BORNEO TODAY:- JAN/FEB 2008 - VOL.3

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- EN BLOC RESIGNATION BLOW TO LDP'S BID IN SANDAKAN

2008-02-28T06:00:00.008-08:00

En bloc resignation blow to LDP’s bid in Sandakan

SANDAKAN:

Nearly 200 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members here announced their resignation on Tuesday night, dealing a blow to the party’s bid to recapture the Sandakan parliamentary seat for Barisan Nasional in next month’s general election. The en bloc resignation by Elopura division members led by the division Youth Chief Thien Lee Min came four days after State Deputy Youth Chief cum Tanjung Papat Youth Chief Fong Vun Fui quit his posts over the party leadership’s choice of an outsider to contest the Sandakan parliamentary seat. They pledged their support for Fong Vun Fui who is contesting on an independent ticket for the Sandakan parliamentary seat against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Liew Vui Keong and Chong Chui Lin @ Shanty of DAP. Thien who is also the State Youth Wing vice chief, and his followers explained the move to resign from the party was taken after the party leadership’s decision to axe incumbent Merotai assemblyman Datuk Liew Yun Fah and pick an outsider to contest the Sandakan parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, The Borneo Post learnt more members who are unhappy with the leadership’s insensitivity to the views and feelings of the grassroots and Sandakan people, are quitting the party in the next days for similar reasons. Meanwhile, Sandakan Umno will support whoever is chosen as the BN candidate to contest the parliamentary seat here. “Sandakan Umno rejects the issue played up by certain quarters in calling the BN candidate Datuk Liew Vui Keong an outsider,” Sandakan Umno vice chairman Haji Alipuddin Haji Puyon said yesterday. This group were wrong if they think they could influence voters into not supporting him, he added. Alipuddin pointed out it was a non issue and Sandakan Umno would work to ensure BN recapture the Sandakan parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, Sandakan Umno division chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ampong Haji Puyon said a vote for BN is a vote for continual development. “Sandakan Umno will continue to give its support to Datuk Liew Vui Keong and is confident BN will win back the Sandakan parliamentary seat from the independent this election,” he said. Ampong said the independent member of parliament was incapable of bringing development to Sandakan in the last four years. “For the future of the younger generations in Sandakan, we must not choose the wrong candidate this time round. By voting for Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Liew Vui Keong means we will have continuity in progress and prosperity for this town,” he added.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- CHUA BETTER CANDIDATE THAN ME, SAYS YONG

2008-02-28T06:00:00.007-08:00

Chua better candidate than me, says Yong

TAWAU:

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said that the party’s vice president, Datuk Chua Soon Bui, is a better candidate for the Tawau parliamentary seat than him. Yong said Chua continued to serve the people even though she was not their representative for nine years. “She is a political worker who still worked for the public even though she was not the Tawau Member of Parliament after the seat was taken over by Shim Paw Fatt,” he said at a lunch gathering with the Chinese community here yesterday. Yong noted that Chua had also handled the SAPP Apas and Balung divisions very well. “Therefore, I’m not suitable as a candidate for Tawau but I felt I will be more suitable to contest for the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat because I understand the system and needs there,” he said. Shim, who was also present, said he would continue to serve the people even though he is not contesting in the election.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- PKR WILL SUFFER HEAVY DEFEAT, SAYS MASIDI

2008-02-28T06:00:00.006-08:00

PKR will suffer heavy defeat, says Masidi

RANAU:

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun strongly believes that the opposition Parti KeadilanRakyat (PKR) will slowly be “crushed” by the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 12th general election. Addressing BN supporters at Kampung Mumpait here yesterday, he said there is no stopping for the BN in making a resounding victory in the March 8 election. “The PKR will be crushed during this election as the people are not easily influenced by their baseless allegation levelled against the BN,” he said. Masidi, who is locked in a straight fight with Atin Naisin from the PKR for the Karanaan state seat, assured that the BN elected representatives will go down to the ground to fulfil their wishes if they win in the election and the BN form the Government. He said that Ranau is one of the districts in Sabah that has many schools. Commenting on PKR’s promise to reduce oil prices should they win, Masidi said that the fuel price hike is a global issue and even a powerful nation like the United States is unable to control the oil price. He said the people should be grateful to the Government which had spent RM4O billion to subsidize the fuel price in order to keep it low. “In fact, apart from Brunei Darussalam, fuel is still relatively cheap in Malaysia. So be thankful,” said Masidi during a meet-the-people gathering in his village-to-village campaign. Masidi also said that the Government had identified Kampung Mumpait and other areas in Ranau have the potential for coffee plantation development under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN FACES UPHILL TASK TO RETAIN KK PARLIAMENTARY SEAT

2008-02-28T06:00:00.005-08:00

BN faces uphill task to retain KK parliamentary seat

KOTA KINABALU:

Lawyer Chin Tek Ming, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary constituency, said he is facing a tough battle to retain the seat for the BN. The 38-year-old lawyer from the ‘cowboy town’ of Kota Belud said there were numerous hurdles ahead including warding off the strong challenge from the opposition especially the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP. In the upcoming election, Chin will face DAP stalwart Hiew King Chiew, PKR’s Christina Liew Chin Jin and independent candidate Kong Yu Kiong. “I’m a new person in politics. What I have now is of course a very tough fight or uphill battle. “It’s a four-cornered fight between the PKR, DAP, an independent and myself. The DAP is represented by state DAP chairman, PKR is represented by the Sabah PKR deputy chairman who is another well-known figure, and a very experienced independent candidate... they are all much senior to me,” he told Bernama here yesterday. Despite the odds, Chin still believed he had a “50-50” chance of prevailing in the Kota Kinabalu Parliamentary seat although his opponents were bracing to create an upset against the mighty BN machinery. “I look at it positively, and most of the promises by the Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) have been implemented. Other things like renewal of the lease for land in the whole of Kota Kinabalu has been extended and contribution given to churches, temples, independent or private schools. “I believe our intelligent voters should be able to assess all that and not be fooled by the opposition by giving empty promises which they can’t deliver because they are not in the capacity to do so,” he said. In the 2004 election, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai (BN) won the Kota Kinabalu seat with a majority of 10,860 votes. Chin, a debutant and former Kapitan Cina Likas, said Kota Kinabalu was a unique city “with a lot of modern facilities and comfortable way of living”. However, he said there was still much work to be done to further develop Kota Kinabalu, the state capital and gateway of Sabah. As such, he said the people of Kota Kinabalu should continue supporting the government for continued development, thus benefiting them in the long run. Asked on his vision for Kota Kinabalu, Chin said as a new person in the political arena and a graduate from a Chinese independent school, he would continue highlighting, among others, the problems faced by independent or private schools to the Government. -Bernama

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- KEADILAN WILL REVIEW FEDERALISATION OF LABUAN

2008-02-28T06:00:00.004-08:00

Keadilan will review federalisation of Labuan

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) will review the federalisation of Labuan and return its administration to Sabah if it wins the general election next month. Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the tax-free island was federalised without the consent of Sabahans and therefore political and administrative control aver the island should be returned to Sabah. “We in Sabah seem to have forgotten about Labuan as if it was never part of Sabah. Come March 8, vote for us and give us the mandate and the status of the island will be reviewed and returned to Sabah,” he said when launching the PKR Sabah manifesto. About 300 party leaders and supporters attended the launching ceremony held at his house in Bukit Padang yesterday afternoon. Jeffrey in reading the manifesto, also promised that PKR will also reduce the fuel price and have the fuel royalty paid to Sabah increased to at least 20 percent should the people choose to put the party into power.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- PROBE ON KURUP ASSAULT CASE COMPLETED: POLICE

2008-02-28T06:00:00.003-08:00

Probe on Kurup assault case completed: Police

KOTA KINABALU:

The police have completed their probe on the incident where PBRS president Datuk Joseph Kurup was allegedly punched after he was returned unopposed for the Pensiangan parliament seat on nomination day, Feb 24. Keningau Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Zahari Mohamed yesterday said police had recorded the statement of a 41-year-old local farmer in connection with the incident, which occurred at about 1pm outside the Nabawan Community Hall. He said the case is investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing hurt, and anyone found guilty of such offence faces a maximum of one year’s jail or a fine up to RM2,000 or both. “Only a statement was recorded and there was no arrest,” Zahari said, adding that they would be submitting the investigation papers to Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office for further action. It was learned that the suspect is a former member of Kurup’s party and was standing among opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat flag-bearers outside the nomination centre before the alleged assault. Sabah PKR chief Ansari Abdullah said recently they would be filling an election petition to challenge the validity of the result in Pensiangan that saw BN candidate Kurup returned unopposed. He said PKR candidate Danny Andipai, his proposer and seconder claimed that they had entered the nomination hall by 9.35am on that day but Danny’s nomination was rejected on the grounds that his papers were filed after the legal time. Kurup, who is the incumbent state assemblyman of Sook, replaced incumbent member of parliament for Pensiangan Datuk Bernard Maraat in the election, which prompted the latter to quit all his posts in the party and threatened to challenge the former as an independent.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- PKR CANDIDATES OFFERED MILLIONS OF RINGGIT TO WITHDRAW: JEFFREY

2008-02-28T06:00:00.002-08:00

PKR candidates offered millions of ringgit to withdraw: Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidates have been offered millions of ringgit by certain individuals trying to persuade them to withdraw from the March 8 general election, claimed party vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. He said many of the party’s 77 candidates vying for state and parliamentary seats, including himself, have been approached or contacted by these individuals. “I was told that some of them were offered up to millions of ringgit. I myself have been offered money,” he told reporters during the launch of the Sabah PKR manifesto at his residence in Bukit Padang here yesterday. According to him, the people offering him money have even gone to the extent of suggesting he use his health condition as an excuse not to contest in the election. “They suggested I tell my people that I want to rest and not contest in the election as I am not in good health,” said Jeffrey who did not reveal the identities of the people he was referring to. He said that, like the other PKR candidates who hold on to their commitment to bring about changes for the people in Sabah, he has rejected the offer. Jeffrey stressed that he and other PKR leaders who truly believe in the party’s struggle to fight for the people would firmly stick to their course and put the interest of the people above the opportunity to make a quick fortune. “So far none of the leaders took the offer and I hope this will continue for the sake of the party and the people,” he said. PKR State Liaison Chairman Ansari Abdullah supported Jeffrey’s claim, saying no candidate had abandoned the party so far and hopefully it would continue that way until the cooling period ended last night.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN TO MAKE CLEAN SWEEP IN TUARAN, SAYS MUSA

2008-02-28T06:00:00.001-08:00

BN to make clean sweep in Tuaran, says Musa

TUARAN:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he is confident of a big win for all the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in Tuaran come polling day on March 8. He said the candidates were selected because the party leadership knows they are capable, committed, sincere and honest in their work. “I am confident of a big win because of my faith in our leaders here. We have always won by a big majority because the people of Sabah are smart. They will not be tricked (by the opposition),” he said in his speech at a talk with BN supporters in Kampung Kota here yesterday. Musa, who visited Tuaran after attending a roadshow for the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) in Ranau in the morning, said the BN has a clear mission and vision in developing Sabah for the benefit of its people. “The federal leadership has always been attentive to the needs of the people of Sabah, which is why they have given us RM2O billion to develop Sabah over the next 18 years through the SDC. 1f the government was corrupted, how could it come up with RM2O billion for Sabah? If Yayasan Sabah was corrupted how can it have RM 1.7 billion in reserves? “What is the plan of the opposition? All they are doing is telling lies and giving empty promises,” he said. Musa said he was doubtful that the opposition, particularly Parti Keadilan Rakyat, is capable of forming the Government here and stressed that should an opposition candidate be elected it would only break down the line of communication between the people and the State leadership. “If for example I serve another term as Chief Minister, they would probably be ashamed to see me because they are in the opposition and I may not see them, so this will break the line of communication. “When there is no communication then what will happen to the people? Nothing, and this (situation) saddens me,” he said, referring to fulfilling the people’s needs for development. Musa meanwhile was proud of the spirit of BN leaders in Sabah, especially those who readily accepted the party leadership’s decision to leave them out from the list of candidates for the coming elections. “I am proud with the spirit of the BN leaders here, who are not selfish and think only of the party struggle, which is the struggle for the people of Sabah,” he said while reminding BN candidates that winning a seat is a big responsibility in fulfilling the mandate of the people.

THURSDAY-28TH FEBRUARY 2008- PKR SABAH MANIFESTO PROMISES EQUAL REVENUE SHARING

2008-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

PKR Sabah manifesto promises equal revenue sharing

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah yesterday launched its manifesto promising a new and reformed State Government for Sabah. A supplement to the party’s national manifesto, the state manifesto emphasises on improving livelihood of Sabahans as well as restoring the just and equal revenue and power sharing between the State and the Federal Government. PKR Vice President, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in launching the 15-page manifesto at his residence in Bukit Padang here yesterday afternoon, said it is specifically designed to address the various longstanding issues facing the people in the State, such as illegal immigrants and unchecked increase in prices that has resulted in an extremely high cost of living and worsening poverty. He stressed that the party’s national manifesto which focuses on five points aimed at reforming the country’s economic and political structures, is applicable to the whole nation but Sabah has been allowed to present its own specifically tailored manifesto to effectively bring about changes to the State’s current economic, social and political landscape. Jeffrey said the manifesto among others focuses on providing better education, health and welfare assistance for the people of Sabah apart from protecting the rights of the natives, especially the native customary rights land. He said that under the PKR land reform policy, the role of the Native Chiefs in approving applications for native customary rights land will be restored. The land approved for government agencies such as FELDA will be reviewed, with the uncultivated land belonging to these agencies to be given to the natives to actively involve them in agriculture and economic development. To ensure balanced economic development, focus will be given to ensuring rural development is not merely involving the provision of infrastructure and basic amenities but also creating opportunities for the rural people to actively participate in economic activities, he said. Apart from education, the health care for rural people will also be given attention to help improve their overall livelihood. Among the measures towards this objective, said Jeffrey, is providing free water supply and health care services for rural people. To help the poor cope with the high cost of living, the prices of fuel will be reduced. A better revenue sharing equation between Sabah and Federal governments will also be formulated so that the State can enjoy a better deal for its fuel royalty. The employment opportunities and distribution of senior positions in federal departments and agencies in Sabah will also be improved with more posts to be given to locals. According to Jeffrey, the PKR Sabah manifesto represents a long-waited revolution that will restore the rights of the people in Sabah as Malaysians, which have been long eroded under the total domination of the State Government by UMNO. “As usual, BN manifesto this year contains loads of sweet promises, similar to the promises they gave in their last manifesto. Last time, they promised Sabah Baru which until today they have not delivered. Now they promise the same thing in the form of Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), which they claimed will bring changes. But they are just fooling the people,” he said. Jefrrey said the BN manifesto, which emphasises on the BN Government economic credentials and promising development through SDC, is just another instrument that BN intends to use to get the people to keep them in power, but it should be totally rejected. On the contrary, he said, PKR through its manifesto promises the people a truly democratic and progressive Government that is transparent and focuses on protecting the rights of the people. Should PKR be given the mandate to govern the State, it would first and foremost restore the balance of representation in Parliament between the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak to ensure equal rights and power between the states in deciding national progress, he said. Under the PKR, he said, there will be better and significant roles for Sabahans in Federal Cabinet, foreign missions and federal agencies. Also, PKR would return to the State its authority in deciding its own development as well as its rights on certain aspects as stated in the 20 Points, the minimum safeguards that Sabah founding fathers demanded as a condition for joining the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. In this regard, he said PKR will adopt the Tambunan Declaration which highlights urgent issues including, among others, the imbalance in royalty distribution and representation in Federal Cabinet.

THE PHOTO ART GALLERY

2008-02-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

THE PHOTO ART GALLERY

CHECK IT OUT TODAY

website: http://photoart.thinksabah.come/

mail: photoart@gmail.com

hp: 0138728848 0128249377

LEX BORNEO LIBRARY

2008-02-27T16:49:00.000-08:00

How to Do Everything with Photoshop Album
Imagine having a photo album you can access and arrange from anywhere. This handy guide shows you step-by-step how to manage your digital images— and organize and store more memories than you’ll have time to remember. Author and photography instructor Curt Simmons delivers simple instructions on how to import, organize, and fix your photos, how to share your photos through print or the Internet, how to create slide shows and photo books, and how to preserve your favorites for posterity. Discover all you can do with the power of Digital photography and your computer—then bring it to life with help from this book.

Import photos from hard drives, cameras, scanners, networks, and more.
Simplify picture sharing with automated slideshow and e-mail formatting
Find pictures immediately with tagging, searching, and cataloging techniques
Create your own cards and calendars
Organize pictures by subject, timeline, or location—even cross-reference
Change image colors or exposure with one click
Construct a Web page to share photos over the Internet
Retouch photos and correct common picture-taking problems

Want to know more or read more...Join the Lex Borneo Library...

Call 088-387687 for more info.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN MANIFESTO IS COMPLETE, THOROUGH: CM

2008-02-27T06:00:00.008-08:00

BN manifesto is complete, thorough: CM

KOTA KINABALU:

The Barisan Nasional manifesto unveiled by the Prime Minister in Kuala Lumpur on Monday was yesterday launched in Sabah by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman. Copies of the manifesto, which underlines Selamat, Aman and Makmur as the basis for national development under the BN Government, were distributed to all BN component parties’ leaders who gathered at the Chief Minister’s official residence Sri Gaya in Bukit Nenas during the launching ceremony. The eight aspects emphasized in the manifesto covering economic development, education, civil service, religious freedom and racial unity are not newly introduced but a continuation of what BN has achieved today, said Musa. He said the manifesto proves that BN Government is not only focusing on physical and economic development but also various other aspects, including developing human capital through education, achieving prosperity through social integration and ethnic unity, and improving public safety through thorough law enforcement. It also stresses that development, in all aspects, will be fairly distributed to ensure that no one will be left out, proving that the Government care about everyone regardless of their race or location, Musa said. “We have proved to the people that we can deliver to them what we promise and now, once again, we assure the people that we are capable and will deliver our promises. “We have the capability in terms Of finances. We have the experience, the political power and consensus of the people,” he said, adding the BN coalition which represents all ethnic groups, is the right choice for the people. He said the manifesto is consistent with what the BN Government has achieved and done for the people and explains that the BN Government are truly from people and for the people. He said the excellent track record of BN has been proven and cannot be denied by anyone, including the opposition who too has enjoyed the development brought by BN. Written in three languages - Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese .- the manifesto also emphasizes on BN economic credentials. “It is a manifesto that is complete and thorough, which comes from the people and for the people,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- MAKE RIGHT CHOICE FOR NOW AND FUTURE: MUSA

2008-02-27T06:00:00.007-08:00

Make right choice for now and future: Musa

KOTA KINABALU:

It rained heavily at Kampung Gudon yesterday, but it did not stop Barisan Nasional supporters from thronging the community hail. Their display of support impressed Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who remarked: “This rain is a blessing; it is a good sign for BN. I am very proud of your presence here.” He said the people’s presence despite the wet weather showed that everyone is working hard to ensure victory for BN in the 12th general election. “There are many other development projects in store for the people and we are banking on your continuous support for the ruling coalition to ensure that all plans would proceed smoothly. All these are done to benefit not just the State and rakyat now, but also for our future generation,” said Musa. He also urged the electorate not to be influenced by the opposition’s promises that offer “the moon and the stars” in their effort to win votes, but in the end, nothing is going to materialise. “What can the opposition do? They can give you promises but it will never be fulfilled, but we in the Government has given our commitment to bring development to the people, be it in the urban or rural areas,” he said. “The Barisan Nasional chairman, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi once said that whatever we promise to the rakyat, we must fulfil. I hope all assemblymen would carry out their duties and responsibilities well; it is for the good of the people, the state and nation,” he said. Musa has full confidence that the people are mature enough to decide on the rightful government to lead them. “He does not want to see any district in Sabah to be undeveloped. Make the right choice come March 8, the polling day,” he said. Musa was speaking at a meet-the-people session at Kampung Gudon, which was also attended by Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun, the BN Sepanggar parliamentary candidate; Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Ayid (Karambunai state assembly candidate) and Johnny Goh (Inanam state assembly candidate). “I hope the voters in Sepanggar would support the three BN candidates, and ensure they win so that the planned development projects can be continued” said Musa. The three candidates, in their respective speeches, pledged their continuous support to BN and promised to carry out ‘ their responsibilities as what is expected of them. “We must make the right choice now as our decision today will affect the future generation. Choose wisely and do good for our children and our children’s children,” said Majimbun. Goh, meanwhile, shared the Government’s many successes in the last four years which among others include the revocation of the cremation centre in Inanam, the pig farm project which has been shifted to Sandakan after receiving strong objection from the people in his constituency, the projects done to overcome floods and also the setting up of a police station in Inanam. “This is all made possible thanks to the concern by our dear Chief Minister and the ruling government,” he said. Jainab, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of the Karambunai and Sepanggar constituencies and its potentials. “There are many higher learning institutions within the Karambunai constituency. This shows the Government’s commitment in developing our area for the good of the people and the state,” she said. “The launching ceremony of the Sabah Development Corridor in Sepanggar also shows the Government’s commitment in providing opportunities to the people living in the surrounding area. The SDC is also expanded throughout the State to share the benefits it would bring, to every individual,” she said.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- LIEW PROMISES UNIVERSITY FOR SANDAKAN

2008-02-27T06:00:00.006-08:00

Liew promises university for Sandakan

SANDAKAN:

The Barisan Nasional candidate for the Sandakan parliamentary seat, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said he would push for the setting up of a university in the district it given the mandate by the people of Sandakan in the March 8 polls. “The setting up of the university will complement the existing education facilities in Sandakan,” Liew who is also LDP president, told reporters after visiting constituents in Bandar Kim Fung on Tuesday. Liew added he would put in efforts to push for the setting up of the facility in Sandakan if the people give him the mandate to serve as their member of parliament. “The university will enable the schoolchildren to continue their higher education in Sandakan without having to go abroad to further their studies,” he said. He added the Barisan Nasional gives emphasis to providing the best education facilities for the people. “Education is the key to a better future and only a Barisan Nasional win in the March 8 general election can transform the pattern of development in Sandakan,” he said. Liew who is one of the new faces in the Barisan Nasional line-up for next month’s general election, said many issues affecting the Sandakan people could not be addressed by the independent member of parliament in the past four years. “The Barisan Nasional has brought progress and development to the country. The successes achieved by the nation today are testimony of the capability of the Barisan Nasional in delivering its promises to the people,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- I HAVE NEVER JOINED PKR, SAYS PATRICK

2008-02-27T06:00:00.005-08:00

I have never joined PKR, says Patrick

KOTA KINABALU:

Papar independent candidate Datuk Patrick Sindu yesterday refuted claims by PKR Sabah chief Haji Ansari Abdullah that he was among nine PKR members facing disciplinary action for contesting as independent candidate. Patrick stressed that after leaving Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), he has never joined any other political party. “It is wrong for Ansari, who is a friend, to say I am a member of PKR,” he said yesterday. Patrick and two other candidates are challenging incumbent MP Rosnah Abd Rashid Shirlin of Barisan Nasional in the Papar parliamentary constituency in the March 8 general election. The others are Wahab Idris from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and another independent Mohd Hashim Yussup. He said Ansari should have thoroughly checked his facts and as an experienced lawyer, the latter knows the consequences of not telling the truth to the public, especially so during the election time. “He is a friend of mine ... I don’t want to jeopardise his participation in this election,” said Patrick. The President of Consumers Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) kick-started his campaign trial in Papar yesterday, using the extensive network of his family members to woo voters in the state seats of Pantai Manis and Kawang, which make up the Papar constituency. “I am already busy campaigning here in Papar,” said Patrick, who pledged to speak up for Sabahans, in particular the people in Papar, in the Parliament if he wins in the election. “I can voice out the problems affecting our fellow Sabahans directly in the Parliament without going through the political parties and their leaders who have failed to live up to their promises all this while.” Commenting on the recently launched BN election manifesto, Patrick said it is “an old story and merely a political gimmick”. He said the BN is talking about the old issues and promises made in the 2004 general election that have yet to be fulfilled by the ruling coalition. “Now, about four years later, the BN is coming up with yet another gimmick,” said Patrick who rated his chances of wresting the seat as very good.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- ONLY BN GOVT HELPS POOR STUDENTS: MASIDI

2008-02-27T06:00:00.004-08:00

Only BN Govt helps poor students: Masidi

RANAU:

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the Barisan Nasional(BN) is the only Government in the world that provides financial aid to poor students. He said the various financial aids, including the Financial Assistance For The Poor Student Scheme or the KWAPM, are provided to students from poor families by the BN Government. “Such education aids are only available in Malaysia. There is nowhere else where one can find such government like the Barisan Nasional giving fmancial aid to the people,” he said during a meet-the-people gathering at Kampung Kesinsingon, Kampung Sumalang and Kampung Maukab here. Meanwhile, Masidi dismissed claims by the opposition that the ruling party was corrupted. He said that the development and progress in the State had improved tremendously since the BN came into power in 1994. While urging the people not to be easily influenced by the opposition’s dirty election tactics, Masidi said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, the State’s reserves had improved and had now hit the RM2 billion mark. “How can we in the BN be corrupted? With the leadership of Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman as our CM, Sabah’s reserves have extremely improved from RM 168 million to RM2 billion,” he said “As such, the opposition should think carefully before making any accusations against the BN,” he said. Masidi, who is defending the Karanaan state seat in a straight fight with Atin @ Attin Naisin from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), took the opportunity to clarify certain issues that have been bothering the people such as the land ownership issue in the district and the increase in the price of fuel. On his opponent, he said he did not see the need to be little Attin for contesting under the PKR ticket. While giving the explanations on why the people here should continue supporting the BN, Masidi advised the voters to use their mentality to really decide who deserves to win.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- CM WANTS HALL SCRUTINIZE ALL DEVT PROJECTS

2008-02-27T06:00:00.003-08:00

CM wants Hall to scrutinize all devt projects

KOTA KINABALU:

The City Hall must always be cautious when approving development projects and closely monitor the implementation, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. He said every development plan forwarded to the City Hall must be scrutinized to ensure that every related regulation and law is duly followed to avoid negative impact on the people and the environment. This move is in tandem with one of the aspects emphasized in the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), Musa said when officiating at the opening of the newly upgraded food court - Sri Selera Kampung Air. The open air food court, which was a disorganized, unappealing and filthy, has been turned into a popular tourist spot as it not only serves plenty of fresh seafood but also provides exciting cultural entertainment. Musa said that to ensure Kota Kinabalu and Sabah continue to attract visitors, quality varied services and infrastructure must be provided to cater to the latest trend and taste of not only the locals but the tourists as well. These include different types of accommodation featuring various class of hotels from the luxurious five-star to the cheap budget ones, as well as a variety of restaurants and eateries that suit customers of all races and religions, he said. At the ceremony, Musa announced that the State Government has approved RM2.363 million for the City Hall to fund its repairing and upgrading works at the Kota Kinabalu General Market and the adjacent fish market. He said the State Government will continue to assist the City Hall to further improve the image of the City, which is the main gateway to Sabah. According to him, the State Government has allocated a total of RM8.55 million to City Hall in 2007 and will be allocating another RM9 million to help it implement its 3K (Cleanliness, Beautification and Safety) programme. Also present at the opening ceremony were State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Edward Yong Oui Fah, incumbent Likas assemblyman Datuk Liew Teck Chan, incumbent Kepayan assemblyman Datuk Edward Khoo, and other BN leaders.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- REDUCE RED TAPE TO BOOST DELIVERY SYSTEM, MUSA TELLS CIVIL SERVANTS

2008-02-27T06:00:00.002-08:00

Reduce red tape to boost delivery system, Musa tells civil servants

KOTA KINABALU:

The public sector needs to be more efficient and effective to further strengthen tie government delivery system and boost development programmes in improving infrastructure and basic amenities. The public sector also must strive towards holistic management and protection of environment and natural resources, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. In addition, emphasis has to be given to making comprehensive human capital development an effective agent to catalyst development, quality improvement and prosperity, he said. These are among the aspects which have to be given priority by the public sector as Sabah moves towards achieving a developed status by 2015, he said. Speaking during the first combined monthly gathering of Federal and State civil servants here yesterday, Musa urged all civil servants in the State to work shoulder to shoulder with the State Government towards ensuring successful implementation of the development programmes under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and Sabah Development Corridor. To encourage participation from foreign investors, he sad the systems, procedures and work culture that contribute to red tape, must be studied and reduced. In this regard, he said, agencies involved should create a comfortable and conducive environment for investment activities by making full use of the Sabah Investment Authority (SEDIA), the one-stop authority agency for the implementation of SDC. With less than two weeks to the March 8 general election, Musa advised civil servants not to get carried away with their interest in following the election process to the extent of giving less attention to their duties. “While we are paying attention to the election process, we must not forget our responsibility because if we do we may risk jeopardizing the interest of the people,” he said. He urged public sector staff and officers to work as usual while fulfilling their responsibility as citizens by casting their votes come the polling day.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- ICT FACILITIES PROVIDED AT VILLAGE LIBRARIES

2008-02-27T06:00:00.001-08:00

ICT facilities also provided at village libraries

KOTA KINABALU:

All communities and leaders need to fully utilise the facilities provided at the public libraries by the State and Federal governments to create a reading culture and knowledge society. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, said if the facilities are not utilised, the objective of providing them could not be fulfilled. Officiating at the opening of new library in Ulu Putatan yesterday, he said that under the 9th Malaysia Plan, his ministry has focused on a program to build more libraries in Sabah with funds from both the State and Federal government. He said the libraries include those in Membakut, Nabawan, Beaufort, Kota Belud, Ranau and Semporna. In addition, 20 village libraries and two mobile libraries are also built with funds from the State Government. Yahya said the State Library has expanded the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) in all libraries, including those in villages and the mobile units. The facilities would help improve communication between rural and urban residents, he said.

WEDNESDAY-27TH FEBRUARY 2008- SDC WILL TRANSFORM SABAH, SAYS PAIRIN

2008-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

SDC will transform Sabah, says Pairin

TAMBUNAN:

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan yesterday said the implementation of Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) will transform the State in the next 18 years. By 2025, Pairin said the State’s economy will see rapid development and Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to quadruple to RM63. 2 billion. “The State’s GDP per capita is also expected to triple to RM14,800,” he said when officiating an Upper Interior Village Small Entrepreneur dialogue and Small Industry Products exhibition held at the community centre here. Pairin who is also the Rural Development Minister, also said the number of job opportunities will increase to 900,000 and the employment rate is expected to reduce from 5.8 percent in 2006 to 3.5 percent in the next 18 years. He said the SDC development plan which encompasses every corner of the State, is aimed at providing equal opportunities as well as benefits to villagers and is in tandem with the Government’s aim to create a prosperous, peaceful and harmonious living environment for the people. “We will see Sabah becoming a developed and prosperous State through five aspects which will be implemented during the 18 years period,” he said. According to the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Tambunan state and Keningau parliamentary constituencies, the five aspects are: • Making Sabah as the main gateway in the region for trade, investment and tourism purposes; • To develop Sabah into a state where its people live in harmony and prosperity regardless of race and religion; • In ensuring a better quality of life, better usage and application of technology throughout the State; • Job opportunities for Sabahans and; • Sabah will have high quality life and culture, heritage and environment diversity. “The successful implementation of these five aspects will make Sabah a good place to live in and eradicating poverty in the State,” Pairin stressed. He further said the implementation of SDC gives priority to the welfare of the people and assured that no race or group will be left out in terms of development. To eradicate poverty, he said the Government will implement several programmes to improve the income of households that are in the hardcore poor group thus minimizing their numbers.

SSSSSS

2008-02-27T04:24:00.000-08:00

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

GOT A STORY? HAVE A COMPLAINT? NEED SOME HELP? CALL BORNEO TODAY

2008-02-27T04:21:00.000-08:00

2008-02-26T21:13:00.000-08:00

BOOK REVIEW - How to Do Everything with PHOTOSHOP ALBUM

2008-02-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

FOR LEX BORNEO LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP INFO :-

CALL/SMS O128030778 OR 088-387687

OR E-MAIL marceljude@yahoo.com

OR go to website @ borneotoday.com

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- VEHICLES OCCUPY PATHWAY FOR PUPILS

2008-02-26T06:00:00.008-08:00

Vehicles occupy pathway for pupils

The inconsiderate action of motorists parking their vehicles on the pathway in front of the St Agnes Primary School in Likas area is causing safety concern. According to the mother of a pupil there, the vehicles take up most of the space on the pathway, leaving only a narrow area for the children to walk on. “What if the children fall into the drain next to the pathway,” Mary said, pointing out that even school bus drivers park their vehicles on the pathway. “I have a daughter studying at St Agnes and every time I pick her up, I feel annoyed by the inconsiderate action of these motorists and school bus drivers,” she said. “The situation has been going on for a long time and even though numerous complaints have been made, no action has been taken,” she lamented. Mary pointed out that the pathway is for pedestrians to walk on and not a parking area for vehicles. “And what if the drivers are not careful when moving out of the area, they may hit a child walking between the vehicles,” she said, adding that the children are at risk of suffering serious injuries. “Is the authority concerned waiting for something like that to happen to one of the pupils before taking any action? Who is going to pay if something tragic should happen to the innocent pupils? Who will be able to give them a normal life back ,”she added. She told the Public Hotline that the situation happens daily especially in the afternoon. The city police traffic when contacted about the matter said, they will monitor the area to ensure motorist do not park there indiscriminately. “Action will be taken on those who flout the law and we appealed for cooperation from all motorists to ensure that they park in the designated areas,” the spokesperson said.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- NO MORE FLOOD, SMELLY DRAIN FOR LIKAS RESIDENTS

2008-02-26T06:00:00.007-08:00

No more flood, smelly drain for Likas residents

KOTA KINABALU:

Residents living near the SRJK (C) Chung Hwa in Likas near here no longer have to worry about flooding and stench caused by a drain there. This is because the drain has been cleared and upgraded following numerous complaints by the residents. “Six months ago the drain was overgrown with grass and clogged up,” the Residents Committee chairman, Tay Chung Yu, said. He added that the clogged drain became a breeding ground for mosquitoes causing fear of dengue fever among the residents and pupils at the school. “We have been asking for the drain to be upgraded for a long time but it was never approved. This was a cause of concern for us as it was a matter of health of the residents and pupils here,” he said. Their request was finally answered after Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim and Api-Api Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai visited their area six months ago. Yee who inspected the drain upgrading project yesterday, said part of the allocation for the upgrading work came from his Member of Parliament fund. “The upgrading of the drain hopefully will reduce incidents of dengue fever caused by mosquitoes which were breeding in the drain and the local residents and students at the school don’t have to worry anymore,” he said. Also present were the Mayor, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kota Kinabalu Parliamentary seat Chin Teck Ming, and resident committee Datuk Nancy Ho.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- SABAH TO REPEAT SUCCESS IN RAT YEAR

2008-02-26T06:00:00.006-08:00

Sabah to repeat success in Rat Year

KOTA KINABALU:

The Year of the Monkey 2004 promised merriment and prosperity and indeed brought luck to the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. That year, the BN made an almost clean sweep of the 60 state and 25 parliamentary seats it contested in the 11th general election, losing only the Kuala Penyu state and Sandakan parliamentary seats. It is now the Year of the Rat — and the country is geared for another general election come March 8. The thought on everyone’s minds is whether the Year of the Rat will bring the same luck as the Year of the Monkey to Musa. According to Chinese beliefs, the rat symbolises diligence and hard work and those born on this auspicious year will be successful in life. For the Sabah BN, the Year of the Rat signifies a year of challenges along with the need to fulfil its responsibilities. Having won a state and two parliamentary seats unopposed after nominations yesterday, it could be an indication of BN not facing much problem to win the election comfortably. BN parliamentary candidates, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and former deputy chief minister Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh won uncontested in Pensiangan and Kalabakan respectively while Datuk Ramlee Marahaban was announced the winner for the Bugaya state seat. Like the diligent rats, the BN is also serious in developing the state in all aspects for the benefit of the people, and in this case, Musa will be shouldered, yet again, with the task. He took over the state leadership in March 2003. With the implementation of various programmes under the state’s development master plan, which emphasised on agriculture, manufacturing and tourism since becoming the Chief Minister and the Sabah Development Corridor, which was launched last month, Musa has proven to the more than three million Sabah population of his political capability and prowess to steer the state. Musa’s ability in handling dissent and frustrations by incumbent members of parliaments and assemblymen, who were dropped for this election, also proved his credible leadership. Political observers are confident of BN’s victory in the election, especially with the launching of the Sabah Development Corridor by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, which promises holistic development, including creation of more jobs for the people. The re-entry of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) into the BN fold is also said to have further strengthened the coalition in Sabah. There are now seven component parties in Sabah BN - Umno, PBS, the United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO), United Sabah People’s Party (PBRS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), MCA, Gerakan and MIC. A politician, Joos Galid, said he was confident that the Sabah people would vote for the BN in the election. “The people, especially rural residents, realise that only the BN government is capable of bringing development to their areas,” he said.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- IT WON'T BE SMOOTH SAILING FOR BN IN KENINGAU:PAIRIN

2008-02-26T06:00:00.005-08:00

It won’t be smooth sailing for BN in Keningau:Pairin

KENINGAU:

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates here have strong connection and confidence to win in the general election despite facing strong opposition challengers, especially from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). The clash of PBS President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan for the Keningau parliamentary seat is considered a battle of the Kitingan brothers or battle of double J. Dr Jeffrey is also considered a big challenger to the BN candidates in the three state seats of Tambunan, Bingkor and Liawan which are included in the Keningau parliamentary constituency. Besides BN and PKR, DAP has also joined in the fray for the Keningau seat by fielding Peter Kadau. Pairin who is also defending the Tambunan seat, is not denying that BN has to work hard for victory in all the four seats. The Keningau BN chairman will face Moses Michael Iking from PKR and Francis Koh Kui Tze from the independent in the three-cornered fight. “There is no easy passage for BN without hard work from all the BN component leaders and members in Keningau. “I believe by having team work and close cooperation from all the components, the BN could win all the areas, including Keningau parliamentary seat even though it is facing a tough fight from PKR,” he said, adding that the people must be given explanation on the BN Government policies. Pairin who is also Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister, said the BN Government is also giving top priority to the development of rural people’s socio economy, education, health and poverty eradication through the Middle Region Sabah Development Corridor. Liawan BN candidate Datuk Haji Sairin Karno said the BN was ready for its campaigning. The incumbent is involved in a four-cornered fight with Jius Awang from PKR, Yapilin Nawawi from independent and Lawrence Mogidau from DAP. “I believe BN could win all the three state constituencies and Keningau parliament in view of better cooperation and relationship between the BN components namely, Umno, PBS, PBRS, UPKO, MCA and SAPP,” he said. Justin Guka, who is also defending the Bingkor seat for BN, is challenged by Jeffrey, Victor Leornadus from Setia and Thomas Anggan from independent. He said the Bingkor people still needed development and they should give him the opportunity to lead Bingkor for another five years. “I believe only the BN Government can give better services to the people in Bingkor and I hope the Bingkor people will continue to support the BN in this election,” he said. Among the issues raised by PKR are the approval of application for the 2,500-acre Bingkor Native Reserve by outsiders and illegal immigrants monopolising the business at the Keningau night market.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- CHIN GIVES HAND PHONE NUMBER TO PEOPLE

2008-02-26T06:00:00.004-08:00

Chin gives hand phone number to people

KOTA KINABALU:

The Barisan Nasional (BN) Kota Kinabalu Parliamentary seat candidate, Chin Tek Ming, has urged the public to personally inform him of problems they have in the constituency. “They can do this by calling me on my hand phone. The number is 019-8521339,” he said when met yesterday. Chin is replacing incumbent Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai in the coming election. The lawyer who is also PBS Supreme council member and the party’s Likas divisional chief, has vowed to try his best to solve the problems faced by people in the Kota Kinabalu constituency. When asked what his focus will be if he wins in the election, Chin said it will be on continuing to improve existing development such as the schools and issues involving society and communities. “However, servicing the community will be my priority and we will concentrate on issues such as infrastructure and daily problems faced by the people. “I will make sure that Twill give my best ff1 am elected,” he said.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- NORMAL TO SEE MANY INSTANT POLITICIANS: PAIRIN

2008-02-26T06:00:00.003-08:00

Normal to see many instant politicians: Pairin

KENINGAU:

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan has described the big number of ‘instant politicians’ emerging during election time as normal in a country like Malaysia which practises democracy. He said the country provides ample space and freedom for the people in voicing out their opinions and views. Pairin, who is defending the Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan state seats under the l3arisan Nasional (BN) ticket, said this during a meet-the-people gathering at Kampung Mottow near here yesterday. Also present were BN candidate for Liawan state seat Datuk Sairin Karno, MCA Keningau division head Peter Ma, and the Village Development and Security Committee Chairman Steven Klaus. The Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president is involved in a three- cornered fight for the Keningau seat with his younger brother Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president and independent Peter Kodou @ Peter Anthony. For the Tambunan seat, Pairin who has represented the constituency since 1976 is challenged by lawyer Moses @ Mozes Iking and former People Development Leader Koh Kui Tze @ Francis Koh Lui Tze. Pairin lamented that certain quarters abused the freedom as provided for under the laws by holding violent street demonstrations which were against the Malaysian way of life and culture. “This shows that these group of people have no love for peace and harmony,” he said. As such, Pairin expressed his confidence that the people would continue supporting the BN in the March 8 general election and would not be easily influenced by the opposition’s empty promises and baseless allegations levelled against the BN. “It is still not to late for this small group of individuals who are in the opposition to return to the BN folds because the doors are always opened to them,” he added.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- ELECTION FEVER PICKING UP SLOWLY

2008-02-26T06:00:00.002-08:00

Election fever picking up slowly

KOTA KINABALU:

A day after the nominations, there is still no obvious sign the people are in election mood. It seems like the upcoming 12th general election is not as hot as the previous polls. In the past, election fever hits the nation almost immediately right from the dissolution of state legislative assemblies up to nomination day, and sometimes even after the polling day is over. Candidates’ posters and flags representing the contesting political parties would be put up almost as soon as the candidates’ nomination forms were accepted. May be the election fever has not started yet, or probably, intense campaigning has not taken place. There are, however, some little indications that the battle is on. A huge billboard bearing the images of top Barisan Nasional leaders has been put up in the Putatan township, reminding voters to make the right decision, and in some places, like along the roads in the City, Tuaran, Luyang and Kepayan, posters of candidates have also made their appearance. Several supporters of BN parties claimed that they have yet to receive campaign posters and flags, and most of the election paraphernalia was expected to arrive last night. On the opposition’s side, to date, they have yet to do their part to spice up the election in Sabah. However, in Beaufort town, flags of both BN and Parti Keadilan Rakyat are already seen side by side along the roads in the town area, as well as major towns such as Sandakan and Tawau.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- IMBAK CANYON TO BE FIRST CLASS FOREST RESERVE: CM

2008-02-26T06:00:00.001-08:00

Imbak Canyon to be First Class Forest Reserve: CM

SANDAKAN:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the Imbak Canyon forest conservation area which is made up of 17,000 hectares of virgin forest, will be gazetted as a First Class Forest Reserve. “The process to change the area from a Second Class(Commercial)status to a First Class Reserve is in its final stage,” Musa said after launching the Sabah Foundation’s mobile exhibition and the Sabah Development Corridor(SDC)road show here yesterday. Musa said the Sabah Foundation had been allocated not less then 500,000 hectares of forest for the purpose of conservation and protection, including Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve. “The reclassification of Imbak Canyon will now increase the size of the totally protected areas to 865,000 hectares or 12 percent of the forest in Sabah,” he added. In his speech earlier, Musa said the people of Sabah should not sacrifice the progress and benefits they had enjoyed from the State’s development by falling for the promises made by the opposition. He said the country would not develop if there was no proper planning and vision. “The Barisan Nasional (BN)plans its projects well to benefit the people and it is crucial they ensure the BN helms the State so that it will be able to continue with its development projects,” he said. He said the people should give the BN Government a bigger mandate because only through a strong and stable government would they be able to benefit from continuous development as well as enjoy better living standards. “With undivided support from the people, the BN Government will not underestimate their trust and confidence. Instead, it will be more committed to provide the best service to the people,” he said. Musa said the SDC road show was to enlighten the people on the development programmes so that they would be able to take advantage of the opportunities available. The SDC, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last month, is a development project to be implemented over 18 years and involves four sectors — agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and logistics. Present at the function were Sabah Development Institute director Datuk Dr Yakob Johari, Sabah Foundation director Tan Sri Datu Khalil Datu Haji jamalul and Sandakan Municipal Council president Yeo Boon Hai.

