THURSDAY-10 APRIL 2008- RONALD MAY BE MADE DEPUTY SPEAKER

Ronald may be made Deputy Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR:

While the search continues for the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, the Barisan Nasional (BN) has nominated two Members of Parliament, one from Sarawak and another from Sabah, for the posts of Deputy Speakers. A well-placed source said five-term MP Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Santubong, Sarawak) and three-term MP Datuk Ronald Kiandee Beluran, Sabah) were being considered for the posts. “Both were picked as the main choices for the post of Deputy Speakers while the search for the speaker’s position continues,” the source told Bernama here yesterday. The speaker may be an MP or non-member who is qualified for election into the House. The Deputy Speaker must however, be an MP. The functions of the Speaker include maintaining order in the Dewan Rakyat, ensuring that relevancy is observed during debates and interpreting the standing Orders, in case of disputes. The Deputy Speakers assist the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and chair proceedings by rotation in the absence of the Speaker. Wan Junaidi when contacted, confirmed that he was informed unofficially on the matter and expressed his willingness to serve in the position, if given the chance. I still have to go through the process of being elected in the Dewan Rakyat first. For the moment, I don’t have anything to comment,” he said. Sources said Wan Junaidi was informed of the plans to name him as the Deputy Speaker by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during their meeting in Kuching last Friday. The same goes for Ronald who was also told informally on the matter, two days ago in Kota Kinabalu. Ronald, when contacted, confirmed that he had been informed about the matter informally, but refused to reveal more information. “I prefer to wait for the official statement if they decide to nominate me. “Informally, yes, they have told me but not officially,” he said, without elaborating. If elected, Ronald will follow the footsteps of former Kinabatangan MP Datuk Juhar Mahiruddin who was elected Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from Dec 5, 1990 to Nov 10, 1999. Nominations for the new Speaker are expected to be known in the near future as speculations are rife that the post will be given to an elected members from Sabah or Sarawak. But there is also speculation that the post might be filled by a non-parliamentarian, particularly from the Judiciary like a former judge. It has been reported that the Prime Minister wants to reward Sabah and Sarawak BN with the above- mentioned posts due to their excellent performances in the recent general election. For the Speaker’s post, there is talk that veteran politician and former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia is the main contender after he was reported to have agreed to the post. - Bernama.

THURSDAY-10 APRIL 2008- I WILL NEVER DRIVE TRAIN AGAIN: VICTIM

I WILL NEVER DRIVE TRAIN AGAIN: VICTIM

TENOM:

Jividol Thadeus may never drive another train again following the tragic accident at Lubang Batu, about three kilometres from here yesterday. The train incident which claimed two lives, three seriously injured and 23 escaped with just minor bruises and cuts, has now become his worst experience. “This is my first and last experience ... I will never drive the train again,” said the 49-year-old from Kampung Sugud, Penampang. Jividol joined the Sabah Railway Department 30 years ago and was assigned to drive the train nine years ago. “I have been going through the route all this while. We would take passengers to and from Beaufort and Tenom twice daily. “We left the Tenom Station at 2.5Opm (yesterday) for Beaufort. At around 3.O5pm, the soil suddenly fell and the locomotive and one of the two carriages plunged into the water,” he said when recalling the incident. All he could do was pray and tried his very best to save his life. So were all the other passengers. “I never expected this to happen.. I cut my forehead and had a few bruises on my buttock and chest while trying to get out of the locomotive.., this by far is my worst experience,” he said. His three minutes under water seemed to take forever, but he used all his might to swim up. “There was nothing anybody could do but to save themselves. I just sat on the railway after the incident, everything seemed numb at that time,” said Jividol from his hospital bed. Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue Services Department Deputy Director Laupen Nuar said they would be going to the site today to investigate on the incident. “We believe there was a landslide that caused the accident. It was raining heavily when we reached there,” he said when contacted. Laupen said a distress call was received at 3.15pm and firemen were rushed to the scene where the train plunged 20 feet into the water. “The water level subsided after the Pangi Dam was closed, allowing us to carry out search operation for the two victims. “We managed to pull out the first victim, a woman, from the wreckage at 6.3Opm, and the second body of a man, who was trapped under the train about four minutes later,” he said, adding that identity of both bodies could not be determined as no documents were found on them. The bodies were sent to the district hospital for post-mortem.

THURSDAY-10 APRIL 2008- TWO PASSENGERS DEAD WHILE 26 ARE INJURED; 13 ESCAPE

Two passengers dead while 26 are injured; 13 escape

TENOM:

Two passengers were killed and 26 others injured, three seriously, when the train they were traveling in, derailed and plunged into Sungai Padas here during a wet weather late yesterday afternoon. The dead, a man and a woman in their 40s have yet to be identified as the Police wanted to contact their nearest kin first. District Police Chief DSP Mazlan Lazim said the tragedy occurred near Kampung Tenom Lama, four kilometers from the town here shortly after the train departed from the station at 2.5Opm. Mazian who was met at the scene said the train was carrying 41 passengers in two passenger carriages. It was drizzling when the train left the station for Beaufort and the area where the accident occurred was water-logged. The condition of the ground caused the earth to soften and gave way when the train was passing through the area, apparently unable to bear its weight. The train cab and first carriage plunged into the river. The second carriage was seen still hanging precariously on the damaged tracks, saving the remaining other passengers from possible injuries and death. Mazian said the woman’s body was recovered at about 6.3Opm while the man’s body was found at 6.3Opm. Both bodies have been sent to the District Hospital for a post mortem. The train driver only sustained minor injuries but his assistant suffered a broken leg, according to him. All the injured victims including one suspected to have fractured his hips were sent to the District Hospital for treatment. A search and rescue team comprising 16 firemen and 20 police personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene when the report was received at 3.15pm. Some of the shocked survivors of the tragedy said when interviewed by Borneo Post reporters that the whole thing happened very fast, describing it as frightening. Those who survived unscathed, said it was like being given a new lease of life. “The whole thing happened in just seconds. Before we knew it the train started to list to the side and plunge into the river,” said Jesilau Sarawah, from Kampung Pangi. Jesilau who was in the front carriage with three of his siblings related that when the train started to fall into the river, passengers started screaming in fright and that caused everyone to panic. “In a blink of an eye, the train cab and the first carriage were already in the waters of the swollen river. So I jumped out of the window and started to pull my siblings out one by one. After that we went to help other passengers,” he said. A regular train commuter, Jesilau said the train was travelling at its normal speed but it started to slide down when it reached the area. Another survivor Suriah Tukit, also from Kampung Pangi, could not remember how she sustained her head injury as the whole thing happened really fast. “I was sitting in the front carriage and was not aware of what happened. The train jolted to a stop and all I heard people screaming. My son was trying to pull me out of the window,” she said, adding that she was thankful that the other family members were unhurt. Siawon Anditom, from Kampung Ponotomon, said she managed to crawl out of the window before the carriage started to slide into the river. “Only after I was out of the carriage did I realise the gravity of the accident especially when I noticed how swift flowing the river was,” she said, adding that she was travelling with her sister Elou. The train service is their regular transport to Tenom Town and they have yet to experience any as frightening as yesterday’s incident. “We did not hear anything prior to the incident... it was so fast. We only realised that something had happened when the train stopped suddenly,” she said. Meanwhile at the train station in Beaufort, anxious and worried family members were waiting for news from their kin who were travelling on the train. A man who did not want to be identified said his brother-in- law was on the train which should have arrived at Beaufort at 4.2Opm, “I have tried calling his handphone but was unable to get through and I am very worried as to his fate,” he said. Beaufort Station Master, Brahim Ag Besar, when met said, the train service between Tenom and Beaufort had been stopped temporarily. According to him, normally about 100 people use the train service daily but the number increases on weekends, public holidays and during festivals. Brahms who has been in service with the State Railways Department for 28 years, said this was the first time a train had plunged into the river. “In the past we had derailments and trains jumping off the tracks but never anything like this,” he said. The route from Beaufort to Tenom takes about two and a half hours with several stops at small stations along the way such as Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh and Pangi, the starting point for white water rafting.

