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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.