TUESDAY-26TH FEBRUARY 2008- PKR TO CHALLENGE VALIDITY OF KURUP'S VICTORY: ANSARI

2008-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

PKR to challenge validity of kurup’s victory: Ansari

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat State liaison committee chairman Hj Ansari Abdullah said they will file an election petition to challenge the validity of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup’s victory in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency. He said the petition will be filed as soon as the Election Commission (EC) gazettes the victory for Kurup, who took the seat uncontested. “The moment the result is gazetted, PKR will file an election petition to declare Kurup’s win to be null and void,” he told a press conference here, yesterday. The Pensiangan seat was the centre of much controversy on Sunday when Keadilan’s candidate Danny Andipai was disallowed from registering as a candidate by the EC. The situation sparked a commotion among the crowd gathered at the nomination centre in Nabawan, leading to an assault on Kurup by a man as he was on the way to his vehicle after being declared the winner of the Pensiangan seat. Danny, who was at the press conference, claimed that the decision by returning officer (RO) Bubudan OT Mojilu to reject his and independent candidate Saineh Usau’s applications was unfair. “I was made to understand that the gate would be opened at 9am and closed at 1Oam, so I arrived at 9.35am,” he said. “I was given a number, number 10, and then paid the RM15,000 deposit as required for a parliamentary candidate. The independent candidate also did the same, and he was given number 11. “Why is it that a candidate who was holding number 12 was accepted as a candidate when those who came earlier were not?” he said, referring to fellow Keadilan candidate Paul Gitang, who is vying for the Sook state seat. Danny noted that the only candidates disallowed from registering were those who intended to contest the Pensiangan parliamentary seat, whereas there was no problem for candidates in the Sook and Nabawan state seats. “I was still in the(nomination)hall when they told me they were closed. What did they mean by closed? Were they talking about the gate or the nominations? “Just to accept the nomination papers does not take a lot of time. It’s not like we were still filling out the forms, we were just waiting to hand over completed forms. “You can see that Tan Sri Kurup knows he cannot cheat at the polls, so he decided to cheat during nomination day...he claims it was a Keadilan supporter who hit him but it wasn’t just our supporters who were unhappy, even the BN supporters felt revolted by his action,” he said. Danny said that following his disqualification, he lodged a police report on the alleged unfair treatment by the EC staff, and also lodged a report with the EC.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- CHINESE BODIES WELCOME BACK DOMPOK

2008-02-25T06:00:00.008-08:00

Chinese bodies welcome back Dompok

PENAMPANG:

Various Chinese organizations here turned out to welcome back UPKO president and BN candidate for Penampang Tan Sri Bernard Dompok to his hometown. They pledged to give their full support to him and to help ensure BN win the 12th general election on March 8. The President of Penampang Industrial and Commerce Council Datuk Kenneth Yen said Dompok has to be given the mandate to become the Parliament Member of Penampang, based on his position as the Federal Minister. “If Dompok is.given the mandate to become the Parliament member here and reappointed to the Federal Cabinet, this district will be more developed in the future,” he said. Also present were President of Northern Chinese Association Alvin Lee, Donggongon Chinese Kapitan Chin Sin Yu, Lido Chinese Kapitan Yong Thien Loi, Donggongon JKDB Chairman William Chin, President of Donggongon Community Association Yi Yee Sin, Chairman of Fook Tet Kun Temple Wee Man Kok, Penampang Charity Chairman Chua Kuan Yin and representatives from Democratic Liberal Party (LDP).

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE NEARLY MISSES CUT-OFF TIME

2008-02-25T06:00:00.007-08:00

Independent candidate nearly misses cut-off time

PENAMPANG:

When Dr Anthony Tibok handed in his nomination papers to contest the Penampang parliamentary seat as an independent candidate yesterday, he was just three minutes shy of the l0am cut-off time. Charging in with his proposer and seconder close at hand, the biotechnology expert was a man in a hurry. And when he spoke of the need for change, he made his stand clear that the Kadazandusun community, particularly in Penampang, have no time to lose. “My challenge is to bring the voice of. the people. In Malaysia, it is the pribumis, not the Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Front) people making noise in the peninsula, who are truly the poorest in the nation. “Sabah went from being the richest state in Malaysia in the 1970s to being the poorest state now. Ninety-five percent of our riches are going to Petronas and only five percent is coming back to us. “Are we getting a fair deal from the federation? The Government policy is wrong and this cannot go on but where are our ministers? Why are they keeping quiet,” he said, visibly shaking with emotion. Anthony, who said he had worked as a researcher in France, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia and locally, admitted that he is “just a small guy standing in the dark” compared to his competition but was adamant that he was taking a necessary risk. “I know that Tan Sri (Bernard Dompok) is a well-known Kadazan leader, but I will continue to shout about the issues that face us here. “I don’t care (about rating my chances), let the people choose. If they want a voice then vote for me, if not then vote for someone else,” he said. The other independent candidate, Willybroad Missi, also charged the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) Government with poor treatment of Sabahans, particularly the Kadazandusuns. Sporting a traditional “siung” or bamboo hat to go with his traditional Kadazan “berudu” or shirt, he declared his struggle to “defend” his people’s rights. “I see that the natives, my people, have been really oppressed by the present Government system ... I wish to continue the struggle to uphold democracy,” said the 47-year-old businessman. Like the other candidates outside of the BN, be it from opposition parties or independents, Willybroad said his main objectives are to solve the long-standing problem of illegal immigrants, fight corruption and develop Moyog and Penampang on the whole. “I see the trend now is the people want a change in the Government. The present Government is not suitable to the local society in Sabah,” he said.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- PAIRIN DOES NOT EXPECT TO FACE BROTHER

2008-02-25T06:00:00.006-08:00

Pairin does not expect to face brother

KENINGAU:

Keningau Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan did not expect his brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, to contest against him in the Keningau parliamentary area. “I am not expecting this to happen between me and my brother in this election,” he told reporters after the announcement of candidates by returning officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir at the community centre here. Pairin who is also the PBS president, said he and Jeffrey have different ways in their struggle and he would leave it to the people to decide who is the better leader between them. “The campaign starts today and I believe the BN could get strong support from the people because BN is a good Government,” he said.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- ALL CHALLENGED IN TAWAU EXCEPT GHAPUR

2008-02-25T06:00:00.005-08:00

All challenged in Tawau except Ghapur

TAWAU:

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Abd Ghapur Salleh won the Kalabakan parliamentary seat unopposed again yesterday but the other coalition candidates are challenged. Incumbent Merotai assemblyman Datuk Liew Yun Fah who was dropped and rumoured to be standing as an independent candidate in the area, threw his support to the BN candidates yesterday. “I won the Kalabakan parliament seat because I have carried out many developments in the area. Here, I need to remind the voters again, especially in Kalabakan, to vote for the BN if they wish to live comfortably with more development. “The concept of BN is cooperation, but those who go against the laws and regulations will be rejected from Umno. I hope I can bring the new BN candidates to have a visit to Kalabakan and introduce them to the residents there,” said Ghapur. The 65-year-old Umno veteran who arrived at the nomination centre with his proposer Ramlee Bin Rasida @ Rashida and supporter Apor Bin Hajari at 9. 10am, was also unopposed in Kalabakan in the last general election in 2004. The Merotai state seat is a five- cornered fight for BN candidate Pang Yuk Ming, 42, who is challenged by Mohamad B Tingka, 55, of PAS and three independents- Salman Bin Nurillah, 40, who is using the key symbol, Moktar B Ahmad, 48, (umbrella) and Soon Thien Fook, 57 (oil palm trees). Pang, who was the communication secretary for his predecessor Datuk Liew Yun Fahwas proposed by Ahmad @ Jepang B Tapah and supported by Thein Kui Sang. They arrived at the nomination hall at 9. 12am. Expressing his surprise over his nomination, the BN contestant said he would try his best to serve the residents in Tawau if he wins the seat even though he has many businesses in Kota Kinabalu. Soon, who resigned from Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to be an independent candidate, disagreed that Liew was not selected to defend the Merotai seat. “I decided to resign from LDP to become an independent candidate for Merotai seat even though Datuk Liew had disallowed me to do so. However, I feel very confident,” said Soon who was accompanied by his proposer Dumit B Rasit and supporter Anas Bin Hemma to the nomination centre at 9.05am. The Tanjung Batu state seat will be a battle ground for four candidates. BN candidate Datuk Hamisa Bte Samat, 59 is facing PKR’s Dullah Bin Hashim, also 59, and two independent candidates- Mohammad Jeffry B Rosman, 34, (clock symbol) and Dasun Bin Sumbin, 57 (aeroplane). The Sebatik state seat is contested by Abd Muis B Picho, 51, of BN and Arsad bin Jamal, 58, of PKR and independent Raden Bin Kakung, 48, who is using the smoking pipe symbol. For the Tawau parliamentary seat, Datuk Chua Soon Bui of BN is taking on Chan Foong Hin of DAP and Berhan Ruslan of PKR. The Sri Tanjong state seat is vied by BN candidate Samson Chin Chee Tsu, Jimmy Wong Sze Phai (DAP) and Datuk Kong Hong Ming (PKR). In Apas, Tawau BN chairman Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan is challenged by Ardi Arsa (independent) and Vun Kon Pau (PKR) while Balung is a one-to-one fight between incumbent Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali n PKR candidate Mohd Abdillah Timbasa.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- LACK OF AGREEMENT WILL HURT OPPOSITION CHANCES

2008-02-25T06:00:00.004-08:00

Lack of agreement will hurt opposition chances
PKR and DAP contesting in same constituencies

KOTA KINABALU:

The chances of the two leading opposition parties, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Democratic Action Party, in winning seats in the March 8 general election might be affected by their failure to strike a deal on the seats they are vying for. The two parties had failed to reach a compromise on fielding of candidates in various areas against Barisan Nasional, resulting in them contesting in same constituencies. According to PKR State deputy liaison chief Christina Liew Chin Jin, the DAP’s struggle is slightly different from theirs. “DAP wants representation of two- thirds in the Parliament while we in PKR are more interested in changing the whole government system,” she said. “This overlapping of opposition candidates is purely due to failure in reaching an amicable solution,” she added when met after submitting her nomination forms for the P172 Kota Kinabalu and N15 Api-Api seats at Dewan Maksak in Likas, yesterday. She will be contesting the state seat against DAP Kota Kinabalu branch chairman Dr Hiew King Cheu and BN-PBS newcomer Chin Teck Min and independent candidate Kong Yu Kiong. Asked about her chances of winning the Kota Kinabalu seat, Liew said both Hiew and her would do a gentlemen contest.” Parti Keadilan Rakyat believes the Penampang electorate wifi swing in their favour come polling day on March 8. State information chief Dr Edwin @ Jack Bosie, who will contest for the Penampang parliamentary seat, said the party has every reason to be here in reforming the Government. “We can see that our people in Parliament and the State are not doing much for our own people. If they were doing well, I don’t think Keadilan would be here,” he said when met at the nomination centre at the Tun Fuad Hall here, yesterday. When asked about his chances to win the Penampang seat, the 51-year- old trained veterinarian and conservationist said he is “very confident”. “My chances are very good. The wind has been blowing and it is very clear, we want a change. The basis of my struggle is to reform the system we want to have a good system that is fair and transparent,” he said. Keadilan’s candidate for Kepayan, Datuk Chau Chin Tang, said meanwhile that his chances are “as good as anybody’s chances”. “Being a Sabahan, we will have to save Sabah from the illegal immigrants and make sure that we control the oil, that’s about all, because this is the fight of every Sabahan, not just my fight. That is the reason I’m coming out of retirement after 10 years,” he said. Chau, who is the State Legal Committee chairman for Keadilan, reiterated Edwin’s confidence that the electorate will vote in their favour. “The sentiments are with us, its a big swing. Just because you have a big crowd (at nomination day) doesn’t guarantee a victory. It is the sentiments of the people and the current issues, this is what will determine whether they want you or don’t want you,” he said. The 65-year-old Kota Belud native noted that he will have the advantage of the Sembulan voters, particularly those in the low-cost housing area who he said he had assisted in the past. “I served as a YB for five years in Sembulan and part of Kepayan is Sembulan, especially mostly the low- cost houses who have been voters and still voters. “I have an advantage in that and done a lot for the people in the low- cost houses,” he said, although adding that victory in Kepayan is in the “hands of god”. Former independent candidate Moris @ Francis Miji on the other hand believes that his involvement with Keadilan in this election will only strengthen their challenge to bring change to the district. “The leadership took me in, in a sense, so I am now in Keadilan and I subscribe to their struggle. I think I have a good chance, looking at the votes I secured in 2004 as an independent,” he said. The 54-year-old tax manager and grandfather, who is contesting in Moyog, stressed the need for change in better addressing the needs of the people. “We need some changes in leadership, in the sense that we should not be fearful of addressing problems facing the community, be it economic or social. “It is not that the previous leadership have failed ... I feel we can do better. They have done their part to a certain extent. The rakyat need people who are willing to voice out their needs without fear,” he said.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- BUMBURING ALSO FACES ANSARI IN TUARAN

2008-02-25T06:00:00.003-08:00

Bumburing also faces Ansari in Tuaran

TUARAN:

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Seri Panglima Mojilip Bumburing @ Wilfred, 57, is facing a three-cornered contest against Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate AnsariAbdullah, 54, and Independent Ajin @ Hazin Gagah, 58, for Tuaran parliamentary seat in the general election on March 8. Bumburing, who was sidelined for two terms previously, is making a comeback to defend the Tuaran parliamentary seat for BN after Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau gave way to him. Wilfred, who is the party’s secretary-general, won the seat in the 2004 election. Bumburing, who is also UPKO deputy president, said when asked to comment on his’ return to active politics, said people in the area still need his and BN service to bring many development projects, especially in the rural and interior areas. “People in the interior areas still need BN to help them solve their problems and also to provide a better education for them. Tamparuli and Kiulu, which still lack power supply, need BN leadership to improve the quality of life,” he said. He said he is confident of delivering the seat to BN. On his opponents, he said there is nothing personal and this is a healthy competition. “People of Sabah still need BN to continue its leadership. This is to make sure the development will continuously move forward, especially in Tuaran areas,” he added. Bumburing said that if he wins, he will, strive to develop Tuaran into a tourism town. Bumburing’s nomination paper was submitted at about 9.15am with Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau as his proposer and Ismail @ Tony b. Ibrahim as seconded, while Ansari was accompanied by Lim Ching Ping as proposer and Panilau @ Amzah b. Kohong as seconder at 9.3Oam. Ajin, accompanied by Reupin @ Roupin KK Gobik as a proposer and Johan Jam as seconded, submitted his form at 9.22am. During the nomination, there were no objections received and no nominations were rejected.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- PENAMPANG, MOYOG, KEPAYAN BN CANDIDATES CONFIDENT OF WINNING

2008-02-25T06:00:00.002-08:00

Penampang, Moyog, Kepayan BN candidates confident of winning
Dompok, Donald and Khoo have confidence of delivering seats

PENAMPANG:

Confidence is high in the Barisan Nasional (BN) camp as two candidates from Upko and one from MCA registered as candidates to contest the Penampang parliamentary and Moyog and Kepayan State seats. Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, when met after handing in his nomination papers, said he was upbeat of his and the BN’s chances of defending the three seats come polling day on March 8. “We are winning. I don’t know how else I can elaborate on that,” he said. Dompok, who is returning to Penampang after serving two terms in Ranau, said there is no need for the opposition in the district because “we cover all the issues brought up by everybody”. “We have the capacity to do it. We have the commitment to tackle issues and we have the courage to carry out the mandate very high. “I have tackled contentious issues at Federal level and I’m willing to pay the price for it. We are the people who will represent the KDM (Kadazandusun-Murut) people. The KDM will be more marginalised if you go in the opposition because this will only weaken the voice that we have (in the Government) at present,” he said. Donald Mojuntin, who will contest in Moyog after vacating the Penampang seat to accommodate Dompok’s return, said the electorate has matured and is not easily taken in by political rhetoric. Donald, who won the Penampang seat with 16,032 votes in 2004, will be contesting against former independent and now Keadilan candidate Moris @ Francis Miji, and Willybroad who is the only candidate in the area going for two seats. “I think the people are wiser and wary of what the opposition is saying. We went through a lot.., in the past twice Tan Sri (Dompok) lost which means twice we had no representation, and during those periods I think we felt the difference. “People are more educated now, the older generation also know the difference between having a minister and not having a minister. “The people know now that the choice is in their hands, the people want to see progress. The Government is helping in school fees, and in this the Government spent RM3 billion this year and there is also a lot more in terms of subsidies. “The opposition is concerned about the price hike but I don’t think the Government is making an intentional hike, this is a reaction to the world situation,” Donald said. Moris is contesting the seat for the second time, having received 3,124 votes as an independent when going up against Philip. Kepayan incumbent Datuk Edward Khoo meanwhile continues to stand as the sole MCA candidate in Sabah, having won the seat in 2004 garnering 5,472 votes. It will be a three-cornered race in Kepayan, with challenges from Datuk Chau Chin Tang for Keadilan and DAP candidate Steven Jimbangan who earned 494 votes in 2004 as an independent in the same area. Khoo pledged to continue to work hard for the Kepayan constituency if he were to be re-elected for a second term. “All this while I have worked hard for the good of the people and the area I represent. This is why I am not too worried. I leave it to the voters to make their own decisions. “If I am re-elected, I will continue with many more efforts that I have yet to complete to ensure the standard of living of the people improves,” he said. Throughout the two-hour objection period after nominations closed, two objections were raised against Willybroad, but were struck out by returning officer William Sampil.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- MAXIMUS UP AGAINST THREE IN KOTA MARUDU

2008-02-25T06:00:00.001-08:00

Maximus up against three in Kota Marudu

KOTA MARUDU:

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, is facing three opponents in defending the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat. He is challenged by Anthony Mandiau from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Bersekutu president Berman Angkap and independent Ruslan Moh Zain. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department opted not to defend the Tandek state seat this time around in which the PBS picked a woman, Lasiah @ Anita Baranting to contest the seat. The 53-year-old former People Development Leader for Tandek is expecting tough challenge from Isang Rawai from PASOK, Masingkan @ Shingkam from Bersekutu, Jurin Gunsalam from the PKR and independent candidate Andy Villson. It is a three-cornered fight in Matunggong between Sarapin Magana, who replaced incumbent assemblywoman Jornah Mozihim, Santain Menurun from Bersekutu and Muada Ojihi from PKR. Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan had initially re-nominated Jornah to defend the Matunggong seat, but she was dropped two days ago allegedly following an intervention by Maximus. Over in Kota Belud, rookie Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahian from BN UMNO is pitted in a straight fight against Saidil @ Said Semoi from the PKR. Abdul Rahman replaced incumbent Datuk Salleh Said Keruak who was dropped by the BN leadership. UMNO Kota Belud divison head Datuk Hj Musbah Jamil, who replaced another UMNO heavyweight Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, is facing Laiman Ikin @ Awang Laiman Kakimin from PKR and independent candidate Ibrahim Linggam for the Tampasuk state seat. For the Kadamaian state seat, BN incumbent Datuk Timbon @ Herbert Lagadan from PBS is involved in a three-cornered fight with a woman, Lukia Binti Indan from the PKR and lawyer Peter Marajin Peter Marazing who is standing as an independent candidate. For another BN candidate Datuk Japlin Akim @ Abd Hamid, it is a one-to-fight with Mohd Shukor Abdul Muin for the Tempasuk state seat. Nevertheless, the BN candidates for Kota Belud, Tempasuk, Kadamaian and Usukun have been rest assured of a formidable support from Salleh and Pandikar who had pledged their loyalty to the BN.

MONDAY-25TH FEBRUARY 2008- 2 MP AND 1 STATE SEATS UNOPPOSED

2008-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

2 MP and 1 State seats unopposed

KOTA KINABALU:

The Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) won two of the 25 parliamentary seats and one of the 60 State seats up for grabs uncontested after nominations for the March 8 general election closed yesterday. PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, who replaced BN incumbent and his Secretary-General Datuk Bernard Maraat for the Pensiangan parliamentary seat in the Interior was unchallenged. Just two days ago, Bernard dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was quitting all his posts in the party and would be contesting the seat as an independent, but his threat fizzled out and did not materialize on Nomination Day. The second parliamentary seat was won for the BN by another veteran politician Datuk Mohd Ghapur Salleh of Umno ho retained Kalabakan for the second time consecutively. The sole state seat was delivered by Ramlee Marhaban of Umno who replaced incumbent Datuk Basalie Abdul Hamid for Bugaya. The results for the three uncontested seats were announced by the Election Commission in a statement after the completion of the Nomination Day yesterday. In the 2004 general election, Sabah BN won nine parliamentary and seven State seats after the nomination, and went on to make a virtual clean sweep of all the 25 Parliamentary and 60 State seats, losing only the Sandakan and Kuala Penyu to the independents. Recently, Chief Minister cum Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman had predicted that the Sabah BN component parties, consisting of Umno, PBS, Upko, SAPP, PBRS, MCA, Gerakan and MIC would be able to repeat the 2004 feat in the 12th general election. Musa, who heads the Sabah Umno, and other State BN component chiefs, namely PBS President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, LDP President Datuk VK Liew and Sabah MCA head Datuk Edward Khoo are being challenged by the opposition and independents in their respective seats. Incumbent Musa, is pitted in a four-cornered fight for the N42 Sungai Sibuga state seat with Ahmad Thamrin Jaini from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Osman Enting from Bersekutu and Gusmiah Diong who is contesting as an independent. The Chief Minister won Sungai Sibuga in the 2004 general election with 6,670 votes majority. An interesting fight is brewing for the Keningau parliamentary seat between incumbent Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and younger brother Jeffrey. Joining the two well-known Kitingan brothers in a tussle for the seat in the Interior is another veteran politician Peter Kodo @ Peter Anthony, who is contesting on a DAP ticket. Pairin is involved in a three- cornered fight in defending the Tambunan seat which he has been representing since 1976 during the then Berjaya Government. His opponents this time are lawyer Moses @ Mozes Iking and a former Peoples Development Leader for the area, Koh Kui Tze @ Francis Koh Lui Tze. Similarly, a tough fight from the opposition is awaiting Dompok, who replaced incumbent Donald Datuk Peter Mojuntin for the Penampang parliamentary seat, regarded as the heartland of the Kadazandusun. Dompok who made a comeback to Penampang after serving two- terms in Ranau is caught in a four- cornered fight with veterinarian Dr Edwin Bosi from PKR, Anthony Tibok and Levired Missih @ Willybroad Missi as independents. Over in Sandakan, Liew, who took over the LDP presidency from his predecessor Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat last year, is involved in a three- cornered fight for the predominantly Chinese area. Incumbent Chong Hon Ming who wrested the seat from then LDP Deputy President Datuk Lau Ngan Siew in 2004 but decided to stay away this time after his motion to join the BN through SAPP, was rejected. One of Liew’s challengers is the LDP Deputy Youth Chief Fong Vun Fui, who quit the party a few days ago and decided to contest to protest against Liew’s decision to stand there. The other challenger is a woman, Chong Chu Lin @ Shanty, a senior lawyer and a former Magistrate who once served for several years in Sandakan. In Kepayan on the west coast, MCA Sabah Chairman Datuk Edward Khoo who is defending the state seat for the second time is also pitted in a three-cornered fight. Khoo is also expecting a stiff challenge from another senior lawyer and seasoned politician Datuk Chau Chin Tan, a one-time assemblyman for Sembulan during the PBS tenure in power, who is standing on a PKR ticket. The other contender an engineer, Stephen Jacob Jimbangan, who is from the area is banking on him being a local to woo the voters to deliver the seat for the DAP. Elsewhere across the State, interesting fights are also expected in the days to come during the two- week campaign period between the ruling BN and Opposition. Police meanwhile described the nominations process across the State as peaceful without any untoward incidents reported from the grounds. It was reported that the weather was quite bad in certain areas like Sipitang, where the contesting candidates and their supporters have to brave the heavy rains to reach the nomination centre in time.

