FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- KK PARKING RATES WILL START AT 25 SEN

KK parking rates will start at 25 sen
Reduced fees have to be approved, gazetted first: Mayor

KOTA KINABALU:

The new reduced parking rates in the Central Business District (CBD) in the City will be implemented once it has been approved by the State Cabinet and gazetted. In the meantime, Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim has called on the public to be patient, as the procedure to fully implement the new rates .will take some time. “According to the normal procedure, the proposed reduction has to be submitted to the State Attorney General for vetting before it is approved by the Chief Minister and subsequently forwarded to the Government Printer for publication as a gazette before it can be implemented”, he explained. According to Iliyas, the move to reduce the parking rates by up to 67 percent for Type A parking lots was made following the request by Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai recently. Following Yee’s request, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman also made a call for Kota Kinabalu City Hall (City Hall) to review the parking rates in the City. With the reduction, Type A parking lots, which are meant for short-term parking in the CBD, the existing rate of RMO.35 per 1/2 hour for the 1st and 2nd half hour, will be reduced to RMO.25 per 1/2 hour (a 28% reduction). The existing rate of RM1.50 per 1/2 hour for the 3rd and 4th half hour, will be reduced to RMO.50 per half hour (a 67% reduction). However, the existing rate of RM2 per half hour for the 5th and subsequent half hours will remain unchanged. Iliyas said Type A parking lots are meant for the public to park for a short duration, and City Hall believes that most people would be able to get their business done, ie. banking, within the two hours period. The reduction is to ensure that parking in these areas (Type A), are affordable and easily available. As for Type B parking lots, which are meant for medium duration parking, City Hall has granted a reduction of up to 42%. The existing rates for the first six half hours parking, however, will be maintained. These are the RMO.25 per half hour for the 1st and 2nd half hour, and RMO.50 for the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th 1/2 hour. However, the rates for the 7th and subsequent half hours are now reduced from RM1.00 per half hour, to RMO.50 per half hour. “This means that the total parking fees for a day will be reduced from RM14.50 to RM8.50, which is already a 41% reduction,” said Iliyas. After much study and considerations, City Hall has decided that there will be no change to the existing rates for Type C and C1 parking lots, as these parking are meant for long term parking in the CBD and outside the CBD, respectively. “The existing rate of the seasonal monthly tickets, which are used by most motorists, is already offering a discount of 60% to 70%,” he explained. The present parking fees for Type C is at RM5.50, while Type C1 parking is now at RM4.50 for the whole day. The seasonal monthly ticket for Type C is priced at RM50.00 and RM30.00 for Type C1. Iliyas hope that the public will accept the new rates, which according to him, is already very affordable. He said City Hall has done a thorough study on the new rates, which is not too burdening for ratepayers.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- RURAL LIBRARY RECEIVES GOOD RESPONSE

Rural library receives good response

PAPAR:

Rural libraries are built as part of the government’s effort to cultivate reading habit among rural children towards broadening their knowledge. UMNO N.22 Pantai Manis candidate Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail said during the opening of Kampung Benoni village library yesterday that a well equipped library is the best avenue to encourage villagers, especially children, to adopt reading as a hobby. “With various types of books, magazines and other reading materials covering a wide range of disciplines provided, the library is a centre of knowledge which ultimately will help improve the life of people here,” he said. The newly completed library is fully funded by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and it cost RM200,000 to build. Since it started operation last year, it has benefited many local children including those from outside Kampung Benoni. Apart from providing books and reading materials, the library has organized various exciting activities to promote reading culture among local children and teenagers, he said. Abdul Rahim, who is also Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, said the response from the villagers has prompted the Government to build another village library in the district and work on the project in Kampung Laut is nearing completion. This shows the Government is serious in stimulating lifelong education and learning process in rural areas, he said. Abdul Rahim, who is Agriculture and Food Industry Minister and incumbent Pantai Manis assemblyman, said that by taking interest in reading and improving their knowledge, the rural communities will be better able to compete and significantly contribute to the country’s overall development. “I hope more rural libraries will be built in the State for the benefit of the people, especially those in the rural areas,” he said.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- DAILY CRACKDOWN ON CIGARETTE PEDDLERS

