Poser over delay in Donggongon mart despite promise

Published on Daily Express: Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Penampang: The State Government has been taken to task for the delay in rebuilding the market in Donggongon township here despite the promise by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman last year that it will be done quickly. Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Information Chief, Chong Pit Fah, said he received many complaints, particularly from hawkers, who felt victimised by the inaction on the part of the Government. Without the market, the hawkers are now segregated and selling their goods at various areas around the burnt market.
However, many problems have since cropped up such as at the pork section, which was provided only a shelter and drainage but without water and electricity supply.
Since the stalls, which the hawkers claimed cost RM50,000, were located outside a building, the meat dried quickly under the hot sun and when they used ice cubes to cool it off, their customers complained that they were not selling fresh meat.
The hawkers claimed having to spend up to RM20 a day just to buy ice cubes or blocks.
Other hawkers selling vegetables and other products were placed at the tamu ground but forced to stop selling on Thursday and Friday because of the weekly Tamu hawkers using the area.
Another problem was theft and the hawkers had to employ security guards and pay them RM40 per night to watch over their goods.
Chong said all these problems would not have arisen if the Government did not dilly-dally on the rebuilding of the market.
"They don't want a super luxurious market, they only want a standard market with all the basic facilities in place. That's all. It is common knowledge that in every locality market is not something the local authority can bank on to make money.
"It is a liability but it is an important facility for the public," said Chong, who is former Penampang District Council deputy chairman.
The so-called temporary facility provided for the hawkers was totally inadequate "and even the UNHCR market is better than here," he said.
Chong urged all quarters concerned not to take advantage of the fire incident to make money.
"I was made to understand that many quarters in the BN are queuing up to get their hands on the project," he said.
Chong said the District Office had announced that the market would be rebuilt to a tune of RM1 million but until today nothing seemed to have been done.
"If this was a private company's property, it would have been completed by now lest the authority will take action against them. But what about the Government, who is going to take action against them for delaying works?" he asked.
The burnt market, Chong said, was also not properly fenced up and there had been reports of illegal immigrants using the premises to take drugs, while the metals there were also stolen.
"How long more will the people, especially the hawkers, have to suffer?" he asked.

PBS officially names them as having forced Pairin's hand in BN pullout

Published on Daily Express: Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Radin Malleh said PBS President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan remained loyal to the Barisan Nasional although the Federal leadership at that time did not favour the party.
And for the first time, the party has officially put on record that it was three former high-ranking PBS leaders who forced Pairin's hand into making that fateful decision to pull out from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition on the eve of the 1990 general elections.
The pullout decision announced at 8pm at the KK Community Centre, here, was what led Tun Dr Mahathir to convene an urgent Umno Supreme Council meeting at midnight the same day in Kuala Lumpur to make an even more important decision that would change Sabah's political landscape forever - Umno's historic expansion to Sabah.
"Until then, it had been our policy not to undermine the pro-BN indigenous parties in Sabah and Sarawak by starting Umno there.
"Now to counter the PBS defection, we had to assert our presence in Sabah to maintain the BN's position," Dr Mahathir said in his book.
"Although Pairin was already pushed to the wall, he remained loyal to BN until an emergency PBS Supreme Council meeting held on Oct. 15, 1990 where he was forced to agree to pull out from BN by Datuk Yong Teck Lee and Datuk Tham Nyip Shen, supported by Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.
"These three people were very adamant to get out from BN," said Radin, in a statement.
Commenting on Dr Mahathir's comment that Pairin lost the opportunity to develop Sabah the moment he decided to pull out from the Barisan Nasional just before the 1990 General Election, Radin said:
"The indifferent attitude and unfair treatment by the Federal leadership then towards Pairin created the whole problem in terms of development funds and projects."
Radin, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said the Federal leadership then did not recognise the PBS Government as they could not accept the defeat of Berjaya.
This was obvious when Dr Mahathir said "he didn't know who is the Chief Minister" when Pairin was sworn-in as the legitimate Chief Minister while the late Tun Mustapha had been "illegally sworn-in as Chief Minister at a predawn event on April 23, 1985 immediately just after the state election," he said.
The Federal leadership, according to him, was too engrossed and as if being charmed by (ex-CM) Datuk Harris Salleh, as admitted by Dr Mahathir in that he was very close to the latter, as the former had said that "he would swim and sink" with Berjaya.
Radin said the Federal leadership did not even take any punitive action against those perpetrators in a demonstration on the streets in 1986.
When Dr Mahathir visited Sabah on Oct. 13, 1990, during the elections at the Padang Merdeka, here, he did not respond at all when Pairin in his speech requested for development funds to be channeled to Sabah so that projects including building a university could be implemented.
"Things should be put in their proper perspectiveÉif not for (now Tun) Musa Hitam, PBS would not have governed Sabah though it had won the elections with simple majority but had first past the post albeit a rough journey throughout," he said.

Ensure SESB will not have to bear any costs: SAPP

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must make sure that the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) will not have to bear any costs and compensation following the scrapping of the proposed coal-fired power plant.
"Costs and compensation - what are the costs incurred by TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) and SESB so far, and what is the quantum of compensation to be paid to the China contractor?
"Or will the China contractor simply walk away quietly without any compensation for the cancellation of the contract signed with TNB in February 2008?" Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee asked.
He said the State Government, which is a 30 per cent shareholder in SESB, must make sure that SESB does not bear any of the costs and compensation.
"If SESB were made to bear part of the costs and compensation, then such costs will inevitably be passed on to Sabah consumers.
This we will fervently object," he said in a statement, Saturday.
He said as the people of Sabah heaved a sigh of relief that "Sabah people power" has defeated the "bullying tactics" of the BN government over the coal-fired power plant proposal in Sabah, some remaining matters need to be addressed by the Government.
He said the controversial coal plant was one of two coal electricity generation plants announced by the Prime Minister when tabling the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011 to 2015) in Parliament on June 10 last year.
"Therefore, at the coming parliamentary sitting, the people of Sabah expect a supplementary budgetary provision to be made for the laying of a natural gas pipeline from Kimanis to Sandakan and the construction of a 300MW combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in Sandakan.
"If there is no such financial provision and no alternative power generation for Sabah, then the people are entitled to believe that the BN will revive the coal power plant project after the general election," he said.
Yong said SAPP hoped the Sabah BN elected representatives had learnt their lesson not to blindly support anything that comes from their Kuala Lumpur bosses "because these BN YBs have been exposed as ignorant sycophants seeking to please their bosses instead of fighting for the people."
He said the Prime Minister had, in September 2009, declared in Tawau that, as "Menteri Felda", he had decided that the coal plant would be sited in Felda Sahabat at Tungku in Lahad Datu.
That was after the coal plant project had faced massive people power protests in Sandakan after having been kicked from Silam in Lahad Datu to Seguntur in Sandakan in 2008.
"Taking the cue to please the Prime Minister, several Sabah BN YBs hurled abuses at SAPP's assembly persons in the Sabah Legislative Assembly during the debate on the coal plant issue.
While in Parliament, SAPP's two MPs debated not less than 10 times on this issue.
SAPP, he said, would henceforth continue its solidarity with the campaign against the Kaiduan and Tambatoun mega dams proposals until similar success is achieved.
The rejection of the coal-fired power plant proved that when the Sabah people are brave and united in purpose and committed, then the people can win and not be taken for granted like fixed deposits by the BN.

