FRIDAY-14 MARCH 2008- SMK LIKAS HEAD PREFECT SCORES A FIRST

SMK Likas head prefect scores a first

KOTA KINABALU:

Saznizam Sazmee Sinoh, who scored 10As in the 2007 SPM examination, attributed his achievement to dedication and self-discipline. The head prefect of SMK Likas said he never took any tuition and revised his lessons consistently despite being actively involved in co-curriculum activities as School Librarian, President of English Club and Chess Club. In fact, Saznizam was involved in every activity in the school, so much so that his teachers nicknamed him the ‘troubleshooter’. Besides his busy school schedule, Saznizam attends karate classes four times a week and is now a brown- black belt holder. Saznizam is the first and the only student in the history of SMK Likas to achieve straight As in SPM examination. He dedicated his achievement to his parents and also attributed it to the guidance of his teachers.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- KK MEGAMALL RESUMES CONSTRUCTION

KK Megamall resumes construction

KOTA KINABALU:

Work to complete the KK Megamall in Likas here has resumed in full swing following the appointment of a new consultant for the urban development. Cyndi Liu, finance manager for project developer Ideal Prestige Sdn Bhd, said there was an “inevitable” delay to the project due to technicalities that arose with the previous consultant. “Things however are back in full swing, and the Board of Engineers of Malaysia has already given the green light for the appointment of new CNS engineers as consultants for the project,” she said at a press conference here yesterday. “We would like to assure everyone that we are expediting the work to complete the development as quickly as possible.” Liu said that while they had to push back the project’s completion, it would only be delayed for a few months with completion scheduled in the second half of 2009. The KK Megamall is a RM200 million joint development between Ideal Prestige and the Government Staff Sports and Welfare Council (MAKSAK) as the land owners, and is being built by Golden Kinabalikas Development Sdn Bhd as the main contractor. The mall will cover a total area of 18.5 acres with an expansive shopping arcade occupying the ground floor while the second to fourth floors will be set aside for car parks. The ground floor will be split between six sections which among others will include a hypermall section, a cosmetics section, a boutique section and a food and beverage section. “We have already entered negotiations with an international hypermarket company to occupy the mall as the main tenant and we will make an announcement on the deal at the appropriate time,” Liu said.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- PORNO MOVIES SOLD OPENLY BY CHILDREN

Porno movies sold openly by children

Pirated DVD peddlers are now actively and openly conducting their business at Beverly Hills Plaza along Jalan Bundusan, Penampang. Badri, a resident there, said the peddlers comprising young adults and children often pester people at the shops, especially at the coffeeshops and eateries there. “From my observation, these peddlers usually target the younger generation and what worries me most is that they are not only selling box office or newly released movies, but also pornographic movies. “With pornographic movies so easily available, the teenagers and young adults are encouraged to buy them,” he said. Badri is also disappointed that these peddlers are conducting their business openly as no action has been taken against them despite numerous complaints to the relevant authorities. He is also wondering where these people are getting their supply of pirated DVDs from and urged the authorities to get to the root of the judging from the peddlers’ dialects Public Hotline has forwarded matter. and features, he believes they are Badri’s complaint to the Penampang According to Badri further, foreigners. District Council for further action.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- ONLY LDP ASKED FOR POSTS AT MEETING: YONG

Only LDP asked for posts at meeting: Yong

KOTA KINABALU:

Cabinet lineup is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee. He stressed this yesterday when asked for comment on the new State Cabinet line-up, especially whether SAPP is going to follow the footsteps of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk VK Liew to ask for more posts in the State and Federal administrations. Yong also noted that that the Prime Minister and Chief Minister are fully aware of the political situation in the country and Sabah. “The PM and CM know what to do. Let’s not add pressure by demanding for posts through the newspapers. We can only say that Sabah and Sarawak should play a more effective and meaningful role at the Federal level. But we cannot interfere in the appointments of Cabinet, either State or Federal, by asking for this and that. If every party scrambles for posts, there will be chaos in the BN,” said Yong who is a former Chief Minister of Sabah. “Leaders are elected to serve, not to scramble for posts,” he added. Asked whether SAPP is going to ask for more posts for SAPP assembly members in the State Cabinet, Yong replied that the Chief Minister is fully aware of the composition of the State Legislative Assembly. “Under our constitution, which every lawyer should know, the appointment and dismissal of Cabinet members is the sole prerogative of the Chief Minister. If he deems necessary, he may consult other people such as political party leaders and relevant officials,” he pointed out. On Liew’s disclosure that they had asked for posts in both the Federal and State Governments at the BN Supreme .Council meeting on Monday, and whether he (Yong) too had asked for posts at that meeting, Yong replied that only LDP had made the request. Yong said the meeting was called to stabilise the political situation in the whole country, adding that the agenda was to discuss the reasons for BN’s huge loss to the opposition, the post-election implications and how to strengthen the BN Government. “All other component parties spoke on national issues and those affecting Sabah and Sarawak such as illegal immigrants, land and religious and racial polarisation. It was rather out of context for anybody to lobby for posts at that BN meeting,” he pointed out. On whether anyone spoke on the Cabinet line-up, Yong said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak did mention that Cabinet appointments is the prerogative of the Prime Minister but nobody was asked to submit proposals. “The PM also readout the number of seats contested and won by each component party. The PM knows what to do,” he related. Meanwhile, Yong disclosed that at the tea reception before the meeting, some component party leaders did indicate that they would opt out of Government posts. “Let them make their respective announcements. I managed to praise Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon for his statesmanship shown in dealing with defeat and handing over power to the opposition which has been merciless in their attacks on him all these years. Tan Sri Koh has become an even more respectable leader after his defeat. We should learn from him and others like the ex-Menteri Besar of Kedah, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid,” he said.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- WIND OF CHANGE STILL BLOWING, SAYS JEFFREY

Wind of change still blowing, says Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU:

The wind of change is still blowing in Sabah even though Parti Keadilan Rakyat (P1(R) has lost in the 12th General Election in the State, said Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. Jeffrey, who is the PKR national vice president, urged the people to think hard about the present situation and to be brave when come to voting. “Let us not become victims of political threats, intimidation, vote buying and cheating forever. We must put a stop to the rot! The wind of change is still blowing. There is still a chance that it will come this way sooner than most of us expected. So, think again,” he said in a statement yesterday. “To all our fellow Sabahans who voted for us, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support. Though we did not win any seat but judging from the number of votes that we had received, it is obvious that many of you have come to accept us and clearly want a change and for this we are extremely grateful. “We, however, believe that we could have won and formed the Government. As what has happened in the Peninsular, we too believe that for Sabah a change is inevitable and we look forward to your continued support. We pledge to continue serving our rakyat and to fight for their rights and that of the State,” he added.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- NATIVE CHIEF REP OVERCOME BY POLL CAMPAIGN EXHAUSTION

Native Chief Rep overcome by poll campaign exhaustion

KOTA KINABALU:

Karambunai Native Chief Representative Awang Laiman Duraman was hospitalized after facing breathing difficulties, believed to be caused by hyper exhaustion after taking part in the recent general election campaign for the Barisan Nasional. The 50-year-old senior member of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sabah Medical Hospital in Likas after complaining of breathing difficulties and fainted last week. Karambunai Assemblywoman Jainab Ahmad in disclosing this yesterday, said that despite having bad health condition, the Native Chief Representative who is a diabetic, actively took part in the BN election machinery activities to ensure the party win last Saturday’s election. “He is very committed to the BN’s struggle. His loyalty to the party as shown through his willingness to go to the ground and mobilize the election machinery even when he was not feeling well ought to be commended and appreciated,” said Jainab who visited Laiman at the hospital on Tuesday. Jainab who retained the Karambunai state seat after beating Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Awang Maidin Awang Apong in the 12th General Election last week, thanked Laiman and others who played an active role in ensuring the BN victory. She also thanked the constituents for giving her the mandate to represent the area for the second term and vowed to continue giving her best to serve the people. “This victory is not for me or BN but for everyone,” said Jainab, adding the people had made the right choice by allowing the BN to continue implementing the development agendas it had set for the constituency and the State. She said in addition to the development plans currently being implemented, there are still many things that need to be done to further develop the area and improve the livelihood of its residents. Among the development programmes that will be given priority are providing houses for those still living in squatter colonies, improving the drainage system, upgrading village roads and repairing old jetties used by local fishermen. “Many people are still squattering on Government and private land and we will try to provide and get them to move to proper houses. The squatter colonies have been a long-standing issue and difficult to solve. We want this to end,” she said. She stressed that squatter colonies are linked to various social and environmental issues and given the close proximity. of the constituency to the city centre, the problem need to be resolved immediately to prevent it from continuing to tarnish the image of the State. At the meantime, she said effort would be carried out to prevent more squatter houses from being built in the area. On the drainage improvement, she said her office is working closely with the Drainage and Irrigation Department to develop a better system to overcome the frequent flooding in Karambunai. “Apart from that we have asked for cooperation from developers undertaking development projects in this constituency to adopt safer and responsible approaches to prevent flash floods from occurring,” she said.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 208- MORE POSTS FOR TWO STATES?