Daily crackdown on cigarette peddlers

A motorist has called for action to be taken to stop the rampant contraband cigarette peddling activities at Kampung Air as both the sellers and buyers are causing traffic problem. Kefli said his car nearly crashed into the back of the car in front of him when the driver braked abruptly with the intention to buy cigarettes from one of the peddlers. He said the peddlers, believed to be mostly foreigners or illegal immigrants, were pestering motorists and pedestrians to buy the smuggled cigarettes from them when the incident happened. “Recently I almost hit a vehicle in front of me when the vehicle suddenly stopped without giving any signal. The action of this motorist, who seems to encourage these illegal activities, can someday cause an accident, especially in the evening,” he said. Kefli said the relevant authorities should have stopped such illegal activities right in the heart of the city, which could give foreign tourists the impression of lawlessness. He said it is ironical that such activities are ignored by the authorities while the Government has been at the same time carrying out a nation-wide anti-smoking campaign. Unless this problem is overcome, there is no way how the campaign and increases in prices of cigarettes will discourage smoking, he said. A spokesman for Kota Kinabalu City Hall said many operations have been carried out to curb these activities. He said such operations are usually carried out together with the Customs and Immigration departments. “We have been conducting operations every evening pertaining to such cases and still are. We do always carry out operations in the city area. So to conduct more operations against the activities is in our plans,” he said.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- TAMAN KINGFISHER RESDENT SEES RED OVER CONGESTION

Taman Kingfisher resident sees red over congestion

A motorist has complained about what he described as terrible traffic congestion at the main road in Taman Kingfisher, Likas. Kit, who said the stretch of road from Taman Kingfisher to the roundabout is particularly congested during peak hours, urged the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to overcome the problem. According to him, the situation makes travelling to and from the fast expanding housing estate very inconvenient for the residents whose numbers have increased drastically. “This congestion is giving me high blood pressure as it is frustrating and causing loss of time. The traffic jam is truly terrible and worsening day by day, especially in the morning,” he said. “The stretch of road is very narrow and can no longer handle the sharp increase in the number of vehicles,” he said, adding that he usually reports for work in Bundusan late due to the congestion. Kit said the problem is also causing a lot of motorists to become impatient and jump queue, and this only causes loss of more time to others. “I think the “ikut barisan, jangan memotong” campaign is not effective. Some people are still not aware of the need to adhere to traffic rules strictly,” he said. Kit hoped the traffic police will take stern action against motorists who habitually jump queue at the expense of other motorists and causing more traffic problem. “May be the traffic police can carry out inspection every morning to catch these selfish motorists. They should be taught a lesson. Motorist also should realize and understand that they are not the only one using he road or in rush,” he said. ‘A spokesman for city traffic police, when asked to comment on the complaint and suggestion, said: “As far as I know, our team monitors the traffic situation almost everyday despite a shortage of manpower.” “This area is no exception, and we will take necessary action to solve the problem. We have been doing all we can to ensure convenience of all motorists. But to promise or guarantee that there will be absolutely no problem would be impossible,” he added.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- NO REASON NOT TO SUPPORT SIRINGAN: MASIDI

No reason not to support Siringan: Masidi

RANAU:

There is no reason for the people not to support and vote for Ranau-born Datuk Siringan Gubat who replaced incumbent Tan Sri Bernard Dompok as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the parliamentary seat here, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. Speaking at a meet-the-people gathering at Kampung Kilimu here, Masidi said it is incumbent upon the people hare to ensure that the BN will retain theRanau seat through Siringan. “Most importantly, he (Siringan) is Ranau-born,” said Masidi who is defending the Keranaan seat. “There are no more issues that can deviate you from not voting for the BN for the Parliament seat. Datuk Siringan Gubat is purely from Ranau, the people do not have anymore excuses. He is an excellent leader as he has had experience as an elected assemblyman for Ranau before,” said Masidi who is in his village-to-village campaign trail. Also present were Siringan, Ranau Umno deputy chief Jaimin Samitah, Benedict Yasin, a representative for Datuk Ewon Ebin, who is the BN incumbent for Paginatan seat and Masidi’s political secretary Datuk Amisah Yasin. Siringan is locked in a three- cornered fight with lawyer Jonathan Yasin from the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the son of the late Datuk Mark Koding, Vitos from PASOK. In the 2004 election, Dompok won with a 1,387-vote majority. The constituency has some 27,986 registered voters comprising 58.1 per cent non-Muslim Bumiputera, 38.7 per cent Muslim Bumiputera and 3.2 per cent Chinese.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- EDUCATION ASSISTANCE NOT TO FISH FOR VOTES: EWON

Education assistance not to fish for votes: Ewon

RANAU:

Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin has dismissed opposition claim that the distribution of education assistance under the Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pelajar Miskin (KWAMP) to students from poor families as “vote fishing” in the election. He said the assistance under the scheme had been introduced four years ago, so the question of “vote fishing” did not arise. Instead, it showed the BN Government’s sincerity and commitment in developing the education in the State, in particular in the rural areas where many of the locals are still relatively poor, said Ewon. “The education assistance is given to students who come from poor families, irrespective whether they are supporting the Government or not,” he said at the presentation of KWAMP assistance to students and opening of a gymnasium at SMK Matupang Jaya here yesterday. Later, Ewon, who is the BNUPKO incumbent for Paginatan state seat, also presented KWAMP assistance to students at SK Miruru. Ewon said the Government was able to provide assistance to poor students because its financial status remained strong and this had enabled the people to enjoy and share the fruits of development in the country. Apart from the KWAMP, the Government also provided other assistances such as school uniforms, textbooks and scholarship, tuition vouchers and diet supplements to students, said Ewon, adding that starting this year, the Government also abolished specific school fee to ease the financial burden of parents. Also present were BN-UPKO candidate Datuk Siringan Gubat for the Ranau parliamentary seat, senior education officers Azman Manaf and Jusli Jakaria, SMK Matupang principal and teachers as well as residents from the area.

FRIDAY- 29TH FEBRUARY 2008- BN CANDIDATE NOT PROMISING MOON AND STAR TO VOTERS

BN candidate not promising moon and star to voters

SANDAKAN:

Barisan Nasional’s (BN) new face in Karamunting state seat, Peter Pang En Yin, is not interested in promising “the moon and the star” to the voters. Instead, Pang, 49, said he would be more down-to-earth in his approach by tackling issues close to the hearts and minds of the people. It was important, he said, for a candidate to have a strong resolve to bring about changes and to take care of the people’s welfare. “My focus is to take care of the people’s welfare, especially in terms of health facilities, and improving the existing infrastructure,” he told Bernama here. He said the voters would be more appreciative of efforts to improve basic facilities even though some might consider them a trivial matter. “From my observations, it’s important to tackle basic issues. The people want a better place to live, garbage to be collected, good drainage system and better maintenance of public properties. “We should be able to settle ‘small’ problems first before moving to bigger things,” said Pang, representing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He also wanted to improve basic facilities in Kampung Air as well as in Pasir Putih coastal areas in Karamunting, which he said, had the potential to\become a tourist attraction. “Karamunting is known for the water village where houses are built on stilts on shallow water. It’s a unique settlement and I want to improve the facilities there,” he said. Pang began his education at Saint Mary Primary School in 1966 before pursuing secondary education at the Monfort Secondary School in Singapore. He obtained his 0-Level in England and a diploma in business management at the South East London College. On his return he joined a family business before venturing into hotel management. He now owns Mark’s Lodge and Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, both in Sandakan. He entered active politics when he was appointed as an advisor to the Karamunting LDP youth and later as a LDP supreme councillor in 2006. He is now the Karamunting LDP deputy division chief. Among projects currently under development in Karamunting are the RM300 million Palm Oil Industrial Cluster and the Barter Trade Centre. “These two projects provide jobs to local youths and they need not go to other places to look for employment,” said Pang who is locked in a four-cornered fight with Sak Cheong Yu (Independent), Tan Shu Tee (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and Chok Kon Tack (DAP) in the March 8 general election. BN’s Datuk Wong Lien Tat won the seat in 2004 with a majority of 1,579 votes, beating Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Chin Vui Keong and Sak (Independent). -Bernama