Membakut bridge leading to nowhere

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

MEMBAKUT: Kota Kinabalu MP Hiew King Cheu wants the authority to explain the reason the new bridge in Kampung Brunei here looked like a sculpture.
The bridge constructed to span over the river in Kg Brunei, started in 2006 and was completed in 2008 to replace a low laying timber-bridge which was subjected to constant flood in the area.
Traffic flow will be cut off when flood occurs so the new bridge was then constructed for the river crossing, but very surprisingly it is not connected by road.
"The new bridge just sits there on its own and looks like a sculpture," he said in a statement.
"The whole project seems uncompleted and looks strange, how can you build a bridge to cross a river without any connecting road?
There must be something wrong to the implementation and on the planning of the particular road upgrading project," he said.
The construction of the bridge and the approach road must be carried out simultaneously in order to complete the job of providing an access to get across the flooded river, he said.
"It doesn't make sense that the bridge was completed in 2008 and it stood there for three years to wait for the coming of the approach road to be built. This is a real case of bad planning and management by the government," he said.
Hiew reminded the government to be more reliable and responsible at all times and show some transparency and efficiency in the administration.

Decision a big angpow to Sabahans, says Sepa

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Lahad Datu: Sabah Environment Protection Association (Sepa) Advisor, Datuk Lo Fui Ming described the decision made by the State Government during the Chap Go Mei to scrap the proposed coal-fired power plant as a big angpow to the people of Sabah.
He said the decision was also a clear reflection that the Federal and State governments led by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datuk Seri Musa Aman were really practising the 'People First' concept, and truly sensitive towards grouses of the people.
"They listen, analysed and made the final decision on what is best for the people.
I am now really convince and have confidence in the BN government, particularly in Musa's leadership who managed to accumulate the state fund from a deficit to a surplus of RM2 billion today,".
According to him, he met Musa recently in Sigundul, Sandakan and had a one-to-one discussion on the impact of coal-fired power plant on the environment and marine life, which he described, would destroy the marine-based industries and fishermen livelihood.
Loh hoped the people of Sabah would give the BN government continue support.
"Lets us all join hand to give our full support to Musa and BN in the coming 13th General Election and ensure BN achieve a huge win in expressing our gratitude toward this decision."

Police need more time to probe the Sulu Sultan case

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: Police need more time to investigate the case of businessman Datu Mohd Akjan Ali Muhammad over his installation as the new Sultan of Sulu, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib.
"Investigation into the case is being carried out. We have taken statements from those involved, so give us more time to look into it thoroughly.
"We will inform once everything is completed," he told reporters during a working visit by Bukit Aman Narcotics Department Director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, who was former Sabah Police Commissioner, at the Sabah police headquarters in Kepayan, here, Saturday.
To a question whether Akjan has been called or detained by police, Hamza refused to comment, saying, "let the police investigate."
It was reported that Akjan, who is Islamic Da'wah and Welfare Association (Pekida) Sabah Division Chairman, had been ceremonially installed as the 33rd reigning Sultan of the Sulu Sultanate.
It was said that he took his oath of allegiance in a private ceremony held in Kg Likas on Feb 2.
Groups of people, including officials from the Sulu Sultanate, were reported to have attended the ceremony. It was claimed that Akjan had also asked the Suluk community to pledge loyalty to him.
However, it was reported that the recent ceremony was actually a majlis doa kesyukuran (thanksgiving ceremony) for Akjan's acceptance of the offer and mandate to be the so-called Sultan of Sulu.
The "Prime Minister of the interim government of the Sulu Sultanate", Datu Albi Ahmad Julkarnain, said the proper coronation would be conducted on a date and venue to be announced later.
Police put up investigation papers on the case following several police reports lodged by concerned individuals who claimed that the Sulu Sultan issue has threatened the sovereignty of the country.
The case would be investigated under Security Act (ISA) 1960 for dissemination of false reports, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for contributing to public mischief and Section 130C(2)(b) of the Penal Code for committing terrorist acts that could jeopardise safety of the country.
Under Section 28 of ISA, it is stated that any person who, by word of mouth or in writing or in any newspaper, periodical, book, circular or other printed publication or by any other means, spreads false reports or makes false statements likely to cause public alarm shall be guilty of an offence.
Meanwhile, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code states that whoever makes, publishes and circulates any statement, rumour or report with intent to cause or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity, is punishable with two years' imprisonment or with a fine, or both.