THURSDAY-10 APRIL 2008- PENSIANGAN SEAT: CANDIDATES FILE PETITIONS

Pensiangan seat: Candidates file petitions

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Danny Anthony Andipai and Independent candidate Saineh b Usau have separately filed an election petition at the High Court here to challenge the validity of the result of the Pensiangan parliamentary seat in the 12th General Election. Danny, 41, filed his petition through Counsel Ansari Abdullah at the High Court’s Registry at 3.07pm yesterday, naming Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and Election Commission Returning Officer Bubudan OT Majalu as the first and second respondents respectively. Saineh filed his petition about 4.3Opm through his Counsel Arthur Borine, naming Sabah State Election Officer Bubudan and Joseph as the first, second and third respondents respectively. In their respective petitions, Danny and Saineh are seeking among others, an order from the Court that the election of the first respondent, Joseph Kurup as null and void under Section 32(b) of the Election Offences Act 1954. Saineh is also asking the Court to declare the conduct of the said nomination election as unlawful, null and void. Kurup, who is Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) President, won the Pensiangan seat uncontested after the nomination papers of the other candidates were rejected by the Returning Officer. In the fact of the petition, Danny said he arrived at the nomination centre at the Nabawan District Council Hall about 9.35am on Feb 24 this year and gave his personal details together with that of his proposer and seconder to the police counter in front of the entrance to the said hall. He then entered the nomination centre and was given a piece of paper bearing number 10 and proceeded to pay his deposit of RM10,000 and also paid the sum of RM5,000 required as deposit for campaign materials. About 9.55am, one of the Election Officers closed and locked the entrance to the nomination centre. Danny was then asked by Election Officer Rose Sufi to hand over his nomination papers to the second respondent (Bubudan) and he did it accordingly. However, he was shocked when he was informed by the second respondent that he was late in delivering his nomination papers and refused to accept the same. He tried to explain that he was unable to hand over his nomination papers as the second respondent was occupied with another candidate but the second respondent was adamant in his refusal. Danny then contacted his advocate, Ansari who advised him to lodge a police report at the police counter. As he was proceeding to lodge a police report, he was advised ‘not to do so by Assistant Returning Officer Osman Aganduk @ Fendi who said to the second respondent, “Tuan boleh daftar, saya sudah called SPR” (You can register sir, I have called the Election Commission). After that, the second respondent accepted Danny’s nomination papers and subsequently that of the other candidates, Paul Bunsu b Gitang @ Paul Gitang and Saineh b Usau, and posted all the three nomination papers for objection. The second respondent closed the period for objection to nomination papers about 11am and went on to accept the nomination of the first respondent for the above election and the other nominations, including that of Paul for N37 Sook. Danny was shocked when the second respondent announced that the first respondent (Kurup) was returned unopposed and declared him as being duly elected for the election as the nomination papers of him and Saineh were rejected. He further said that no reason was given by the second respondent in the announcement made for the nomination and election of the first respondent and the rejection of the nomination papers of the petitioner. Danny later went to lodge a police report on what had transpired during the nomination at the Nabawan Police Station about 4pm on the same day. He claimed that the second respondent (Bubudan) had planned to make available only one counter for delivery of nomination papers for the three constituencies of P182 Pensiangan, N37 Sook and N38 Nabawan. He further claimed that the second respondent had purposely delayed the process of delivery of nomination papers by making himself unduly busy attending to the purported independent candidate, Fatimah Agitor, and answering telephone calls on his hand phone during the period of nomination and had failed to delegate the Assistant Returning Officers the duty and/or power to accept the delivery of nomination papers during the period of nomination to enable the first respondent to be returned unopposed in the election. Saineh meanwhile claimed that he approached the second respondent (Bubudan) for an explanation as to why was his nomination was rejected but the second respondent did not entertain him. The second respondent also refused to show the register book that recorded the submission time of his nomination paper. Saineh stated that there was no objection at all for his nomination documents and/or at least if there was any, of which he was not made aware of, the second respondent should have notified him so that he could accordingly clarify or defend himself against any so-called objection. He claimed that he was never late in submitting his nomination documents having been accepted and pasted on the notice board. If at all (which is denied) he was late in submitting his nomination documents, then the second respondent should not have accepted the documents. He further claimed that by pasting his nomination papers on the notice board, it clearly indicated that the nomination papers were submitted within the time period provided by Rule 6(2)(b) of the Election (Conduct of Election) Regulations1981. Saineh added there was no objection received from any other candidate against the nomination documents for Pensiangan. He further claimed that the second respondent not only did not comply with the provision of any written law relating to the election but the election was not conducted according to the principles of such election in that the election/returned unopposed of the third respondent (Kurup) was decided by the second respondent and not decided by the electorate of Pensiangan constituency.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-NO POLICY FOR SWIMMING POOLS AT CONDOS:CITY HALL

No policy for swimming pools at condos: City Hall

KOTA KINABALU:

The City Hall does not have any swimming pool policy for condominiums and apartments. Its Director General, Datuk Dr Chua Kim Heng, urged condominium and apartment residents to form a committee and hold a meeting with their building management to discuss about safety at swimming pools. Chua made the suggestions yesterday when asked whether City Hall has any policy for building swimming pools near the condominiums and apartments. “City Hall does not have such policy yet. However, it has a requirement to ensure the safety of the residential buildings,” he said. “In future, I hope an authority would implement the enforcement, just like in any condominiums and apartments in other developing countries for the safety of the residents. “In other countries, the management of the buildings even security personnel to ensure the safety of the residents,” he said. Chua pointed out it would be much better for parents or the management of the condominiums and apartments to provide life jackets at the swimming pools and security too. “This is for their safety and their children or to ensure their children use them by the time they approach the swimming pool for a swim. “The second measure is to have parents or adult family members escort the children to the swimming pool is because we never know what could happen. “The only security aspect under City Hall is the architectural design of the condominium and apartment buildings, including the swimming pools that must adhere to the specification which could be approved by City Hall,” he said. Asked on the kind of specification for the swimming pools, Chua said: “For example, the swimming pools should have a gate and must be certain feet away fro the gate, according to the City Hall requirement. The swimming pool grounds should not be slippery.” On whether the developers oft] condominiums and apartment should separate the swimming pool for adults and children, Chua replied “Yes, two areas are separated, that is, the adult area of the swimming pool would be deeper and the children’s should not be deep. “However, for high class hotel City Hall has a requirement for the owners to ensure the safety of the’ customers at their swimming pool “That is why the hotel owners concerned must hire security, but hope the policy would be here for the condominium and apartment residents too or other body authority could implement the policy because it concerns the safety of residents,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-PM'S VISIT DISSAPPOINTMENT FOR SABAHANS:JEFFREY

PM’s visit disappointment for Sabahans: Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU:

The visit to Sabah by the Prime Minister on Monday was a total disappointment for Sabahans who expected something “solid” on the State’s needs and aspirations from him, said a senior leader from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that before Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi came here, the Premier knew what Sabahans wanted and yet he came and left without much to offer. “He (Abdullah) did not bring anything solid from Kuala Lumpur and came only to give all sorts of vague statements and promises about the future with nothing specific (for Sabah),” he said yesterday. Jeffrey said Abdullah should have been very specific and firm, and addressed the issues directly, stating decisions and clear answers. What happened was that many things were still hanging in the air and there was still a lot of doubts about a lot of things. “We in PKR support the demands of the Sabah MPs because those demands are also reflected in the PKR manifesto — that it is high time KL gives some respect and appreciation of the contributions of Sabah to Malaysia,” said Jeffrey. “The issues of Borneonization and the 20 Points are very important matters which KL should now address. I strongly feel that at least 50 percent of the Federal posts in Sabah should be held by Sabahans,” he stressed. Jeffrey said Abdullahs promise of giving more positions to Sabahans “but it will take time” is very vague and uncertain as it carried no time frame.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-MONITORING SYSTEM AT KKIA TO BE ENHANCED

Monitoring system at KKIA to be enhanced

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Customs Department is strengthening its monitoring system at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport ( KKIA) following another attempt by a foreign drug syndicate to smuggle syabu into the State through the entry point early this year. “We recently intercepted an attempt to bring in 800 grammes of crystalline substance from Cebu, Philippines. The security level has been increased with all personnel at the Airport on full alert,” said its Director, Datuk Md Yusop Mansor. He said the incident in January was the second since Last year with both involving Philippine citizens trying to sneak syabu into Sabah. Syabu is a popular synthetic drug among addicts in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. In the first case last year a passenger of a flight from Hong Kong was found trying to smuggle the same type of drug at the Airport. Syabu which is believed to be originated from the Philippines, is now produced in Malaysia and a few other neighbouring countries as its popularity continues to increase. “We don’t want Kota Kinabalu or Sabah for that matter to become a transit point for drugs trafficking and are doing more to ensure we have the capability to ensure this won’t happen,” Yusop said at a press conference here yesterday. “An additional 122 personnel have been approved by the Ministry, bringing the overall number of Customs personnel at the Airport to around 180.” On another development, Yusop said the Department wanted to play an active role to get rid the City and towns in the State of street kids, especially those who are peddling contraband. In responding to calls from various parties for the Government to take more concrete measures to resolve the street kids issue, he said the Department is planning to conduct major operations in Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Sandakar and other towns in the State, targeting children selling smuggled cigarettes and pirated VCDs. “We know that many of these street kids make their living by selling contraband. This is where we can get in,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-REMOVE ILLEGAL PARABOLA DISHES OR FACE ACTION:CUSTOMS