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- PUTATAN BN CANDIDATE CONFIDENT OF GETTING PULAU GAYA VOTES

Putatan BN candidate confident of getting Pulau Gaya votes

KOTA KINABALU:

Incumbent Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Putatan parliamentary seat again, is confident that the 2,000 voters in Pulau Gaya, which falls under his constituency, will support the BN come March 8. “This is because over the last four years the people on the island, a five- minute boat ride from here, have seen the development brought about by the BN government and want the ruling government to continue its good work. “The residents have realised that only the BN can help them. They do not want to waste their time and future supporting the opposition as they know the opposition cannot bring the development like we have,” he told Bernama here yesterday. In the 2004 general election, Marcus, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation vice president, beat Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Awang Ahmad Sah by 7,832 votes. This time around Marcus is involved in a three-cornered fight with PKR’s Saukinah Yussof and independent Ramzah Ahmad. Marcus said in the 2004 election, the opposition was saying that he was a new candidate, “an untested candidate” and “a whole load of other bad things” while campaigning against him. “But now after four years, they know they can’t use the same lines anymore as the people know me well, especially in Pulau Gaya as I visit them regularly. “I’m confident of getting their support this time,” he said. He said developing Pulau Gaya, which formerly had a bad reputation for having illegal houses apart from illegal immigrants, was a difficult task but “we have done something about it”. He said the BN Government was now trying to woo private investments to build resorts and hotels and other infrastructure. - Bernama

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- PAIRIN WILL RETAIN TAMBUNAN SEAT, SAYS POLITICAL OBSERVER

Pairin will retain Tambunan seat, says political observer

TAMBUNAN:

The political landscape of Tambunan is expected to remain unchanged after polling day. Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan is expected to retain the State seat even though he is facing stiff challenge from Moses Michael Iking, 57,of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). The 67-year-old Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) leader is also challenged by independent candidate Francis Koh Kui Tze, 51. Pairin, who is the Deputy Chief Minister, has never lost the Tambunan seat since the 1976 general election. The people in Tambunan who are mostly Kadazandusun farmers, are still looking up to Pairin to resolve the problems in their area. In terms of issues, there are no big ones in the constituency. The opposition is only questioning Pairin’s ability to continue to serve in Tambunan. However, the Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the KDM described the opposition allegation that he is old and needed to rest as normal. Since contesting the Tambunan constituency in 1976, Pairin’s vote majority has been over 3,000. The highest majority he received was 5,277 when he contested in the 1990 State election and 1994 with a 5,696 majority. In the 2004 general election, he won with a 3,280 majority. During the Tambunan by- election in 1984, Pairin contesting as an independent, secured a 3,084 majority. And in the 1985 and 1986 general election, he obtained a majority of 3,487 and 4,253 respectively. When met in Tambunan on Tuesday, Pairin said the BN derived its strength from the strong support of the people and cooperation from all the BN components. “All the components are united in assisting the BN candidates contesting in Tambunan, Bingkor and Liawan, including the keningau parliamentary seat. I believe with this cooperation, the BN could win,” he said. On the illegal immigrants issue brought up by the opposition, he said solution to the problem was included in the BN manifesto. When asked why he is contesting two seats (Tambunan and Keningau ), Pairin gave two strong reasons. “The Federal Government (Parliament) is my channel to forward all the interest and problems of the people that I represent. ‘As a Member of Parliament, I can voice and bring up the people’s problems from area in the Parliament. And I also don’t want the interior people’s relationship with the Federal Government to be disrupted,” he pointed out. Secondly by contesting the Tambunan state seat, he can continue to protect the rights, welfare and interest of the KDM community from his area in the State Legislative Assembly. On the decision of his brother, Jeffrey, to contest against him in Keningau, Pairin said he was not surprised at all because in a democratic country, anybody could do so. Meanwhile, a political observer in Tambunan said Pairin’s credibility would help him to secure strong support from the voters on March 8. “The people power will not happen in this election because the people are still confident of the BN leadership, especially with the launching of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) which could benefit the rural people,” said the observer. On the Tambunan Declaration launched by PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year at TVRC Tambunan, the observer described it as political gimmick which has a hidden agenda among the PKR leaders. “I believe the 1985 incident will not repeat in the 2008 election. It happened in 2004 when Jeffrey contesting as an independent in Sook lost to his traditional enemy, PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup,” he said. The observer also commented that many senior PKR leaders had quit the party after the nomination day because they lost confidence on the PKR leadership. Their action will contribute to the opposition party’s defeat in this election, he added.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- PAIRIN IS STILL RELEVANT WITH HIS CONTRIBUTIONS: BN LEADER