Theft of workers serious

Published on Daily Express: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: Pinching of workers among plantation companies in Sabah is becoming serious due to the current 20-30 per cent labour shortage in the oil palm industry and skilled Indonesian workers preferring to work in Kalimantan, instead.
East Malaysia Plantation Association (Empa) President Hj. Osman Walad urged enforcement agencies like Police, Immigration and Special Task Force to come up with comprehensive solutions to address this perennial problem of staff pinching.
There have been numerous cases whereby a plantation company brings in and legalises foreign workers, only to find them pinched by other plantation companies, usually at night in pick-ups.
"The enforcement agencies are too slow to act against these companies although reports have been lodged," said Osman, who is also Sawit Kinabalu General Manager.
He urged the enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour against firms caught employing foreign workers that had already been already registered by other companies or are in the process of having this done.
"If one company can get away without any action being taken, others will do the same and there will be chaos in the industry," said Osman, adding that the enforcement agencies must take action as a deterrent to others.
He also urged enforcement agencies to take action where foreign workers registered with plantation companies had absconded and were doing other tasks like selling fish and vegetables in markets or contraband cigarettes.
"Some of them move freely from one town to another without being apprehended. If no action is taken, it will make them even become more bold to the extent of committing crimes," he said.
In this context, Osman welcomed the State Government's move to allow oil palm plantations in Sabah to hire foreign workers from other countries.
So far only workers from Philippines (construction) and Indonesia (plantations and maids) are allowed.
He said the move was timely as the industry is currently hard-pressed in hiring workers from these traditional sources.
"While we are happy with the move, there is still a lot of work to do because we need to meet all the departments concerned and find out how to go about it.
"We cannot just go a country like Bangladesh and bring people here but go through proper procedure," said Osman, and hoped to meet with the Immigration Department and Labour Departments.
Even then, he expects it would take another three months before the latest move is effective.
He said Sabah had been experiencing labour shortage in plantations over the years due to Indonesians not coming anymore on account of expansion of oil palm areas in Kalimantan.
He said shortage of workers in the plantation sector, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, must be addressed immediately as the oil palm industry has become main economic contributors not only Sabah but also Malaysia.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had on Jan. 18 announced that the State Cabinet decided to allow the recruitment of foreign labour from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Vietnam to overcome the difficulty in sourcing foreign labour for certain tasks, mainly in the plantation and maid sectors.
However Musa said employees must give priority to locals when hiring workers. Musa also announced abolishment of the "cooling off period" allowing employers to hire their foreign workers continuously for 5 years plus another 5 years. There are 272,157 foreign workers in all sectors in Sabah with the majority from Indonesia and the Philippine.
"Our revenue from oil palm for the country is at RM55 billion per year and Sabah produces 30 per cent of the total production with revenue approximately at RM16.6 billion," said Osman.
With this year's good oil palm price, he projected revenue to soar to RM60 billion and Sabah's output to reach RM18 billion.
He said with that kind of revenue the State Government would stand to gain more than RM1 billion in sales tax, which makes the Oil Palm industry important to Sabah.
On whether the labour shortage is due to increased acreage of oil palm in Sabah, Osman said the acreage increase is minimal but the main problem being that Indonesian workers are not coming as before.
Also the "cooling off period" of 5 months imposed by the Immigration Department before this was a major contributor to the problem as these workers had to return to their country after working 5 years in Sabah.
According to Osman, these workers return to their country they find new jobs in Kalimantan which is now aggressively expanding their oil palm industry.
"These workers are experienced ones and their absence cause a big vacuum which even big organisations like Sawit Kinabalu are experiencing," he said.

AirAsia must consider national interest: Masidi

Published on Daily Express: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun urged low-cost carrier AirAsia to consider national interest and not just profit when relocating operations to Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 1.
He urged the Transport Ministry and the budget airline to settle the matter amicably. "AirAsia has some good points, but I think they also need to look into the rationale, the points raised by the Government. If the issue is cost, I'm sure the government will be more than happy to discuss.
"Being a low-cost airline, I know AirAsia wants to be efficient and want to cut cost, but we have to consider national interest than just profit," he said.
He was commenting on AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes' remark last week that the airline was reluctant to move from Terminal 2, where AirAsia is currently operating now, to the newly-expanded KKIA Terminal 1, as costs would increase and force the airline to reduce flights, causing Sabah to lose some one million tourists.
The Terminal 2 is to be converted for cargo handling.
Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the Ministry was surprised by Fernandes' remarks as AirAsia had signed an undertaking letter to shift its operations to Terminal 1.
He said the Kota Kinabalu International Airport has been upgraded at a cost of RM1.6 billion to cater for airlines' needs and growth.
Meanwhile, regarding three primary schools in Tawau that were declared unsafe for occupation, Masidi who is also Sabah education exco member said the Education Ministry officials should turun padang (visit) and see for themselves and take appropriate action.
"We cannot put the safety of our children in jeopardy. I know they (school authority) are probably doing some funding and I think when it comes to the lives of our children, that should entitle them priority in getting it fast.
"I was told the Ministry is aware and the Director has given them all the necessary input to make sure that decision is made immediately."
It was reported that over 1,000 pupils of three primary schools in Sekolah Tiga Dalam Satu are facing safety risk due to the dilapidated school buildings.
The schools are SK Bahagia, SK Jambatan Putih and SK Kukusan.
State Education Director Datuk Dr Haji Muhiddin Yusin said the issue has been highlighted to the Education Ministry for further action.
He said that they were forced to temporarily utilise the buildings although it was not safe while waiting for construction of new buildings.
Masidi said he had not visited the school but that another school in Ranau, SMK Kundasang, is also facing the same problem.

Signature drive by SAPP

Published on Daily Express on Wenesday, February 16, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Youth is starting a campaign targeting 100,000 signatures to demand the setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the perennial illegal immigrant problem in Sabah.
SAPP Youth Chief Edward Dagul said the movement demanded that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) be set up soon as possible so that this problem is resolved once and for all.
He said the month-long campaign would culminate in a gathering where leaders would be invited as guest speakers.
"We shall be seeking the cooperation of all NGOs and like-minded political parties for this mammoth task. It is important to show the leaders, especially the Federal leaders, of Sabahans feelings to this 'Mother of all threats'," he said.
Dagul said SAPP Youth found Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Hussein as the Minister of Home Affairs statement that there will be no setting up of a Royal commission of Inquiry as too dismissive and not at all sympathetic to the plight of Sabahans.
"Despite the current uproar regarding the Akjan Sultan of Sulu case, where this is seen to be a direct result of the PTI issue, SAPP Youth finds it unbelievable that the Minister still does not see through the serious nature of this problem," he said.
Further, he said the statement of the Minister that the findings of the so called special laboratories for the PTI issue has been submitted to the State Government for consideration are deemed as "passing the buck."
"Many are of the opinion that there are no such proposals.
That the response by the Minister was an afterthought.
Why were these proposals not disclosed by the Chief Minister beforehand when the issue first came to the light?" he asked.

Mayor must not pass buck on complex' safety: Liew

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Kota Kinabalu: PKR Sabah Public Complaints Bureau Chief, Christina Liew said, Monday, it is bounden on City Hall to state publicly whether the extensive renovations carried out so far at Karamunsing Complex were after its signed approval.
She said the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), State Health Department and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) have also been silent on the matter.

Liew said she received many calls from the public expressing concern for the safety of shoppers ever since the structural problem of Block C Tower came to light.
"According to them the extensions are so extensive that not only the corridors have become narrow and a risk in the event of an emergency but that the smoke indicators seem no longer visible," she said.
She noted that other than explaining the status of the Block C Tower, the Mayor has kept mum on the structural integrity or otherwise of the shopping complex.
"We, therefore, call on DBKK as the main approving body to clarify whether the changes have been approved accordingly and not to pass the buck to whoever may be taking over the Mayor's job to answer," she said.

"It is incumbent upon the Mayor to give this assurance to allay the fears of shoppers," Liew said in a statement.

Forces paid by foreigners to enter Sabah illegally' claim

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

Keningau: Thousands of foreigners from Indonesia and the Philippines are entering Sabah illegally by paying between RM350 and RM1,000 per person to the security forces at the border.
Sakag Sabah President Haji Masmin Kadad, who visited Nabawan/Kalabakan, alleged that he received complaints from the public that foreigners from Sebatik were sent by security personnel to Kalabakan after receiving RM350 to ensure their entrance into Sabah.