More posts for two states?
Sabah, S’wak may be rewarded

KUALA LUMPUR:

Sabah and Sarawak, which delivered the bulk of parliamentary seats for a simple majority for Barisan Nasional, may be rewarded with a higher number of ministers in the Cabinet. A proposal to see a bigger representation from the two states was made at the Umno supreme council here on Monday and agreed by some of the council members. Sarawak single-handedly delivered the highest number of seats for Barisan, winning 30 out of the 31 parliamentary seats while Sabah won 24 out of the 25 seats. Umno sources said the council felt that the two states had performed well and there was a suggestion at the meeting that four MPs from each state should be made ministers. Sabah had three Cabinet members in the last Cabinet, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok who served as Minister in the Prime Ministers Department and Datuk Shafie Apdal who was the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister. Sarawak only had two representatives. They are Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi who served as Minister in the Prime Ministers Department and Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui. Johor, which won the second highest number of parliamentary seats, 25, had seven ministers in the last Cabinet. Sources said that the Cabinet to be formed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would probably be smaller. At present there are 32 Cabinet members including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. “In 2004 we had 199 MPs and now we have only 140. It is not necessary to have a bigger Cabinet. “If the Cabinet size remains the same, then we are going to have even fewer backbenchers in Parliament,” said a council member.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- TWO HOUSES DESTROYED, 27 MADE HOMELESS

Two houses destroyed, 27 made homeless

KOTA KINABALU:

Twenty- seven people were made homeless when a fire destroyed two semi- concrete houses at Kampung Cenderakasih in Kolombong yesterday afternoon. The fire also gutted a single-storey house occupied by 12 people. It was learnt that only an elderly man was in one of the houses but he escaped unhurt in the fire which started around 12.35pm. Four fire engines from Sembulan rushed to the scene. The fire was put under control within an hour and put off completely two hours later. All the fire victims would be temporarily putting up with their relatives or at the village’s multipurpose hall

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- SEARCH FOR MISS SABAH MALAYSIA WORLD 2008 IS ON

Search for Miss Sabah Malaysia World 2008 is on

KOTA KINABALU:

The national and State search is on for the Miss Sabah Malaysia World 2008 which is jointly organized by Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu Metro and Asia Pro Entertainment. This State-level event will be held on April 19 at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort. The theme for the Sabah pageant this year is “Beauty with Purpose”, and the winner will represent the State at the national level. The organizer is inviting participation from single, non-Muslim ladies aged between 18 and 25 years old on or before 31st December 2008. The selection will be held this Sunday at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort from 12.3Opm until 4.3Opm. Walk-in participants will also be accepted and they must bring along two sets of 4R full colour photos of portrait shot and full-length shot and in addition to bringing with them a cocktail dress and a pair of jeans. Various activities will be held for the selected finalists such as personal grooming sessions and charity visit to Seri Mengasih School where the contestants will spend time with the special children and plant fruit trees to promote care and love for the environment. The event will be offering attractive prizes worth RM15,000 for the winner, and RM10,000 and RM5,000 worth of attractive prizes for the first and second runner-up respectively. There will also be three subsidiary titles to be won. For the event, a special appearance will be made by current Miss Malaysia World 2007, Ms Deborah Priya Henry. The audience will also be entertained by the first Malaysian Idol winner and popular singer, Jaclyn Victor. Tickets for the event are sold at RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000, RM2,000, RM1,500 and RM1,000 and those who are interested can contact Mr Fairoz Khanat 016-8367470 and Mr Victor Gerard Kuasi at 019-8806637. Being a charitable event, proceeds of the pageant will be donated to a selected charity organization.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- OLD WOMAN DIES IN HIT AND RUN