Pairin is still relevant with his contributions: BN leader

TAMBUNAN:

A Barisan Nasional (BN) leader here says Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan is still relevant and needed in the state’s political arena. Tambunan BN deputy chairman Cyril Yansalang said, Pairin, the ‘huguan siou’ or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, had contributed a lot to the state and to the people in Keningau parliamentary constituency and Tambunan state seat. As such, he said, it was not proper for Pairin’s younger brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, to call for his exit from active politics. Describing the statement by Jeffrey as a mere political gimmick, Cyril said Pairin was still needed in Sabah, especially in contributing to the success of the Sabah Development Corridor. Pairin is up against Jeffrey who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president and DAP’s Peter Kodou in Keningau; and PKR’s Moses @ Mozes Michael Iking and an Independent candidate Francis Koh Lui Tze in Tambunan, in the March 8 general election. “I think there are still many people, especially among the younger generation, who are not aware of Pairin’s contribution to the state all these while. “In the early 80’s, Pairin was sidelined because he fought for the people, including the preservation of the Kadazandusun culture to celebrate the Tadau Kaamatan (harvest festival) at the state level. “Tambunan’s status as a district had also been withdrawn once but with Pairin’s perseverance, and the people’s support, Tambunan got back the status,” he told Bernama yesterday. He urged the voters in Tambunan and Keningau to give Pairin their strong support come polling day on March 8. “Come out and give Pairin a huge majority as a sign of appreciation for his contribution,” he said. Cyril said although age might be catching up on Pairin but he was still strong and healthy. “He can still discharge his duties effectively. Let Pairin decide on his political future after winning this election,” he said. He also said it was not true that Pairin failed to bring development to Tambunan. “Look around. The Tambunan Keningau road used to be a pothole-ridden road but not anymore. We have a new sports complex in Tambunan, a new hospital in Keningau as well as new school buildings...,” he said. -Bernama

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- DAP, PKR DISAPPOINTED WITH EACH OTHER OVER KK

DAP, PKR disappointed with each other over KK
Both opposition parties refuse to give way in battle for hot seat

KOTAKINABALU:

DAP and PKR candidates for Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat yesterday expressed disappointment with each other for refusing to withdraw from the fray in the constituency which sees a four-way fight between them, BN and an independent candidates in the March 8 general election. DAP candidate Dr Hiew King Cheu lamented Christina Liew of PKR had refused to pull out before the three-day cooling-off period which expired at midnight on Wednesday. Hiew said Christina’s refusal to give way for the DAP has made it unavoidable for the two opposition parties to contest against each other, BN candidate Chin Teck Ming and independent Kong Yu Kong. Nevertheless, he wished Christina the best in the contest, saying that he would leave it to the voters to decide on who they want to elect to represent them in the Parliament. He reiterated that as far as the DAP is concerned, it has fulfilled its promise to PKR Sabah not to field its candidate in Api-Api state constituency so that Christina could have a one-to-one fight with the incumbent BN-PBS candidate Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai. “Many people including myself tried our best to convince her to pull out from the contest during the three- day cooling-off period so as not to clash with each other in the contest, but in vain,” said Hiew. “We shall now leave it to the voters in Kota Kinabalu to decide on who they want to choose to represent them in the Parliament and, we also wish her all the best in the contest,” he said. Hiew reminded the voters of Kota Kinabalu of DAP’s 41 years of unwavering struggles for the country and the people, as well as its proven track record in voicing out the people’s plights in Parliament. “If I’m elected, I will make the loudest noise that you’ll ever hear in Parliament in championing your causes and plights, unlike our existing BN MPs from Sabah who were obviously only good at ‘playacting’ when raising issues affecting the people of Sabah,” he said. Meanwhile, Christina also expressed disappointment with DAP’s decision to contest for P.172 Kota Kinabalu seat, saying that DAP should have given way to PKR to take on BN for the seat to avoid splitting the votes for the opposition. She said DAP had refused to withdraw from Kota Kinabalu contest although PKR had agreed to give way in Sandakan parliamentary constituency to allow them to concentrate on BN. We agreed to let go Tanjung Papat and Sandakan seats in return for Api Api and Kota Kinabalu. They should have returned the favour but unfortunately they didn’t,” she said. Christina said PKR had already picked their candidate Philip Lee to vie for Sandakan but the latter was instructed by the party headquarters to give way to DAP candidate in the spirit of partnership to topple BN. Regretting DAP’s move, she said PKR will give its best to win the seat and leave it to the voters to decide which opposition party is best to replace BN and have the ability to bring changes to them. “I believe voters are able to see who have the ability to form a government for Sabah,” said Christina, pointing that never in the history of Sabah that a single opposition party has fielded as many candidates as PKR in a general election. She said with a total of 55 candidates fielded for state seats and another 22 for parliamentary seats, PKR is aiming and has the capability to win the whole election to form a new state government, not just to win a few seats.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- OPPOSITION MANIFESTOS ABSURD, SAYS MUSA

Opposition manifestos absurd, says Musa

BELURAN:

The opposition manifestos, particularly that of the DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), were made at their whims and fancies and thus not acceptable. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman who described the manifestos as absurd, said the parties drew them up because they knew they could not deliver the promises as they would not be able to form the State nor the Federal Government. “They came up with the manifestos at will while the Barisan Nasional (BN) has proven and delivered the promises made. “The people are aware of this and can evaluate which is good and which is bad,” Musa, who is state BN chairman, told reporters after a meet-the-people session here yesterday. He is confident that BN will win big in Sabah as shown by the strong support from the people during his visits to Ranau, Tuaran and Beluran. On the claim by Sabah PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday that the PKR candidate who withdrew had been bought over, Musa said it was just talk. “Those who withdrew, did it voluntarily as they realised that their struggle is futile. Parties in turmoil cannot be expected to win and rule the country,” he said. Meanwhile, commenting on the uncontested win by BN in the Gum Gum state seat, the Chief Minister said it is an indication that the people have realized that only a BN Government can safeguard their interests. “It also shows that the opposition candidates themselves are demoralized by the inconsistency of their own leaders,” he said during the thanksgiving function at Gum Gum Assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Mohd Edris’ residence in conjunction with the win. Musa who is the BN Sungai Sibuga candidate, said the opposition were also aware the fact that BN would continue to rule and administer the State. He also noted that in a series of campaigning throughout the State which he attended, many people had expressed their full support for BN because they wanted continuity in development. “Although we have won Gum Gum, I want the Libaran election machinery to continue working hard to ensure victories for Barisan Nasional in Sungai Sibuga and Libaran,” he said. Musa has instructed Zakaria to continue with the election campaign to assist Libaran parliamentary candidate Datuk Juslie Ajirol to defend his seat. He is confident the people of Sabah will again give the mandate to BN to continue ruling the State.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- DON'T LET OPPOSITION RULE SABAH AGAIN, SAY PAIRIN