Similarly, he claimed this also happened in Tungku, Lahad Datu where foreigners without travel documents were sent to the interior, especially Keningau, by the security personnel after paying them RM1,000 each.
He did not say whether a police report was lodged.
He said the coastline and riverbank in Kalabakan had been turned into the landing point for contrabands like cigarettes from the neighbouring country and also for goods from Sabah to be smuggled out.
Haji Masmin also questioned the seemingly difficulty on the part of the authorities to halt illegal logging activities here.

However, during the recent visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to Maliau Basin, he said the logging activities were "temporarily suspended" and shortly after Najib returned many of the timber lorries started to re-emerge.

Liew pays from her own pocket

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Email to a friend     Printer Friendly

KEPAYAN: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah KK Division Chief, Christina Liew, Monday, decided to use her own money to help solve the pothole problem affecting folks staying at Kepayan Ridge Low-Cost Housing Block A and Block B. The move followed the failure of the Assemblywoman concerned to respond to the residents' pleas.
Liew hired a lorry to transport 40 tonnes of crushed limestone to the muddy areas as well as a backhoe loader to fill the potholes and level the ground.
"The access roads in the housing area are dotted with potholes filled with rainwater and their complaints had fallen on deaf ears.

"I am not their elected representative.
But since both the BN and SAPP have failed to address the people's woe, I undertook to do it as a temporary measure to provide immediate relief.
"This is despite the elected representative having an allocation of RM1 million to assist the rakyat," she told reporters at the site.
The area was previously under Datuk Edward Yong of PBS but following the electoral dilenation, now comes under Datuk Melanie Chia of SAPP.
Liew hoped that after the festive season, the authorities concerned would provide a permanent solution. She thanked the contractor Liew Su On for his willingness to help out though Chinese New Year was just around the corner.

On hand to supervise the filling and leveling works was environmentalist Dr CY Vun who said the workers were willing to work until 6pm to get the job done.
Block A Residents' Spokeswoman, Peggy Lau, said she was earlier asked not to go to Liew for help. "I approached the Luyang People's Development Leader concerned and he said he would come the next day.
We waited and waited but he never showed up.

"Thanks to PKR, it's pointless for him to come now.
It seems they don't value the people's votes anymore," she said.
Meanwhile, Liew said the Society of Hope Kota Kinabalu would also despatch its natural disaster relief team comprising medical personnel and volunteers to Kota Marudu as soon as possible to render the necessary assistance to flood victims there.

The team would be moving in again in the wake of floods which affected a total of 477 people from 155 families in 16 villages in the district.
"I am very sorry to read from the newspaper today (Monday) that the deluge has claimed one life already. This is not very pleasant to hear just before Chinese New Year but we will do our best," she said.
Liew said it was the distressing situation resulting from the big flood in Kota Marudu five years ago that prompted her and concerned citizens to set up the Society of Hope Kota Kinabalu.

Pairin served longer: SAPP

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party youth chief Edward Dagul reminded Parti Bersatu Sabah Information Chief Datuk Johnny Mositun that SAPP President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee only served two years as Chief Minister unlike PBS counterpart Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan's nine.
Mositun had asked what Yong had achieved when he was CM. Yong was also a senior Cabinet Minister under both the BN and PBS' tenures.

To this, Dagul questioned what PBS has to show to Sabahans despite its leaders being given positions upon rejoining the Barisan Nasional.
Dagul said Mositun either did not comprehend Yong's recent statement (on the 11 issues to be tackled by SAPP when it comes to power) or chose to be ignorant of the facts presented.
Yong had likened Pairin to being a "Pak Turut" to the Umno leadership.
Dagul said PBS was undeniably a formidable opposition in Sabah until it decided to rejoin BN.
"The excuse given by PBS leaders was to effectively rid Sabah of all problems plaguing the State.
"But have the problems really been solved? Have the leaders in Kuala Lumpur even bothered responding?"
Dagul recalled Pairin stating during the party's 24th Congress that the PTI issue must be resolved by 2012 and noted that Pairin stopped short of saying what he would do if it was not resolved by then.
"After the announcement of the NKRA was made by the current Prime Minister, there was an uproar when the newly-appointed Minister-in-charge of NKRA, Datuk Seri Idris Jala admitted that the PTI issue was not listed.

"It was deemed not important enough to be included in the Federal Government's list of priorities.
As an afterthought, the setting up of a new Special Laboratory was hastily announced with the sole intention to pacify the Sabahans but alas, to date, still no results," he said.
"This 'Mother of all Threats is attributed by many to be the main contributing factor in Sabah's abnormal population increase in the years 1970 to 2000 from 636,431 people in 1970 to 2,449,389 in the year 2000; or an increase of 285pc compared to the nation's increase of 113pc or even Sarawak's 106pc.
"This highly irregular upsurge has meant that the indigenous natives have been displaced as the majority community in Sabah."

Dagul said the continued silence by PBS leaders on this and other pertinent issues affecting especially the KDMs had left them feeling hopeless and abandoned.

Abidin is KK's third Mayor

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: Speculation as to who will be the next Mayor ended, Monday, with former Permanent Secretary to the Local Government and Housing Ministry, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, being appointed to the post.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the decision was made after consulting Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders.
"The State Government has decided to appoint Abidin as the new and third Mayor of Kota Kinabalu," Musa said in a statement, noting Abidin's vast experience in public service having held various senior government posts for over 20 years.
He expressed confidence that Abidin would do a good job and continue to enhance the quality of living in the city. He also thanked outgoing Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim for a job well done throughout his three terms.
"He (certainly) has done well in improving the condition and landscape of the city," Musa said.
Abidin when contacted, thanked the State Government and particularly the Chief Minister for the appointment.
Abidin, a Dusun from Ranau, said he was surprised over the appointment as there were many qualified candidates for the post.
"What is important is to continue the good work of the former mayor, especially in ensuring the cleanliness of the city, beautification and landscaping works, as well as tightening up safety."
"It is indeed an honour and a privillege. My two predecessors, Datuk Ghani Rashid and Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim have set high standards for me to follow and I will try my best to keep up with these standards.
"I also look forward to the co-operation of every resident of Kota Kinabalu. Together, let us make our city a better place to live in," he said.
Abidin, 57, joined the civil service in 1978 with his first posting in the State Economic Planning Unit.
He was also Permanent Secretary to various ministries such as Local Government and Housing (twice), Agriculture Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry and Resource Development and Information Technology Ministry.
He obtained a LLB Hons degree from the University of London in 1983 and BA Hons from University of Malaya in 1978. He was admitted as an advocate at the High Court of Borneo in 1988 and as an advocate of the newly-formed Native Court of Appeal last year.
Minister for Local Government and Housing, Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor welcomed the appointment of his Permanent Secretary.
Congratulating Abidin, he believed the Chief Minister's decision was based on Abidin's vast experience in the civil service and his proven capabilities.
"The CM's choice is most apt. Abidin has worked under me for the last few years and I found him very capable and dedicated to his duties and responsibilities," he said.
Hajiji noted that Abidin had two stints in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing as Permanent Secretary, the first between 1989 and 1994 when the then Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council (MPKK) was under the Ministry.
"In other words, Kota Kinabalu is not new to Abidin in terms of administration and development and he is also well-versed with local government and housing affairs, having served the Ministry twice," he said.
Hajiji also noted that Abdidin had a dintingusihed career in the civil service, having served as Permanent Secretary in various Ministries for almost 22 years.
Kota Kinabalu was placed under the Chief Minister's Department when it became a city in 2000, in line with the federal practice where Kuala Lumpur was placed under the Prime Minister's Department when it first became a city. Hajiji also thanked out-going Mayor Iliyas for his distinguished service.