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- MORE WOMEN CANDIDATES TO WOO FEMALE VOTERS

2008-02-22T06:00:00.005-08:00

More women candidates to woo female voters

KOTA KINABALU:

More women candidates are fielded in the 12th General Election to woo the sizable female voters in the State. Of the seven women who will be contesting in the March 8 poll, three are new faces, namely Sabah Progressive Party’s Wanita Chief Datuk Chua Soon Bui, Parti Bersatu Sabah’s Tandek Wanita chief Anita Baranting and Umno Kalabakan Wanita chief Datuk Hamisah Samad. Dubbed the SAPP iron lady, Chua, who is also the former Tawau Member of Parliament, was picked by the party leadership to replace the incumbent, Shim Paw Fatt, who won the seat in the 2004 general election. Another new face, Baranting was given the mandate by PBS president Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan to replace incumbent Tandek assemblyman Datuk Maximus Ongkili. Ongkili had in previous election held two seats “the Tandek State and Kota Marudu Parliamentary seats. he, however, retained the MP seat. Hamisah, on another hand. will be contesting for the Tanjong Batu seat, replacing the incumbent, Mohd Kamil Kassim. All the existing women candidates would be defending their seats, except for Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun whose seat was swapped with Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin. Azizah, the incumbent Beaufort Member of Parliament was replaced by Lajim, while she took over the latter’s Klias State seat. The three other remaining women candidates are Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Ayid (N12Karambunai-Umno); Jornah Mozihim(N4 Matunggong-PBS); and Melanie Chia (N16 Luyang SAPP).

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- CHIN GRATEFUL FOR CHANCE TO CONTEST KK SEAT

2008-02-22T06:00:00.004-08:00

Chin grateful for chance to contest KK seat

KOTA KINABALU:

Chin Teck Ming, who is making his debut in the March 8 general election, yesterday thanked PBS President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan and incumbent Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai for giving him the opportunity to contest the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat. “I hope the rakyat (people) will give me a chance to serve them,” said Chin, who is a PBS Supreme Council member cum its Likas division chief. He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman for their trust in him to defend the seat. Born in Keningau and raised in Kota Belud, the 38-year-old practising lawyer is married to Chung Fui Ching. He is currently also the Chairman of Sabah Tshung Tsin Alumni Association, an exco member of Kota Kinabalu Hakka Association (KKHA), a governor of Institut Sinaran and Kota Kinabalu Chung Hwa School, legal adviser to the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) and deputy chairman of Board of Visitors for the Likas Hospital. Meanwhile, it is learned that the decision by the PBS leadership to replace Dr Yee with Chin was a move to ensure the said parliamentary seat, which is expected to see a stiff fight in the coming polls, will stay with the party. It is also regarded as a strategic move made by the PBS to keep the seat in view of the recent development in which SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee indicated his interest to contest the seat.

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- MADIUS NOT DEFENDING TUARAN PARLIAMENT SEAT UPKO INCUMBENT GIVES WAY TO BUMBURING

2008-02-22T06:00:00.003-08:00

Madius not defending Tuaran parliament seat UPKO incumbent gives way to Bumburing

KIULU:

Incumbent Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau is not defending the Tuaran parliamentary seat and gives way to UPKO Deputy. President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing to stand in the March 8 general election. “I am giving way to Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing to represent UPKO to contest in the Tuaran parliamentary seat as this is the decision of the party leadership,” he said during a seminar at the UPKO divisional office here yesterday. Madius said Bumburing, being the Deputy President of UPKO, would be able to carry on the struggle of the party more effectively if he is one of our elected representatives either in the State Assembly or Parliament. “I know there are some among our grassroots supporters who may find it hard to accept, but we should look at this change in a positive manner for the sake of our people and the party that represents our community and our interest. UPKO members should be professional and disciplined in their status and standing and should put the interest of the party first,” he said. “I therefore call upon all of you, branch leaders, to carry this message to all our members and supporters and carry on with the party’s struggle by ensuring that Datuk Wilfred Bumburing will be a victorious UPKO candidate and that UPKO Kiulu will give him even more number of votes than ever before,” said the party’s Secretary-General. About 150 grassroots leaders comprising the “Ketua Pusat Mengundi,” leaders from all UPKO Branches, The Komulakan, Wanita, Pemuda and Divisional Committee Members attended the one-day seminar. Bumburing, who also spoke at the function, expressed his utmost gratitude to Madius and UPKO members in Kiulu for their willingness to continue to support him as the BN candidate in Tuaran in the coming election. He said the wisdom behind the decision of the party leadership to have a different candidate for Tuaran constituency was done with great care and consideration. “I would like to extend my greatest appreciation and unfathomable thanks to Datuk Madius Tangau for giving me the chance to defend the Tuaran seat on behalf of UPKO and BN. I know it was a hard decision to make and it was even a harder issue to be understood by UPKO members in Kiulu,” he said. “I may not be able to catch up with the aggressiveness of Datuk Madius or be even on par with his academic qualifications and oratorical skills, but with your support and commitment, we would all be able to proudly defend the Tuaran seat for BN-UPKO and thereafter, I assure you, I will try to continue to be a good ‘Wakil Rakyat’ for everyone, including Kiulu, and to continue and pursue whatever socioeconomic programs that UPKO Kiulu have in place and have drawn up to be carried out in the future. “All the programs that have been put in place by Datuk Madius, which would bring good benefits to our community, will be continued and will be improved and synchronized with Tamparuli and Sulaman.” Bumburing also revealed that Madius has agreed to accept the post as BN Tuaran Election Operation Director and he will also be the proposer for his candidacy on nomination day. In .another development, Madius urged UPKO members and supporters in the Kiulu state constituency to uphold their loyalty to the party by voting for all Barisan Nasional candidates come polling day on March 8. Madius said the focus of our struggle should be the party and not the individuals. “UPKO is a party that represents our Kadazandusun-Murut community and the struggles of the party continue regardless of who is picked by the party to contest in any election,” he added.

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- PBS INCUMBENTS IN; PAIRIN SOLE TWO-SEAT CANDIDATE

2008-02-22T06:00:00.002-08:00

PBS incumbents in; Pairin sole two-seat candidate

KOTA KINABALU:

There was little surprise yesterday as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) released its list of candidates for the 12th General Election on March 8, retaining all its incumbents while adding two new faces to the fray. As expected, party president Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan will defend both the Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan state seats, making him the only candidate in the State to do so. Previously, the other candidates to hold dual representation were deputy presidents Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai (Kota Kinabalu parliamentary, Api-Api state) and Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili (Kota Marudu parliamentary and Tandek state). Yee will now only defend his Api-Api seat, currently the only state seat under the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary constituency not occupied by a representative of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP). Newcomer and practising lawyer Chin Teck Ming, who is also a PBS supreme council member and Likas division chief, will fill in to contest the vacant Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat. Maximus on the other hand will defend only the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat, while another new face, PBS Tandek Wanita chief Anita Lasiah Baranting, was selected to stand in Tandek. The remaining 11 state and two parliamentary seats will see familiar faces returning to contest, including PBS stalwart and founding member Datuk Michael Asang forgoing his plans for retirement to contest for another term in the Labuk state seat. Speculations that Herbert Timbon Lagadan was pulling out of the elections were also quashed as he was confirmed to be defending the Kadamaian state seat. During an interview after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman announced the list of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates at his official residence in Sri Gaya yesterday, Pairin said the PBS incumbents have served the people well in the last term. “They have served the people well and we want to continue for the sake of the people, for the sake of the BN and for the continuation of programmes that have been planned by the Federal and State Governments. “When you have a good boat, don’t rock it I believe all of us are focusing on making sure that the BN Government is retained,” he said. Asked about the reaction of SAPP president Yong Teck Lee to the nomination of Chin for the Kota Kinabalu seat, Pairin said it was good of Yong to concede the seat to PBS. “He had discussed the matter with other BN component members and accepted the decision by the BN leadership. “I commend his move to make way for a PBS candidate. He is a leader who is unselfish and puts the interest of the people and the BN as a priority,” he said. Yong, a former PBS member, had stated openly his interest in the Kota Kinabalu seat in the few days before Musa released the BN list of candidates, raising doubts On the BN’s chances in retaining the seat if the right candidate was not selected. Pairin said that he does not see any reason for Chin not to win in Kota Kinabalu, so long as all the BN component parties in the area work together to retain the coalition’s hold on the seat. Chin meanwhile thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Musa for the opportunity to contest the city seat, and also Yee who he said had guided him along the way. “I will serve the community and give my very best to solve their problems,” he said when met at Sri Gaya.

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- 16 NEW FACES IN LINE-UP

2008-02-22T06:00:00.001-08:00

16 New Faces in line-up

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister cum State BN Liaison Chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman has announced the candidates for Umno, PBS, SAPP and MCA, featuring 16 new faces to the State BN line-up for both State and parliamentary seats. Thirteen of the newcomers are from UMNO which retained 29 of its previous candidates, swapped two seats and dropped 13 incumbents. The 13 new faces are Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahian(P169 Kota Belud), Salleh Kalbi(P188 Silam), Abdul Mijul Unani(N1 Banggi), Bolkiah Haji Ismail(N3 Pitas), Datuk Haji Musbah Haji Ramli(N6 Tempasuk), Kamarlin Ombi(N27 Lumadan), Ahmad Bujang(N28 Sindumin), Saddi Abdul Rahman(N48 Sukau), Nilwan Kaban(N51 Kunak), Datuk Haji Harman Mohamad (N52 Sulabayan), Datuk Ramlee Marhaban(N54 Bugaya), Datuk Hamisah Samad(N59 Tanjong Batu) and Haji Muis Pichu(N60 Sebatik). Incumbent Beaufort MP Datuk Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun swapped seats with Incumbent Klias Assemblyman Datuk Lajim Ukin, who is Umno Beaufort Division Chairman. A retained are Datuk Japlin Haji Akim(N8 Usukan), Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor(N1O Sulaman), Jainab Datuk Ahmad(N12 Karambunai), Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin(N18 Petagas), Datuk Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar(N21 Kawang), Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail(N22 Pantai Manis), Datuk Kanim Haji Bujang(N23 Bongawan), Haji Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif(N24 Membakut), Datuk Masidi Manjun(N30 Karanaan), Datuk Sairin Karno (N34 Liawan), Datuk Rubin Balang(N36 Kemabong), Datuk Surady Kayong(N39 Sugut), Datuk Zakaria Haji Mohd Edris(N41 Gum-Gum), Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman(N42 Sungai Sibuga), Datuk Shamsudin Yahya(N43 Sekong), Mohd Suhaili Said(N49 Tungku), Datuk Nasrun Datuk Mansur(N50 Lahad Datu), Datuk Nasir Tun Sákaran(N53 Senallang), Datuk Syed Aba Syed Au(N55 Balung), Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan(N56 Apas) and Datuk Edward Khoo (Kepayan). The rest of the incumbents are Abdul Rahim Bakri(P167 Kudat), Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin(P175 Papar), Datuk Anifah Aman(P176 Kimanis), Raimie Unggi(P181 Tenom), Datuk Ronald Kiandee(P183 Beluran), Datuk Juslie Ajirol(P184 Libaran), Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin(P187 Kinabatangan), Datuk Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal(P189 Semporna), Datuk Lajim Hj Ukin(177 Beaufort) and Datuk Seri Panglima Ghafur Haji Salleh(P191 Kalabakan). The casualties were senior UMNO leaders namely, Datuk Mohd Salleh Tun Said, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, Datuk Samsu Baharum Abdul Rahman, Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Datu Mustapha, Datuk Masrani Parman, Tan Sri Pandikar Haji Amin Mulia, Datuk Surinam Haji Sadikun, Datuk Aklee Haji Abas, Datuk Jaya Raudah, Datuk Mohd Lan Allani, Basalie Haji Abdul Hamid, Mohd Kamil Kassim and Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe. Another component party, PBS, retained all its candidates both for Parliamentary and State seats but brought in additional two new faces. Datuk Dr Maximus gave way to a newcomer, Tandek PBS Wanita Chief Anita Lasiah Baranting, to stand in his N5 Tandek constituency but will defend his P168 Kota Marudu parliamentary seat. Former Resource and IT Development Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai handed over P172 Kota Kinabalu to his protege Chin Teck Ming but retained his N15 Api Api State seat. Party President Datuk Seri Panglima Pairin Kitingan was the only retained incumbent who will contest in both parliamentary and state seats. SAPP retained all its state candidates but in the Tawau parliamentary seat, incumbent Shim Paw Fatt was dropped and replaced by Tawau SAPP Women Chief Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui. The other parliamentary seat in Sepanggar is being defended by Datuk Eric Majimbun. Yong who has expressed interest in contesting, in not among the SAPP candidates. Musa in announcing the candidates yesterday said the new line-up represents a new mix between the experienced and the new leaders who complement each other. “These are the best choices, combining the seasoned ones who will share their experiences with the new ones who will inject new energetic ideas for the interest of the BN and the people. Our hope is to continue to work together and ensure continuous development,” he said, stressing that there will be no back-stabbing in BN. With the new line-up, he said BN is confident of repeating its 2004 victory and could win by a bigger majority in the March 8 elections. With candidates from other BN component parties yet to be announced, Musa reassured that the BN would maintain the previous seats allocation and no additional seat will be given to any component party. The lists of candidates for LDP, PBRS and UPKO are still being finalized by BN Chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the decision is expected to be announced today, according to Musa.

FRIDAY-22 FEBRUARY 2008- DISAPPOINTED PANDIKAR FEELS SORRY FOR UMNO

2008-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Disappointed Pandikar feels sorry for UMNO

KOTA KINABALU:

Tempasuk incumbent Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Hj Mulia yesterday said he accepted his exclusion from the list of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates for the coming elections, albeit with some reservations. The news, which followed the announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at his official residence in Sri Gaya here yesterday, sparked an uproar among Pandikar’s supporters who thronged his house at Jalan Istana to show their support. Pandikar, who calmly entertained his supporters and incessant number of phone calls, said he accepted the decision by the party leadership although he hinted of dissatisfaction in the manner it was done. “I did not expect that I would be dropped because I have sacrificed for the interests of the party (Umno), including disbanding Akar for the sake of Umno and the BN,” he said when met at his house yesterday. “I am also confident of bringing victory to BN in Tempasuk, so I do not really understand what criteria were used to select the candidate. “If the decision was made in the interest of cronies and solely for personal interest without taking into account what will happen at the grassroots, then we feel sorry for Umno. “However, as a party member, I abide by the decision of the party leadership,” he said. also United Sabah Bajau Organisation (USBO) secretary- general, said he was also unsure of the rationale behind the exclusion of Kota Belud parliamentary incumbent and USBO president Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said and Banggi State incumbent cum USBO treasurer Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Mustapha from the list. “I don’t know. This is the decision made by the party leadership and I don’t know if this is an intentional move to push aside leaders from USBO. “As a person who has had experience leading a small party, I have never thought of stabbing anyone in the back. “If I fight, I fight from the front but it (fighting) has never crossed my mind or that of my colleagues,” he said. Pandikar nevertheless stressed that it is important for the candidates selected to replace him, and other leaders like Salleh, to fulfill “several criteria”. “Firstly, the candidates must be capable of giving a win to the BN. Secondly, the persons replacing the incumbents must be better in all aspects, in terms of quality of leadership, experience, education and support among other things. “This is what I understand in Umno, which is the candidate must be the best among the best,” he said.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- REJECT OPPOSITION CANDIDATES, URGES PAIRIN

2008-02-21T06:00:00.008-08:00

Reject opposition candidates, urges Pairin

TAMBUNAN:

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan has urged the people to reject the opposition candidates contesting in the coming election as they are only fighting for their own interests and not sincere in serving the people. He said the people in rural and remote areas normally become the victims of the opposition’s unfounded allegations and empty promises during the election. As such, they should always be on their guard and not easily be influenced by the opposition’s propaganda, said Pairin during a meet the people gathering for Mukim Patau at the Kampung Patau community hail near here yesterday. “The opposition are very smart in making all kinds of promises to the people but a more in depth analysis will show that they have no vision and merely keen in looking at the weakness of the others,” said the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President. Pairin added the opposition leaders would always place the blame for anything on the previous State Government. He reckoned that if the opposition were sincere in their struggle, they should find the solution for the problems affecting the people. Only the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government truly fights for the interest of the people and brings progress and stability to the country, said Pairin, citing the recently launched Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He assured that the implementation of the SDC would change the physical and economic landscape of the interior for the betterment of the people there. Pairin said the vision of the BN Government is to provide a comfortable life for the people by setting a target to eradicate abject poverty by the year 2010. The number of household heads categorised under abject poverty had reduced from 29,889 in 2003 to 21,829 last year. Out of the total figure, some 7,000 were from the non productive category who comprised the disabled group and require special attention from the Government. The remaining 13,000 household heads are being given serious attention by the Government for assistance to enhance their income, he said.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- PKR WON'T CONCEDE A SINGLE KDM SEAT TO DAP

2008-02-21T06:00:00.007-08:00

PKR won’t concede a single KDM seat to DAP

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) would not concede a single Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) seat to DAP in the election. Kanul Gindol, the political secretary to PKR Sabah State Steering Committee chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, also said that PKR would try to avoid a clash with DAP in some, but not all Chinese- majority seats. “We are putting up Chinese candidates among others in Sri Tanjung, Api-Api, Likas and Luyang, and also for MP seats in Tawau and maybe Kota Kinabalu, depending on the final strategic arrangement,” Kanul said. “KDM seats are not for trading. PKR Sabah has done extensive works in all the KDM seats, and PKR is the best choice to represent them,” he added. Meanwhile, Dr Jeffrey, who was discharged from the hospital on Monday night, has been seeing various groups and chaired discussions and meetings with PKR top state leaders on the party’s preparation for the general election. On Tuesday, he met PKR State Election Director Awang Tangah Awang Amin, Yunof Maringking, Operation Room Director Christina Liew and State Liaison Chairman Ansari Abdullah at his residence, Sokid Villa. The meeting was believed to fine tune PKR’s list of candidates.

THURSDAY-21TH FEBRUARY 2008- CALL FOR DOMPOK TO DEFEND RANAU SEAT INTENSIFIES

2008-02-21T06:00:00.006-08:00

Call for Dompok to defend Ranau seat intensifies

KOTA KINABALU:

The coordination committee of UPKO P179 Ranau has repeated the call for incumbent Tan Sri Bernard Dompok to defend the Ranau parliamentary seat in the March 8 general election. The call was made yesterday by the party’s division, the Youth and Wanita as well as the Komulakan wing during a gathering to welcome the arrival of the UPKO president at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport here from Kuala Lumpur yesterday. They said the people of Ranau still needed the service of Dompok, particularly in continuing the development agenda that has been earmarked for the district under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. “If rumours that Tan Sri Dompok is contesting elsewhere, then the development programmes planned for Ranau will be jeopardised. “As such, we want him to come out and defend the Ranau seat in this coming election,” they said. Meanwhile, another incumbent, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Lajim Haji Ukin, yesterday confirmed that he will defend the Klias state seat in the coming general election. Lajim who is also the Umno Beaufort division head, has represented the constituency since 1986. “I am ready to defend the Klias state seat if picked by the party leadership as a candidate,” he said. The former Deputy Chief Minister said this after launching the Beaufort Puteri UMNO information centre here yesterday. Before this, supporters from BN component parties had called on Lajim to contest the Beaufort parliamentary seat formerly held by the division’s Wanita head, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, who has been tipped to defend the seat.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- SUPPORT CHINESE CANDIDATES, KHOO URGES CHINESE VOTERS

2008-02-21T06:00:00.005-08:00

Support Chinese candidates, Khoo urges Chinese voters

KOTA KINABALU:

Chinese voters in the State have been urged to ensure victory for all the Barisan Nasional (BN) Chinese candidates in the coming general election, so as to preserve and consolidate the Chinese community’s position and representation in the Government. Sabah MCA chairman Datuk Edward Khoo made the call when speaking at the Chinese New Year gathering organized by the six west coast MCA liaison committees here on Tuesday. He stressed that as a Chinese based BN component party, MCA Sabah is duty bound to ensure victory for the other Chinese counterparts like Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) which have Chinese candidates. “We shall strive to maintain the status quo of the Chinese’s representation in the Government,” he proclaimed. Khoo who is also the incumbent Kepayan assemblyman, also reminisced the long struggle of MCA in the last 68 years in Peninsular Malaysia and 17 years in Sabah, especially the scarification and steadfast commitment of its members in carrying out the party’s struggles and to serve the community, despite having yet to secure any position in the State Government. “Today MCA Sabah has established 25 divisions throughout the State and is one of the most organized Chinese-based parties. Our members are also steadily increasing every year and our struggles and position are also well recognized by the Chinese community of Sabah,” he pointed out. While noting that it was the aspiration of the Sabah MCA members to see the party getting a chance to better serve the community, the State and the country as a whole, he called on them to continue to work harder to win the support and participation of the Chinese community in its struggles. “Presently, Sabah MCA only has one seat and it didn’t come easily. Hence, we should all work together and wholeheartedly to ensure another victory in the coming general election,” he stressed. Meanwhile, during his speech earlier, MCA Sabah deputy chairman Senator Datuk Robert Chew also called on all its members to better inform their friends and relatives on MCA’s contributions towards the Chinese community and to convince them to vote for its candidates. Chew who is also the organising chairman for the event, was convinced that Khoo will be again fielded to defend his Kepayan state Seat in the coming general election. He thus urged its members ,to go all out to ensure a major victory for Khoo and the party, stressing that MCA’s victory would better consolidate the Chinese’s political position and representation in this country. He cited the sad event when MCA pulled out from the Federal Cabinet 30 years ago, it resulted in the formulation of policies that adversely impacted on the Chinese community. Similarly, in the 1986 general election when the Chinese voters didn’t cast their vote wisely, the then Education Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also implemented policies that affected the Chinese community. This included the appointment of non- Chinese speaking education officers to hold high position in the Chinese primary schools. When MCA had a major victory in 1995, things improved significantly for the Chinese community with the independent Chinese schools securing permanent registration, the opening up of higher education, increased in the government scholarship for the Chinese students and the relocation of many Chinese primary schools was also allowed. This, he reiterated, was the beneficial consequence of supporting the BN Chinese candidates. He thus called on its members to better convey this important message to their friends and relatives, so that they would not repeat the past mistakes on polling day.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- STUDENTS IN RANAU TO RECEIVE RM6.7 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID

2008-02-21T06:00:00.004-08:00

Students in Ranau to receive RM6.7 million in financial aid

RANAU:

Poor students in the district who face problems in continuing their education for one reason or other, will receive financial aid from the Government. A sum of RM6,704,850 under the Poor Students Education Fund will be distributed to 8,167 poor students identified from 79 schools in the district. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun when launching the first phase of distribution of the fund at the Ranau community hall, said no other governments in the world would give free funds to poor students except in Malaysia under the BN government. He said the aid is given as a form of subsidy to poor students to cushion the effects of rising costs of living due to increase in oil price. Secondary school students will receive RM900 each while students from primary schools will receive RM700 each. Masidi said the monetary aid would help them to buy books and writing materials and pay the school fees. Fifty students from five schools (SK Pekan, SK Pekan 2, SK St Benedict, SJK (C) Pai Wen and SMK Datu Paduka Mat Salleh) received the fund.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- SAPP GEARS UP CAMPAIGN THROUGH NEWSPAPERS

2008-02-21T06:00:00.003-08:00

SAPP gears up campaign through newspapers

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Progressive Party(SAPP)has stepped up its campaign for the coming 12th general election by advertising programmes which it had conducted in the state’s three major newspapers. Themed Vibrant Modern Confident, the advertisements were published in The Borneo Post, New Sabah Times and Daily Express, informing the public of the various programmes which had been organised by the component party of the Barisan Nasional. It included programmes for youths which the party said had benefited 5,000 youths between 12-25 years old. The advertisements also featured photographs of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and camp participants. It stated that ”SAPP prepares diligent role models with the competitive spirit to face global challenges” through the various programmes for the youths.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- MEMBERS OF SAME PARTY EYEING KEY TAWAU SEATS

2008-02-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

Members of same party eyeing key Tawau seats

TAWAU:

Not many flags have been put up around here but the election heat is felt, especially with several key areas being eyed by members of the same party. Several names were mentioned in at least three constituencies, both state and parliamentary, and many are keeping their fingers crossed until this Sunday’s nomination day. One of the most talked about seats is Merotai. Umno is hoping that the state seat, currently held by Datuk Liew Yun Fah of Liberal Democratic Party, will be returned to them in the 12th general election. Liew said he would leave his fate to the Barisan Nasional leadership, and he advised his supporters to continue their trust on the ruling Government, regardless of who is fielded in Merotai. Parti Islam Se-Malaya (PAS) is expected to field a candidate there. In Tanjung Batu, independent candidate Mokhtar Ahmad @ Utai has placed three big boards at a roundabout in the area, advertising himself as a future leader for the constituency, going against incumbent Kamil Datuk Kassim. Kalabakan Umno Wanita chief Datuk Hamisah Samat is also eyeing the seat and she is also tipped to be fielded in the Sebatik seat, which is currently held by incumbent Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe. However, words are also going around that the constituency’s People Development Leader, Kadrie Ahmad, as well as Osman are also eyeing the seat. Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Sebatik branch chairman Mohd Baldir Arjas had said that they would support anyone fielded by the Barisan Nasional in the constituency, but stressed that it must be a new face. As for the Tawau parliamentary seat, Sabah Progressive Party vice president Datuk Chua Soon Bui, who is also the former Member of Parliament for the area, is taking over from incumbent Shim Paw Fatt. Incumbent Balung assemblyman Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali’s seat is being eyed by Parti Keadilan Rakyat. It is learnt that the opposition party has been organising events in the constituency to lure public support. No name has been mentioned yet. Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, the incumbent assemblyman for Apas, won the seat uncontested in the 2004 general election. He, however, said that it would not be an easy election this year as an opposition party member is tipped to contest in the constituency. PBS’ Samson Chin, the incumbent Sri Tanjong assemblyman, will be seeing tough challenge from Democratic Action Party (DAP) Tawau chairman Jimmy Wong. The open space issue at Sabindo is said to be among the pressing issues that would be highlighted by the opposition in the coming polis. In each of the constituencies in Tawau and Kalabakan, the opposition parties have listed their candidates to challenge the ruling coalition. However, some members of the coalition parties are also eyeing the same constituency.

