing developers so that each will have to construct a specified number of units a year.

Also on this area I would like to just mention a few words on the plan to build eight bridges across the Rejang River, linking Sibu Town with Tanjong Manis. I am able to substantiate what I said earlier on with newspaper report reported on the 20th July, 1996 issue of the newspaper and I felt duty bound to show this to this august House.

Tuan Speaker: Ahli Yang Berhormat, could you try to wrap it up now?

Encik Wong Ho Leng: Thank you. The newspaper reports are here. I can show, these are here and I don't think it is necessary to read them out in detail. In the English version it is entitled "Bridges Over Troubled Waters."

I am glad that Ahli Yang Berhormat for Dudong have raised up this matter of asking me to persuade Tan Sri Ting to construct those bridges. May be we can work together. I just have to quote from this English reportage, Tuan Speaker, it says: "Tan Sri Ting also said that though he has been shunned once, he will not bear any grudges if there is a request for him to construct the bridges. I am not one who believe in being a sour grape and if there is a genuine call for me to construct the bridges then I will, he stressed."

So, may be we can work together and call upon Tan Sri Ting seriously to build those bridges.

Be that as it may, Tuan Speaker, as the Minister for Infrastructure Development has indicated to this august House on 25th November, 1996, that the State Government has never received any proposal to build the bridges across the Rejang River from Yang Berbahagia, I would suggest that investigations be carried out immediately on the veracity of the reportage as appeared in the local dailies on this issue so that no more persons in the future may be misled to draw unjustified conclusions.

Traffic Light or Flyover in Sibu

Lastly, Tuan Speaker, allow me to address on one issue for one minute. Construction of traffic light or flyover in Sibu. Tuan Speaker, there is a big roundabout in front of Sugar Bun and the Rimbunan Hijau head office at Mission Road, Sibu. During morning hours, lunch hours and the evening time between 4:30 and 5:30, the vehicular traffic particularly along and around this roundabout is generally very heavy and the flow of traffic is quite slow and difficult. I hope the government might consider putting up traffic light, traffic signs in this area. Alternatively if funds permit, may the government consider constructing flyover at this site so that the flow of traffic may be eased.

With these comments and observations, Tuan Speaker, I support the Budget and the Supply Bill. I wish to congratulate the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Finance and Public Utilities for doing a very commendable and able job in introducing this bill. I also wish the government every success in its implementation.

Thank you, Tuan Speaker.