Old woman dies in hit and run

LAHAD DATU:

A 63-year-old woman died after she was knocked down by a vehicle while crossing the road here on Tuesday night. The victim was knocked unconscious and was badly injured in the head. She was sent to the Lahad Datu Hospital by the public but passed away around 8pm on Tuesday. District Police Chief Superintendent Kamis Daming said the accident happened at Mile 4.5 Silam Road near Taman Harapan around 6.3Opm. He said the vehicle that knocked the woman down fled the scene and police had yet to locate it and the driver. Members of the public with information of the hit and run are urged to call the police.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- KENINGAU PRODUCES 50 TOP STPM ACHIEVERS

Keningau produces 50 top STPM achievers

KENINGAU:

Two students from SM Ken Hwa here were among the top 50 students in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examination last year. Umi Kelathum Abdul Ghani who will be 21 on May 1 this year, passed with five principles. She obtained an A in Pengajian Am, History and Business Study, a B in Bahasa Malaysia and a C in Economy. Her school mate Raymond Yapp Tze Loong, 20, scored an A in Mathematics and Physics and Bs in Pengajian Am and Chemistry. SM Ken Hwa principal Ng Kah Ghor described Umi and William as students who are not only academically dedicated but also active in the school’s co-curriculum.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- SM ST PATRICK TOP IN TAWAU WITH 98.4% RATE

SM St Patrick top in Tawau with 98.4% passing rate

TAWAU:

SM St Patrick with a 98.4 per cent passing rate in the 2007 SPM examination, has emerged as the top school in the district. Of the 249 students in the school who sat for the examination last year, 36 passed with flying colours. Among the top scorers were A.C. Liew Yeong Cherng who obtained 12A1sand 1A2, Chew Mei Yng (7A1 sand 7A2s), Teh Tzer Hui (9As and 3A2s), Cassandra Liew Khai Shin (9A1s and 2A2s), Hiew Vui Khi (7A1s and 4A2s) and Lee Jian Hong (7A1s and 4A2s). Top scorer A.C Liew, 18, said in an interview it was important to concentrate fully in class when the teachers were teaching. Liew said that he usually studied on his own as group studying was distracting and added, “I pray to God for inspiration.” “I have a study schedule but was unable to adhere to it,” Liew said, adding that the most effective way of studying for him was to concentrate on one subject a week and to do revision at least two hours a day, especially at night. It was not all work for Liew as the boy was very active in the school’s co-curricular activities. “I was the school’s head prefect, chief editor of the school’s magazine, leader of the St John’s movement there and also represented the school in the national science competition he said, adding that his ambition is to be a doctor. The second child among four siblings, Liew plans to pursue his A-level in order to achieve his ambition. Meanwhile, SMK Tawau maintained its position as one of the top schools in the State with a passing rate of 96.8 per cent compared to 95.9 per cent in 2006. Out of the 316 students who took the examination, 10 obtained excellent results. In the science stream, Fung Jin Yee and Chong Jung Syn were the top achievers with 11As, followed by Andi Amina Binti Andi Radi (9As), Boon Nyuk Phin (9As), Suadi Bin Nanang (9As), Sarizan Binti Sabari (8As), Masniah Binti Sukirman (7As), Mervyn Ng Jing Rong (7As), Roziella Binti Kurni (7As) and ThirumaniA/L Teigarajan (7As). Senior Assistant I Yap Ah Boon said the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for last year was 4.75 compared to 4.69 in 2006. Fung, 18, said studying on her own was more effective that group study and she advised students to always concentrate in class as well as to ask their teachers questions if they do not understand the lesson. “I’m very happy to achieve my target of scoring straight As. I wish to thank my teachers and my parents who drove me to and from tuition class. My ambition is to be a doctor,” she said. Meanwhile for Chong, 17, adopting a smart study method as well as concentrating in class and completing homework was part of his recipe for success. Chong said he spent at least an hour every night doing revision of the day’s lessons and would indulge in sporting activities such as futsal and badminton to release tension. Another school in the district, SMK Kuhara, obtained a passing rate of 96.2 percent compared with 93.6 percent for the previous year. SMK Kuhara’s 12 top scorers were Suresh Rangiah with 11As, Nurhidayah Juprin (9As, 1B), Jacquelime Chong Shy Yee (9As, 2Bs), Assikin Muhamd (10As, 2Bs), Munzier Mahamud (9As, 2Bs), Lim Pui Shen (9As, 2Bs), Sujendran A/L Thangarajoo (7As, 4Bs), Suaiba Kuraga (4As, 5Bs, 1C), Rima Bt Pammusu (6As, 4Bs, 2C), Katherine Thadeus (5As, 4Bs, 1C), Muhd Fawwaz Afham (7As, 3Bs, 1C) and Siswati Asis (4As, 3Bs, 3Cs, 1D). Its Senior Assistant I, Norlela Ansley, said the CGPA for last year was 5.06 compared to 5.13 CGPA in 2006. Top student Suresh, 18, felt happy and proud because he achieved his .target of getting straight As. Most of the time, he studied alone but would sometimes took part in motivational programmes at his school and attended tuition classes. “I used reference books for my revision and I studied when I was free. During my leisure time, I like to read books and play computer. Right now, I wish to apply for matriculation and STPM as I want to become a doctor in the future,” he said.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- 94 SABAH STUDENTS SCORE STRAIGHT AS FOR ALL SPM SUBJECTS