THURSDAY-21ST FEBRUARY 2008- 807,862 TO VOTE IN SABAH POLLS STATE RANKS SIXTH IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS

2008-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

807,862 to vote in Sabah polls State ranks sixth in terms of number of registered voters

KOTA KINABALU:

More than 800,000 people in Sabah are eligible to vote in the general election next month, according to the Sabah Election Commission (EC) Chairman Hj Mohd Idrus Ismail. With a total of 807,862 registered voters, Sabah ranks sixth in terms of number of voters as compared to other states, he said during a media briefing here yesterday afternoon. Out of this figure, 13,414 or about 1.7 per cent are postal voters, comprising army and police personnel and those who are overseas. A total of 11,753. staff and officers will be dispatched to all the nomination and polling centres. There are a total of 25 nomination centres, one each in every parliamentary constituency, and 688 polling centres in 675 polling districts throughout the State. In the Federal Territory Labuan, 262 EC workers will be assigned to ‘cover 13 polling districts where a total of 20,783 voters are registered. Layangan has the highest number of voters in P166 Labuan with a total of 2,203 voters. Former PBS seat, P172 Kota Kinabalu, registered the highest number of voters for the parliamentary constituency with a total of 43,714 voters while N42 Sungai Sibuga, formerly held by incumbent Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, recorded the highest number of voters among the 60 state constituencies, with 21,442 people. . Previously held by UMNO’s Datuk Ronald Kiandee, P183 Beluran, and UPKO Bobby Suan’s N38 Nabawan, represent the lowest number of voters with 19,181 and 7,148 voters respectively. Three voting centres with the lowest number of voters will be closed at 11am, earlier than the other voting centres which will be opened until late afternoon. These voting centres are SK Salarom Pensiangan which have only 20 registered voters, Mengkasulap Community Hall in Beluran (52 voters) and SK Masaum in Kinabatangan (94 voters). Eighty polling centres in 10 constituencies will require the use of helicopters due to their remote locations, according to Idris. To ensure votes confidentiality, no media members will be allowed into nomination and polling rooms except for photographers. Any interviews can only be conducted outside these highly guarded areas, he said. The State EC Director advised those who have not checked their voting centres to do so by calling the EC Voter Centre at 088-4472 13 or via SMS by typing SPR followed by their IC number and send to 39111 or 33626 or 33333 or 32232. Registered voters can also check their polling centers by typing in their IC numbers in a section of the Election Commission website — daftarj. spr.gov.my. Mohd Idrus meanwhile advised political parties to adhere to the election regulations when conducting their ceramahs and campaigns. “Every political talk will be monitored by a three-man monitoring team, comprising an EC and a police officer and a representative from the local authority,” he said. He reminded political parties to ensure they have a police permit for their ceramahs and not touch on sensitive issues that could lead to racial or religious tensions or resort to personal or character attack on candidates. He also reminded that all campaigning materials and posters will be scrutinized by EC and political parties must clear their posters from public areas within two weeks after the election or have their deposits forfeited. The deposit for a parliamentary seat contest is RM5,000 and for a state seat, RM3,000.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- POLICE WANT PARTIES TO PLAN CERAMAHS EARLY TO AVOID CONFLICT

2008-02-20T06:00:00.006-08:00

Police want parties to plan ceramahs early to avoid conflict

KOTA KINABALU:

While Police prepare themselves to keep the peace during the general election, they want political parties to plan their ceramahs or talks early to avoid conflicts and quarrels or even public fights. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said yesterday parties contesting in the 12th general election should submit their permit applications as soon as they can to avoid any inconvenience. He gave the assurance that permits for political talks or gatherings will be issued but reminded that the Police would always make public safety a top priority and will not allow gatherings that could lead to clashes between supporters. “We don’t want two opposing political parties to have their talks at the same time or too close to each other as this could lead to public quarrels, or even fights between supporters,” he said. He said it is important applications for permits are sent in early so that parties involved would have ample time to discuss with the Police any problem that may arise, such as a situation if the other parties had already applied to hold their talks at a particular place applied for. With less than a week to go before Nomination Day on this Sunday, politicians and their workers are busy preparing themselves with the Police too getting ready to keep law and order and ensure a smooth conduct of the polls. The Sabah Police yesterday held a meeting at the Kepayan Headquarters to finalize their preparations and will be mobilizing about 2,200 men and officers to keep watch over all election- related activities in the State. “Sufficient police personnel and officers will be dispatched to ensure safety and maintain order at all nomination and polling centres,” Rashid said. The safety situation is very good and will be maintained so as to enable voters to cast their votes in a safe environment, according to him. So far, the Police have not received any application to hold a ceramah or political talk. According to Rashid, 26 nomination centers will be opened in the State with Police being involved in guarding 24 of them. Throughout the 25 parliamentary constituencies, 688 polling centres will be opened, with Kota Marudu having the most or 50 centres, while Tawau with the least or 18 centres. The State Capital will have 21 polling centres while the neighbouring districts of Tuaran and Sepanggar will have 40 centres each. Penampang and Papar will have 21 and 19 centres respectively, according to Rashid. A total of 491 inquiry counters where voters can check their voting centres will stay open during the polling day, he added.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- MCA CLAIMS KEPAYAN SEAT AMID TALKS UPKO IS EYEING CONSTITUENCY

2008-02-20T06:00:00.005-08:00

MCA claims Kepayan seat Amid talks UPKO is eyeing constituency

PENAMPANG:

MCA incumbent Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Lai has pooh-poohed talks that UPKO is eyeing the Kepayan seat. He said his party will be defending the constituency and his name has been forwarded to the Prime Minister to be renominated for the election next month. “I never heard of the rumours,” he said, adding the MCA headquarters has suggested his name to the BN Chairman together with the list of other leaders who will be fielded for the March 8 election. “If I am given the chance, I will contest. As you know it is not confirmed yet. But our party has submitted my name to the PM. Names for MCA candidates for the whole country are submitted bythe headquarters, including my name,” he told reporters here yesterday. Asked whether he has any alternative seat should the BN leadership decide to give the Kepayan seat to UPKO, he said: “I don’t think this is the topic for today. Like I said I never heard of such rumours.” Not disclosing any other MCA candidates whose names were included in the list, Khoo also declined to discuss whether MCA has made any request for additional seats in Sabah, where it only represents the Kepayan state constituency. The Sabah liaison committee chairman saidMCA is fully prepared to face the election and will leave it to the voters to decide the winner. “We are all ready, not only in Kepayan but all over the State, in every division. We will give our very best to make sure that not only MCA but all the BN candidates win their seats. He said in Sabah, though MCA is only representing one assembly seat, the party altogether has 25 divisions covering the 25 parliamentary seats. They are all ready to ensure a victorious election for BN. According to him, nobody knows the exact outcome of the election or, for that matter, who will win a particular seat, at least until the polling day is over.An insider source from UPKO said on Sunday that voters in Kepayan want the Kadazandusum Murut (KDM) majority area to be represented by the party. Kepayan is a traditionally KDM area with 60 percent of the voters there Kadazans, said the source, so it is appropriate for the constituency to be given back to UPKO. Kepayan UPKO division has the highest number of memberships with more than 3,000 members, said the source. Khoo in a ceremony earlier presented financial assistance to 42 recipients under the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme. Speaking at the ceremony, he said the BN Government has always been assisting the people through its various agencies. He said the assistance distributed to the local residents yesterday was just one of the many schemes and programmes that have been put in place by the Government to help the people.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- KSS PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN STATE DEVT: MUSA

2008-02-20T06:00:00.004-08:00

KSS plays vital role in State devt: Musa

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister said the Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS) played an important role in the development of Sabah by informing the people of the various policies, projects and programmes implemented by the Government to elevate their standard of living. “The Barisan Nasional Government brings progress and a better quality of life to all the communities irrespective of race and religious background. The BN Government involves all the communities at the decision-making level. No one will be sidelined,” he said when receiving a courtesy call from members of KSS led by its president, Marcel Leiking, at his official residence, Sri Gaya, yesterday. As such Musa who is also the Sabah BN chief, called on community organisations, including KSS, to give continued support to BN in the coming election. “BN is the only coalition that can bring progress, peace and harmony because we can co-exist through cooperation and understanding,” he said. Meanwhile, Marcel said KSS would continue to give undivided support to BN and inform the people of the various development brought to Sabah at the helm of the BN-backed Government.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- INCESSANT RAIN WORSENS KOTA MARUDU FLOODS

2008-02-20T06:00:00.003-08:00

Incessant rain worsens Kota Marudu floods

KOTA MARUDU:

Incessant rain overnight has worsened the floods in this district, raising the water level of major rivers to beyond the danger point and forcing the evacuation of 123 families. According to the Kota Marudu District Officer Luvita Koisun, the flood waters rose to between 0.9 and 1.8 metres. She said Sungai Bongon breached the danger level of 4.6 metres at 2pm while Sungai Sumbiling and Sungai Bandau had also swelled to above danger level, the reading for which had yet to be obtained. Luvita who, is also chairman of the district relief committee, said all the major roads in the district were still passable to traffic as of yesterday. In Kota Belud, District Officer, Mohd Najib Muntok disclosed that about 12 villages were reported to have been hit by floods. They were Kg Lebak Moyoh, Kg Jawi-Jawi, Kg Gunding, Kg Rampayan Laut, Kg Suang Punggor, Kg Terintidon, Kg Timbang Dayang, Kg Lilud, Kg Bugaron Rosok, Kg Pantai Emas, Kg Kesapang and Kg Ketabungan. “As many as 12 people have been transferred to the evacuation centre set up at Kota Belud community hall,” he said. The Kota Belud District Police when contacted about the situation, said despite the floods, there had been no report of any incident or accident so far. “The road at KM 28 and Jalan Lintang in Kota Belud are under water, rendering it passable only to heavier vehicles ... we are monitoring the situation,” he said, adding that the water level at Sungai Tempasuk had also breached the danger level of 5.7 metres. The Director of Sabah Meteorology Department Mr Tan Chen Kok told The Borneo Post the current weather situation with thunderstorm activities over the coastal waters of Sabah, is expected to persist until today.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- SEVEN HOUSES DESTROYED AS WHEELCHAIR-BOUND MAN ESCAPES FROM FIERY DEATH

2008-02-20T06:00:00.002-08:00

Seven houses destroyed as wheelchair-bound man escapes from fiery death

KOTA KINABALU:

A 29-year-old disabled man escaped from being burnt to death in a fire that destroyed seven houses at Kampung Inanam Laut here yesterday. Wheelchair-bound Mohd Jaini said he was watching TV at the living room when his double storey wooden house suddenly caught fire. “I was at the ground floor watching TV when I heard a small explosion coming from one of the rooms upstairs,” he said. Jaini who lived in the house with his parents, sibling and five relatives, was alone downstairs when the fire broke out. As the smoke began to fill the living room, he realized something was terribly wrong and wanted to get out of the house quickly. His 23-year-old cousin Herman who was at home, quickly called for help from a neighbour. Herman returned to the burning house with a 20-year-old friend and carried Jaini and his wheelchair out to safety. Jaini’s house was destroyed with six others, leaving a total of 4O people homeless, just five days after a similar incident occurred in the area. The fire engulfed the house very quickly despite the drizzle and spread to the adjacent houses before the firefighters arrived, said an eyewitness. In another fire in Tuaran, two brothers were injured after their wooden house at Kampung Talibung were destroyed in a fire yesterday morning. In the 8.52am incident, Norfarah Mohd Rizal, 13, suffered burns on the face while his three-year-old brother, Mohd Sobrie, was injured on the back, body and hand. Abang Norfarah, Mohd Arfah, 20, and the twin brother of Mohd Sobrie identified only as Sukri, were not injured. When the fire broke out, Norfarah and his brother were sleeping while the twins were in the living room. Mohd Arfah who was awakened by the heat from the fire, alerted Norfarah before taking their siblings out of the burning house. Their parents were working during the incident. Both injured victims were sent to the Tuaran Hospital for treatment. The officer-in-charge of Tuaran Fire and Rescue Services Station, Mazlan Sarman, said one engine with six personnel rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call at 8.56am. When they arrived, the whole house was already on fire. The firemen managed to prevent the fire from spreading within 10 minutes. The cause of the fire and amount of damage are still under investigation.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN, PKR TO FACE TOUGH BATTLES IN INTERIOR AREAS CANDIDATES AND SEAT ALLOCATION HOT ISSUE AMONG CONTESTING PARTIES

2008-02-20T06:00:00.001-08:00

BN, PKR to face tough battles in interior areas Candidates and seat allocation hot issues among contesting parties

KENINGAU:

The election fever is getting hotter in the interior with various speculations coming up, especially those concerning candidates and seat allocation. Political observers here described the coming general election will be a tough fight not only between the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in the Interior areas hut also among the BN components lobbying for seats. The Keningau parliamentary constituency will be seeing a fight between the Kitingan brothers who are going all out to gain the support and win the people’s heart in the March 8 election. Pairin who is also Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister, will defend the seat he won in the 1992 general election. Reliable sources from both BN and PKR indicated that the incumbent PBS president will also stand as a BN candidate in the Tambunan state constituency. Pairin will be facing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Moses Iking in Tambunan while in Keningau, he will meet his younger brother Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who is also the PKR vice president. Jeffrey who is also the Keningau PKR chief, was reported to be contesting in Bingkor. It was also reported that interior DAP coordinating chief Paul Kodou will contest in the Keningau parliamentary seat while his deputy chief Lawrence will stand in Bingkor. Meanwhile, the BN is speculated to retain the incumbent candidates for Bingkor, Liawan, Sook, Nabawan and Pensiangan parliamentary areas. Based on the quota and 2004 formula, Justin Guka will be maintained in Bingkor, Datuk Haji Sairin Haji Karno in Liawan, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup in Sook, Datuk Bobbey Suan in Nabawan and Datuk Bernard S Maraat in Pensiangan. However, talks on candidates for several areas such as Bingkor, Sook and Pensiangan are still going on where several BN components are still lobbying for the Bingkor seat. Among them are Anuar Datuk Ayub from Umno, Haji Suib Sadiman and Datuk John Datuk Angian (UPKO) and Jailine Lian (PBRS). In Sook, it was reported that PBRS Deputy President Datuk Elron Angin is keen to contest while in Pensiangan, two factions one belonging to PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and the other belonging to PBRS Secretary General and incumbent Bernard S Maraat, are eyeing the constituency. Justin or anybody who is selected as BN candidate will be facing Jeffrey in Bingkor; Sairin will take on Jius Awang or Dr Nicholas of PKR; Kurup or Elron will be meeting former teacher Paul Gitang or Rayner Francis Udong of PKR; Datuk Bobbey Suan will be challenged by Gabriel Uwing from PKR and in Pensiangan, either Bernard or Kurup will face Danny Andipai from PKR. In the Melalap constituency, PBS Secretary General and incumbent Datuk Radin Malleh (BN) will face PKR candidate Jimmy Jawatah. For the Tenom parliamentary area, incumbent Raimi Unggi or new face Jamawi Jaafar (BN) will take on Richard Joe Jimmy (PKR) and in Kemabong, either incumbent Datuk Rubin Balang, Esar Andamas or new newcomer Matusin Balang will take on Peter Lonok from PKR. However, the official lists of candidates either from BN or PKR have still not been announced yet. The BN and PKR leaderships are expected to make last minute changes and with a few more days to nomination day, anything can happen. It was also reported that several local opposition parties, namely, Setia, Bersekutu, Pasok and independents are also trying their luck in this election. Meanwhile, several political observers here described this year’s election will not be an easy passage for the BN because many issues remain to be solved. Among them are the Sabah Amanah Saham (SAS) investment, land applications, illegal immigrants, MyKad and 1MM 13, unfulfilled development promises, poverty and hike of oil and goods prices. In the Keningau town, the failure of the local authority to overcome the traders’ problem will also decide the votes for the BN. The political observers also expect PKR to win the Keningau, Bingkor, Sook and Pensiangan seats if the BN fields the wrong candidates in the areas. While the BN could win Tambunan, Liawan and Nabawan, but the majority is expected to be reduced.

WEDNESDAY-20TH FEBRUARY 2008- BE READY TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER AREAS, POLICE CAUTION RESIDENTS

2008-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Be ready to evacuate to higher areas, police caution residents

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Police have issued a flood warning, advising residents along rivers, particularly in flood-affected areas in northern and eastern districts to be prepared for any possible rising water level. Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said floods which affected 49 villages in Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Beluran and Pitas had started to subside on Sunday but the water level rose again in several areas following heavy rain on Monday. The water level is expected to continue to rise as the Meteorological Services Department had forecast heavy rain to continue until today, he said. He urged residents in affected areas to keep in touch with the district authorities on possible flood and evacuation. Those residing close to the rivers should monitor the water level and move to a higher ground immediately should the rising waters reach a dangerous level, he said. He also cautioned residents in other villages that even though there is no rain in their areas, downpours in the Interior could still cause flood at lower areas near river mouths. He said the Police Department in cooperation with other agencies such as RELA, Fire and Rescue Department, the Army, local councils and residents committees had been mobilizing logistic assistance to help flood victims in affected districts. He said five evacuation centres - one in Beluran and two each in Kota Belud and Kota Marudu - had been set up. A total of 239 people from 134 families have been evacuated from their homes to these centres. No one has been evacuated in Pitas so far but residents are advised to be ready for any possibilities, according to him. He said all affected roads in the four districts were passable except for Kilometer 8 of Pitas-Kinabongan road which is only passable to heavy vehicles. “The road is not passable for light vehicles and the public is advised not to try to push their way through the flooded road as it is dangerous and could invite mishap,” he said. The Meteorological Services Department yesterday morning issued a Red Stage heavy rain warning for Kudat and Sandakan, saying moderate to occasionally heavy rain is expected to continue. The department also issued an Orange Stage warning for Tawau, Lahad Datu, West Coast, Interior Divisions and Labuan. Yellow Stage warnings were issued for Limbang, Miri and Bintulu in Sarawak, effective from today until tomorrow.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- KK'S NEWEST HOTEL COMMENCES BUSINESS

2008-02-19T06:00:00.008-08:00

KK’s newest hotel commences business

KOTA KINABALU:

An eyesore building, once a reminiscence of an abandoned project that had marred the City’s landscape for years, has been turned into a 3.5-star hotel offering 190 well-furnished rooms. Located just a walking distance from the State Museum and about 15 minutes drive from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), the Tang Dynasty Park Hotel was built to help ease the shortage of rooms in the State amidst the ever increasing tourist arrivals. The hotel held a soft opening graced by Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim and commenced business yesterday by offering customers introductory rates starting from as low as RM118 per night onwards. It is located in a strategic location, close to the City and major Government and corporate offices, making it an ideal hotel for business and leisure travellers alike. Its furnished rooms are complemented with modern facilities such as cable TV channels, IDD, Wireless Internet Access, 24-hour reception and a mini convenient kiosk. The Mayor in his officiating speech commended the hotel developer, San Hin Group, for taking the initiative to turn the once neglected building into a beautiful modern hotel, saying the initiative to come up with Tang Dynasty Park Hotel is in tandem with Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s vision to beautify the City. In addition, he said the move is in line with the need of the tourism industry in Sabah which has been plagued with undersupply of accommodation due to continuous demands from domestic and international tourists who are coming to the City in growing numbers. “The San Hin Group has certainly foreseen this predicament, and with the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 extended until August 2008, together with the newly launched Sabah Development Corridor, marks the rise of the Tang Dynasty Park Hotel today,” he said. The hotel’s Director of Planning and Hospitality, Mr. Terence W Tulus, said with this remarkable accomplishment, the Tang Dynasty Group of Hotels will be regarded as one of the most affordable business class hotels and efficient service providers for it guests not only in Malaysia but to the rest of the world. San Hin Group Executive Officer Datuk Dr How Kok Chong said the TD Group of Hotels in conjunction with the extended Visit Malaysia Year programme, will be supporting the tourism industry in Sabah by providing three to four-star hotels with five-star services and improved facilities in all its chain hotels in the State. Meanwhile, the Mayor urged other tourism players and the private sector to look into converting some of the old-looking buildings in the City, especially in Sinsuran Complex and Kampung Air areas, into budget hotels. “It is also my wish to see the now vacated Natikar Building near Padang Merdeka to be turned into a hotel in the very near future similar to this Tang Dynasty Park Hotel,” he said.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- EMPA TO HOLD CONFERENCE