RM200m private hospital in KK!

Published on Daily Express: Saturday, January 29, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: A new 200-bed private hospital costing RM200 million will be built this year beside the Sutera Harbour Resort, here, that will further boost Sabah's medical tourism potential. Jesselton Wellness and Parkway Holdings Limited on Friday signed a Master Collaboration Agreement to build the premium hospital named Gleneagles Medical Centre, Kota Kinabalu.
It would be positioned as a premium tertiary care hospital under ParkwayHealth - a brand synonymous with quality patient care and excellent clinical outcomes in the region.
The hospital would be equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and the latest medical technology to deliver quality patient care and comprehensive healthcare services that are of international standards.
In addition to inpatient, radiology, ancillary and ambulatory services, the hospital would offer specialities such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, general surgery, heart and vascular as well as internal medicines.
The groundbreaking ceremony is due in the middle of the year while construction is slated for completion by early 2014. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman witnessed the signing ceremony.
Jesselton Wellness was represented by Warisan Harta Chairman Datuk Ramlee Marhaban while Parkway by its CEO-cum-Managing Director, Dr Tan See Leng.
Under the terms of the agreement, Parkway would lease as well as operate the completed hospital building owned by Jesselton Wellness.
The entire development has an approximate gross development value (GDV) in excess of RM500 million.
"The hospital will be financed through a proposed RM200 million bond. "Danajamin Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's first financial guarantee insurer, has made an offer to guarantee the bonds.
"With this guarantee, the proposed bonds will be wrapped by Danajamin's AAA rating when issued," he said.
He said the medical landscape in Sabah right now is still limited in both options and capabilities. Hence, the Gleneagles Centre he is a critical move to address the urgently rising demand and needs of the population in Sabah.
He said Parkway was the right partner, being one of Asia's leading private healthcare providers with a strong pan-Asian presence and solid industry fundamentals that Sabah can leverage on.
"The successful completion of this project will be another step towards the benchmarks our visionary Chief Minister is setting to develop Sabah.
And with his support, this project has become a reality," he said.
Dr Tan on the other hand said with 40 years of experience and track record in providing hospital management services, clinical expertise and healthcare technology solutions, Gleneagles would continue to work closely with its partners in Sabah to contribute to development of the healthcare sector.
Parkway Holdings Limited has a network of 16 hospitals with more than 3,400 beds throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, India and China.
In Malaysia, it has 12 branches such as in in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh and Klang.

Karamunsing Complex not safe?

Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should engage another professional engineer to study the whole structure of the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of Block C Tower, Karamunsing Shopping and Office Complex, here, to satisfy public concerns.
A serious study is warranted to ensure the safety of the occupants and the public.
This was among the recommendations jointly made to DBKK by three professional bodies, namely the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM), Sabah branch, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch, and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Sabah Chapter, after a series of discussions.
Daily Express reliably learnt that the recommendations were jointly signed by representatives of the three bodies concerned and dated Jan. 24, 2011 and despatched to DBKK on Jan. 25, 2011. The move followed the meeting of the High-Risk Development Technical Committee held on Jan. 3, 2011 and chaired by DBKK. Representatives from the bodies concerned also attended the meeting.
"The first professional engineer had already submitted his detailed report on the matter to DBKK, in which he concluded that the flat slab floor structures are not safe for occupancy. He came up with a comprehensive report after a two-week study.
"So, the second recommendation is that the Mayor must make known this report to the owners of lots in the affected building," the sources said.
Thirdly, it is incumbent upon the Mayor to advise the owners of the lots to conduct their own investigations if they are not satisfied with the report from the first professional engineer.
"It is up to the owners to engage professional engineers to carry out a structural assessment of their respective units."
Fourthly, the sources said, in view of the fact that the Block C Tower and Shopping Complex were built by the same developer, it is advisable for the Mayor ask the main owner of the shopping complex to engage an independent, professional engineer for a similar study.
"Given the existing renovations and ongoing extensions within the shopping complex, this (study) is necessary in the interest of public concern and safety. The public have a right to know whether the shopping complex is safe or otherwise," they pointed out, adding that no piling works were noted.
The sources also said it would be interesting to know who engaged a consultant to do a preliminary investigation on the Block C Tower as reported in the media.
They were commenting on the Mayor's statement that a preliminary investigation by a consultant showed no immediate danger of structural risk to the floor slabs for the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the Block C Tower.
Meanwhile, a senior Suria Capital official, when contacted, declined comment on the reason/s for deciding to move out of the complex.

Sabahan SPARTA - Next Pit Stop

Sabahan SPARTA

Sabahan SPARTA

Baby Laugh

Joseph Pairin Kitingan

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan (born August 17, 1940), is a Malaysian politician and was the seventh Chief Minister of Sabah, a state in Malaysia. He held the post from April 1985 to March 1994. Currently, he is the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Rural Development of Sabah and has held the post since March 2004. He is the founder and President of Parti Bersatu Sabah (Sabah United Party).
Pairin was born in Papar. He attended La Salle Secondary School, an all-boys school, located in Kota Kinabalu.^[1] He won a Colombo Plan scholarship and went on to read law at the University of Adelaide and upon completing his study, he came back to Sabah to work as a State Counsel with the Sabah Legal Department and was later made Deputy Public Prosecutor. Subsequently, he practised law with a local legal firm.
Joseph Pairin Kitingan is a Catholic, married to Genevieve Lee, a retired teacher. They have two sons, Alexander and Daniel, who are both trained lawyers.
His brother Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan is also a politician, a former vice-president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after being former member of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Parti Angkatan Keadilan Rakyat (AKAR Bersatu), and United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) and finally Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after the rejection of his application to join United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

The 20 point agreement / 18 point agreement is between made between TWO countries ( Malaya and Sabah / Malaya and Sarawak).