Don’t let opposition rule sabah again, say pairin

BONGAWAN:

The nine years Sabah spent under opposition rule outside of the Barisan Nasional (BN) should not be repeated again, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Pairin, who led the then opposition PBS rule between 1985 and 1994, described the period as a “meaningful experience” for the State and people, but stressed that there is still much left to strive for under the BN. “We joined the BN because our struggle is still not over yet and there is much left to be achieved for the sake of development and prosperity of the State,” he said during a meet-the-people session with BN component party leaders at Kampung Langsat here yesterday. Pairin, who is defending the Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan state seats, said when PBS rejoined the coalition in 2001, the party worked hard together with other component parties to achieve the aspirations for the State’s future. “This has brought about results in that we now see a measure of success under the BN Government and with the support of the State and Federal Governments, our economy and security have improved. “The opposition will constantly attempt to poison the minds of the people so that they will stop support for the BN Government through various claims and promises which we already know are only politically motivated. “However the BN Government under the leadership of Pak Lah (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) is close to our hearts because under his administration, the people, especially in the interior, are given due attention through the various development programmes planned out by the Government,” he said. Pairin added the BN Government had outlined various efforts to develop Sabah, such as focus on improving the living standards of rural communities under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), the promise of assistance for the poor and minority races under the 2008 Budget and the long-term development under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC). “In the BN manifesto themed ‘Selamat, Aman dan Makmur’ (Safe, Peaceful and Prosperous), it also touches on security such as efforts to tackle the presence of illegal immigrants in the State. “This is a sign that the Federal Government has not forgotten this issue, which was not touched in previous BN manifestos. “We no longer need to listen to what is being said by the opposition because what they are fighting for has constantly been voiced out by our elected representatives in Parliament and the State Assembly,” he said. Also present at the event were Deputy Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister and Kimanis parliamentary candidate for BN, Datuk Anifah Aman; Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Bongawan State candidate for BN, Datuk Karim Bujang; PBS secretary-general Johnny Mositun; PBS vice- president AK Aliuddin; PBS Bongawan division chief Datuk Claudius Sundang Alex and PBS Bongawan Wanita chief Angela Motuya.

FRIDAY-29TH FEBRUARY 2008- DON'T DOUBT MY ABILITY, SAYS SHANTY OF DAP

Don’t doubt my ability, says Shanty of DAP

SANDAKAN:

The people of Sabah have been urged to give their support to DAP candidates in the March 8 general election to have a strong opposition representation in the State Assembly and Parliament. “DAP wants to be a healthy opposition to help improve and not destroy the country. We are Malaysians and we love this country. The people need a strong opposition to supervise those who are managing the country,” DAP Sandakan parliamentary seat candidate Chong Chui Lin @ Shanty said yesterday. Chong pointed out the root cause of the problems faced by the country today is because it has some incapable leaders in the administration of the country. Those who do not have the ability to do the job well should be removed and replaced with more capable ones. “The Barisan Nasional Government is talking about implementing mega projects but they could not even resolve the basic infrastructure problems affecting the ordinary people in the State and when we still have people living in poverty,” she said. Chong added Malaysians in Sabah need DAP to play the role of a strong opposition to safeguard their permanent interests and prevent further losses due to incapable leaders in the State. A firm opposition will help to raise issues affecting them. On her candidacy for the Sandakan parliamentary seat, Chong said she had served in Sandakan with the Judicial Department and being a lawyer she is always in constant contact with people from the grassroots and understand their problems. “I am married to a local from Sandakan. I am offering to serve them as their elected representative to enable me to help voice out their problems in Parliament,” she said. For those doubting her ability because she is a woman, Chong described them as being ignorant as her track record speaks for itself and the fact there are many woman leaders in the world today. Chong also announced that DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang will be holding a political talk at the Yu Yuan Secondary School hall at 6pm this Saturday.