THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- OPPOSITION LEADERS LIKE TO TELL ILLUSIVE DREAMS, SAYS MUSA

Opposition leaders like to tell illusive dreams, says Musa

PENAMPANG:

Opposition leaders like to tell about illusive dreams and are desperately trying to win the people’s trust and votes by giving sweet promises they do not intend to keep, said Datuk Seri Muse Aman. Speaking at a leader-with-people session here last night, the Chief Minister told the people not to waste their time listening to these ‘storytellers’ as they know that the opposition leaders would not be able to deliver what they said, even if they really want to. Musa said the opposition parties dare to promise the moon and sky when they know that they would not be able to form a Government due to lack of support from the people and therefore not be able to deliver their promises. He criticized the opposition’s manifestos which, according to him, are not in touch with the reality and illogical. “They promise the people so many things. They said if they form a Government, they will have a Deputy Prime Minister from Sabah. But why give such promise if you know you won’t be to form a Government? It’s simply irrelevant,” he said when referring to Parti Keadilan Rakyat which is fielding candidates in every seat under the Penampang constituency. “They have been rejected by the people in the Peninsular. Now they are trying their luck in Sabah. But Sabahans too are not fool and we too will reject them just like in Peninsular,” he added. Musa urged the people in the district to stand together for BN and not let the opposition’s empty promises influence them. He reminded them that it would be their loss if any of the three seats fall to the opposition. “If any of the seats is won by the opposition, then it is a great loss for the people in that particular constituency, he said. Musa stressed that unlike the opposition, BN has a complete, clear, organized, realistic and achievable manifesto. “Instead of listening to them, let us focus on ensuring that BN win with a bigger majority and continue its development plan for Sabah,” he said. BN P.174 Penampang candidate Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok meanwhile said BN Government leaders are faced with even a greater responsibility should the party is returned to power in the election this Saturday. He said the BN manifesto underlines a huge task of realising the aspiration of the people in all aspects of development. “It is a thorough and complete manifesto and will demand a lot of works from everyone. But with the strong support from people, this huge task will be a bit lightened and surely will be delivered,” he said. The Upko president who is returning to contest the Penampang parliamentary seat after serving two terms as Ranau member of parliament, added he is confident that the people in the district and throughout Sabah will again choose BN and return the party into power. “I believe the people in Penampang and Sabah in general still prefer BN. They still believe in the party to champion them as they know that we are a party that listen to the people and work for the people,” he said. Apart from the parliamentary seat, Penampang also has two State seats, Moyog and Kepayan.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- PM PRAISES MUSA's LEADERSHIP

PM praises Musa’s leadership

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah has a Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Aman) who understands the policies of the Federal Government and who implements such policies effectively, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. He said this to thunderous applause from the audience at a gathering organized by the Federation of Chinese Associations in Sabah at the Kian Kok Middle School yesterday. Abdullah, who is BN Chairman, said Sabah is a beautiful state with abundance of natural resources and the ruling coalition is determined to develop Sabah along with other states.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- EC'S MOVE SURPRISES YONG

EC’s move surprises Yong

KOTA KINABALU:

The President of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has described the sudden decision by the Election Commission (EC) in cancelling the use of indelible ink in the general election as a surprise. He said all the party’s polling agents and workers had been briefed on the ink procedures. “Also, the people would be speculating why the EC did not do its homework thoroughly,” said Yong yesterday. Daniel John Jambun, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate for the Inanam state seat, is also unhappy with the drastic move by the EC, especially so when it was made a few days before polling. It would allow the ‘phantom voters’ to cast their votes twice on polling day, he alleged. The Consumer Association for Sabah and Labuan (CASH) President Datuk Patrick Sindu, who is contesting the Papar parliamentary seat as independent, also took the EC to task for the eleventh hour cancellation of the use of indelible ink. ‘From the beginning, the EC’s election process is already in topsy-turvy ... they said the electoral rolls are already clean but the names bf persons who had died a very long time ago still remain in the rolls. And, now they cancelled the use of indelible ink just before the polling day. “In fact it has come to my knowledge about the availability of liquid that could erase the indelible ink after it was applied on the voter’s finger,” he said, adding that all the mess would not have occurred if the EC had thoroughly carried out their homework. “Nevertheless, to me whether the EC is using the indelible ink or not, it is irrelevant. The most important thing is that the elections must be clean and fair,” said Patrick, stressing the need for the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) to monitor the campaign and election process. He alleged that it was wrong for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) to utilize Government facilities such as schools and vehicles in carrying out their campaign activities.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- INDELIBLE INK: VOTERS DISAGREE WITH MOVE