Remove illegal parabola dishes or face action: Customs

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Customs Department yesterday issued a warning to house owners here to remove illegal parabola dishes or risk facing action. Its Director, Md Datuk Yusop Mansur, said the Department is giving those who have such equipment installed at their homes to dismantle them before a special house-to-house operation is carried out in’ two weeks’ time. Speaking at a press conference at the State Customs Headquarters here yesterday, he said the Department had gathered intelligence from several residential areas in and around the State Capital and identified around 100 houses with parabola dishes, most of them suspected to be illegal. He said numerous complaints had been received from the public recently that many houses around the City are illegally using parabola dishes to receive television programmes from around the world. Parabola equipment is a prohibited item under the Customs Prohibition and Imports Order 1988. Importation of and usage of such equipment are strictly controlled where permit and licence from the relevant authorities are required before one can import and install them at their premises. “We have identified and taken the picture of some 100 houses that have parabola system and will launch an operation to check whether they are licensed or not. So, I urge those who have installed them illegally to remove them within two weeks,” he said. Yusop did not rule out that some of the users of the illegal equipment are public figures and VIPs. He said the Department is trying to resolve the problem without humiliating them. He reminded that under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967, those found possessing prohibited goods such as parabola dishes are liable to be fined between 10 and 20 times of the amount of the Customs duty or jailed for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-CHICKEN WINGS NOW TAXABLE,SAYS CUSTOMS

Chicken wings now taxable, says Customs

KOTA KINABALU:

Many chicken wing importers and traders in the State are not aware that the Government has introduced a new tax for the popular item, according to State Customs Department Director Datuk Md Yusop Mansor. Md Yusop called a press conference yesterday to announce the introduction of the new tax to avoid confusion among traders and consumers. From April 1, a tax of 20 to 30 percent has been imposed for chicken wings which were previously a non-taxable item. “Many were shocked and unsatisfied as to why the item is now being taxed. It’s already more than a week since the introduction of the tax but I think there is still a need for an announcement to be made as many are still not aware of this new rule,” he said. He explained the 20 percent tax is for those with a quota to sell the item while the 30 percent is for those with no quota. “We are just the enforcement agency but I’m sure there is a good reason behind the introduction of these new taxes,” he added. Chicken wings are a popular snack among the locals and could be found available even at restaurants and roadside stalls.

WEDNESDAY-9 APRIL 2008-HAZE:PREPARE FOR THE WORST

HAZE: Prepare for the worst

PUTRAJAYA:

Smog from forest fires, which costs Southeast Asian economies billions in lost tourist dollars, could worsen as changing weather patterns cause an unusually dry spell, the Region’s Environment Ministers warned yesterday. The effects of the La Nina weather phenomenon are expected to wear off in the third quarter of this year, which could result in arid conditions, the Ministers said, quoting a forecast from the Asean Meteorological Centre. “This could lead to drier periods and the possibility of escalating hotspot activities during the coming dry season,” Environment Ministers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei said in a statement. La Nina refers to an abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, while its counterpart El Nino refers to a warming of surface temperatures. Since 1997, peat and forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo Islands have triggered a choking haze which billows across the Region, affecting Singapore, Malaysia and parts of Thailand. The Asean Ministers had gathered in the Malaysian administrative Capital ‘to discuss the haze, which usually occurs around mid-year as farmers and timber and plantation firms in the region openly burn plots of land ahead of the planting season. Asean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, groups Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and The Philippines. “We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar told reporters. “We are not going to delude ourselves that we are going to wipe out all the haze. There will be some burning, some haze.” Near-annual bouts of haze have made many people ill across a wide area of Southeast Asia, cost local economies billions of dollars and badly hit the tourism and airline sectors. Singapore appealed to tourists not to avoid the Region during the period as has happened in the past. Southeast Asia is a magnet for big-spending visitors from the Middle East in July and August, as they seek to escape the scorching summer back home. “Please come and visit the region,” Singapore Environment Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said. Rachmat said Indonesia is confident of reducing the number of illegal fires or “hot spots” this year, saying they had been reduced by 51 percent in 2007 in key provinces and this pace of improvement should continue. “We are consolidating our efforts and working together with our neighbours,” he said. “We have significantly reduced the number of hot spots in both Kalimantan and Sumatra since last year, and we hope to maintain this trend in 2008 with cooperation from our neighbours.” Indonesia has yet to ratify a regional treaty charted in 2002 on preventing the haze. Indonesia and The Philippines are the only members of Asean which would compel Indonesia to create a strict zero-burning policy. The haze hit its worst level in 1997-98, costing the region an estimated nine billion dollars by disrupting air travel, tourism and other business activities as smoke enveloped the region. The five nations again meet on the issue on June 26 in Singapore.

TUESDAY-8 APRIL 2008-ONLY 4WD VEHICLES CAN USE TEMPORARY K'GAU-KIMANIS ROAD

Only 4WD vehicles can use temporary K’gau—Kimanis Road

KENINGAU:

The temporary Keningau-Kimanis Road at Mile 10 was opened to all types of fourwheel drive vehicles yesterday following a landslide last month. However, light vehicles, including express buses, defied the order of the Public Works Department (PWD) and used the road, putting their passengers at risk. District Police Chief DSP Zahari Mohammed advised road users, especially those driving light vehicles, to obey the instruction from the PWD. “I advise drivers of light vehicles and express buses not to use this temporary road because it is dangerous,” he told reporters after monitoring the opening of the temporary road here yesterday with PWD and police personnel. Zahari said police would be stationed at the temporary road to ensure light vehicles do not use the road. “I advise road users to follow the instruction from time to time from the PWD because there is a high risk of using the temporary road, especially during the rainy season which could become muddy and slippery,” he said. On March 25, the new Keningau- Kimanis Road at Mile 10 was cut off by a serious landslide. Works to build a temporary road started two days after the incident and were fully completed and opened to four- wheel drive vehicles from yesterday.

TUESDAY-8 APRIL 2008-ABDULLAH ENDORSES MUSA'S LEADERSHIP

Abdullah endorses Musa’s leadership

KOTA KINABALU:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has endorsed the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. Abdullah pointed out that Musa had managed to keep the State Barisan Nasional coalition parties united and he also said that there is a need to further strengthen the BN administration in Sabah. He stated this during a dinner with leaders of State BN component parties hosted by the State Government at Magellan Hotel here last night. During a meeting with the Sabah leaders earlier yesterday, Abdullah thanked Sabahans for giving the mandate to the BN in last month’s general election. “I wish to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations and thanks to everyone and the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Aman) for the cooperation in the BN which led to the big victory in the general election,” he said. Leaders of the eight Sabah BN component parties had expressed their appreciation to Abdullah for having listened to their views and having agreed to consider their requests made at the meeting with him. They also expressed support for Abdullah as the BN Chairman.

TUESDAY-8 APRIL 2008-STREET CHILDREN PROBLEM AMONG ISSUES DISCUSSED

Street children problem among issues discussed

KOTA KINABALU:

A legal framework to tackle the street children problem was among the issues discussed between the Prime Minister and the State Barisan Nasional leaders here yesterday. Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee when met after the meeting, said it was important to tackle the street children issue now before it gets any worse. “The existing street children are already in the second generation now. If we do not tackle it soon, their population might rise to thousands and it would be difficult to tackle then,” he said, adding each street kid comes from different background. “Meaning, sometimes both of their parents are foreigners or either one of the parents is foreigner. We have to approach the issue differently and we have to come up with a legal framework to tackle it. They are not actually committing any offence. They are just on the streets, thus causing social problems. “This is human misery and if not tackled fast, it would create a bigger problem in the future,” he said. Asked whether he had voiced out the non-representation of SAPP in the Federal Cabinet, Yong answered: “We had spoken the issue in general.” Parti Bersatu Sabah President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan described the one-to-one meeting with Abdullah as cordial, stressing that they had the Premier’s full attention deliberating on heartfelt issues. “We had also raised on the oil royalty issue, hoping that the Federal Government would consider to review it positively,” he said. Pairin also said that they had also raised the issue pertaining to the appointment of the High Court Judge for Sabah and Sarawak, which is currently being done by the Registrar at the High Court of Malaya. “We are all in Malaysia. We have our rights and boundaries, rules and regulations. It is a matter they need to look at. There is a need for administrative change so that we will be able to appoint our own High Court Judge,” he said. Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup and Liberal Democratic Party President Datuk V K Liew had also raised similar issues.

TUESDAY-8 MARCH 2008-PAK LAH: I WILL NOT STAY LONGER THAN I SHOULD

Pak Lah: I will not stay longer than I should

KOTA KINABALU:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday he would not stay longer than he should as: Prime Minister. “I would retire one day but I could not leave in this kind of political scenario. I will retire one day, of course. I’m not going to stay longer: than I should. “I have named (Deputy Prime Minister” Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as my successor. “How can I leave the Government and the Party in this condition? There is still a lot that need to be done and I still have responsibilities,” he told reporters after meeting Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders here yesterday. Abdullah said there maybe times when people were not satisfied with his performance but he was doing his level: best to ensure everything was carried out well to ensure the goals were met. “I am a responsible leader. I want to make sure that the economics stable and only then we can lure more investor to come in. I have also increased the values from the previous Government and implemented a lot of programmes to benefit the people,” he stressed yesterday. On naming Najib as his successor, Abdullah said in jest: “Of course. Are you in doubt that you have to ask me again?” “Datuk Seri Najib understands me more than you can understand me. I am not going to stay on for years. Certainly not,” he added. The Prime Minister said on Sunday Najib was his successor and that they had no problems between them.