2008-02-19T06:00:00.006-08:00

EMPA to hold conference

KOTA KINABALU:

The East Malaysia Planters Association (EMPA) will be organising the EMPA Conference 2008 with the theme “Progress & Challenges” on March 13-14 at Sabah Hotel in Sandakan. EMPA chairman Salim Mohammad who is also the Group Managing Director of Sawit Kinabalu Group of companies, invited plantation owners, planters, engineers and all interested parties to the conference. Twenty-two papers will be presented by experts in various fields, covering the development of plantation industries in East Malaysia, plantation management, crop management, technologies, milling/mechanization, environment and sustainability issues. Exhibitions will also be held concurrently to exhibit products, services and technologies. Those interested are to contact the EMPA secretary at 089-273936/ 233936 or 019-8135936.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- FAKE DOCUMENT SYNDICATE BUSTED MYKADS, BIRTH CERTS, DRIVING LICENCES SEIZED

2008-02-19T06:00:00.005-08:00

Fake document syndicate busted MyKads, birth certs, driving licences seized

TAWAU:

The police here believe they have smashed a major fake document syndicate with the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of 43 MyKads, 15 birth certificates and 33 driving licences. District police chief ACP Jaafar Bin Yusuf said they scored the success following a raid on a house at Kampung Hidayat, Mile 4, Apas Road here at 8pm on February 7 this year. The police also seized a National Registration Department rubber stamp, a scanner and a photocopy machine for making the forged documents in a secret-hidden room of the house. Jaafar said four men, a woman and a child who were in the house that night were brought back to the police for further questioning. Two of the suspects aged between 31 and 35 years old were detained by the police for further investigation while the other four were freed. Jaafar said one of the suspects is a local man who possesses a MyKad while the other suspect does not have any valid documents. Both of the suspects will be investigated under Section 468 of the Penal Code. The police are looking for another suspect who is still at large. “The syndicate used an agent to buy missing identity cards from certain persons and modified the photos on the identification documents before selling them to buyers for RM300 each. “We used ultra violet lights to check the authenticity of these documents,” said Jaafar, adding the police were looking for the buyers of the documents and would charge them under Section 12 (1) of the National Registration Act.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN DOES NOT PUNISH PEOPLE FOR VOTING FOR OPPOSITION: MOHD LAN

2008-02-19T06:00:00.004-08:00

BN does not punish people for voting for opposition: Mohd Lan

SEMPORNA:

The Barisan Nasional (BN) Government has done much to improve the living conditions for the people and raise their level of income. It will continue to do so even in opposition-held constituencies. “That is the BN Government’s policy. It is not true that the BN ‘punishes’ people for voting for the opposition,” Semporna Umno deputy division head Datuk Mohd Lan Allani said here during a weekend visit to Pulau Bum Bum to participate in a clean-up of several villages organized on a voluntary basis by the villagers and local officials and distributed assistance to fishermen and the needy. Mohd Lan said he was pleased to see the people united and cooperating with one another for mutual benefit. “Unity and self-reliance are the keys to a better future. The Government can provide assistance in various ways but if the people don’t make proper use of this assistance, their condition will not improve,” he said. Mohd Land said he was impressed by the success achieved by 20 families who had embarked on a tapioca planting project in Kampung Pababag on the island. “With urging and guidance from their village headman, Mohd Yakin, these 20 families have successfully turned to commercial planting of tapioca and are earning an average of RM600 to RM700 per family from each crop. This is an example that others on the island should emulate, not just with tapioca but possibly with other suitable crops,” he said.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- QUEUE JUMPING FREQUENT ALONG LUYANG ROAD

2008-02-19T06:00:00.003-08:00

Queue jumping frequent along Luyang road

A frequent user of Luyang road has complained about rampant queue jumping, especially along the stretch from Jalan Kolam to the Lintas intersection. Din said pedestrians were exposing themselves to danger as the errant motorists were using the emergency lane to beat the serious traffic jam there during peak hours, especially in the evening. These motorists are often speeding along the emergency lane and could hit the pedestrians walking at the roadside, he said. The action of these motorists is also giving unfairness to those who are caught in the jam. The authorities should take action against these motorists, Din pointed out “recently, an accident almost happened when a Kancil driven by a young man jumped queue without giving due concern to other motorists’ safety. He drove his vehicle dangerously and acted like he owns the road, The young man’s antic shocked and caused fear to the other drivers,” he added. A spokesman for the city traffic police said the various authorities, including the Road Transport Department, were monitoring the situation and those caught for jumping queue and using the emergency lane would be compounded.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- RUBBISH COLLECTED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE IN P'PANG: COUNCIL

2008-02-19T06:00:00.002-08:00

Rubbish collected according to schedule in P’pang: Council

Rubbish is collected according to schedule in Penampang, explained the Penampang District Council (PDC). “For the information of public, we collect the rubbish in our jurisdiction areas according to schedule. Even though sometimes it is late but we will collect it and never neglect it for a long time,” said a spokeswoman for PDC. “For example, the rubbish in Taman Intan area will be collected twice a week. All the rubbish is collected except those that is kept inside the house or if the residents lock their rubbish bins,” she added. Earlier, residents in Penampang had expressed unhappiness with the PDC which they claimed had failed to fulfil its responsibility to keep and maintain the cleanliness of the place. According to Hasni, the rubbish was left uncollected for many days until it scattered all over the rubbish centre there. “I am not sure what is the cause of the problem. What the residents and I want is for the authority to do something to prevent the problem from happening again. There should be a proper rubbish collection schedule,” she said. Hasni also said that they had complained a few times but nothing had been done to improve the service. “The situation has been there for a long time until today. I suggest to the authority concerned to do something and improve their service to maintain the cleanliness of the place around Penampang. “As far as I know, the PDC has a new garbage truck, but the problem still happened. They only take action after receiving a complaint from the public. I think if the public does not make any complaint, they will neglect it until the air becomes smelly. We hope they will do well in the future in maintaining the cleanliness of the place,” she added.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- GOVT TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS DEVELOPING OIL PALM INDUSTRY

2008-02-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

Govt to continue to focus on developing oil palm industry

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Government will continue to place emphasis. on developing the oil palm industry here, with some 1.8 million hectares identified as suitable for the crop, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. He said that the projected area would be an increase from the current 1.24 million hectares already converted to oil palm plantations here, which have managed to provide good income of up to RM8,000 a month for smallholders. “The strong performance of the national oil palm industry, especially the hike in palm oil prices to its current high has increased the income and profit for plantation companies and smallholders,” he said in his speech at the dinner and official closing for the Sabah Oil Palm Expo at Le’ Meridien Hotel here last night. His speech was delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. Musa said the national oil palm industry earned some RM45.1 billion in exports for the country, a 41.8 percent increase from RM32. 2 billion earned in 2006, making the oil palm industry the biggest contributor to the national export income. He added that the positive developments in the industry had come about through the political stability and efforts towards developing agricultural land by the State Government and Federal and State Government agencies. “These encouraging achievements are the result of understanding and cooperation in the oil palm industry between the factory, plantation, business sectors and smallholders and should only be improved further. “I was also made to understand that the factories, oil palm traders and smallholders in the local market have worked together in providing fertiliser on credit to smallholders to improve their productivity and quality. “The result of this cooperation is an increase in income for smallholders and this cooperation can be improved through the provision of infrastructure by plantation companies as part of their corporate social responsibility.” During the event, Masidi, on behalf of Musa, presented a mock check of RM4 million to several State MPs, to be distributed to oil palm smallholders as part of the Quality Oil Palm Seedling Assistance Scheme.

TUESDAY-19TH FEBRUARY 2008- NOMINATION PAPERS HOT

2008-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nomination papers ‘hot’
With less than a week to go for candidates

KOTA KINABALU:

With less than a week to go nomination papers have been selling like pisang goreng (banana fritters) with Umno leading the pack with around 200 copies for their party alone. State Election Commission (EC) Chairman Hj Idrus Ismail said the sale of nomination papers, which is going at RM2O per copy, has been going “very well” with political parties and also independents snapping up copies. “All the major parties such as Umno and PBS have taken up copies and we are waiting for a few more parties to come by over the next few days,” he said when contacted yesterday. “We have even issued copies to independent candidates although we can only issue one copy for each independent, which covers both the parliamentary and State nominations. “However for those who come with the letter of request from their respective parties, we will give more according to how many are requested” he said. Idrus revealed that apart from Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat took the second highest number of nomination papers with some 150 copies while PBS took around 50 copies. “Of course this does not mean they will be going for that many seats. Some of the copies are taken as reserve in the event of any mistakes made when filling in the papers,” he said. Idrus noted that the EC had also ordered for a reprint of the State electoral rolls, which he said have also been selling very quickly. “We have already gone for a reprint two or three times. Our availability depends on the order, so if you don’t order then we cannot immediately accommodate the demand because we must first service those who have placed orders. “The reason for this is because we want to minimise wastage. If we print a lot of copies but there are no takers, then that is wastage and we want to minimise that possibility,” he said. Idrus was asked to comment on a complaint by Parti Setia President Datuk Pengiran Othman Rauf, who said it is unreasonable for the EC to expect orders to be placed before anyone can pick up a copy of the electoral rolls. Othman said the EC should instead have ample stock of the rolls to ensure it can be made available to interested parties at any given time. Idrus noted that the lack of available copies is a small matter that will be resolved after a couple of days. “The problem here is that some did not make prearrangements. If you simply come in and ask for a copy we can’t accommodate that. “We do have copies of various parliamentary areas but we only printed 10 copies of the Statewide electoral rolls and all were booked earlier. “Of course this is just a minor problem and we have placed the order for them (Setia). They should have their copies by tomorrow (today) or the day after they still have many days to March 8 so there is ample time for them to check the rolls,” he said. Nomination Day falls on February 24.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- MASIDI LAUNCHES WINNING WALAI TOKOU HOMESTAY

2008-02-18T06:00:00.007-08:00

Masidi launches winning Walai Tokou Homestay

RANAU:

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun yesterday launched the Walai Tokou Homestay at Kampung Sinisian in Kundasang which won the national-level homestay program competition called “Kejuaraan Jiham Desa”. Masidi who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman, was welcomed by hundreds of villagers who turned up for the occasion despite the incessant rains over the past few days in the district. The Walai Tokou Homestay at the village was established in 2001, and has become a role model for other operators in the country. Masidi said he was very proud of the people from the district for their achievement and added that Walai Tokou should encourage the setting up of other homestays in Sabah. “The main thing out of this success is that it opens your mind that you can do it. You too, can compete on a national level,” he said. Masidi also reckoned that being successful in managing a homestay is a promising sign that one can manage a hotel someday. “The homestay program is a stepping stone to a bigger lodging management one day”. Also present at the event was Tuan Hj Shariman bin Hamdan, president of the Homestay Malaysia who appealed to Masidi to continue supporting the homestay program. Masidi wholeheartedly responded that homestay will be his most important agenda and the “homestay program not only mirrors Sabahans’ unique culture and warm hospitality, but it is a form of income to the people.” He assured that he will help as many people in the rural areas so that they can also enjoy the tourism boom that Sabah is experiencing. “I want people from rural areas to taste the wealth of Sabah from the tourism industry first hand,” said Masidi.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- WAH MIE GROUP TO HAVE OWN CORPORATE BUILDING

2008-02-18T06:00:00.006-08:00

Wah Mie Group to have own corporate building

SANDAKAN:

Leading developer Wah Mie Group will soon have its own corporate building in Taman Indah Jaya located opposite the Indah Jaya Clubhouse. “Construction of the corporate building will commence and god willing, we will be able to move into the new premises by 2009,” Managing Director Kong Kwok Wah said in his address during the Wah Mie Group annual dinner at Yu Yuan Secondary School hall on Saturday. Apart from bigger and spacious office and conference facilities, we would have our own exhibition hall to display our company’s products. This is in line with the company’s policy to excel in providing better quality houses, he added. Meanwhile, Kong said the Wah Mie Group had completed and delivered a total of 449 houses last year, of which 329 units were in Sandakan and another 115 in Kota Kinabalu which was an improvement over 2006. “Currently, we have three ongoing projects in Sandakan namely Taman Airport, Taman Sejati Ujana and Taman Mawar Phase 7. We have just launched a big scale condominium project in Luyang, Kota Kinabalu,” he said. The total number of units to be built over a period of three to five years is 55 units. The take-up rate is very encouraging. There are altogether three blocks and upon launching, we have secured more than 70 percent booking for the two blocks, Kong said. “We also have our ongoing projects at Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu comprising semi-detached houses selling at more than RM500,000 per unit, detached houses at RM780,000 to RM800,000 per unit and limited number of terrace houses selling at RM280,000 per unit,” he said. Kong added that the company’s development at Sepanggar has become one of the most prominent housing estates with good appreciation potentials. With the development of the Kota Kinabalu Container Port, proposed free trade zone, submarine base, the KKIP and the many education institutions, all along Sepanggar, this investment will definitely give buyers a good and positive return in due course. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan who also attended the dinner, urged the Land and Survey Department to expedite the process in the issuance of land title status to housing developers. Touching on the complaints by some house buyers of Taman Indah Jaya on the delay in obtaining land titles, Tan said the department had issued letters of offer to them two days ago.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- OVER 200 FAMILIES STILL AT EVACUATION CENTRE FLOOD WATER SUBSIDES BUT VICTIMS ADVISED TO STAY PUT

2008-02-18T06:00:00.005-08:00

Over 200 families still at evacuation centre Flood water subsides but victims advised to stay put

KOTA MARUDU:

The flood water which hit the district and forced the evacuation of over 200 families on Saturday had subsided. However, the affected victims have been advised to remain at the evacuation centre until the situation has recovered fully. District Officer Luvita Koisun stated this yesterday when asked to comment on the flood situation at the area. “Even though the water level of both rivers here is decreasing, the families at the relief centre were advised to stay there until the situation is safe for them,” she said. At press time yesterday, the number of families evacuated to the relief centre increased to 226 from 13 villages compared 110 families from nine villages on Saturday. However, no incident was reported. Luvita, who is also chairman of the District Natural Disaster Committee, advised all the affected villages to be alert for any unexpected situation. “The Meteorological Department has forecast that there will be heavy rain in Kota Marudu, Kudat and the West Coast areas for the next two days until Feb 18 night. So we advise families at the relief centre not to return to their homes yet,” she said. Sabah is experiencing the late stage of the northeast monsoon season which blows from November to March. The current wet spell experienced by the State is due to the strengthening of the northeast winds coupled with the presence of a low pressure system over the Sulu Sea. Villages that were badly affected were Kampung Marudu Laut, Kampung Kantawayon Darat, Kampung Tambun, Kampung Sungoi, Kampung Taginambur, Kampung Pancur (Langkon Lama), Kampung Marudu Darat, Kampung Lotong, Kampung Pancur Lama, Kampung Balagatan, Kampung Parong, Kampung Tandek and Kampung Tagin.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- CELCOM HOLDS CNY OPEN HOUSE IN LUYANG

2008-02-18T06:00:00.004-08:00

Celcom holds CNY open house in Luyang

KOTA KINABALU:

Celcom Mobile Sdn Bhd, Damai branch here organized a Chinese New Year (CNY) open house in Luyang yesterday. Thirty orphans from Beringgis Welfare House in Papar were invited, apart from the public who came with their children. Red packets were given to the children by the head of regional customer service, Abdul Rahman Hj Mahat. There were also lion dance performance and 3-on-3 street basketball competition during the event which started at 9am. According to its branch manager, Sylvia Pius, the programs were organized in conjunction with the Celcom’s nationwide sales. According to branch manager Sylvia Pius, the programmes were organized in conjunction with Celcom’s nationwide sales. “This campaign is the first of its kind for a telecommunications service provider and the nationwide sale will run for two months starting February 1 and ending on March 31,” she said. Although the main feature will be on postpaid products or services, almost all of Celcom’s entire catalogue of products and services will be made available for sale. Other items such as mobile phones and USB modems will also be sold during the event. “Sales booths will also be set up at all the Celcom branches statewide during the campaign period from 9am to 7pm daily,” she added. Meanwhile, a blood donation drive will be held at the same place on Feb 24. “I invite all the people to come and donate their blood to increase the supply for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s blood bank,” Sylvia said.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- POLICE ASSURE PULAU GAYA RESIDENTS OF THEIR SAFETY

2008-02-18T06:00:00.003-08:00

Police assure Pulau Gaya residents of their safety

KOTA KINABALU:

The police have assured the safety of Pulau Gaya residents by conducting regular patrol at the island. OCPD Sofi Haji Zakaria told the residents during a dialogue session on Saturday that the police were patrolling the island, either in uniforms or plainclothes. “What is important is for you and others here to know that the security of this island and any vice activities are under control,” he said. The residents have voiced out their concern for their safety and requested for a police station to Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Marcus Makin Mojigoh during the dialogue session at the village’s community hail. Sofi urged the residents to take care of their children and not to let them get involved in drug, crime and vice activities. “It is every parent’s responsibility to watch or take care of their children so that they would not land themselves in any criminal activities. “However, should any youngsters get involved in any criminal activities, it is our duty to take action,” he said when responding to a village committee member’s concern over the safety of their children and youngsters on the island. “However, anyone who knows of any criminal activities on the island or in the communities and wish to report the cases confidentially could see me in my office,” he added. On the request for a police station, Sofi said he would raise the matter to the authority concerned. “The marine police are active here and you need to co-operate with them to track down any criminal activities,” he pointed out. Fisheries Development Board of Malaysia board of director member Arsit Haji Sedi, who was also present at the dialogue, said fishermen in Pulau Gaya are given various opportunities to increase their socio-economy. He urged the residents of the island to take advantage of the opportunities to improve on their economic development and be more competitive in their approach to upgrade their economy. Arsit added that an aquaculture venture with financial assistance was one of the opportunities that they could take advantage of. “The organization also provides financial assistance to purchase boat engines,” he said, adding the fishermen also enjoy diesel subsidy. Arsit added that the board would also discuss with a bank to relax certain loan requirements specially for fishermen. Several village leaders, including the committee members of the Village Development and Security Committee of the island, attended the dialogue.

MONDAY-18TH FEBRUARY 2008- SETIA, BERSEKUTU AND PASOK FORM APPOSITION PACT

2008-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

SETIA, Bersekutu and Pasok form opposition pact

KOTA KINABALU:

The new president of Parti SETIA, Datuk Pg Othman Rauf, said the party has formed an opposition front with other Sabah-based opposition parties, namely Bersekutu and Pasok, in facing the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the March 8 general election. Pg Othman said the party’s supreme council had unanimously appointed him as the new president after the incumbent, Suhaidin Langkap, stepped down and proposed him to assume the post during a meeting here on Feb 12, this year. Parti Setia, Bersekutu and Pasok met on Feb 14 and reached an agreement to form a pact in facing the general election, he said yesterday. Pg Othman, who chaired the meeting, added the three parties had reached a consensus to contest in all the 60 state seats and in as many of the 25 parliamentary seats. “We have agreed to field one candidate from the opposition front in each of the state constituencies to represent the parties in the election,” he said. The former Federal and State minister, added during the meeting they also determined the direction and objective of their struggle in championing the rights of Sabahans, uphold justice and work closely together with the rest of the nation should the people elect them to power during the election. He lamented Sabahans are still lagging behind in various aspects than their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia with the highest rate of poverty although the State’s administration has come under the Barisan Nasional (BN) for many years now. “Even the perennial illegal immigrant problem has not been overcome yet,” said Pg Othman who reckoned that Sabah should be governed by Sabah-based parties. In this regard, he urged that Peninsular-based parties not to contest for the state seats n the election as they have more than adequate state seats to contest in Peninsular Malaysia. “The Peninsular-based parties should respect the feelings of Malaysian citizens in Sabah and they should not be too greedy although they can contest anywhere they wish to. “As such, I would like to urge the voters here to support and give their votes to Sabah-based parties for the state seats in order to uphold political dignity,” Pg Othman added.

FRIDAY-15TH FEBRUARY 2008- CITY WON'T BE TURNED INTO 'CONCRETE JUNGLE'

2008-02-15T06:00:00.003-08:00

City won’t be turned into ‘concrete jungle’
Govt waiting for revised KK waterfront plan, says minister

KOTA KINABALU:

The appeal by Sabah Environment Protection Association (SEPA) not to turn Kota Kinabalu into a ‘concrete jungle’ is in fact in line with the State Government’s development philosophy, said Resources Development and IT Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Tuesday. The Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament, in responding to SEPA’s recent comment on the plan to develop hotels and a two kilometer boardwalk along the City’s waterfront, said the State Government has always been thoughtful in planning for development and promotes environmental friendly approaches. He said the State Government is fully aware of the issues brought up by the people in regards to the development project at the esplanade and always take everyone’s opinion very seriously. Furthermore, the Government, just like everyone else, is equally concerned about the end result of the development project and wants to make sure that it is in line with the State’s policy which emphasizes on protecting the environment while promoting sustainable development. “We are always mindful to make sure whatever plan being put forward to the State Government is carefully reviewed. We will make sure that Kota Kinabalu is not going to be turned into that (concrete jungle). “It is important to have development but that must be done according to the mindset and philosophy of the State Government, in line with the effort to preserve the uniqueness richness of the environment,” said Yee. He explained that the State Government had directed the developer to revise the initial plan to better suit this policy and is currently waiting for the City Hall to submit the revised plan to be reviewed by the Cabinet. The proposed RM500 million Waterfront project announced by City Hall early December last year sparked numerous protests as many expressed their worries that the project may hurt the sensitive environment along the City’s shoreline and jeopardize the Kota Kinabalu’s image as a tropical City. SEPA President Datuk Sue Jayasuria earlier this month said the Waterfront project should not be done at the expense of the beauty and tranquility of the city and suggested that the Government should give City Hall the money to construct the boardwalk without having to ask the private sector to do it, only to be hidden by concrete buildings. “There are a few issues there. The water front development project generated different opinions and the Government is fully aware of it,” said Yee, stressing the Government look into any complaint and not just from a particular group of people. Asked whether the State Government is concerned if the controversial project would cause negative effect in the election, he said: “Of course we do. Any government which is not concerned about the sentiment brought up by the people would have a lot of problem. “And that is why the Government always take into consideration any matter being voiced by the people. We are taking everyone’s opinion very seriously. This is how the government has been approaching matters that concern the people. After all what affect the people will affect us.” On when the revised plan is expected to be completed he said it is fair to give City Hall some time to submit the plan.