94 Sabah students score straight As for all SPM subjects

KOTA KINABALU:

Ninety-four students in Sabah scored straight As for all the subjects they had sat for in the 2007 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. State Education Deputy Director Hj Muhiddin Yusin, who disclosed this when announcing the SPM results here yesterday, said this was an improvement as the number of students who scored straight As in 2006 was 87. “Of the 94 students who scored straight As, 11 obtained A1s and 83 scored A1s and A2 in all the subjects they had taken. And out of the 30035 students in Sabah who sat for the examination last year, 28,451 achieved full certificate as compared to 26,566 in 2006,” he said. Among the top 10 students in Sabah were Ho Gen Nen from SM Lok Yuk Kota Kinabalu who scored 15 straight As in all the subjects, while Elsha Liew Shu Ying and Poh Fei Lim from SM All Saints Kota Kinabalu both scored straight 12As. Six other students who scored 11As were Chua Chinn Ham, Girish Menon A/L Jayaram, Anderson Chin Hing Yick of SM All Saints Kota Kinabalu,; Suresh Rangiah of SMK Kuhara Tawau; Rasliana Mohammad Lam of SMK Sepagaya Lahad Datu and Tony Voo Yau Pong of SMK Sung Siew Sandakan. Fatin Syafiqah Wasimin from SM Sains Sabah scored 10As. According to Muhiddin, the 2007 SPM results were better than in 2006. “Besides improvement in the number of students who scored straight As in all the subjects that they had sat for, the number of the students who passed in all the subjects had also increased from 12,000 in 2006 to 13,211 last year,” he added. Muhiddin also disclosed that of the 102 subjects taken by the students in Sabah in the 2007 SPM, 51 recorded 100 percent passes. Some of the subjects were Pengajian Agroteknologi, Pengajian Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Pengajian Kejuruteraan Eletrik & Eletronik and Pengurusan Pakaian,

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- POLICE INTERVIEW POLITICIAN OVER LEAFLETS

Police interview politician over leaflets

KOTA KINABALU:

The city police on Tuesday interviewed a senior party leader over the distribution of illegal leaflets containing slogans inciting hatred towards the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and its candidate, Christina Liew, two days before the 12th General Election However, the city police did not reveal the details of the interview except saying that investigation was still ongoing. The police investigation was following police reports lodged by Christina and Datuk Philip Yong, a former deputy president of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) after the incident where a group of youths was found distributing the leaflets in the vicinity of Bornion Centre. With the help from members of the public, SAPP members apprehended four of them, including their driver. They were later handed over to the police who rushed to the scene after being contacted.