Written by Dr. John Brian Anthony

For further information in regards to the related article, kindly refer to Wikipedia.

Dayakbaru:

Such being the case, no changes can be made on the agreement without the consent of the other. In the case, they seemed to be effort by the Federal Government to put aside this agreement or even ignore this agreement as it gets their way of integrating Sabah and sarawak according to West malaysia UMNO point of views and political agenda.

Sabah and sarawak must NEVER give up on this agreement as it provides us with more autonomy. The founding fathers has the foresight to see the greed of West Malaysian and sadly for Sabah since UMNO has come in and rule Sabah it has lost most of its autonomy. sarawak should continue to fight to uphold the 18 points agreement. While working with PKR those leaders from sarawak MUST insist that Pakatan Rakyat respect and enforce the 18 point agreement when they do come into power.

Monitor and review the implementation of the agreement

The government of Sarawak may like to consider setting a monitoring and reviewing committee to consolidate the implementation status and audit the programme that has been set to comply with the agreement. That will help Sarawak Malaysian to understand how much has been done in respect to the 18 point agreement.

Probably it would be good initiative to trace this document back in the UK to find more detail on the intent, spirit, process and even minutes of discussion leading to the signing of these agreement.

A memorandum for House of Lord in UK

Where is the Cobbold commission report now – probably in UK too. Malaya would never want to show it because the result is 33% want Malaysia, 33% do not want Malaysia and 33% undecided. How they concluded that Sabah and Sarawak should join Malaysia based on the statistics only “Allah” know. The British has some explaining to do to both Sarawak and sabah. Maybe a memorandum should be sent to the House of Lord to ask for explanation on the matter.

What is the agreement all about?

The 20-point agreement, or the 20-point memorandum, is an agreement made between the state of Sabah (then North Borneo) with what would be the federal government of Malaysia prior to the formation of Malaysia in September 16, 1963. A similar agreement was made between the state of Sarawak and the federal government but with certain differences in their 18-point agreement

The agreement

Point 1: Religion

While there was no objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia there should be no State religion in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to Borneo

Point 2: Language

* a. Malay should be the national language of the Federation

* b. English should continue to be used for a period of 10 years after Malaysia Day

* c. English should be an official language of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) for all purposes, State or Federal, without limitation of time.

Point 3: Constitution

Whilst accepting that the present Constitution of the Federation of Malaya should form the basis of the Constitution of Malaysia, the Constitution of Malaysia should be a completely new document drafted and agreed in the light of a free association of states and should not be a series of amendments to a Constitution drafted and agreed by different states in totally different circumstances. A new Constitution for Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) was of course essential.

Point 4: Head of Federation

The Head of State in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should not be eligible for election as Head of the Federation

Point 5: Name of Federation

“Malaysia” but not “Melayu Raya”

Point 6: Immigration

Control over immigration into any part of Malaysia from outside should rest with the Central Government but entry into Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should also require the approval of the State Government. The Federal Government should not be able to veto the entry of persons into Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) for State Government purposes except on strictly security grounds. Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should have unfettered control over the movements of persons other than those in Federal Government employ from other parts of Malaysia Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah).

Point 7: Right of Secession

There should be no right to secede from the Federation

Point 8: Borneanisation

Borneanisation of the public service should proceed as quickly as possible.

Point 9: British Officers

Every effort should be made to encourage British Officers to remain in the public service until their places can be taken by suitably qualified people from Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah)

Point 10: Citizenship

The recommendation in paragraph 148(k) of the Report of the Cobbold Commission should govern the citizenship rights in the Federation of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) subject to the following amendments:

* a) sub-paragraph (i) should not contain the proviso as to five years residence

* b) in order to tie up with our law, sub-paragraph (ii)(a) should read “7 out of 10 years” instead of “8 out of 10 years”

* c) sub-paragraph (iii) should not contain any restriction tied to the citizenship of parents – a person born in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) after Malaysia must be federal citizen.

Point 11: Tariffs and Finance

Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should retain control of its own finance, development and tariff, and should have the right to work up its own taxation and to raise loans on its own credit.

Point 12: Special position of indigenous races

In principle, the indigenous races of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should enjoy special rights analogous to those enjoyed by Malays in Malaya, but the present Malays’ formula in this regard is not necessarily applicable in Borneo(Sarawak & Sabah)

Point 13: State Government

* a) the Prime Minister should be elected by unofficial members of Legislative Council

* b) There should be a proper Ministerial system in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah)

Point 14: Transitional period

This should be seven years and during such period legislative power must be left with the State of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) by the Constitution and not be merely delegated to the State Government by the Federal Government

Point 15: Education

The existing educational system of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should be maintained and for this reason it should be under state control

Point 16: Constitutional safeguards

No amendment modification or withdrawal of any special safeguard granted to Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should be made by the Central Government without the positive concurrence of the Government of the State of North Borneo

The power of amending the Constitution of the State of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) should belong exclusively to the people in the state. (Note: The United Party, The Democratic Party and the Pasok Momogun Party considered that a three-fourth majority would be required in order to effect any amendment to the Federal and State Constitutions whereas the UNKO and USNO considered a two-thirds majority would be sufficient)

Point 17: Representation in Federal Parliament

This should take account not only of the population of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) but also of its seize and potentialities and in any case should not be less than that of Singapore

Point 18: Name of Head of State

Yang di-Pertua Negara

Point 19: Name of State

Sarawak or Sabah

Point 20: Land, Forests, Local Government, etc.

The provisions in the Constitution of the Federation in respect of the powers of the National Land Council should not apply in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah). Likewise, the National Council for Local Government should not apply in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah).

*Merger

In 1961, when the Malayan government began discussing a possible merger with neighbouring Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, problems of ethnic power relations arose again. The “Malaysia” proposal sans Sabah and Sarawak went back more than a decade; earlier negotiations had proved fruitless. The Singaporeans themselves were not anxious to be ruled by what they considered a Malay government. By 1961, however, Singapore had grown receptive to the idea of joining Malaysia, largely because of the prevailing idea at the time that industrial Singapore could not survive without access to Malayan markets.

Singapore Chinese population is a threat to Malaya

The Malayan government was not keen on having the Chinese Singaporean population push the Malays into a minority position in the new Malaysia. Many Malays felt that upsetting the Malay-dominated nature of the armed forces and police might place them in a dangerous situation. It was also argued that the inferior economic position of the Malays would be emphasised by the entry of even more rich Chinese, setting the stage for major discontent.