FRIDAY-15TH FEBRUARY 2008- LDP'S CHIN SAD OVER PROTRACTED MAZU ISSUE

2008-02-15T06:00:00.002-08:00

LDP’s Chin sad over protracted Mazu issue

KOTA KINABALU:

LDP Deputy President Datuk Chin Su Phin said yesterday expressed sadness that the protracted issue over the controversial Goddess of the Sea or Mazu statue project in Kudat has forced Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat to bring the matter to the court. In fact, he said, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi himself has disagreed that the location of the Mazu statue project was against the Fatwa. The issue of Mazu is not a matter of not supporting the project and its location, but the most important is that there must be a strong reason acceptable to the people as to why the project has to be relocated elsewhere; and why the Kudat District Council withdrew its approval earlier on the project when the project was already halfway through completion, said Chin. According to him, Chong Kah Kiat, who is a senior lawyer himself, must have ensured that the application for building the Mazu statue was done properly and commenced the project after it was approved by the district council. Chin said that it is illogical for the State Government not to recognise the building plan submitted by the Mazu Foundation headed by Chong after the project was half-completed with the excuse that the project was started without going through the proper procedure..“If the building plan was merely about technical problem, then it would have not forced the foundation to go to the court. It must be the so-called authority behind the matter that led the Kudat District Council to withdraw its initial approval that halted the project,” he stressed. As such, Chin urged leaders from the Chinese community to make their own assessment to determine as to who are correct and who are wrong in handling the project. He strongly believed that the majority from the Chinese community, including the Chinese Cabinet Ministers, know about the whole thing very clearly by now. “But I feel sad that certain Chinese leaders have to bow down to the so-called authority and dare not stand up and speak up for the truth. They must bear in mind that as the elected Wakil Rakyat, they must not protect their own agenda only and forget about the interest of the people,” said Chin. After the Kudat Mazu statue issue, there is another Chinese organization which applied to build a Mazu Temple, said Chin, adding that no matter what, the Kudat Mazu project is already regarded as part of the Chinese community history, a fact no body could deny.Chin also agreed with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had made a call recently that the people should vote out the elected representatives who did not carried out their responsibility in serving the people. He expressed the hope that in the coming general election, those picked as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates are trustworthy and not corrupt and are fully supported by the people to ensure a big victory for the BN. As for the LDP, Chin noted that party has been firmly loyal to the BN since it was formed 18 years ago and today the LDP remains with the BN in facing the coming election. Nevertheless, he said this does not mean that if the Government has a weakness, the LPD would not speak up and criticize and offer suggestions to correct the Government policies. “The LDP has been doing this all this while since Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat time as President up till now under the leadership of Datuk VK Liew as we feel that it is for the good and betterment of the BN and the people,” said Chin, who conveyed his Chinese New Year greetings to the people.

FRIDAY-15TH FEBRUARY 2008- CHONG TO DEFEND SANDAKAN SEAT

2008-02-15T06:00:00.001-08:00

Chong to defend Sandakan seat

SANDAKAN:

Incumbent independent Member of Parliament Chong Hon Min said he would defend the Sandakan seat that he won during the 2004 general election. “Yes, I will be contesting in the coming general election but will only announce which banner I am going to contest under at an appropriate time,”. Chong disclosed when contacted on Wednesday. Chong, a former banker, created an upset in the last general election when he defeated the then Barisan Nasional incumbent and LDP deputy president Datuk Lau Ngan Siew by 1,330 votes in a three-cornered fight for the predominantly Chinese seat. Chong polled 9,538 votes while two-term parliamentarian Lau managed to secure 8,208 votes. Pasok’s Liaw Teck Khin obtained only 543 votes. Touching on the four years as an elected representative of the Sandakan people, Chong said he was satisfied with his performance and believed he had served the Sandakan constituents to the best of his ability. “During this period, many local folks came tome with their problems and I had given priority in helping to resolve them. I raised the complaints with the relevant authorities, seeking their assistance for a solution. I highlighted important issues affecting the people of Sandakan in parliament,” Chong said. Despite being an Independent member of parliament, Chong said he supported the Barisan Nasional’s development programmes, adding that he had even applied to join Barisan Nasional component party, SAPP. He added that when his application was put on hold, he left the matter as where it was and continued with his duty of serving the Sandakan constituents. Meanwhile, to a question whether this east coast town has seen improvement and development over the last four years, this is what Chong has to say: “Sandakan has experienced changes and progress over the past few years. “We have better infrastructures, improved basic amenities. Electricity has been gradually improved and we have seen lesser power outages nowadays. “The water problem is set to be overcome with the completion of the new treatment plant this September.” “With a strong economy and continuous growth, I believe Sandakan is in for more successes in the years to come,” he said.

FRIDAY-15TH FEBRUARY 2008- SABAH BN WILL TROUNCE OPPOSITION

2008-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sabah BN will trounce opposition, says Mohd Lan

KOTA KINABALU:

The Barisan Nasional would handily defeat the opposition in the coming general election and continue with its work of developing the state, said Sabah Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Mohd Lan Allani. He said that feedback gathered over the past one year indicates that despite occasional rumblings of discontent and criticism against the Government over isolated issues, the general population is overwhelming supportive of the BN government’s performance. Of late the opposition has been trying hard to sow discord between BN parties by harping on old issues that are already being addressed by the BN, said Lan in a statement yesterday. “The issues of illegal immigrants, rights of Sabahans, alleged cronyism and corruption are nothing new. These issues have been raised before,” he said. Mohd Lan said the opposition know that the BN has been dealing quietly with issues which take time to resolve, yet they continue to exploit them for political mileage by hurling unfounded allegations against the government. He said the BN would let the people to judge it on its track record and focus on explaining its programs and policies clearly so the people would be able to make the right decision at the polls. “I know the people are capable of distinguishing between the truth and lies. I am confident they will return the BN to power with an overwhelming majority,” he said, adding that the opposition will fail again in Sabah.

FRIDAY-15TH FEBRUARY 2008- WE'LL CONTINUE WITH BN SEATS FORMULA

2008-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

We’ll continue with BN seats formula: CM

KOTA KINABALU:

Almost everybody looked tense when Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, announced the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly yesterday. Sitting in the waiting room of his official residence at Sri Gaya here, Musa who was attired in a dark suit and wearing a songkok, with Parti Bersatu Sabah President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan seated on his right and other incumbent assemblymen standing behind, made the most-awaited announcement at around 3pm. “I received the dissolution document signed by the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah at 2.3Opm today (yesterday) ... I now announce the Sabah Assembly dissolved,” said Musa to start the ball rolling at the half-an- hour press conference. Earlier, BN Chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the dissolution of Parliament which was telecast live on television at 12.3Opm. Musa who was in a relaxed mood, however, stole a few smiles as he responded to questions from the floor. He repeatedly stressed the need for all BN coalition party members to “work together closely and be sincere in their struggle” to repeat the success of the 2004 general election. The priority, he said, is to work for BN and not for individual interest. “We will continue the seats formula for BN, but will discuss further on seats swapping, if there is any, after our return from a meeting at the national level in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (today),” he said. According to Musa, there are no worries when talking about elections as they had gone through similar processes before. “If there is any problem, it would be looked into and we will find the best approach to overcome it. “Our manifesto remains. It is the BN culture, we all work as a team and our mission is to ensure all BN candidates fielded in the coming elections win big. We need to ensure the continuity of all development projects planned for the good of the people,” he said. Asked on the list of candidates who would be contesting in the polls, he said they had yet to decide pending proposed names from the other coalition party members. On another issue, he said it is not impossible for them to sweep clean all the seats, adding that all the coalition party members would help one another during the election period. Asked whether the BN would be fielding new faces in the elections, he responded with a smile: “Maybe there will (be) ... I will let you know when the time comes.” On whether he sees the opposition as a threat, Muss said: “It is not important what the opposition do, I am more concerned with BN.” He also expressed confidence of support from Sabahans, adding that the people are smart and know which party to choose to govern them

THURSDAY-14TH FEBRUARY 2008- ARRIVALS SURPASS TARGET AS SABAH TOURISM ON RIGHT TRACK

2008-02-13T06:00:00.002-08:00

Arrivals surpass target as Sabah tourism on right track, says CM

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah tourism sector is on the right track towards stronger growth as the Government’s commitment to position the State in the international tourism map is being matched by the industry players’ proactive efforts. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the Government’s efforts to boost the industry by allocating huge funds for improving supporting infrastructures such as the expansion of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport are matched by the private sector through the investment in new and innovative products. Musa, who said this when officiating at the opening of 90 additional luxurious rooms at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran yesterday, urged tourism operators in the State to continue developing and introducing new marketable products to attract more foreign tourists. He said one way to do this is by further incorporating local traditions and customs, especially those which are rare, into tourism products. “New areas in tourism need to be explored. For example by offering special packages to foreign tourists which intimately introduce them to the unique culture of the local people or by opening special outlets dedicated to provides guests with traditional food,” he said. He said the richly diversified culture of the local people in Sabah offers a lot of unexplored opportunities for further expanding the tourism sector and urged tourism players to creatively create new and innovative products to make Sabah a more competitive international destinations. At the same time, the industry must keep abreast with the current global trend and anticipate the future while maintaining the best quality in their services, he added. For a sustainable growth, it is important that locals are trained with new skills such as foreign languages to enable them to play important and meaningful parts in the development of the industry. Musa said Sabah has been enjoying tremendous growth in the tourism industry with hoteliers recording more than encouraging occupancy rates, especially during peak seasons such as school holidays where it is almost impossible to get rooms. He noted that for the first half of last year, the average occupancy rate for three to five star hotels in Sabah were more than 72 percent, way above the national occupancy rate of 62 percent. While the figure indicates Sabah increasing popularity as tourist destination, it also shows that the State is facing shortage of hotel rooms, he said. To meet the rising demand Sabah has created additional 402 rooms during the same period last year to cater for increasing number of both domestic and international tourists coming to Sabah. The private sector is investing in building more hotels, especially in Kota Kinabalu which is the gateway to Sabah’s wonders. New hotels are also coming up in other parts of the State, including in Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna, he said. A total of 2.47 million tourists visited Sabah last year, surpassing the 2.3 million target set by the State. The figure is an increase of 18.5 per cent compared to the 2.0 million tourists arrivals in 2006. The tourist arrivals to Malaysia is projected to reach over 24 million by 2010 and create more than 520 jobs with generated receipts of more than RM59 billion. Meanwhile, a separate event later yesterday saw the launch of a newly completed RM1O million CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort. CHI, The Spa which started operation since Dec 28 offers luxurious spa treatment with emphasizes on privacy and use of traditional herbs and medicine. It draws inspiration from the origin of the Shangri-La’s legend, high in the mystical Himalayan mountains, offering a range of therapies based on the ancient healing traditions, philosophies and rituals of China and Himalayas. CHI, The Spa in Tanjung Aru is the latest addition to the ShangriLa’s existing 12 spas throughout its chain hotels and resorts worldwide carrying the CHI concept. The spa in Tanjung Aru offers exclusive therapies that celebrate local culture and healing traditions including for example indigenous ingredients from Borneo volcanic mud to Sabah pearls and cocoa. The spa also incorporated some local products which are inspired by the Bobohizan practices such as nutmegs, red ginger, and betel leaf believed to remove negative energy. The launching was officiated by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

THURSDAY-14TH FEBRUARY 2008- SAPP ASSURES LIEW OF SUPPORT IN MEROTAI

2008-02-13T06:00:00.001-08:00

SAPP assures Liew of support in Merotai

TAWAU:

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has assured that his party will support and assist Datuk Liew Yun Fah in retaining the Merotai seat during the impending general election. Yong said if Barisan National (BN) renominates Liew as its Merotai candidate, it will not be a problem for SAPP to assist Liew, as the party has a division in the constituency. He was commenting on the statement by Kalabakan Umno chief Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh that Merotai should be returned to Umno, “SAPP understands that Liew is carrying out his duties very well in Merotai and he has a good performance record in serving the residents there after he was appointed as a minister. Hence, I hope Umno Kalabakan would not forget Liew’s services,” he said. “I feel that the ways used by Ghapur to regain Merotai for Umno are not proper; his harsh words in directly criticizing the BN assemblyman. Besides, Ghapur should not hang up the banner at a public place which states Umno wants Merotai back, especially during the Chinese New Year celebration,” Yong said. According to him, there is no need to hang up the banner, but he was not surprised by Ghapur’s action because the latter will argue and fight to gain seats especially during every election. “Our party understands the feelings of Liew in facing the treatment,” he said.

THURSDAY-14TH FEBRUARY 2008- MEROTAI TO STAY WITH LDP

2008-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Merotai to stay with LDP: Liew

KOTA KINABALU:

N58 Merotai seat will remain with Liberal Democratic Party. This is at least what its President Datuk V K Liew said yesterday while voicing his confidence on the decision that the Barisan Nasional leadership will make regarding the seat. The seat, which is currently held by LDP’s Liew Yun Fah, has been at the centre of a controversy as it is also being sought by Kalabakan Umno Chief Datuk Ghapur Salleh, who has insisted the constituency belongs to Umno. “We have every confidence in the BN leadership and that the Merotai seat will be given back to LDP, which we have won handsomely for the coalition in the last election. “Demands can always be made but we are confident the ruling coalition would allow LDP to represent BN in Merotai... I have absolutely no doubt on that,” he said speaking to reporters during LDP’s Chinese New Year celebration at the State Prisons Department in Kepayan near here, Liew also stressed that they also believe BN would return the Sandakan seat to LDP, and in fact, they have made their request known to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the party’s congress in November last year. Asked about the PM’s reaction to the request, Liew answered: “Just believe that BN will maintain its status quo.” He said Ghapur’s demand for the seat was not a threat, adding: “It is just a ripple in the teacup by certain quarters, just a ripple and I do not see it as a rift at all. We (LDP) always have a very cordial working relationship with Umno, and we have every confidence that the seats will be returned to us.” Asked about his next action if Umno refused to help LDP during the election, Liew said it has yet to happen and he prefers not to speculate further. On another development, Liew described as a vocal party tells nothing but the truth. He was responding to Democratic Action Party Kota Kinabalu chairman Dr Hiew King Cheu’s statement last week requesting former Chief Minster and LDP President Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat to leave the BN, stressing that the latter had caused a stir in the coalition over certain issues. “We are just living up to the PM’s call to be truthful. LDP may be a bit vocal lately but we believe in telling the truth,” Liew said. “It may be a bit hurtful to some people but at least we let the truth out. It does not mean we do not subscribe to the cause and struggle of BN and we do not submit to malice. We want to win handsomely for the coalition in the next election and help the ruling coalition remain in power,” he said. He stressed that being vocal is good as it would help improve and overcome the existing weaknesses. At the event, Liew also shared some news of the outside world with the prison inmates. “We are all waiting for the big announcement from the Prime Minister.. it is the election date. I believe it will be made known soon,” he said.

MONDAY-11 FEBRUARY 2008- CALL FOR VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO TRUST FUND

2008-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Call for viable alternative to Trust Fund

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Government has been urged to consider a more viable or acceptable alternative like setting up a dedicated Sabah Development Corridor Task Force to implement infrastructure projects for tourism potential areas, instead of the proposed Tourism Property Development Trust. The call came from tourism player, who is confident the private sector will provide the initiatives and funding once the plan is made public, to develop the hotel industry expeditiously in the context of the Sabah Development Corridor as envisaged by the Prime Minister. “I like to request sincerely to our Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun to consider this urgently,” he said in response to a recent news report about the proposed development trust. He said the report raised concerns as his family owns land along the Tuaran beach, which they had hoped to develop for many years but could not do so as there is no infrastructure like water, electricity and road there. “With the greatest respect to those making the proposal, I have grave reservations that the long- term interest of the land owners will be sufficiently protected by the said development trust or that it will enhance the growth of the hotel industry in Sabah,” he said. In the news report it was stated that development will exclude zones which have been alienated for conservation, such as mangrove swamps. The first development will be the 3,000-acre Sepanggar Resort and the beaches along Tuaran to Kota Belud, which will be developed like the Gold Coast in Australia. And that the entire stretch of coastal land for the Sepangar-Tuaran-Kota Belud development will be placed under a Development Trust Fund, with the Trust Fund ensuring that affected rural landowners can enjoy receiving a recurring income from development of their land. “(But) Sabah’s history is littered with failures of similar government trusts or bodies that have been set to look after the people’s interest,” said Lo. To mention a few, he cited the Rural Development Corporation (KPD) and its subsidiaries, Sabah Marketing Authorities (Sama), Permodalan Bumiputera Sabah and Amanah Saham Sabah (SAS). Pointing out that the Gold Coast of Australia has not been developed by a trust set up by the government, he said the Australian government like all sensible and pragmatic governments provided the necessary infrastructures, incentives and encouraged the private sector to drive or develop the industry. Lo claimed the proposers have also incorrectly presumed that the land owners are rural people and, therefore, incapable of looking after their own interest, as well as that the land owners are incapable of developing or if necessary looking for JV (joint venture) partners to develop their properties. “They (proposers) should conduct an in-depth research into the profile of landowners (concerned),” he said, adding the ‘Nusa Dua’ is also no a good example. He said the proposers have used Nusa Dua as an example of a successful tourism development by a trust, but this is an out-of- date and isolated model. “Nusa Dua was set up when private sector in Bali was weak more than 20 years ago. Great majority of the top world tourism destinations have been driven or developed by private sector initiatives, for example, Cancun, Singapore, Acapulco and even our own Malaysia,” he said. Without a doubt, Sabah is not Bali 20 years ago, he said, adding the private sector in Sabah has been the engine of growth for the development of the tourism or hotel industry from the beginning to now. “Why change this successful formula to a trust which is untested?” On land to be parcelled out and leased to private sector investors who own or have partnerships with international hotel brands, Lo said again the pro- posers have presumed the inability of the landowners to initiate or undertake their own investment or to attract international hotel brands. “May Task which trust has been responsible for the big names to come to Malaysia and Sabah? In parcelling out the land, how will the interest of the landowners be looked after? Who is going to be responsible if there are losses, or when the land, due to one reason or another, is to be auctioned?” he asked. On the Trust Fund being a corporative entity with the Sabah State Government as the major shareholder and supported by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Lo said: “The Government has no business to be in business when the private sector has been doing so well in the tourism or hotel industry. There is a great danger that the proposed Trust Fund which, in essence, is a ‘Big Brother’ or ‘We Know Better’ approach, will kill off Sabahan private sector initiatives in the tourism or hotel industry,” he said. Under the proposed Trust Fund, he said Sabahans would eventually have little stake in the hotel industry, like the oil palm industry. “At best, Sabahan landowners will become inactive ‘landlords’ waiting for handouts, if any, from the proposed Tourism Property Development Trust,” he said. He said the proposers have not consulted the landowners before drawing up their proposal. “There is no safeguard for abuse. The principle of the proposed Trust Fund is in direct contradiction to Federal and State government policies of encouraging the private sector or how the interest of the landowners will be safeguarded,” he said.

MONDAY-11 FEBRUARY 2008- BIG TURNOUT SURPRISE ORGANISERS

2008-02-11T06:00:00.003-08:00

Big turnout surprises organisers

KOTA KINABALU:

Sheer human jam was the response to the 8th KK City Anniversary Cultural Extravaganza. First, KK folks packed Promenade Boulevard to see the Anniversary Street Parade. A terrific turnout that heartened and surprised the organisers. Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman —both Guests of Honour of City Mayor Datuk iliyas Ibrahim - witnessed the throngs who were ultimately treated to some spectacular fireworks. But what really surprised the organisers was when the 5,000-capacity Dewan Canslor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah was packed by paying spectators, especially the last night on Tuesday, to see the Anniversary Cultural Extravaganza which featured exotic Brazilian, Ukranian Cossacks, Spanish, Maori, Kenyan, Polish, Scottish and Irish dance troupes. No free tickets were handed out to help fill gaps, except for a smattering of invited guests, assured Wan Maria Othman Lee, DBKK Deputy Director General-cum-organising chairperson. Tun Ahmadshah was there again to witness it, so was Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment. But it was a tribute to a top rate show and high quality presentation which deserved that sort of response. Not forgetting, of course, Daily Express as the event’s official media which gave prime front page space and colour pages to orchestrate the publicity for a vision and mission as crucial as promoting respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and tolerance. We are happy it worked out with a resounding success. True, there was a hitch on the first night on Feb. 3, which stretched the show up to midnight. But an urgent 9am meeting next morning called by Wan Maria quickly turned the show around into a praiseworthy, time-disciplined endeavour over the next two nights. A judicious portfolio of the best of exotic and local dances got the crowd hooked. instead of a quick exit after the finale, hundreds of spectators rushed up to their idol dance troupes for lingering photographic opportunities — a phenomenal local affection which many dance troupe members said just made them feel so significant in Sabah. “It was a very good quality show. I hope we can see something like this every year,” remarked La Salle teacher Veronica Somasundran.

MONDAY-11 FEBRUARY 2008- CM SUGGESTS CHIEF FOR ALL TAWAU PTAs

2008-02-11T06:00:00.002-08:00

CM suggests chief for all Tawau PTAs

TAWAU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman suggested that all parent- teacher associations in the Tawau district be headed by a Chairman or President, towards achieving common goals. This would undoubtedly encourage discussions of common issues that could benefit the students and schools concerned, other than fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, he said, while opening a one-day seminar on Parent-Teacher Associations towards Educational Excellence for the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency. at the SK Bandar hall, here, Sunday. Also present were local leaders Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe, Haji Mohd Karnil Kasim and Samson Chin. The function also saw 49 pupils receiving excellence awards for their 2007 UPSR achievements. Musa also presented tuition assistance for learning the English language to five rural primary schools — SK Mentadak Baru (Pulau Sebatik), SK Bergosong (Pulau Sebatik), Sk Berantian, SK Desa Subur and SK Sungai Imam. The Chief Minister also pointed out that it could not be denied that the PTAs have the responsibility to promote progress of students and schools, considering that they have good management system, including financial management. At the same time, PTAs could help ensure a healthy school environment arid disciplined students free from social ills, he said. Later, Musa, accompanied by his wife Datin Hajah Faridah Haji Tusin, attended a Chinese New Year open house hosted by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) here. SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee was also in attendance.