THURSDAY-13 MARCH 2008- FEW CHANGES EXPECTED

Few changes expected

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman is likely to maintain the status quo in the composition of the new State Cabinet among the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties. “We don’t expect many changes in terms of the composition though individual parties may be putting in new faces in the Cabinet,” a senior BN official indicated yesterday. However, a balance is being struck in terms of party representations in the State Cabinet and the Federal Cabinet, according to reliable sources from the ruling coalition. The key in the composition is to strengthen the coalition in the wake of major electoral setbacks in Peninsular Malaysia, the BN officials said, adding they expect the new State Cabinet line-up to be in place by Friday or next Monday. Sabah Umno is expected to bring in at least two new faces to the State Cabinet and among the names being mentioned were Klias Assemblywoman Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun and Apas Assemblyman Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan. In the previous terms, Azizah was Deputy Federal Housing and Local Government Minister, while Tawfiq was State Assistant Rural Development Minister. Speculations are that PBS President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan may be headed for a federal portfolio. If this materialises, then the post of Deputy Chief Minister slated for the non-Muslim Bumiputera quota under the BN power-sharing formula would be filled up by a senior leader from the party. Sources from PBS said incumbent Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Radin Malleh would stand a good chance of being promoted to a full minister. In the last 11-member State Cabinet, Sabah Umno held five Cabinet portfolios and PBS two, with SAPP and UPKO holding one each. Of the 14 assistant minister positions, Umno held seven, PBS four and one each from SAPP, Sabah MCA and UPKO. Sabah BN won 59 of the 60 state seats and 24 of the 25 parliamentary seats in the just-concluded March 8 elections with Musa being sworn in for his second term as Chief Minister before Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah at the Istana negeri here, the next day on Sunday. Umno won 32 state seats, PBS 12, UPKO five, SAPP four, LDP three and one each for Sabah MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS). In the previous Federal Cabinet, Sabah was represented by full ministers, namely Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Datuk Mohd Shafle Apdal and two Deputy Federal Ministers, Datuk Anifah Aman and Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun. UPKO leaders had stated that allowing Dompok to contest in Penampang was a strategic move to ensure KDM-based party’s representation in the Federal Cabinet. Senior leaders from Sabah like Pairin, SAPP President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, UPKO Secretary-General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and some other BN leaders have indicated the need for both Sabah and Sarawak to be given important roles in the Federal Government. Thus far, only Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has publicly requested for one full Minister and one Assistant Minister posts. Recently, LDP President Datuk V KLiew said the party wanted their single State Cabinet portfolio maintained and it is also learned that LDP has requested for a Cabinet post at the federal level. A senior PBRS leader Datuk Kadoh Agundong had also indicated that the sole elected assemblyman from the party should be made a full minister. As for the SAPP, which delivered all the two parliamentary and four state seats allocated to it, Yong had said the party was not going to put any pressure on the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister by making demands. “The PM and CM know what to do. Let’s not add pressure by demanding for posts through the newspapers. “We can only say that Sabah and Sarawak should play a more effective and meaningful role at the Federal level,” he said, adding that scrabbling for posts would only create chaos. “Leaders are elected to serve, not to scramble for posts,” said Yong, who was Chief Minister from 1996-1997 under the Rotation System which has since been abolished. In another development, Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) President Datuk Patrick Sindu, who lost in the Papar parliamentary seat which was retained by BN-Umno incumbent Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, reckoned that Sabah and Sarawak should demand for bigger representation in the new Federal Cabinet. He said the two East Malaysian states which delivered a total of 54 parliamentary seats between them, should request for a Deputy Prime Minister’s post in addition to three full portfolios respectively. “The Sabah and Sarawak’s State Governments should also ask the Federal Government to increase the oil royalty from the present five per cent to 25 per cent,” said Patrick, who also lauded the new Penang State government’s decision which requires all the elected representatives to declare their assets.