Malaya get Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia to make use of their native population numbers

The Malayans decided to resolve this by merging with Sabah and Sarawak; both British colonies had large native populations whom the government considered “Malay”. Under Article 160 of the Constitution, most of them were not Malay; the natives were mainly animists or Christians instead of Muslims as required. To resolve this issue, the government expanded its informal definition of “Malay” to include these people.

*The natives of Sarawak and Sabah are to be considered ‘Malays’ by the malayan union to solve their problems.. the ibans, the kenyahs, the bidayus, and etcs… My question is – is this true today or we from Sabah and sarawak being con / cheated by UMNO Malaya?

Floodlights expected to be ready for Sabah's first home match

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: Repair works on the floodlights at the Likas Stadium are coming along smoothly and will be 100 percent complete in time for Sabah's first home match against Kedah on February 12.
Sabah Sports Board General Manager, Mahmood Kalong said that the repair works, which is being conducted by Philips Lighting, is still under way but is nearing completion.
"At the moment the works is about 60 percent complete and we are confident that it will be fully done by February 7, in time for the inspection by Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
"The important thing is that we can meet the lux (luminescent) measure requirement specified by FAM," said Mahmood.
He told reporters this at a media briefing after chairing a meeting with the Sabah Football Association on the progress of the floodlights repairs at the Likas Stadium here, yesterday.
Also present was Sabah Sports Board Deputy General Manager-cum-Engineer, Christopher Lean and Sabah FA Referee Development Officer, Junaidi Ahmad Fauzi.
The repairs, which is believed to cost in excess of RM500,000, involved the purchase of 288 light bulbs, copper cables and various necessary fittings.
Mahmood said the repair works, which began on January 17, would be completed on time and possibly ahead of schedule if weather conditions permit.
"We cannot conduct the works in rainy weather or when it's windy because the risk would be too high.
"Therefore we hope the weather would lighten up so we can complete the works earlier," he said.
The floodlights were built in 1990 and have not been replaced until now.
A total of 102 light bulbs were found faulty during the repair works.
Each of the four poles comprises 72 light bulbs.

Aid for Penampang landslide victims

Published on Daily Express: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Penampang: Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin and the Rotary Club of Penampang paid a visit to the victims of the recent landslide at Kg Kebidaan Kibabaig here, Monday, to provide them with aid. According to Donald, he has also requested the relevant departments to assist in whatever way possible.
"The District Council has already deployed excavators to clear the landslide and after this, we will ask geologists to come in to look at the stability of the area.
"In terms of aid, each affected family has been provided with RM2,000 in cash and RM1,000 in food supplies.
Donald also thanked the Rotary Club of Penampang for helping to the affected families.
"The most important thing now is to ensure that the water gets out and a proper drainage to stabilise the area. I will ask the engineers from the Public Works Department (JKR) on what can be done.
Perhaps they can also arrange a road to be built to the area," he said.
Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Penampang member Datuk George Anthony Ginibun said the Club only found out about the disaster after reading about it in the local papers and decided to lend a helping hand by providing aid to the victims.
"One of the duties of the Rotary Clubs is to give assistance to those in need, especially during times of disaster.
"There are currently seven Rotary Clubs in Sabah, so in case there are future disasters and people need assistance, they can contact any of the clubs to assist them, " he said.

Impact of the hike in oil price!

Expert says that the increased in fuel price in Malaysia is unnecessary as Malaysia is not importing but exporting oil to other Countries. Even without subsidy, the profit gained by Petronas from the export of oil could sustain our oil price to just below RM2.00 per liter.

Why then our country still increasing oil price little by little and claiming that Government could no longer able to subsidize oil price in the future.

What do you all think? Do comment ya.

KARAMUSING SHOPPING COMPLEX - 7th 8th an 9th floor Block C Tower

An email in circulation pertaining to KARAMUNSING SHOPPING COMPLEX. 

HOW FAR IS IT TRUE, BELOW IS THE EMAIL I RECEIVED FROM THE UNKNOWN SOURCE. 

It was reported during the last ACEM excom meeting 
that there were some issues at the above captioned building/place:
The report declared the 3 floors - 7th, 8th and 9th floor, Tower 
Block C, Karamunsing Shopping Complex as unsafe. 

At this point in time, no copy of the report as it 
is the property of Suria Capital Sdn Bhd (SCHB).
It was reported that  SCHB had moved out to Menara Jubilee as a 
result of the findings.

The user of 7th 8th and 9th floor was Suria Capital Sdn Bhd (SCHB):
There were serious vibration reported on the above mentioned 3 floors.

The investigation revealed that the design was proper and adequate 
except the workmanship during construction. It was reported that 
the concrete strength was also adequate, however there were deflection 
as much as 3" or more on all the 3 floors. Certain crucial reinforcement 
were apparently not in the correct position resulting in very short 
lever-arm and hence structurally inadequate. With age and the effect 
of creeps, the deflection can only get worst. The 3 floors were reported 
to be in a "plastic" stage, and it was declared unsafe.

DBKK had issue letters to owners of the affected property to carry out 

investigation on their own properties. It was reported that the property 

owners especially those who rented out their premises will not comply as 

it has serious implication on the value of their "investment" and as to 

who is going to pay for the investigation and so on? This economic 

considerationis understandable,but as professionals and in a situation 

where the public safety/lives is at stake, we cannot be seen to be sitting

back and doing nothing.
One obvious thing we must understand is that a sudden collapse of 
a building will  result in heavy toll on the lost of lives and properties.

Subsequently, it is going to have a serious repercussion on the 

engineering profession. 

PBS expects KDM to be named next KK Mayor

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, January 23, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Secretary-General Datuk Henrynus Amin is confident that top Kadazandusun and Murut civil servants, including those categorised as Sino-Natives, Muslim or Non Muslim, would also be considered for the post of Mayor of Kota Kinabalu.
He said late last year, PBS had given its views in writing to the top Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership on the general issue of power sharing within BN to reflect the multi-ethnic character of the State.
Henrynus refuted opposition accusations that PBS had not been vocal on the issue of power sharing or that the BN Government was not listening to the people's grievances.
"PBS is a responsible member of the State BN coalition government and would not fall into the opposition trap of politicising the mayor's appointment," he said Saturday.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, who is also State BN Chairman, had assured PBS of his firm commitment to listen to the grievances of component political parties.
Meanwhile, Henrynus commended the current Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim over a job well done during his tenure. His term is due to end next month.
The Chinese community has also been lobbying for one from its community to be named for the post.
Upko has also voiced support for a KDM Mayor while opposition DAP said the choice should fall on a non-Muslim native.

