I hope the government will explain this issue to the rakyat! RM320 billion gone! (Damn angry). We always know it after it happened! Damn!

I didn’t had the chance to grab the first copy of the Star (Sarawak Edition) yesterday. It was not sold at my regular newstand (PETRONAS Pujut Corner) at 5am. I missed having breakfast with the Star!

For an additional of 20 sen, we can read more than 80 pages of news and articles! Now, that’s a good value of our money. I believe the Star has made a good move by printing locally the whole set. And, with United Borneo Press printing capacity, I am sure we are able to read the Star during breakfast. I echo Datuk Amar Abang Johari too!

Let me see with the newstand at Centre Point have a copy tomorrow morning.. brb!

Despite Malaysia’s considerable achievements in the provision of rural basic infrastructure (RBI), more needs to be done to serve the rural population that constitutes about 35% of Malaysians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are many villages still not connected by roads and more than a quarter of households do not have access to electricity. Upwards of 40% of households in Sabah and Sarawak and 12% of households in Peninsular Malaysia lack access to clean or treated water.

Consequently, we have embarked on a major rural basic infrastructure development programme in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Our aspiration is to:

• Build more than 7,000 km of new and upgraded roads by 2012, 1,900 km of these in Sabah and Sarawak. In Peninsular Malaysia, this will result in 91.4% of the population living within five km of a paved road by 2010, rising to close to 100% in 2012 (currently 91%)
• Provide 50,000 new and restored houses to the rural poor and hardcore poor by 2012, two-thirds of these in Sabah and Sarawak. Of the 50,000, more than 16,000 houses are to be provided in 2010
• Ensure access to clean or treated water to over 360,000 additional households. For Sabah and Sarawak, the programme will raise the percentage of rural houses with access to clean or treated water to 59% and 62% respectively in 2010, rising to 90% for both in 2012 (currently 57% for both states)
• Provide access to 24-hour electricity to over 140,000 additional households by 2012. This will increase the percentage of households with access to electricity in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak to 99.6%, 81% and 73% respectively in 2010 (currently 99%, 77% and 67% respectively).

To meet these targets, we need to accelerate the pace of deployment of these basic services over what has been achieved in the past. As an illustration, over the next three years, we target to build 11 times as many kilometres of roads, 2.5 times as many houses, provide five times as many houses with electricity, and connect seven times as many houses to clean water as compared to what we achieved in 2006–08. We will be able to achieve greater breadth, scale and pace of deployment through:

• Using innovative, quick and least-cost ways of delivery. For example, building standard-design houses, leveraging distributed power generation technologies such as solar hybrid power generation or micro hydro-electricity for areas distant from electricity generation and transmission infrastructure and using alternative solutions such as tube wells, gravity wells, or rain water recovery for areas that are distant from reticulation networks (piped water supplies)
• Revamping existing administrative processes to reduce time required, e.g., the roads open tender process. This will involve using more standard templates, parallel processes where possible, accelerating communications, etc.
• Facilitating and working closely with suppliers to ensure the supply and availability of enough machinery (e.g., excavators, compactors), material (e.g., electricity cabling, pre-mix) and manpower (e.g., contractors, consultants) when required
• Ensuring effective programme management by closely monitoring projects. SPP II, a well-established system managed by the ICU under the Prime Minister’s Department, will be used for recording and tracking RBI initiatives to ensure they are delivered on time and on budget.

These four things that a Yang Berhormat (referring to the title that our State Assemblymen and Member of Parliament automatically gain after winning an election) should take note is entirely my personal opinion; and has nothing to do with any particular political party or person.

1. Reduce the golfing – it appears that there are so much free time and luxury. To the poor rakyat, golf is a rich man’s game.

2. Reduce the karaoke – if they can reduce this activity, I am sure they’ll be more healthy. Less smoke, less sleepless nights, less beer and alcohol.

3. Avoid woman besides those in the family. Well, do I need to elaborate more?

4. Avoid visiting the constituency in large entourage; and in big luxury cars. It will be sufficient to use government vehicles. If they have personal cars, just leave it at home for family use. During this visits, just stick to mineral water, simple cup of coffee or tea and a few biscuits. Save cost and time (on the preparation by the villagers).