TUESDAY-8 APRIL 2008-CABINET TO DECIDE ON SABAH FEDERAL DEVT DEPT:ABDULLAH

Cabinet to decide on Sabah Federal Devt Dept : Abdullah

KOTA KINABALU:

Decisions on whether the role of the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS) is still relevant in the State will be deliberated in the Federal Cabinet meeting soon. The Department was set up in the State to monitor and implement development projects when Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) which was in the Opposition then, came into power in 1985. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said matters concerning JPPS were among those raised by the Barisan Nasional coalition party leaders during a one-to-one meeting here yesterday. “I was briefed that the JPPS is no longer relevant and it should be given to states that are ruled by the Opposition parties. The Department was introduced here when PBS was still in the Opposition but its existence continues even after the Barisan Nasional has claimed the State back,” he told reporters. Abdullah said that there had been overlapping roles, thus hampering the implementation of development projects in Sabah. “I will bring the matter up in our next Federal Cabinet meeting and hope to find the best solution to the issue,” he said. Long-standing issues such as illegal immigrants were also brought to the Premier’s attention and he would seriously look into ways to overcome the problem. “Some of the Party leaders had shared their opinion of setting up detention camps for the illegal immigrants so that they can be closely monitored as their existence is also creating social problems in the State. “It would also be easy for us to send them back when the time comes,” he said. On a call to set up a Ministry of Sabah Affairs, Abdullah said he would study the possibility but believed that its scope is too general. The component Party leaders also raised the Borneonisation issue, requesting for the Federal Government to ensure that important posts in the Government and public service agencies are held by Sabahans. He added the same also applies to neighbouring Sarawak. “Although I met the respective component Party leader separately, most of them had raise similar issues and I believe this are pressing matters and are o concern to the people of Sabah. “I had purposely met them individually so that they will have the chance to tell me what the really think and some of them even asked for my opinion. “They were very stern and spoke sincerely. I appreciate their sincerity and hope that whatever issues raised here today will b overcome as soon as possible for the good of the people, the Part and the nation,” he said.

TUESDAY-8 APRIL 2008-MORE KL POSTS FOR SABAH

More KL posts for Sabah.
Prime Minister agrees to consider the request but he says, it may take some time

KOTA KINABALU:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday he would consider the requests from the Sabah and Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) to increase the number of Ministers from the two States in the Federal Cabinet but this may take some time. “They would like to see more Ministers. I said (to them) I’m looking into it, but it may take some time. The fact is that it (request) is recognised, I do recognise. That also applies to Sarawak,” the Prime Minister told reporters after meeting Sabah BN leaders here yesterday. Abdullah said the appointment of Ministers and Deputy Ministers from Sabah was the “dominant issue” at the meeting. Asked on the creation of a Special Ministry for Sabah Affairs, he said, it was also discussed at the meeting,but ‘we haven’t put it into specifics yet.” “I’ve to study very carefully whether we need a Ministry for Sabah Affairs. If we have a Ministry for Sabah Affairs it would become too general,” he said. Abdullah said that at the meeting, the Sabah BN leaders also placed emphasis on development in Sabah,. particularly in the rural areas. “Issues related to the Federal administration in Sabah, particularly the Federal Development Department which was established during the administration of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), were also raised. “This was to avoid an overlap of duties in terms of implementation of programmes which had to be given attention,” he said. The Prime Minister said the State BN leaders also brought up the issue of the “Borneonisation of service”. “They expressed to me why it was necessary to increase the number of officers from Sabah in the Federal service in the State,” he said. Abdullah said the BN leaders also- wanted the issue of illegal immigrants to be resolved as soon as possible. “The issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah is a complex one which requires an immediate solution because it can give rise to social problems,” he said. The Prime Minister said that though he met the various Sabah BN component leaders separately, the issues raised were similar. Abdullah said the meetings were held separately to give the representatives of all the RN component parties a chance to raise “major issues” with him. “They wanted to obtain my views and I am grateful that the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere though the requests were made firmly, especially by Sabah Unmo,” he said. The Prime Minister said he accepted in good faith what the State BN leaders had conveyed to him because this was the expression of their emotions so that he could understand them clearly. “I understood all of them well. I appreciate highly their sincerity and it is this sincerity which can strengthen solidarity in the Sabah BN so that whatever we implement can be carried out well and meet the objectives,” he said.

FRIDAY-4 APRIL 2008-MAYOR EXPLAINS, APOLOGIZES TO MP HIEW

Mayor explains, apologizes to MP Hiew

KOTA KINABALU:

Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim has called on Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu, Dr Hiew King Cheu not to politicize the issue of him not being included in the City Hali meeting on Tuesday. The invitation letter to Hiew was sent by an officer in the Sub Urban Department who was not aware of the directives in the National Action Council (NAC) dated 15 November2004 issued by the Prime Minister, he said. Saying that he has personally apologized and explained the unintentional mistake to Hiew, Iliyas denied there were “instructions from the higher authority’ to disallow the Member of Parliament to attend the said meeting, and the City Hall was only following the directive in the NAC. He also clarified that the meeting was actually the District Action Committee meeting and not the City Hall’s Advisory Council meeting as stated by Hiew. According to Iliyas, the NAC states that only the elected Assemblymen and Members of Parliament of the ruling Government are allowed to sit in all the District Action Committee meeting throughout the country. He said City Hall’s Director of Sub Urban, Azimi Salim, who organized the meeting has also written an apology letter to Hiew, who accepted their apologies. “He has accepted our apologies and I do not know why he decided to go to the press and politicize the matter,” said Iliyas, who added that both City Hall and Hiew, the elected MP for Kota Kinabalu, has the same role, that is serving the people. Hence, both parties should forgive and tolerate one another and not make a big issue out of a small matter that was not done intentionally, he said. According to Azmi, after explaining to Hiew the mistake on the invitation letter and pointing out the NAC directives, the latter was actually offered to stay on as an observer in the meeting but he (Hiew) said it was okay and decided to leave. On the meeting that was chaired by City Hall Director General, Datuk Dr Chua Kim Hing and attended by other elected Assemblymen and Members of Parliament from the Barisan Nasional parties, Iliyas said all those present are also representatives of the people of Kota Kinabalu. On calls for transparency, he said the City Hall, being a Government agency is committed to serve the people and has always practised transparency in all its dealings.

FRIDAY-4 APRIL 2008-CALL FOR OPEN TENDERS

Call for open tenders

Sabah builders call for transparency in awarding of Government projects

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Builders Association (SBA) has called on the Federal and State Governments to be transparent when opening tenders for their various projects. Apart from helping to reduce the cost of the projects, an open tender system would prevent malpractices and ensure projects are awarded fairly and completed on or before schedule, said SBA President Tsen Kui Lin in a statement yesterday. He said this was among the main issues discussed during the recent SBA annual general meeting, when a lot of members voiced out their dissatisfaction over the present system in awarding Government projects. He said some of the members pointed out that they would only know of the existence of various Government projects after being implemented. Tsen said most of the contractors in the State, articu1arIy SBA members, have been deprived of the chance to participate in the implemental con of Government projects. He said the SBA meeting also resolved to persist in their call for the authorities concerned to reduce the levy on construction workers and abolish PKK and Pukonsa licenses, maintaining only CIDB as the other two are overlapping. The Association wants the Government to let local contractors to secure contracts for projects directly without going to sub—con and sub—sub—con, as it would reduce the cost of the projects, he said. It hopes efforts to revive the SabaContractors Consortium as a construction arm would proceed for the benefits and future of SBA members, he said, adding that more local workers should be trained through the setting up of the proposed Sabah Consortium College. Tsen said SBA is planning to either buy or build a new office building as the existing one is old and obsolete. They are also planning to establish a website for SBA to communicate with members and other trade associations.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-SPECIAL TREAT FOR SECRETARIES ON APRIL 26

Special treat for secretaries on April 26

KOTA KINABALU:

It is Secretary’s Week again, and for the first time, the Beverly Hotel will be teaming up with the Sabah Secretary’s Association (SSA) for a special treat for all hardworking secretaries. Dubbed the ‘Red Carpet Hollywood’, the event’s joint organising chairperson, Zahara Ismail, said the dinner will be held on April 26 and promises fun-filled programmes. Zahara, who is also the Hotel’s Sales and Marketing Director, said among the highlights of the event would be performance by Madonna (Paper Doll Sabah) and D’Sunrise Band, while Deejay Andrew will be emceeing that night. “There will also be lucky draws and a special prize for the best dressed secretary,” she said after a food tasting for the Hotel’s promotional item during the Secretary’s Week. It is expected that some 300 people will be attending the event, and Assistant Industrial Development Minister Jainab Datuk Sen Panglima Ahmad Ayid is expected to be the guest of honour. Those attending will be able to taste a variety of cuisines covering the Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western style of cooking. Tickets are sold at RM6O per person and bookings can be made by calling 088-258998. “We hope that bosses would take full advantage of this dinner ... let it be a nice way of appreciating your secretary’s good work,” said Zahara. Meanwhile, SSA President Emily John Yagot, who is also the joint organising chairperson of the event, said that to date, they have a total of 260 members, and the number keeps growing. “This is a great way to keep in touch with other secretary friends from other organisations,” she said. The Association will also be holding its 32nd general meeting at Hotel Shangri-La, Kota Kinabalu on April 19. “We will also be attending the 19th ASA Conference to be held between Oct 19 and 22 at the Crown Plaza Mutiara, KualaLumpur and conducting a study tour to Australia in mid November this year,” she said.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-LIFE BAN FOR SIX LOCAL ANGLERS WHO CHEATED