MONDAY-11 FEBRUARY 2008- EXCHANGE STUDENTS FORM ALUMNI TO PRESERVE CULTURE

2008-02-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

Exchange students form alumni to preserve culture

KOTA KINABALU:

Native youths have been looking at their peers abroad to understand how to hold on to their culture in the ever- changing world. The Kadazandusun Cultural Association-International Student Cultural Exchange Programme (KDCA-ISCEP) aims to learn youths from other countries ways to preserve age-old traditions while not being left out from mainstream development. In 2005, eleven students from SM St Peter, Telipok became the first batch of the KDCA-ISCEP programme to set out to South Korea to learn from the counterparts there not only to see for themselves how Korean youths preserve their traditions but to build stronger relationships and promote global peace. Since then, a total of 49 students aged between 16 and 19 have had the opportunity to do so and determine to make good use the exposure gained from the programme. The KDCA-ISCEP Alumni was formed by these youths to ensure the continuance of the programme and to contribute constructively towards the development of Kadazandusun youths in particular. The Alumni, among others aims to help preserve the Kadazandusun culture among the youths as well as to promote understanding between youths of other countries. Its advisor, Athanasia Nointin said the Alumni, within a short period of time has devised whole-year plans that include cultural activities, fundraisers, teambuilding activities as well as jointly organising activities with other youth bodies or organisations. “This group of very passionate, highly motivated and committed young Kadazandusuns youths are set to learn, be groomed and be shaped in the manner that could bring them to their vision of being knowledgeable, respected and professional,” Nointin said. “In KDCA-ISCEP, we are blessed for these young individuals who though are living in a globalise world as well as with growing modernisation are seeking to hold on their own cultures.” she added. However, much of the future successes of the Alumni will depend on support-from the elders, she conceded and for that she urges Kadazandusun leaders to set aside political affiliations for the sake of the Kadazandusun youths and help towards the preservation of the culture. While thanking KDCA President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan who she said has done much to assist the its cause, Nointin said more should step up to assist. Another goal for the Alumni is to provide more students, especially those in the rural areas to have the opportunity to participate in such programme, she said, but lack of funds is hampering efforts to do so. For this year, KDCA-ISCEP is sending another 22 students to South Korea for which participants will have to fork out close to RM2,000, an amount in which many rural students simply do not have. Although another half of the funding will be borne by KDCAISCEP and its affiliate, the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, Korea, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for rural students will no doubt have a big impact on how they view the world and Nointin expressed her confidence that it would also show them to appreciate their culture. For Mohd Hazli Ali Zapar, .19, the Alumni’s President, in the context of culture and indigenous identity, the changes that threatens traditional cultures are often blamed on globalisation. “However, it is important to realise that globalisation is just a process, manipulated by mankind and with that it is transparent that we (the youths) hold the power to change things we see necessary and at the same time preserve our heritage.” he said. “The Alumni believes that if there should be any changes ushered in to ensure a better future, it should therefore be done by the young generation of today. Life is like a baton, it is passed on from one generation to the next. “We strive be the ‘wheel of change, in order to usher in the paradigm shift among youths, especially to incubate a realisation of self-identity and the right set of mind.., we hold the power to determine what tomorrow will look like as we are the future leaders,” he said. “

MONDAY-11 FEBRUARY 2008- MANTANANI FOLKS AGAIN TOLD NOT TO CARRY OUT FISHBOMBING

2008-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

MANTANANI FOLKS AGAIN TOLD NOT TO CARRY OUT FISHBOMBING

KOTA KINABALU:

The fishing community in Pulau Mantanani about 40 nautical miles from Kota Belud have been told to stop their destructive habit of fish- bombing. Shell Malaysia Exploration & Production (SM-EP) joined forces with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Fisheries Department Sabah, Malaysian Fisheries Development Board and Kota Belud District Office to conduct the awareness session recently. This engagement marked the third such session in two years as part of an ongoing dialogue with the villagers, who are predominantly fishermen, as this illegal activity poses a huge danger to the Shell offshore facilities near the island as well as corals on the seabed. MMEA’s Regional Commander for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Ahmad Puzi AB Kahar urged the villagers to observe the laws whenever they go out to earn their livelihood. Ahmad Puzi was pleased to note that the previous engagements had achieved good results, as there has been a reduction in fish bombing reports in the Mantanani area. He appealed for the cooperation of the villagers to become the eyes and ears of MMEA and the other enforcement agencies in the fight against fish bombing. “Fish bombing is a danger to the oil and gas infrastructure in the area and the workers on these infrastructure. Secondly, it flattens corals on the seabed, destroying the natural habitat of the fishing resources that you and your future generation depend for livelihood,” Ahmad Puzi told the villagers. Shell Malaysia EP’s Head of Security, Mohd Kassim Abdul Kadi, advised villagers to observe their personal safety at sea and to refrain from encroaching into the 500m off-limit restricted zone around the Shell offshore platforms. In practising what it preaches about safety at sea, Shell also donated 50 radar reflectors to the villagers for their fishing boats. These 3’ x 2’ reflectors when fixed on boats, will enable the boats to be spotted even in bad weather, hence making them visible by other mariners, particularly large vessels plying in the area. Mohd Kassim also handed out 300 coloured T-shirts and 50 posters carrying the day’s key messages emblazoned on them. As with many fishing communities, the culture of some 400-odd families in Kampung Pulau Mantanani, is that the youngsters invariably will take over from their fathers to go out and continue the fishing tradition in the family. SM-EP’s Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Limitied Managing Director, George Ling, said the dialogue in part focused on spreading the message among the younger generation in the village. “While we continue to engage with the older folk against fish bombing and the like, this time we also involve the younger generation because they will be the ones who inherit the future from their parents,” Ling added. According to Ling, the future for the younger generation will depend on what’s done presently to conserve the environment around the island — and this means doing away with fish bombing! Ling hoped the fishermen would cooperate in making the sea around Pulau Mantanani free from fish bombing so that there is a sustainable livelihood for the younger generation in the area. He also disclosed that Shell and the enforcement agencies would focus the other nearby fishing communities in the Tuaran district as well as continuing to catch the young with the message. In a concerted effort of reaching out to the young in Pulau Mantanani, Ahmad Puzi followed the Shell focus by donating exercise books and stationery to pupils of SK Pulau Mantanani. “I hope that this small gesture from MMEA will spur on the pupils to do better in their public exam results,” he added. Kota Belud District Officer Mohd Najib Muntok congratulated Shell Malaysia and the other agencies for coming together in organising the dialogue for the benefit of the folk in Kg Pulau Mantanani, an administrative area which falls under his purview. Mohd Najib said the District Office is aware of the issue and is equally concerned. Shell for example has offshore facilities in the area where fish bombing can pose a real danger. “I call on all fishermen to observe the 500m off-limits from any offshore platforms out at sea because you can be charged for encroachment if you continue to defy the ruling,” he urged. Kg Pulau Mantanani headman Albi Alad pledged to assist in keeping a vigil on the issues and spreading the safety and environmental conservation message among his fellow villagers and their young ones.

TUESDAY-05TH FEBRUARY 2008- PULAU MANTANANI A SCUBA HAVEN

2008-02-05T06:00:00.004-08:00

PULAU MANTANANI A SCUBA HAVEN

PULAU MANTANANI (Kota Belud):

Surrounded by crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, Pulau Mantanani is undoubtedly a strong tourism attraction for the upper west coast of Sabah. With underwater visibility as far as 20 metres deep and a huge variety of marine life, it is no wonder Pulau Mantanani is holding its own as a scuba diving haven in Sabah after Pulau Sipadan in the east coast. Made up of three islands, Pulau Mantanani is about 40 minutes boat ride from Kuala Abai in Kota Belud and has about 800 villagers who are all fishermen who sell their catch in Kota Belud either for local consumption or to exporters to be shipped to other countries. The island which is under the Kota Belud parliamentary constituency, has a resort to cater to visitors, especially foreigners who go there for scuba diving. A visit to the island recently revealed that while the standard of living there has improved as many of them now have new houses, there is still much more lacking, especially in terms of basic facilities and infrastructure. The Government has constructed a mosque, a kindergarten and a primary school on the island. Children continue their secondary education on the main land, especially in Kota Belud. Although fishing is their source of income, the villagers also rear poultry and plant vegetables to supplement their diet. What the villagers really want now is a steady electricity supply as they now depend solely on power supplied by a generator which is only operational from evening to dawn daily. Kota Belud Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said admits that Pulau Mantanani has much potential economically and it is up to the villagers to make full use of it. “The villagers must find the initiative to profit from the island’s popularity and potential so that they can improve their family’s economy,” said the former Sabah Chief Minister. He said one of the ways they can improve is through education and he urged parents on the island to ensure that their children receive the best education. “Without edudation, we will be left behind,” he said, adding that an education will ensure that their children can gain employment in the tourism sector or in hotels such as the resort on the island.

TUESDAY-05TH FEBRUARY 2008- LOCALS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OWN LAND

2008-02-05T06:00:00.003-08:00

Locals should be allowed to own land: Kurup

KENINGAU:

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said local residents in Bingkor should be given priority to own land gazetted under the Bingkor Native Reserve (BNR). “Many people from this area are landless and they should given priority to apply for the land,” he said after receiving new PBRS memberships at Kampung Monggitom here recently. More than 300 PBRS members, including Bingkor divisional chief Jailin Lian and State PBRS Youth chief Vincent Lee attended the function. Kurup has received reports from local community leaders in Bingkor who claimed that local outsiders were applying for the BNR land. “I believe this matter can be settled by the Government by cancelling the applications of those who have no connection with the area (BNR),” he said. Kurup who is also the Sook Assemblyman, also said that the late processing of the land applications had caused many applications to be duplicated in Sook. “I also found that many Bingkor people are landless and they have the right to be given priority to apply for the land,” he added. At the function, Kurup received 54 PBRS new membership forms from Kampung Monggitom Ulu PBRS branch coordinator chief Jinuin Dunggis.

TUESDAY-05TH FEBRUARY 2008- CNY CARNIVAL NOT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

2008-02-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

CNY CARNIVAL NOT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
It is an event for the people, says Yee

KOTA KINABALU:

The Chinese New Year Carnival 2008 is an event for the people and is not politically or racially motivated, said Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai. He said the event is catered to all communities in Sabah and especially in Kota Kinabalu, which is home to people of various races, cultures and religious beliefs. Yee said this in his speech when officially closing the six-day carnival held at Lintasan Deasoka here last night. Also present were Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, political and community leaders. Iliyas meanwhile said that the carnival breathed new energy into Gaya Street’s night life, presenting numerous entertainment performances and a wide variety of goods on sale at the street market for six days. He said the carnival also embodied the unique Malaysian spirit where the people celebrate every major celebration regardless of ethnicity, race and religion. “This is the uniqueness of our country Malaysia, whose people are of various races and religions but are able to live in peace and harmony and have mutual respect for one another,” he said in his welcoming address. Prior to the official closing of the carnival, there were several performances by talented youths from the city, including traditional Chinese dances, singing and a marching band performance. There was also a 10-minute fireworks show and the grand finals of a singing competition.

MONDAY-04TH FEBRUARY 2008- LAND APPLICANTS OUTSIDERS

2008-02-04T06:00:00.004-08:00

Land applicants outsiders:

Villagers Residents from 16 villages protest against application

KENINGAU:

The residents of 16 villages in Bingkor have sternly protested against the application for 2,500 acres of Bingkor Native Reserve and water catchment area by 50 people whom they claim are outsiders. In a decision made by the 16 villages’ action committee at a meeting held at the Bandukan Park in Bingkor on Saturday, they called on the Government to cancel the application immediately. Chairman of the action committee, Robert Tawik, said the villagers had appealed to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman to intervene. “Protesting petition has been prepared by the committee and will be sent to the Chief Minister this week,” he said. According to him, the people from the 16 villages had applied for the land but was rejected by the Government department concerned in Keningau. He said the villagers had planted part of the land with rubber, oil palm and fruit trees. Robert claimed that the applicants had given wrong information to the highest authority in Kuala Lumpur to support their application. “The area applied for was included in the Bingkor Nativ Reserve and water catchment area and according to the customary rights, only the Dusun Gana and Kujau people have the right to apply for the land,” he said. Meanwhile, two village headmen from Bingkor have denied the applicants were from their villages. Kampung Bingkor Baru headman George Richard said the applicants were not from his village and they intentionally used the village name to suppo1t their application. “My villagers have protested against the application from outsiders for the land. We have applied for the land and part of it was developed with rubber and oil palm trees,” he said. Kampung Bandukan Lama headman Aviu Lumau said the applicants also used the village name to get approval for the application from the Government department concerned here. “They are not the residents from this village and we don’t know who are these people,” he said. According to Aviu, the application for the land by the people from Kampung Bandukan Lama, Bunsit and Bingkor Baru was rejected by the department concerned here on the ground that it is not suitable for agriculture and was proposed for water catchment. “But the people from the three villages are confident the land is not included in the water catchment area,” he said.

MONDAY-04TH FEBRUARY 2008- EARLY CNY FOR WELFARE HOMES IN TAMBUNAN, SANDAKAN

2008-02-04T06:00:00.003-08:00

Early CNY for welfare homes in Tambunan, Sandakan

KOTA KINABALU:

For 70 children living at Bondulu Toboh Centre in. Tambunan, Chinese New Year came early when a group from Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd visited them last week. Leading the group was Assistant General Manager Yu Yet Shan who presented foodstuff and red packets to the underprivileged children at the centre. The foodstuff was handed over to Sister Rose Ginibun, the hostel administrator. Yu said the project is part of the company’s community project to help the unfortunate people. Also present at the event were the company’s commercial manager, Donny Kong, and Diriwan ambassador Miss Emily Ng. Apart from visiting the children’s home in Tambunan, the group also visited the Cheshire’s Home in Sandakan. The foodstuff was handed over to Miss Jennifer Liew, the officer-in-charge. There are 23 residents at the centre.

MONDAY-04TH FEBRUARY 2008- CHARGE SHOPPERS FOR PLASTIC BAGS

2008-02-04T06:00:00.002-08:00

Charge shoppers for plastic bags:

CASH One way to reduce use of plastic bags, says Nordin

KOTA KINABALU:

Supermarkets should come up with innovative ideas to reduce the use of plastic bags, said the Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan (CASH). Its deputy president, Nordin Thani, said shoppers could be charged a small fee for plastic or paper bags and they would be reimbursed when the bags were returned or reused. “This would perhaps be one of the ways to change the people’s behaviour and get the maximum use out of ‘throw away’ bags,” he said yesterday. “It is also an incentive for people to pick up any discarded bags off the streets, as they can then claim back the deposit for themselves. With the introduction of this scheme, it would reduce the use of plastic and paper bags and at the same time increase the reuse of these bags.” The CASH deputy president was commenting on the cleanliness problem caused by plastic bags in the State. “Plastic or paper bags are considered a big environmental issue in some developing countries and they are choking our planet. “Some countries ban the usage of these free plastic bags given by supermarkets. They even implement a levy or make the supermarkets charge their customers for such bags. This will encourage the consumers to bring their own bags,” said Nordin. He said a latest research or study from the Scottish Executive in the United Kingdom discovered that in many aspects, paper bags have even caused more damaging effects to the environment than plastic ones. “According to the study too, this is due to the effects of forestry and paper production. “The study indicated that the production process for paper bags expels three times higher levels of climate change gases than the process for plastic bags, and has 14 times more damaging effects on fresh water due to the form of pollution called ‘eutrophication’. “Actually the plastic bags the consumers use here are a symbol of the ‘throw-away’ culture permeating through our society: It is difficult and hard to change if the Government one day tries to ban or reduce the use of plastic or paper bags. “The ‘throw-away’ culture would cause millions of bags to end up as ugly litter and finally break down into tiny toxic bits polluting our soil, river, sea and lakes,” said Nordin.

MONDAY-4TH FEBRUARY 2008- SHOWCASE OF CULTURES FOR 3.000 AT UMS

2008-02-04T06:00:00.001-08:00

Showcase of cultures for 3,000 at UMS

KOTA KINABALU:

The colours and sounds of international cultures spanning eight countries filled the Chancellor’s Hall at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) last night as the City Day celebrations continued with the launch of the City Cultural Extravaganza. The event stayed true to its name, as the 3,000-odd spectators were given their money’s worth for the tickets with a near overwhelming four-hour showcase of cultures from Europe, Africa and the Pacific. Although there was a slight delay at the beginning of the night, things progressed smoothly enough with dancers from the Scottish Highland Dance Academy the first to take to the stage in the first set. After completing their performance, the dance troupe representing Poland went up next to perform two traditional dances followed by the troupe representing Ireland, who put on an energetic display of Irish tradition. Irish tap-dancing finesse was later replaced with Spanish passion, as the Spanish Castanuelas took over the stage performing five different dances, one after the other. From Spain, the spectators were then brought on a “journey through the South Pacific”, tagging along with the Maori New Zealand troupe who presented the various dances of the South Pacific nations. Also presenting a wide variety of dances were The Safari Cats from Kenya, whose dances aimed to present the over 40 different tribes found in their country. The Safari Cats’ departure from the stage marked the end of the first set, after which the crowd was entertained during the intermission by nationally- renowned composer and singer Ajai, Akademi Fantasia (AF) stars Adam and Marsha and a modern dance performance by local dancers. The second set followed soon after, with performances by the troupes from Scotland, Poland, Ireland, Kenya, Viva Brazil, New Zealand and Ukraine. The City Cultural Extravaganza continues today and tomorrow, when Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman are expected to attend the finale.

MONDAY-04TH FEBRUARY 2008- VILLAGERS RENEW CALL FOR RELOCATION OF SHOOTING RANGE

2008-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Villagers renew call for relocation of shooting range

KOTA BELUD:

The residents here have proposed that the related authority should consider relocating the army shooting range at Camp Paradise away from the villages following the death of another local man who was killed while dismantling an old mortar he collected from the shooting range last week. Kampung Bangkahak Sum-Sum Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) secretary Jackson Adam. said the camp posed a danger to the local people, especially. those from low-income group who made extra income by - collecting and selling leftover bombs as scrap metals. He urged the military to consider the fact that their shooting range is not just located too close to the village but not fenced as well, inviting villagers to trespass and collect scrap metals which sometimes could be live mortars. The absence of fencing to separate the training zone from the nearby villages also causes live stocks to often wander and graze at the open field, he said. According to Jackson, the shooting range located just about a kilometer from their village, is actually situated on a piece of land that belongs to villagers which have yet to be compensated. He said the army expanded its camp in 1979 to develop the shooting range for training purposes. Jackson said the village, with some 1,000 population who mostly earn their living through farming, had appealed several times to the authorities to relocate the training ground but the request was never answered. In the latest incident last week, a 70-year-old man was blown into pieces after a mortar he was trying to dismantle exploded. The victim, identified as Sangkor Birang, had allegedly brought home several active bombs, which. police believed were taken from the Camp Paradise shooting range the same day. Acting District Police Chief DSP Mohan Nadasen said the victim was last seen taking a sack, believed containing the bomb, plus two others, into a bathroom; which is located outside the house, before it exploded. His remains, from the abdomen to right leg, were found on the house roof, about 40 metres from the bathroom. The explosion also damaged Sangkor’s house. His 24-year-old daughter and four-month-old grandson who were inside the house when the mortar detonated, escaped unhurt. Mohan said they had conducted numerous talks with the villagers to stop them from trespassing into the camp area. A similar incident occurred on March 14 two years ago, killing a man and his son and seriously injuring two other children.

THURSDAY-31 JANUARY 2008- US HOPES CONCLUDE FTA WITH MALAYSIA BEFORE AUGUST

2008-01-31T06:00:00.012-08:00

US hopes to conclude FTA with Malaysia before August

KOTA KINABALU:

The United States Government is hoping to conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia before August, ahead of the formation of the new US administration to replace Bush’s administration currently at the final year of its term. US Ambassador to Malaysia, James Keith, said yesterday that teams from both countries had completed another round of negotiations two weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur where they achieved some significant improvement but more works needed to be done as the Americans were trying their best to complete negotiation by summer. “We hope that Malaysia, in between its election, will find time to complete the FTA by this summer, if possible,” Keith said at a Malaysia-US Relations Talk at Universiti Malaysia Sabah yesterday. “It is an ambitious goal but we are trying very hard. As a new administration is coming in, new objectives, standards, new agendas would be set in place and we would not know whether the FTA with Malaysia will be higher in priority with the new administration or not. So we hope to complete it now, so as not to let this opportunity slip away.” The negotiation is seeking to bring down barrier, expand trade and increase investment in Malaysia, said Keith, adding the US-Malaysia FTA negotiation, which among others, is also aiming to seek ways to add value to the Malaysian economy could be the answer to the Malaysia’s government which is currently pushing hard in global discussion on trade such as the Doha Round to try to open up and expand the country’s trade potential, he said. US engagement in Asia is very much driven by market oriented engagement, with important market being not only in Asia but also Malaysia. With a population of 300,000, US is an important trading partner as reflected by the large export from Malaysia to US in recent years. In 2006, Malaysia exported USD36.5 billion to US and imported USD12.6 billion worth of goods and services from the country, one of its top trading partners since 1999. “US is likely to be Malaysia’s number one market as Americans are looking forward to buy high- end and value-added, products it produces such as computers,” said Keith who was on his first official visit to Sabah since he was sworn in as the Ambassador to Malaysia on July 24 last year. “Ninety-five percent of computer notebooks produced by American computer giant, Dell Computer, that are sold in America are built in Malaysia.” Expressing his hope for positive outcome on the negotiation, Keith recalled the successful FTA between US, Mexico and Canada and assured that such a free trade understanding helps solve even the most difficult problems facing the trading partners. He also said the agreement had been instrumental, for example, in overcoming immigration and illegal immigrants problems between the three countries. “This, for some people, is controversial. Some people may don’t like it. But in my quarter century experience, I am absolutely convinced and determined that free trade is good for both parties. “Through times it uplifts the standard of living in all three countries, creates jobs and values, opportunities, choices for workers and consumers,” he said. From the American perspective, at least, the economical ties between the two countries is inseparable from every other aspect of their bilateral relationships, said Keith. “If you put it most simply, it would be along the line that we are in it together whether it is economic environmental, or security perspective. The issues cut across all lines now,” he said. Apart from economic perspective, the goal of negotiation is to include environmental objectives, promoting sustainable development, particularly with states in Malaysia as Sabah has a world heritage rainforest right at the centre of its vast and richly diversified terrain and located close to the Sulu-Sulawesi coral triangle, the richest marine ecosystem in the world. Keith at a press conference later, said his visit to Sabah was mostly due to some serious profound interests America has towards East Malaysia. The ambassador said he would like to come back to seek ways to encourage collaboration between Sabah and US to have more local students from the State studying in US universities. He said the US Government would look forward to further strengthen relation with Malaysia regardless of the outcome of the AFT negotiation as there are still many unrealized bilateral potentials between the two countries. The next round of the US-Malaysia AFT talk is not scheduled yet.

THURSDAY-31 JANUARY 2008- COMPENSATION PROPOSAL WILL DETER KATAK CULTURE: DAP

2008-01-31T06:00:00.011-08:00

Compensation proposal will deter katak culture: DAP

TAWAU:

Making elected representatives pay compensation if they change parties will deter the unhealthy political culture of party hopping, DAP divisional chairman Jimmy Wong said. This move is especially necessary for Sabah which is famous for the ‘katak’ party hopping culture, Wong said in support of the proposal by DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng. Lim had suggested that elected representatives be obliged to compensate RM5 million to their party if they decide to switch allegiance. This is a necessary move to prohibit the unhealthy political culture of party hopping, especially in Sabah, and is important for a potential candidate to show its commitment and loyalty to the people and party. Wong said potential or selected candidates must sign a contractual agreement consenting to pay the RM5 million compensation should they change party. “They must also agree to relinquish their parliamentary or state seat if that happens,” he said and assured the voters in the parliamentary constituency here and the state constituency of Sri Tanjung that the DAP candidates, if elected, will not betray the mandate given and will do their best to fight for justice and equality. Wong also disclosed that DAP does not have any hidden agenda as it has the people’s interest at heart before adding that the people are always wary about the consequences they face if they elect an opposition party. “Rest assured that DAP will continue to give the people the best. We hope that Sabahans will give DAP their fullest support and the opportunity to serve the public. If we are given the opportunity, we will do our best for the rakyat,” he said.