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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.