The election is coming soon and hence the rakyat do appreciate a little modesty on the lifestyle and spending.

For those who wish to join the rank of the Yang Berhormat, it is just a little late for you to start servicing the rakyat. It should be done right after the last State Election, just when the rakyat are back fresh from poll and still having the list of projects that they want to be delivered to them.

If you start now, well.. you will looked upon as a season candidate – timbul masa pilihanraya, and a coffee shop politician after the poll.

Rilek lahh pok, it is only my opinion, sik ada sangkut paut ngan yang hidup atau yang udah parai.

How adorable it was to receive a pink strawberry flavored cake with two ultra-man from my kids, nieces and nephews on the occasion of my 42nd birthday last night.

Earlier in the evening, we had a small family dinner at the New Tanjong Seafood, together with my mother-in-law who shares the same birthday with me. She is 66 and received a cheese cake from us.

The dinner menu was a collective agreement by all members of the family and here was their choice. John ordered fried clam with lemon grass and oyster sauce.

Charles ordered fried changkok manis with egg.

Cheryl ordered her favorite hot plate Japanese tofu.

I ordered the ambal cooked with curry.

And, Chak-Lut ordered the fish head curry together with bean curd with salted vegetable soup.

And here are some of the photos taken during the simple birthday dinner.

I would like to thanks the following people who have sent me birthday messages and sms. It was so thoughtful and may God bless you and your family, too.

A BIG THANK YOU goes to YB Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, YB Nancy Shukri, Desmond Jerukan, Jacqueline Selaka, Vic Douglas, Tonny Thomas, Teresa Cha, Doris Bana, Geoffrey Singgon, Ai Ling Shea, Edward Andrew Luak, Abd Hakim Bujang, Joyce Boanerges Entika, Dennis Wong, Tommy Rajesh, Campbell Apau, Basil, Watt Michael, Eckline Tait, Jane Barandi, Felix Tan, Sim Poh Giap, Peter Srang, Robiah Tani, Leighton Manjah, Jonathan Chia, Sally Loh, Cathy Mitz, William Nyipa, Amy Shay, Stephen Dass, Irwon Msator, Seli M Sr, Emelyn Emmanuelle, Apai Bujang, Andrew Bukoh, Andrew Chin, Muhd Imran Abdullah, Dniel Clement, Catherine Bungan Sigau, Sudan Ajang, Jacqueline Emerentiana, Mathew Abu, Maxclay Bety, Rose Bennet, Royer Wan, Konos Jenal, Mervyn Tajem, Rom Kulleh, Zara Angel Rosenthal, Jenn Berinau, King Kawi, Stephen Mubok, Mira Nicholl, Rose Ngau, Juliana Lee, Qistine Peter, Sagaraptor Wat, Qeeyan Tungku, Diana Corazon Blikau, Lenny Samat, Jenny Jeli, Sahrein Maloh, Nelson Awal, Shirley David, Mike Mjc, Andrew Benidictus, Dinah Samuel, Irene Ragai, Cesc Isham Hassan, Unjil Edward Tawi, Hadrian N Awell, Reganold Jali, Teresa Tugang, Itam Telajan, Venitia Samuel, Lily Eleanor Spegie, Grace Asong Sigau, Julie JNuing, Bobby Dickson Forster, Samantha Ong, Leslley Kalom, Reynold Presley, Stephen Dinggai, Peter Saban, Leman Sumong, Lina Rema, Elizabeth Bibi, John Adam Gilbert, Michael Akien, Jimmy Siden, Johnny Teleson, Ronstan Nelian Anthony, Tracee Hollis, ndu_semada, Luvryn,  rungguensing,  angel_LINA, Evolution8, Langgu Entekai,  bujang timpang, menaul^lapar, Henry D’kgb, amin, Futurist, Jos10, 4G93T, Apai Yus, Dom Unggun, dlily, mKay, Tuan Lokong

THANK YOU also goes to my brothers Roland Joshua (Singapore), Augustine Joshua (Kuching) and sister Wilhelmina Guang Epps (Calvert, Texas) and Mamay Chara for your messages.

