Author: Dr Jeniri Amir

Memories of Tun Salahuddin

Not everyone has the opportunity to live for a hundred years or a century. Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng was among the fortunate few. I had the opportunity to get to know Tun Salahuddin closely in 2009 when he and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah asked

The way forward for a progressive democracy

THERE has been a lot of politicking over the last few years, so much so the rakyat are fed up with politicians and the political scenario in the country. When are we going to see a political ceasefire or a new brand of politics, particularly when we are facing the

No, No! … We’re far from a failed state

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad celebrated his 96th birthday on July 10. The Pejuang president prayed for Malaysia — that all parties will work towards making the country fully developed. His prayer couldn’t have come at a better time, especially a day after Bloomberg published an article entitled,

Abang Openg instrumental in official recognition of Gawai Dayak

TUN Datuk Abang Openg Abang Sapiee was known for his spirit of goodwill, unity and cooperation with all ethnic groups notably the Dayak. This trait had been ingrained in him since he became a Native Officer, a District Officer and eventually Sarawak’s first post-independence Governor for six years until his

Remembering Sarawak’s first post-independence Governor

I’m here not for politics nor to meddle in any affairs in Sarawak. I’m here to see my dear friend, Tun Openg. – Tunku Abdul Rahman In January 1969, four months before the bloody tragedy in Kuala Lumpur, Tun Abang Haji Openg, who was appointed as Sarawak’s first Governor on

The execution of Rosli Dhoby retold

In the early morning hours of Mar 2, 1950, an unusual silence fell on Kuching Central Prison. Even the execution chamber was silent. On this day, the prison, built in 1882, was to witness the first execution of a Sarawakian by the British. The main building of the prison was

Progress via Second Trunk Road

‘Bear in mind that countries that have the best road networks in the world have governments that had made significant investments in their countries’ infrastructure.’ – World Economic Forum report With a population of 1.3 billion and the second largest economy in the world since 2011, China builds 10,000 kilometres

Yes, we are at war

It is not an exaggeration to say that we are facing a life and death situation at the moment.  In fact we are at war. Yes, with the number of positive Covid-19 cases increasing in the country. More than 240,000 people have now been confirmed with the coronavirus globally while

Maszlee’s successor must be a better person

Rumours about several ministers and deputy ministers will resign have been buzzing since the findings of a survey by Malaysiakini news portal a few days ago that showed that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ministers were doing poorly. According to the survey results, 10 out of 28 ministers failed to carry

To retire at 65?

SO, it’s time to retire and do what you want to do, including reading and gardening, which you miss during your hectic long donkey years working? For some government servants or private sector employees, once they reach 56, they are looking forward to retirement and call it a day. However,