Kota Samarahan group questions MPKS decision not to send representative for assembly

Kota Samarahan's community group has questioned the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council's (MPKS) decision not to send a representative to a planned peaceful assembly on August 30. The assembly, organized by local indigenous residents, is set to begin at 10:30am at the Bandar Riyal Market. Organizing chairman Peter John Jaban expressed confusion over the council's lack of willingness to assign a representative to receive a memorandum and listen to community concerns.

The group had formally invited MPKS officials, including the chairman and local MP, to attend, but received no response. Jaban emphasized that the issue is about respect and accountability, not merely about the memorandum's content. The assembly is a result of the community's ongoing objections to the name Bandar Riyal, which was first raised in 2016.

The proposed alternative name, N23 Samarindah, has further solidified the community's determination to protect its historical identity. The memorandum will be submitted to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and the Sarawak Premier's Office. Peter called on MPKS, the Kota Samarahan Resident, and local elected representatives to attend the assembly and hear the community's concerns, warning that further action may be taken if their response remains nonchalant.