Not forgetting to my lovely wife, Chak Lut for all her support throughout the 17 years of marriage, and my sons, John and Charles and my only daughter Cheryl Empenai for making my days a challenging one, which are full of fun, too, being a father.

Loves, hugs and kisses from..
James Joshua

Although this one-two punch might be too much for lesser souls to handle, you’re well equipped with the tenacity to not only survive these circumstances, but in fact come out ahead on the deal. Think of these two planetary placements as bringing new ways to bring out your inner strength, without you having to lose that sweetness and kindness you’ve had all along.

Pluto has moved from the spooky funhouse of your Twelfth House into the light of day, figuratively speaking, in your First House. This means you’ll be focusing on how you see the world, and how it sees you, in new and powerful ways. Think of it as an opportunity to evolve into a higher form of yourself.

Capricorn is actually ruled by Saturn, which not only represents difficulties and limitations (every planet has its bad side), but also represents the obstacles you have to overcome to get what you want out of life. In your Fourth House now, this means questions around your home life, and brings the chance to (literally) put your house in order. The next year’s difficulties will mostly serve as an opportunity for everyone else to admire how well you overcame them. And you will!

Career

Capricorn has never had the reputation for being a “floater” — letting things go by without a care in the world. It’s that sense of seriousness that makes so many of you popular with your bosses. With Saturn moving into Libra, you will probably have already heard a lot of the Air and Water signs moping about how it’s affected their lives for the worse (even if they aren’t aware of the astrological reasons behind it). Saturn, despite ruling limitations, is actually good news in many ways for you and your career this year. It will bring a new sense of seriousness, structure and order to your work life, and that’s exactly the kind of environment you excel in.

You may have noticed that the economy hasn’t been all that great out there, and you’ve likely been as affected by that as the next guy. And at the same time, you’ve probably retained more of your sanity through it all better than the next guy, despite the natural worries that it produces. Your career and general sense of direction in life will be solidifying and gaining ground this year. You know how you heard that it’s this sector or that sector that will lead the economy out of the recession? The truth is, it’s going to be you leading the economy out of its funk. Think of it as a Reality Show where the first contestant to build a shelter out of the wreckage wins the game. Congratulations!

Romance

Your love life can be in one of three positions in the next year: single, in a relationship, or in a committed relationship. Regardless of where you find your status this year, there will be change, and it will likely be for the better. If you’re single and looking, there are a couple of windows of opportunity this year to change that. Forces are coming together to make April and September to November this year prime time for you to either find someone, or (even better!) for someone to find you. Even if you are in a relationship during those periods, you can expect the romance to get a little better.

If you’re already in a relationship, May and June mark a time when the love and warmth will be ramped up. If there has been any distancing or difficulties in your love life, it will be an excellent time for the two of you to sit down and truly hear each other out, and do the work to make things stronger.

And if 2010 finds you in a committed, long-term relationship — hang on to your hat! Two eclipses in 2010 will make for major shifts in your relationship, both of which have been building for a while. January is the first: watch for changes in your relationship that come to a head in July, when the second eclipse comes into play. If you want to move your relationship to a new degree of closeness and/or commitment, July will be the time to make your move.

Below a reply from Talikhidmat Center on the request to upgrade this road.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Your request has been recorded to our TALIKHIDMAT systems and the reference number is as stated below.
Case Number: T-7Y3777

Reported Matter(s) :
“Dear sir,We wish to bring your attention to the condition of the road leading to the various cemeteries in Lambir, Miri.Since the cemetery is being used by the various temple, churches and community in Miri, it is high time the State government allocate fund IMMEDIATELY to upgrade the standard of the road leading to the cemeteries from Kampung Tunku Abdul Rahman to the Dayak Cemetery (located at the furthest end of the cemetery).We hope YB Aidan Wing and YB Ahmad Lai to look into the matter soonest.Thank you.Rgds,James”

Regards,
TALIKHIDMAT Centre
********************************
Thank you for contacting TALIKHIDMAT (Public Service hotline).
Your one stop channel to reach Sarawak State Government.
Tel : 555999 (Applicable throughout Sarawak); Fax : 555888 http://talikhidmat.sarawaknet.com.my ; Email :555999@sarawaknet.gov.my

Click for a larger map below.

