Chapter 2: MAINTAINING THE PACE – Working with the Ministry
This is the second in a series of 4 articles, in which Chai Si Yong talks about how a small and dedicated group of architects work to improve the way local practices can carry their work.
From the beginning, the Ministry has strongly supported our task of amending the SBO. At one of the Joint Technical Consultative Committee (JTCC) meetings, chaired by the Minister for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing & Local Government (MPHLG), it was clearly stressed that this amendment must be done together with professionals — not in isolation. The aim was simple but important: to ensure the law stays relevant to current practice and is future proof for our built environment.
The Ministry took the lead in the early discussions, which were held at the JTCC level; at the table were representatives from major local councils in Sarawak, professional institutions, BOMBA, Lands & Survey Dept., and other agencies when needed. It quickly became clear that no single party could do this alone — this had to be a collective effort.
One challenge soon surfaced. The legal team leading the drafting were experts in law, but understandably less familiar with technical building terms, approval processes, and daily implementation on the ground. Madam Ivy Suli and Puan Salena Sulaiman openly acknowledged this and hoped the local Architects’ and Engineers’ Institutes could help cover the technical aspects. This openness set the tone for genuine collaboration.
Workshops with the Ministry and agencies became more frequent, especially when Tuan Haji Abu Bakar Sepawi (now retired from MPHLG) came in to lead the process more closely. Many of us already knew him from his earlier roles — from the Sibu Municipal Council, and the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, and later MPHLG. His timing was just right, coming in when local institutions were already deeply engaged and committed in the discussions.
Some workshops often lasted the whole day. Others ended with, “Let’s continue tomorrow.” We were well fueled — plenty of coffee breaks, nasi lemak, and on good days, dessert. But behind the jokes, the work was serious and demanding.
Tuan Haji Abu Bakar’s dedication stood out, especially during Ramadan. He still led discussions and workshops, even while fasting. While the rest of us ate lunch, he kept going, joking that he didn’t need food or drinks — just the occasional “fresh air” break. The discussions never stopped.
When MCO arrived, things slowed; it became a good time for everyone to read the draft carefully at home. A few Zoom meetings were held to keep direction clear and prevent delays. It was not as effective as the physical workshops, but we adapted and pushed on.
Not all discussions were smooth. Some turned into arguments. But what I learned is that people read the same clause very differently, depending on their role and responsibilities. That is the reality of the built environment. Disagreement was not a problem — it was part of understanding the full picture.
Looking back, I am grateful to have gone through this process with so many stakeholders. We did not always agree, but we learned to listen, respect each other’s concerns, and shape something better together.
If Chapter 1 regarded the process as a marathon, then this chapter on working with the Ministry is about maintaining the pace — and making sure that the road ahead is clear, and the rules fair, and the race is possible for everyone who comes after.
In the next article (No. 3), I will talk about how BOMBA Sarawak rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on in the review of the Building Bylaws.
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