Life ban for six local anglers who cheated

Sabah International Fishing Tournament organizers tighten rules

KOTA KINABALU:

The organizers of Sabah International Fishing Tournament is adopting more stringent rules after discovering some participants had cheated their way to winning prizes in past tournaments. Sabah Anglers Association (SAA) President Datuk Wilfred Lingham revealed at a press conference to announce the introduction of the new rules at Sutera Harbour Marina here yesterday that a number of these cheaters managed to unfairly walk away with the tournament’s main prizes and titles. He said the organizing committee has engaged a local legal firm to help in reviewing and enforcing the tournament rules and regulations. Lingham said he has learned that during the past tournaments, there were local participants who sneaked to nearby fish farms and jetties to buy live or freshly caught fish and passed them off as their catch at the tournament’s weighing centre. The organizer has begun to tighten their watch over the participants by deploying tournament marshals who would keep an eye on each boat throughout the event, he said. As a result, six local participants were banned for life from the tournament after being found trying to use the same tactic, he said. Expressing regret over the action of these participants, Lingham said: “There is no sportsmanship in that and it is humiliating for the local anglers.” “We must stress this is a tourism event to promote Sabah where at the same time we hope to attract participation of international anglers; Certainly we don’t want to promote a negative image,” he said. He said the organizer has also decided to be firmer on the penalties for hoe found to have broken the tournament regulations and rules, or tried to cheat their way to winning prizes. For example, unlike in the previous years, those who are found cheating this time would not only cause his team to be disqualified from the team category but the entire team members would also forfeit their right to contest in the individual category. “As the prizes grow bigger, participants are also trying harder to outsmart us to win the tournament by means of cheating. So it is sensible to make it not only harder but also riskier for them to do so,” he said. He said a briefing on the rules and regulations of the competition will be give to participants at 7pm on Friday , just after the tournament registration period which will be open from morning to 6pm the same day.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-WELFARE OFFICERS NEED TO BUCK UP

Welfare officers need to buck up
Many complaints received from people, says Minister

KOTA KINABALU:

The current policy of the Sabah Welfare Department is probably too bureaucratic and outdated, thus there is a need to improve the system to effectively meet the needs of the people. Making this remark yesterday, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Hajah Azizah Mohd Dun suggested senior officers from the Department go to the ground to supervise all its offices and related institutions to see for themselves the real scenario. This is necessary so that all issues and problem that arise could be dealt with immediately” said Azizah, while delivering her speech at the closing of a seminar on improving the delivery system of the Department, which was attended by over 50 officers and staff from the Welfare Department. She said there is a need to set up an internal audit system in the Department to keep tab on the handling of financial assistance. The internal audit system will ensure accountability in the management of assistance, she added. Azizah said that as the Minister responsible for Welfare Department, she would not compromise on discipline and those found to have committed any wrongdoings or abuse of power would be dealt with according to the law. “Stern action would be taken should such problems or wrongdoings occur in the Welfare Department,” she said. Azizah also suggested more rehabilitation centres be set up for people with disabilities in urban and suburban areas as well as villages in the State so that they can be trained to be independent. She urged Welfare Department officers to be proactive in improving their services, especially for single parents, domestic violence victims, senior citizens and underprivileged children and those with disabilities. She said she has been receiving numerous complaints about Welfare Department officers being not fully committed to serving the public, such as not being responsive and sensitive to the needs of those requiring help from the Department. Furthermore, she said, some officers are not in the office during office hours and some are ignorant in handling cases under the jurisdiction of the Welfare Department. Asked at a press conference later whether the time taken by the Department to process applications for assistance should be reduced, Azizah replied: “To ensure that the Department provides their service effectively and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, I have suggested that the delegation of power be reviewed. “I have also suggested that the length of application be reduced to 30 days or one month.” Asked whether the officers at the district level should be allowed to make a decision on minimizing the bureaucratic process, she said that currently, it would not be possible as the approval of applications is based on the yearly budget.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-CLAIM OF BN LEADERS QUITTING A LIE: KIANDEE

Claim of BN leaders quitting a lie: Kiandee

BELURAN:

The people have been urged not to believe the Opposition’s “lie” that several Barisan Nasional leaders are planning to leave the ruling coalition. Member of Parliament here, Datuk Ronald Kiandee, said it has become the Opposition’s latest trick to lure and distract the people from continually trusting BN. “The Opposition have been spreading the lie that several BN leaders are ditching the ruling coalition in an effort to, create political unease in the State,” he said. “Therefore, we should not listen to this lie. We must realise that such stories are tactics by the Opposition to distract the BN leaders. This is exactly what they are waiting for... to disunite the BN leaders,” he said. Speaking during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Botition near here, Kiandee said he is optimistic that the Opposition’s tactics would not work, especially as the people’s trust in the ruling coalition is still strong. “It is the people’s choice, especially in the rural areas. This is obvious with our performance during the 12th general election last month,” he said, adding that the rural folks believe that BN is the only Government that would be able to bring change and development to them.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-BN RISKS LOSING SABAH

BN risks losing Sabah

MP Mojigoh accuses KL of denying qualified Sabahans of jobs, promotions

PENAMPANG:

Barisan Nasional (BN) will likely lose Sabah in the future if the Federal Government continues to overlook the need to promote and appoint qualified Sabahan civil servants in federal departments. Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh said the Federal Government is risking the continued support of Sabahans or BN by alienating qualified Sabahan government officers; not promoting or appointing them. “It creates unhappiness, uneasiness and anger among Sabahans towards the BN Government and it must put a stop to all this nonsense. If not, the Opposition will take advantage of the rakyat’s dissent and BN will be finished the next election,” Mojigoh warned. He also took the Federal Government to task for not recruiting any Sabahan among junior officers in RTM Sabah. “I was told by a source from RTM that 30 newly appointed junior officers from Peninsular Malaysia started work in RTM Sabah early this year,” he said. “The people want to know why not a single Sabahan Organization (UPKO) Vice resident said. Voicing his frustration over the situation, Mojigoh said this is something like colonization and it rukes Sabahans unhappy. “It seems like we (Sabahans) are not part of Malaysia and it is akin to looking down on Sabahans... To them, we have no value,” he said. The Federal Government, he said, knows very well that Sabah is facing unemployment problem, therefore it should offer jobs to the unemployed graduates here. “I was informed that the new Federal State Youth and Sports Department Director is also from Peninsular Malaysia. Why wasn’t the Deputy Director who is a Sabahan promoted? The Government should not have overlooked the Deputy Director,” he said.

THURSDAY-3 APRIL 2008-PAKATAN RAKYAT A WAKE-UP CALL - JAHID

Pakatan Rakyat a wake-up call Jahid

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth Chief, Jahid Jahim said the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) should not treat People’s Pact (Pakatan Rakyat) being formed by the Opposition lightly. He regarded the formation of the PKR-DAPI-PAS alliance as a “wake up call” to the State BN component parties and reckoned that they should start working harder in strengthening the coalition. Jahid, who is Assistant Youth and Sports Minister, was commenting on the formation of People’s Pact by the Opposition parties in an effort to present themselves as a credible alternative to the BN Government. PKR Adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang, PAS President Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and PKR President Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had all agreed that the move to formalize the Alliance be brought back to their respective parties for approval. To strengthen the BN, Jahid suggested the coalition come up with a calendar of events with the participation of members from the respective component parties. “We must have continuous plans to organise more activities, not just political programmes but also cultural and sports events in the calendar,” he said. Silam MP Salleh Kalbi concurred with Jahid, pointing out that the Opposition parties are trying to copy the BN. He said although the PKR, DAP and PAS had wrested powers from the BN in five states in Peninsular Malaysia, majority of the people are still supporting the BN Government.

