Bau: Following my media statement yesterday regarding the issue surrounding the use of Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie Hall at the REDEEMS Centre, Kampung Apar Singai, Bau, I wish to inform the public that the Mas Gading Parliamentary Constituency (P.192) B2 Driving Licence Assistance Program Presentation Ceremony, which was scheduled to take place on 27 June 2026, has been postponed.
The postponement is necessary because, to date, the organisers have yet to receive any response or confirmation from the Bau District Office regarding the use of the original venue. Given the uncertainty surrounding the event location, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a program involving a large number of participants and requiring coordination among multiple agencies.
For information, this program involves 750 participants who have completed the B2 Driving Licence Assistance Program. They comprise the target groups, particularly youths, students, the B40 income group, and local residents who are looking forward to benefiting from this Federal Government initiative through the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
The Sarawak JPJ has accepted the need for this postponement and has issued an official letter to the relevant parties. At this stage, the new date and venue have yet to be finalised, and further coordination is underway with Sarawak JPJ, Sematan Driving Institute, and the relevant stakeholders.
We selected the REDEEMS Centre because it is well suited in terms of capacity, accessibility, facilities, and continuity of the program. In fact, the REDEEMS Centre had previously been used for Parts 2 and 3 Practical Training Tests as well as the JPJ Parts 2 and 3 Practical Driving Tests throughout the implementation of this program. The ceremony scheduled for 27 June 2026 was intended to serve as the presentation and closing event for this series of programs.
To avoid any misunderstanding, our written application to the Bau District Office was not due to a lack of prior preparation. Previously, we had never been informed of any requirement to obtain permission from the Bau District Office, as the use of the REDEEMS Centre had always been based on the approval and coordination of the REDEEMS management itself.
We acknowledge that REDEEMS has complied with the instructions conveyed to them and requested that we, as co-organisers, submit a formal written application to the Bau District Office. In the interest of the people, we respected that request and acted accordingly.
However, the fundamental question remains: What legal authority or basis allows a community program of this nature to be blocked at the last minute, despite affecting the interests of 750 participants?
I hope that REDEEMS will continue to stand firm as an NGO committed to serving the community, empowering local communities, and assisting the people without undue pressure.
I sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of all participants, their families, and everyone involved in dealing with this unexpected situation. The program has not been cancelled; it has only been postponed until a new date and venue are finalised.
Mordi Bimol
Mas Gading MP
26 June 2026