'Rubber price soars but Sabah tappers not smiling'

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, January 23, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: The price of rubber has soared but rubber tappers in Sabah are not smiling because they are getting late payments from the Sabah Rubber Industries Board (SRIB).
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) took SRIB and the Government especially, to task for delaying payments to the rubber tappers up to more than a week.
Its Information Chief, Chong Pit Fah, said most of the rubber tappers are villagers who depend on the sales of their rubber to make ends meet.
"But, we received information that the SRIB has delayed the payments after collecting rubber sheets from the kampung people.
"The price of rubber has increased to RM8.90 per kilo but these kampung people are not really benefiting from it," he said in a statement, Saturday.
Chong said he also received information that some of the rubber tappers even had to use the "payment vouchers" from SRIB as a collateral to borrow money from loan sharks.
"This is saddening. Does the Government ever consider the hardship that these people have to endure?
"They wake up early in the morning to tap rubber and despite putting up with the mosquito bites, among others, their effort is not appreciated.
"The Government instead owe the poor people. Why can't the payments be released early?
The price of rubber is so good but the rubber tappers in Sabah are not smiling," he said.
"SAPP believes the so-called 'People First, Performance Now' slogan of the Barisan Nasional is merely a tool to hoodwink the people," he said.

Burnt D'ggongon market to be demolished, rebuilt

Published on Daily Express: Sunday, January 23, 2011

Penampang: The district market, which was partly destroyed by fire in the middle of last year, will be demolished and rebuilt.
District Council Chairman William Sampil told reporters this while accompanying Penampang MP Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Kapayan Assemblyman Datuk Edward Khoo and Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin on a Chinese New Year round at Donggongon, Saturday.
During the round, they also took time to visit the burnt market.
"The conceptual architecture drawing will be submitted to us next week and the reconstruction of the new market will start as soon as possible once everything is ready," he said, thanking all, particularly the open stall operators, for being patient.
The other market (opposite the burnt market) which houses the wet section is currently being renovated, he said.
The burnt market, which housed the vegetable, meat and food stall sections, has become a subject of complaint among the affected traders and been turned into a political issue by the opposition.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had announced an immediate rebuilding of the gutted building.
On the landslide at Kg Kebidaan in Kibabaig, here, William said they have already cleared the debris.
He said the Thursday morning incident affected only two houses located at the foothill, while another two homes on the hill had their road access cut off.
An earth drain will also be built in the said area to smoothen water outflow, he said, adding the Welfare Services Department had also come in to give assistance to the affected families.

Snapshot using Canon 1000D

Snapshot at one corner in 1 Borneo!

Very cute dog

I happened to attend my friend's engagement and saw this cute dog.

What do you think? Cute?

One of the finest Drink! CORDON BLEU

I may say that this is one of my favourite drink. Value for money:)

How about you?

Teacher runs amok with sword

Published on Daily Express: Thursday, January 20, 2011

Kudat: A group of teachers ran helter-skelter and hid in a mangrove swamp for about 10 hours after one of their colleagues went berserk and threatened them with a Samurai sword in the middle of the night.
The man, in his 30s, went over to the teachers' quarters and flayed his sword on the wall, rousing the startled teachers from sleep.
The incident took place at about midnight Sunday at Kg Sabur in Banggi Island, off here, where he and the group of teachers taught at SK Sabur.
It was learnt that one of the teachers opened the door and saw him brandishing the sword, waving it threateningly at them and striking it on the wall.
Fearing for their lives, the 14 teachers dashed out of their quarters and into the swamp to hide, emerging only after they heard the police turn up at about 10am Monday.
District Police Chief DSP Dawi Ossen on Wednesday said police who were alerted by one of the teachers could not get there sooner owing to strong winds and stormy conditions in the sea.
Explaining that they had to call for help from the police air wing, he said a helicopter and boat finally got to the island where police lost no time in arresting the man.
It was learnt that the teacher from Ranau is married to a local and has also been teaching in the school for eight years.
Dawi said police nabbed him near his house not far from the school at about 10am.
"During the arrest, he did not struggle and we also confiscated the weapon used from him.
However, police are still investigating the cause of his behaviour."
He said the suspect remained quiet when questioned by police and that they had also spoken to his wife who is traumatised and at a loss as to why her husband behaved in such a manner.
He added that the teacher would be remanded for four days from Wednesday under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation which is punishable by a prison term of up to two years or with a fine or both.

RM3 Billion Crocker Range tunnel awaits nod

Published on Daily Express: Thursday, January 20, 2011

Keningau: The district will be developed into a leading tourist destination in Malaysia with the construction of a RM3 billion tunnel penetrating the Crocker Range in the near future, if approved.
Assistant Rural Development Minister, Datuk Hj Sairin Karno, said the proposed 54km tunnel will begin in Apin-Apin, Keningau and end in Kinarut, Papar.
Proposal for construction of the tunnel has been forwarded to Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and the Public Works Department, he said.
"Three months ago the Government approved construction of a bridge built over 78km from Kedah and Perak to the added cost of RM1.3 billion, while a recent project as far as 68km in Negeri Sembilan, costing RM700 million were also approved.
"Therefore, it won't be too much if the tunnel project in Keningau is approved by the Government, considering the fact that Sabah remains a 'Fixed Deposit' to the Barisan Nasional," said Sairin.
With the tunnel, there will be another significant landmark for tourist attraction in the country, and should there be water shortage in Kota Kinabalu, Keningau can supply water from the Pegalan river through the tunnel, he said again.
"It depends on the creativity of PWD to undertake construction of the tunnel because, although the construction cost is rather expensive, the results will benefit and profit the country greatly," he said.
Sairin, who is also Liawan Assemblyman, urged PWD to improve road conditions along Keningau-Kimanis as it is an important way of communication between Keningau and other West Coast areas.
"In meetings with the Deputy Chief Minister and also the PWD recently, we have recommended for the Keningau-Kimanis road to be upgraded so it is no longer so high and steep," he said.
Meanwhile, Sairin said the 10th Malaysia Plan will see a lot of development occur in this area including the construction of a UiTM in Sook, a UMS in Apin-Apin, a new hospital worth RM200 million and a religious boarding school worth RM55 million.
"Therefore, we will continue to be optimistic for the authorities to improve infrastructure in this area, especially electricity, in order for people in all areas may experience the life in a free country.
"I have often urged the Government to expedite the process of expanding the electricity supply to areas such as the 16th mile Keningau-Kimanis road because this area has high potential in attracting tourists to come here," said Sairin.

Paddy Field View, Penampang

Paddy field view right after grass clearing. Melayu bilang...lepas kena radu bah.

Once upon a time in Manila

My visit to Manila in 2010. Crowded city but surprisingly the level of tolerance among drivers is amazing. I wish such behavior exists in Malaysia.