FRIDAY-25 APRIL 2008- JAPANESE GIANT FIRM PICKS SABAH

Japanese giant firm picks Sabah

Yanmar opens R&D centre for biomass-derived fuels

KOTA KINABALU:

Well-known Japanese giant company, Yanmar Co Ltd, has chosen Sabah to be the centre of its global research and development (R&D.) network for developing biomass-derived fuels. The Oasaka-based company established in 1912, is the first to develop Japanese practical small size diesel engines. It has a strong footing in research and development in various countries, including UK, India, Indonesia and Thailand particularly on alternative fuels such as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), waste cooking oil, rapeseed oil and palm oil. Taking advantage of the State’s rich biomass source, it has recently opened its Yanmar Kota Kinabalu Research and Development Centre in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). The centre which officially opened end of January, is poised to be the research and development centre for the region as well as the hub for environmental technology and information. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Masahiko Hone earlier this week visited the facility which has already started researches and working on developing a 100 percent pure biomass derived fuel. “The centre will be overseeing the activities and collaborating with other Yanmar Research and Development Centres throughout the world. It will monitor and supervise biodiesel projects in India and UK,” he told reporters here last night. He said Sabah’s ecosystem is one of the most important mega biodiversities in the world and the Japanese, being a close partner of Malaysia, is interested in continuing to take an active part in activities promoting environmental conservation, such as developing an environmental friendly fuel. With increasing environmental awareness among companies and consumers and clean energy is rapidly gaining prominence, he said bio-diesel is offering an interesting prospect as the fuel of the future. Malaysia is the world’s second largest producer of palm oil, which is the main feedstock for biodiesel. In 2005, the country formulated the National Biofuel Policy (sometimes known as the National Biodiesel Policy) to call for production of a biofuel blend of five percent processed palm oil and 95 percent diesel known as B5. The policy encourages the use of this blend by the public, establishes an industry standard for palm biodiesel quality and promotes the setting up of biodiesel plants in the country for export purposes.

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-MEMORABLE PROMOTION FOR 19 COPS

Memorable promotion for 19 cops

KOTA KINABALU:

Nineteen newly promoted senior police officers received appreciation during a simple and memorable ceremony at the Kepayan Police Headquarters here yesterday. State Police Commissioner (CP) Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim took time off from his busy schedule to pin rank badges on the uniforms of the cops which he referred as ‘a way to boost their spirit’. In fact, the two superintendents and 17 Assistant Senior Police (ASP) should be proud of themselves as they were the first in the history of the police force in Sabah to receive the rank badges which were pinned on their uniforms by the CP. “This is a day to celebrate it is a promotion and should be welcomed grandly. They have done a tremendous job and it is just right to show our appreciation of their well done job by honouring and celebrating the promotion together. “Besides, it would also make them feel appreciated and boost their confidence. We hope it would also encourage them to work harder in the future,” he said. Rashid added that it was important for the police officers to continue performing well, especially in the effort to improve their delivery system. Stating that there will be more of similar event in the future, he said: “We want to create quality manpower in the future. Appreciate them and they will do good.”

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-MAN LOSES ALL VALUABLES FROM PRADO VEHICLE

Man loses all valuables from Prado vehicle

KOTA KINABALU:

A man who went to meet some friends in Hill Top, Luyang, after withdrawing a large sum of money from a bank in Inanam, found his Toyota Prado four-wheel drive broken into and all his valuables stolen. The incident occurred around 9.30am on March 25 when the victim was having breakfast with some friends. He had parked his vehicle close to the coffee shop. Half an hour later, he returned to his vehicle and found the back window behind the driver’s seat broken. His laptop, Indonesian passport, RM18,000 and three cheque books were missing. Eyewitnesses informed him that a Proton Waja with four men inside had stopped near his vehicle, broke the window and took all his belongings before taking off. The eyewitnesses had also given the suspects’ car plate number to the victim who immediately lodged a police report around 10.15am. Police had also taken close circuit television recording of the incident. Further check on the plate number with the Road Transport Department showed that it was fake. Acting City Police Chief Superintendent Rowell Marong confirmed the incident. He said no arrest had been made and investigation into the case was continuing.

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-SABAH, SARAWAK SHOULD BE GIVEN 10 FEDERAL POSTS: PKR

Sabah, Sarawak should be given 10 Federal posts: PKR

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State Youth Vice Head Muada Joe Ojihi said at least 10 Federal Ministries should be allocated to Sabah and Sarawak to reflect the East Malaysian States’ pertinent position in the Federation. Muada said important portfolios such as Public Works, Agriculture and Rural Development could have been entrusted relevantly to leaders from East Malaysia, still underdeveloped but encompassed a much bigger size than the whole of Peninsular, the other part of the Federation. “There must be reasons why it is so difficult for the Federation to strengthen East Malaysia within the Federation itself This is an irony. We used to see leaders from East Malaysia standing side by side with the Prime Minister; but no more now. “But what we see now is our Prime Minister is always flanked by Chinese, Indian and Malay leaders, all from the Peninsular. We missed pictures like Tun Temenggung Jugah or Tuan Fuad Stephens seen beside the Premier,” he said. Muada however pointed out that it is not so much only about position but the sincerity to acknowledge the inseparable two lands, which in 1963 came together to agree to form a federated states called Malaysia. “Despite this, the Barisan Nasional (BN) managed to convince East Malaysian voters to give it almost 100 per cent seats in the recent election, unlike in Peninsular where the BN lost in six states, including the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. “I support the view of PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan that Sabah BN leaders must use this opportunity to be united to get more for Sabah and not be contented with a raw deal by the central leadership,” he added.

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-SABAH ENJOYING ROBUST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CM

Sabah enjoying robust economic development: CM

This is proven from successful issuances of many capital market

KOTA KINABALU:

The successful issuances of many capital market by credible local companies shows Sabah is enjoying a robust economic development driven by a strong and stable business environment, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. Musa pointed out that many capital market issuances had successfully been completed by Sabahan companies in recent years as the State continued to produce numerous mature and sophisticated home-grown businesses. “In 2006, we saw the issuance of RM500 million bonds by Sabah Development Bank (SDB), which was its third private debt securities issuance. “In 2007, Sabah Ports instituted a RM150 million Islamic programme whilst Sabah Credit Corporation had put in place a RM500 million Commercial Papers/Medium Term Notes (CP/MTN) programme. “Later in the year, Hap Seng Plantation Berhad was successfully listed on the Main Board of Bursa Securities, to date the largest Sabah-based listed plantation company with a market capitalization of over RM2. 2 billion,” he said at the signing ceremony between AmInvestment Bank and CIMB Bank in relation to the launching of SDB Commercial Paper (CP) and Medium Term Notes (MTN) Programme to finance and support development activities in Sabah for the next 20 years. Thanks to the open and investor- friendly business environment in Sabah, Musa said many local and home-based companies had flourished in their respective business undertakings and had developed themselves to be active players not only in the local market place but also in the international arena. Musa said he was confident that the State would continue to have a stable and conducive economic climate to allow for more business and investment growth. He said Sabah has both political and economical vibrancy and stability, which are the essential aspects needed for pacing rapid development and creating a conducive investment environment. The implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), he added, will excitingly bring sustainable growth and wealth to the Sabahan people and the State Government would ensure this will happen by providing the facilities required to catalyze both physical and economic growth. Amlnvestment and CIMB are the joint lead arrangers and joint principal advisers for the RM500 million Nominal Value CP programme and RM1 billion Nominal Value MTN programme. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Musa said launching o the SDB debt programme not only augurs well for SDB itself but also the overall development of the State. “We are very happy and thankfu that our partners — Amlnvestment Bank and CIMB Investment Bank are very supportive of our effort t further develop the State by signing this agreement with SDB today. The fund will be channelled into some of our development activities and help continue the programmes that we have planned. “SDB is our vehicle to develop our State as they will be playing important role in the financial aspect of the development activities in Sabah. They are doing well as shown by the P1 and AA1 rating given to them by the RAM Rating and are confident of positive and continuing growth,” he said. He added the agreement would help facilitate the realization of the State’s holistic development vision through its SDC which emphasises on equitable development for all of Sabah. As a development financial institution in Sabah, SDB has been an important catalyst for the State’s economic development, playing the crucial role of financial intermediary since its inception in 1977. The bank functions as a disbursement arm for the State’s socio-economic development projects and provides financial and investment advisory advices to the State Government and its agencies. Meanwhile, SDB Chairman Peter Siau Wui Kee said the bank would use the proceeds from the issuance of its commercial papers/medium-term notes (CP/MTN) programmes to help support the development activities in the State for the next 20 years. He said the RM500 million CP and RM1 billion MTN would also be used to refinance its existing borrowings and to fund its working capital requirements. Amlnvestment Bank Bhd and CIMB Investment Bank Bhd are jointly lead arrangers and joint principal advisers. Siau signed for the SDB while AMMB Holdings Bhd Deputy Chairman Datuk Azlan Hashin and CIMB Investment Bank Bhd Deputy Chief Executive Charon Wardini Mokhzani for their respective companies at the ceremony, witnessed by Musa.