The slogan was a combination of ideas from the pioneers of RumahDayak.com .. and you know who you are (out there)! With this new slogan, RumahDayak.com members hope to continues to reach out to the community, especially those in need. Get it for your website too!

Members of RumahDayak.com will be celebrating their 4th anniversary at Mega Hotel this 31 October. Tickets valued at RM40 per person is available. Join us for an evening of fun, regardless of your age. We will be having games for children, teens and of course we, we, the adults. Chicken Dance, musical chair, ahhh poco poco.. u name it, we have it! Plain simple and fun!

Firstly, I thank Mr. Affendi of Lembaga Sungai Sarawak who have called me regarding the media report (Courting danger on roofs of speeding boats) about the overloaded express boat carrying school children. It is the responsibility of the public to inform the agencies about issue like this. And, it is the responsibility of the parents, the students, the teachers, the PIBG, the boat operators and LSS to continously remind and to conduct talks and seminars of river safety. It is not a one-time off thing, but a continuous scheduled program.

Humans being human tend to forget the safety aspect of river transportation.

On the overdue issue of the Flying Doctor Service, scene (as in the photo) may not be captured if the Health Ministry have looked into the issue of the Flying Doctor Service is Sarawak. But, thank God that the ministry have awarded the service to Layang Layang Aerospace. And, over RTM Wai.fm this morning, we could listen to the FDS schedule again.. So, folks in Ulu Kota (in Pakan) and Long Moh (in Baram) can seek treatment this morning.

Layang Layang Aerospace gets FDS

By Puvaneswary Devindran
Source: Borneo Post

Company beats five others, including local hopeful Hornbill Skyways, to win lucrative contract

KUCHING: Layang Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd has been awarded the contract to operate the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) and Emergency Medevac Services (EMS) in Sarawak. State health director Dr Kamil Hassan yesterday confirmed that his department had received a letter from the Health Ministry, stating the company was awarded the contract, and would begin service on Oct 1.Layang Layang Aerospace, formed in Miri, received its letter of award before Hari Raya Aidilfitri last month and had begun operation of the EMS on Oct 1 and FDS on Oct 12.A reliable source told The Borneo Post yesterday that the company had passed a probationary period when it was asked to assist in providing interim FDS in 2008 alongside Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd.

Layang Layang Aerospace is said to have five helicopters comprising one Eurocopter AS355 and four Eurocopter BO105. Both models are twin engine rotor aircraft. Three of the helicopters would handle the FDS while the remaining two cater to EMS. All five helicopters are on a ‘lease to purchase’, meaning the company is renting them now but will eventually own them after a certain period, said the source.

Both models are equipped with high frequency radio for coastal areas (as is normally used in the interior) and normal navigational frequency. The company is setting up offices in Kuching and Sib to better coordinate its services throughout the state.

Layang Layang Aerospace has 15 years’ experience in the aviation industry. Registered and started in Miri, it expanded to Sabah and set up operation base in Kota Kinabalu in February 2000.

The company provides the Skyvan service that delivers fuel to the highlands, especially the Bario, and has a chairman and board of directors experienced in the aviation industry.

Layang Layang Aerospace beat five other bidders to the contract: Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd, Sabah Air Sdn Bhd, Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd, SAR Helicopters Sdn Bhd and Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (SAS).

Sarawak was without a permanent FDS and EMS Providing interim services to rural folk after the government terminated the contract of the previous operator, SAR Helicopters Sdn Bhd, in 2007.

After that Layang Layang Aerospace and Hornbill Skyways were called in to assist in providing interim services to rural folk.Hornbill Skyways, which had operated the FDS and EMS in the state for decades, got grounded in Sept 2004 following a spate of crashes involving its Bell 206 helicopters.

Hornbill Skyways executive chairman Aidan Wing on Thursday said Hornbill hoped to get back the contract since it had already spent RM70 million on new twin engine choppers to meet the contract’s expectations.

Aidan could not be reached for comments yesterday.

It took nine years to draft, come, this October 19th, it shall be tabled in Parliament. While the Pakatan Rakyat boys fight for their numbers in the legislative, issues like this are not likely to be in their radar.

This is just one issues.. and there so many other issues that needs to be address as be move towards attaining the developed country status.