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-LAHAD DATU POWER PLANT MAY BE CANCELLED: MUSA

Lahad Datu power plant may be cancelled: Musa
Govt will re-look into project due to complaints

KOTA KINABALU:

The Lahad Datu coal-fired power plant project may be cancelled due to persisting objections from various parties concerned over possible negative environmental impacts. Following numerous complaints and requests for the project to be stopped, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he would re-look into the project’s approval and reconsider whether the State Government should continue with “I will visit the power plant and see whether we need to advise the developer to continue with the project or not,” he said to reporters yesterday. He added the Government would re-study the whole project and further scrutinize all aspects before making any decision. On the suggestion by Sepanggar Member of Parliament Eric Majimbun to revive the Special Affairs Ministry at Federal level which was set up when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaysia, Musa said the proposal would be looked into. The same goes to the call to scrap the quota system for nominations to contest party positions in the Umno election in December. Musa said the matter would be discussed and decided by the Umno Supreme Council, the Party’s highest decision-making body. “Being a democratic Party, Umno will provide the opportunity and avenue to members to express their views on the proposal. “After hearing members’ opinions, the Supreme Council will deliberate on the matter thoroughly before making a decision,” said Musa, who is also a Supreme Council member.

WEDNESDAY-2 APRIL 2008-SALLEH,BUNG MOKHTAR TELL YAHYA TO STOP INSINUATING OVER PM MEET

Salleh, Bung Mokhtar tell Yahya to stop insinuating over PM meet

KOTA KINABALU:

Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin have clarified their meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, along with four other senior Sabah Umno leaders, last Saturday as a normal matter. In separate statements, both said it was a normal meeting between Abdullah and leaders at various levels nationwide to update the Prime Minister on various current issues and developments on the ground. They dismissed an insinuation by Sabah Umno Liaison Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin that the purpose of their meeting with Abdullah was for their own interests only. The other four Umno leaders were Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, Umno Kota Marudu Division Chief Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail and former Sipitang MP Datuk Dr Yusof Yaacob. Yahya said Monday that whatever was discussed by the six leaders and Abdullah did not represent the official views of Sabah Umno or Sabah BN. “Whatever was voiced to the PM was done in their own capacity, and not the official stand of Umno or BN here,” he said. Salleh said they met with the Prime Minister in their individual capacity and, as such, the issue of their group representing Umno or Sabah BN did not arise. “What’s important is that we gave our views on various matters including the issue of Sabah’s bigger representation in the Federal Administration,” he said, adding that they echoed the feelings and sentiments of the people from grassroots level to the Prime Minister. “Nevertheless, the matter (our meeting with the PM) has become the focus of the media, maybe because of the various current political developments in Sabah.” Salleh appreciated the Prime Minister for accepting their courtesy call as it gave them the opportunity to discuss and exchange views and opinions, including on current issues that followed the outcome of the recent general election. “During the meeting, the Prime Minister not only listened, but also took down notes from our discussions in his small notebook,” he recalled. Bung Moktar said what transpired during their meeting with Abdullah was for the benefit of the people, and not for their own personal gains. “As such, don’t make any insinuation or bare speculation if you have no knowledge about our discussion with the PM. “It was unwise for Datuk Yahya to make any insinuation as it could jeopardise unity in the pay. If he wants to know about the details of our dis4ission with the PM, then he should personally me the PM, instead of making an irresponsible statement,” he said. Bong Moktar reckoned that Yahya should not be unduly worried or felt under pressure when they vere called by the Prime Minister for their feedback. As he Umno Kinabatangan Division Head, Bung Moktar also pledged his undivided support to Abdu1lah as the Umno President and Prime Minister.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-SIX LEADERS MET PM IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITY

Six leaders met PM in their personal capacity

Yahya says they do not represent official views of Sabah Umno

KOTA KINABALU:

The meeting six Sabah Umno leaders with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently was done, in their personal capacity. Sabah Umno Liaison Secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin said whatever discussed by the leaders and Abdullah did not represent the official views of Sabah Umno or Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). “Whatever was voiced to the PM as done in their own capacity and not the official stand of Umno or BN here,” he said in a statement here yesterday. Yahya who is also the Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said he was making the matter clear to avoid confusion. In his one-page statement, the Petagas Assemblyman said ie had to comment on the matter as many people asked him why the six Umno leaders met the PM to air their grouses, giving the impression that they were representing the official views of Sabah BN. “Why them? After all the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had already met the Prime Minister during the Umno meeting recently and the latter has agreed to come here to hear the views and feelings on the political situation in Sabah,” he said. “I don’t want to have any confusion. I have to make it clear that they are not official envoys and hence do not represent BN or Umno in Sabah,” he said. Yahya was referring to six State Umno leaders including two MPs and an Assemblyman who were recently invited for a breakfast meeting by the PM in Putrajaya to discuss feelings at the grassroots in Sabah. They were former Sipitang MP Datuk Dr Yusop Yacob, former Kota Belud MP Datuk Salleh Tun Said and former Tempasuk Assemblyman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, all who were not fielded in the recent general election. The other three were Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Raden, Kalabakan MP Datuk Ghapur Salleh, who just recently resigned as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail who was dropped as State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, a portfolio now held by Yahya. It was said that the PM met the leaders to find out if there was a sense of restlessness among BN leaders and the Coalition’s supporters in Sabah but all six were reluctant to reveal what transpired during the discussion. Abdul Rahim, who is Papar Umno Division Chief, only said the discussion was like a father-and-sons meeting to discuss current political situation in general. Yahya also said Sabah Umno would continue to give undivided support and cooperation to Abdullah as the BN Chairman and Umno President.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008- JEFFREY INVITES STATE BN LEADERS TO SWITCH TO OPPOSITION CAMP

Jeffrey invites State BN leaders to switch to Opposition camp

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat Vice-President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday openly invited the State Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to become part of the country’s political “wind of change”. He said State BN leaders are now “singing the same song” calling for fairer and better treatment of Sabah by the Federal Government, adding that the time is ripe for them to make a difference. “ I’m glad that Sabah BN leaders are now singing the same song that I am singing. The issues they are raising are the same things I have - been saying all this while,” he said at a press conference at the 66 Memorial in Sembulan here yesterday. “They are all saying the same thing, that the State has been given a raw deal and that we are not getting fair treatment in the Federal Cabinet. “I urge them to continue, and not only to go on but to also create history for Malaysia and Sabah by considering also the oil situation and not just demanding for positions at Federal level. “Positions at Federal level are only one part (of the equation), it is not enough... what they need to do is be part of the wind of change. If Sabah leaders become part of the wind of change, they will be heroes,” he said. When asked if there are any and the number of BN leaders who have indicated interest in switching camp, Jeffrey admitted that there were discussions but declined to elaborate. “Yes (there is interest) in both Sabah and Sarawak. I am just trying to help them rationalise (switching camps). “Generally the trend is like that (support for the Opposition), and their minds are like that, but they have to act like that. If they don’t, then they are only in it (politics) for selfish purposes and only want position,” he said. To a question as to when they expect to see any movement from State BN leaders to switch camps as rumoured, Jeffrey gave little away, saying only that it will be akin to a domino effect. “If even just one leader moves, the rest will move. Be it because they are forced to or voluntarily, they will eventually have to move and it would be better if they decide themselves to strengthen the wind of change. “PKR is open ... Sabah is known as the Land Below The Wind and still we were hit by (typhoon) Greg, so I am confident we will be affected by the wind of change,” he said, referring to the 1997 storm that devastated Keningau and various parts of Sabah’s interior. Earlier before the press conference, Jeffrey laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial in what he said was in honour of the sacrifice and patriotism of the leaders who died in the tragic plane crash on June 6, 1976, which included the then Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and several members of the State Cabinet. At the same function, Jeffrey also launched the controversial book “007 Lelaki Malaysia Terakhir?” by Mutalib MD, which already prompted two police reports against the author for alleged defamation. “Even before it was launched there were already two police reports against the book, but until now the police have yet to take action. However if the police want to take action, they can refer to the book because there is a lot of proof (on alleged wrong-doings) by some of our current leaders,” Jeffrey said.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-MCA WARNS OF DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS

MCA warns of detrimental effects

KOTA KINABALU:

The declining number of East Malaysians in the Federal Cabinet is a cause of concern that could have detrimental effects to the Barisan Nasional (BN). National Central Youth MCA Committee Member cum Deputy State Youth Chief MCA Sabah, Wilfred Yong, yesterday pointed out that the number of East Malaysians holding senior ministerial portfolios in the Federal Government has declined since the 12th general election. Yong who stated this in a statement yesterday, was commenting on a statement made by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datik Masidi Majun. “Whilst not wishing to add to the Prime Minister’s woes, I have to endorse and add to the comments made by Datuk Masidi Manjun,” he said. According to Yong, Masidi’s remarks was on the paucity of representation of Sabah BN at the highest levels of Government but pointed out that the same comments applied to the whole of East Malaysia. He said it is a fact that the number East Malaysians appointed to senior ministerial portfolios has actually declined since the election. “In Sabah and Sarawak people supporting BN candidates showed a strength of force on March 8 and in many cases, the majorities garnered by the candidates in these two States increased substantially compared with their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia where there were disturbing losses of support,” he said. Yong lamented that even on a pro rata basis, Sabah had lost out, in the ‘reward’ of senior posts, especially when put alongside Umno’s home State of Johore. “Even though I accept that when drawing up his Cabinet, the Prime Minister has a difficult task to create an effective balance but I have to humbly express that he is running a serious risk of alienating loyal BN East Malaysians,” he stressed. “Many workers from all the BN component parties had put in incredible efforts prior to the election and Sabah particularly, had received scant reward of recognition for their work or loyalty,” he said. “By any measure East Malaysia is now the national bastion of BN and neither Umno nor any of the other parties should, by default, squander the vital 24 parliamentary seats. “Perhaps it is time the BN leadership break out from their KL-centric mindset and show by their actions that East Malaysians are really fully paid-up members and citizens of equal paramount of the nation. “Therefore, I call upon the central leadership to address ihis issue urgently and to really consider the well-being of Sabahans since it has become one of the poorest States in the country. I fear that failure to do so may result not only in a disillusioned electorate but an eventual catastrophe far worse than the March 8 general election,” Yong said.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-GHAPUR SAYS WON'T RETRACT RESIGNATION

Ghapur says won’t retract resignation

TAWAU:

Kalabakan Member of Parliament Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh said yesterday he will not retract his resignation as Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister even after meeting the Prime Minister last Saturday. Abdul Ghapur who is also Kalabakan Umno Chief, said the meeting with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was only to explain his reasons for resigning and to voice out the grassroots’ concerns. “There was no issue on retracting the resignation. I have explained my decision to the Prime Minister in my letter earlier,” he told Bernama. Abdul Ghapur and six other Sabah Umno leaders met Abdullah last Saturday to discuss the recent political scenario in Sabah. The leaders were former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, former Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin and former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Yusof Yaacob.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-MP URGES REVIVAL OF SPECIAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY

MP urges revival of Special Affairs Ministry

KOTA KINABALU:

Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun has proposed that the Ministry of Special Affairs for Sabah and Sarawak be revived to help look after the interests of the two vast states. I urged the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to seriously consider restoring the Ministry arguing Sabah and Sarawak are too big and need to be given more attention. “These two states are too big; so why not we revive this Ministry again? I think they (Federal Government) need to view this seriously,” he said yesterday. The Ministry was created when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form Malaysia during the Berjaya era. Its objective was to look after the interests of the two states at the Federal level. Later, the Ministry was put under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. “Even though the role of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry is to provide development for the whole country, but overall I see no concentration is given to Sabah and Sarawak,” said Eric. The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) leader also voiced concern over the weak control on the part of the State Government over immigration matters. “The State Government should tighten Immigration controls and practise the autonomy it has over this particular aspect as enshrined in the Constitution,” he said. He added the Government needs to seriously look into claims of immigrants having obtained Mykad documents and Malaysian citizenship status in Sabah. The issue, if left unchecked could pose a great threat to the security and sovereignty of the State and the country, he said. “I know there are a lot of suspected illegal immigrants operating their business in the Inanam open market but we cannot do anything because they have permits and possess genuine Mykad documents. “As a local I think most of us know how to distinguish between locals and foreigners based on their cultures, lifestyles and accents. “Therefore I think it is high time the State Government do something to really scrutinize these suspected foreigners who have obtained genuine Mykads,” Eric pleaded. On the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Sabah, he urged State leaders to highlight to Abdullah the predicament of the Chinese vernacular and mission schools in Sabah which suffer from lack of financial support

TUESDAY-1 APRIL2008-CHURCH FIRE KILLS BOY; INJURED DAD AND BROTHER

Church Fire kills boy; injured dad and brother

BELURAN:

A 11-year-old boy was killed when a fire broke out in a church at Kampung Iran, Jalan Kolapis here on Sunday night. El Frince Lee’s charred remains were found in a room of the church where he was staying with his family. His father, Lee Pui Yong, 43, and elder bother, El Jiran Lee, 12, were seriously injured in the fire and are currently warded in the Intensive Care Unit of the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan. Another of El Frince’s younger sibling sustained minor injuries while his mother and his sister escaped unhurt. Lee and El Jiran were believed to have been injured while trying to save El Frince, the second child in the family from the burning building, District Police Chief DSP Fadril Mohd Au said. According to Fadzil, the fire broke out about 9.05pm and was believed to have been sparked off by a candle. “The electricity to the town was cut off about 3pm on Sunday and the blackout lasted into the night,” he said, adding that Lee was the caretaker of the church and lived there with his family. Fadzil also said the police, who were informed of the fire, reported it to the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Services Department which dispatched a fire engine with seven firemen to the town located 90 kilometres away. “As the firemen were heading to the village, they received another call reporting of a fire that broke out at the stalls owned by the Beluran District Council,” Fadzil said, adding that the second fire broke out about 10pm. The second fire which destroyed 10 stalls, was also believed to haven been started by a candle, he said. However, no one was hurt in the second incident and the fire was prevented from spreading and causing damage to the other stalls.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-ROUNDING MECHANISM ON ONE SEN COINS FROM TODAY

Rounding mechanism on One Sen coins from today

KOTA KINABALU:

Effective today, April 1, all over-the-counter payments will be subjected to the rounding mechanism vis a vis the One Sen coins. The total amount of a bill which ends in 1, 2, 6 and 7 sen will be rounded down while 3, 4, 8 and 9 will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of five sen. Those who prefer not to use the one sen coins to pay for their purchases can exchange them at the Bank Negara building here from 9.3Oam to 3pm. Bank Negara Malaysia Kota Kinabalu Branch Manager Ahmad Abd Rahim said although the one sen coins are still legal tender, for the convenience of the public who do not want to carry them around, they can exchange the coins into other denominations. “Those who want to get rid of their one sen coins can come to our office here during the specified hours to exchange them,” he said. Ahmad was commenting on queries from the public as to what will happen to the one sen coins in their possession and what they can do about them in terms of convenient payment transactions once the rounding mechanism is fully implemented. According to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs, the rounding mechanism only applies to the total amount of a bill and not on individual items. According to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, the implementation of the rounding mechanism brings benefits to both businesses and customers as businesses would be able to save on handling costs and for customers, it would make payments faster and more convenient. Ahmad, when asked for the reason of the introduction of the rounding mechanism, said: “I have no comment because it is under the authority of the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry.” He added that the public can obtain more details or information about the mechanism by calling the Ministry’s hotline number 1- 800-88-6800 and 1300-88-5465. Ahmad further said that those with damaged or torn Ringgit notes can also exchange them at the Bank Negara counters for new ones.

TUESDAY-1 APRIL 2008-LDP TO ACT ON 'REBEL'S'

LDP to act on ‘rebel’s’
Few divisions face suspension for working against Party and BN in election

KOTA KINABALU:

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is expected to suspend a few of its divisions whose leaders and members were found to have gone against the Barisan Nasional in the March 8 general election. According to the Party Deputy President Datuk Chin Su Phin, who also heads the LDP Disciplinary Committee, a few leaders and members would inevitably be facing disciplinary action for working against the party and the BN Coalition. During the election, Chin said it was discovered that BN components, including the LDP, were not only racing the Opposition but also challenges from fellow BN parties. The drastic, disciplinary actions would be part of an exercise to restructure the party to ensure the LDP would become stronger within the BN Coalition, he said yesterday. Chin said LDP President Datuk V K Liew had delegated the powers to implement those tasks, which would be carried out after the Party’s Supreme Council meeting on April 12. “During the meeting, the Supreme Council will delegate the powers to the Disciplinary Committee to carry out the task of restructuring the party as soon as possible,” he said. Chin recalled that the worse thing was that LDP also faced opposition from own party members, and that is why it had to take action immediately. Such drastic action is necessary to ensure LDP would remain strong, according to him. “We have already submitted our report on the matter to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the recent BN Supreme Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur. “We strongly believe the BN leadership will look into the matter seriously. Drastic action must be taken, otherwise in the next general election, we might lose to ourselves (fellow BN members),” said Chin, who called on Liew, who is the Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, at the latter’s office in Kuala Lumpur recently. Chin, who was accompanied by LDP Vice-President Isaac Pang and the Party’s Publicity Officer Albert Kok, said one of the objectives of meeting with Liew was to learn about the new activities and programs of MITI. According to him, MITI is a very important portfolio as it deals with matters that are related to both domestic and international trade and the industrial sector. As the Prime Minister had done away with the Parliamentary Secretary posts in the new Federal Administration, Chin said the duties of Deputy Ministers would be heavier and more demanding as compared to in the previous administration. In his new job, Liew is required to travel overseas more often to carry out his duties in promoting Malaysia, according to Chin. Nevertheless, he said Liew had given his assurance that the latter would try his level best to come back to Sandakan to visit his constituents. Liew will set up his Service Centre in Sandakan and will meet people personally once a month and try his best at both the state and national levels to assist the people in addressing their problems, he said, adding that during their meeting they also discussed party matters, including issues related to Sandakan. “The LDP will be setting up a Special Committee soon to assist Liew in rendering services and to bring in more development and progress to the district and the people,” said Chin.