Indelible ink: voters disagree with move
They say it could hurt EC and BN

KOTA KINABALU:

The Election Commission’s (EC) failure to stick to its decision on introducing the use of indelible ink in the general election on Saturday reflects its indecisiveness and unprofessional attitude that could further hurt its image and credibility, according to voters interviewed in a random survey here. The survey revealed that voters generally disagreed with the last- minute decision by the EC to cancel the plan to use indelible ink, as it could lead to people suspecting something fishy going on in the election process. “People may question why the EC agreed to use indelible ink in the first place but later said it was inapplicable. Maybe they just realized that they had made a mistake, but this means they had made a decision without thoroughly considering it and this was unprofessional,” said a voter from Kepayan, Mary Jane Angkos. Another voter, Saniah Amiruddin of Telipok, said the EC’s move to reverse its decision at the last minute may give rise to misinterpretation among the people who might think that cancelling the use of the indelible ink means the EC has failed to keep their promise to ensure a free and fair election. “Not everyone would understand the issue the way the Government or the EC want them to. No matter how they explain it, people may have different ideas and interpretations,” she said. “The idea of using indelible ink is perceived as one that came from the opposition who want a fair election. Now that it is rejected, some people may think the EC has rejected the opposition’s call for a clean election. The move may be misunderstood to be in favour of the ruling coalition,” said the 48- year-old house wife. “For some reason, the EC forgot to anticipate much earlier all the problems that they said could arise if indelible ink is used. As a result, not only they had tarnished their image and credibility but also wasted almost RM1 million buying the ink that they don’t need,” said college student Alisson Marry Binus, 22. Her college mate, Ivy Ijong, also 22, said the EC is already under criticism for various other things and going back on their words would further hurt its image. “It is not like people are accusing the EC of taking side or making it easy for any party to win. But this kind of things would make it easier for the opposition to make the people believe that their claims of unfair and dirty electoral tactics against BN are true,” said Ivy. The EC on Tuesday announced that the proposed use of indelible ink has been cancelled as it would not be effective since the country’s constitution allows those who refuse to have their fingernail marked with the ink to still be issued with a ballot. Furthermore, the EC said, some parties had purchased such ink from abroad and it is feared they would use it to create chaos at polling stations by bribing voters to have their fingers daubed ahead of the polls to create confusion on their status.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- CHONG'S CALL TO CHINESE CONFUSING, SAYS JEFFREY

Chong’s call to Chinese confusing, says Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PR:) vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has described a recent call by former Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat on the Chinese constituents to vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN) as confusing the people from the community. Chong knew that the State BN leaders are being sued by him for reasons well known by the people, he said referring to the sudden stop on the construction of the Goddess of the Sea or Mazu statue in Kudat. Jeffrey asserted that Chong also knew that the State BN Government has failed by not only making the State poor with the highest rate of poverty but caused the State indebted with more than RM1 billion. “During a press conference on Dec 30, 2002, Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat said that the remaining State resources must be managed prudently so that Sabah’s economy could be turned around. “He also said then that we must get rid of all political hypocrites who have had their days,” he recalled.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- DON'T BE SWAYED BY OPPOSITION'S SWEET PROMISES: ABDULLAH

Don’t be swayed by opposition’s sweet promises: Abdullah

KENINGAU:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday advised Sabahans, especially people living in interior areas, not to be deceived by the empty promises of the Opposition, especially Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), to fish for votes. The Prime Minister said the Opposition was good in making sweet promises but did not have the capacity to fulfil them because PKR cannot form a Government. On the contrary, Abdullah said the Barisan Nasional (BN) was not a new party that needs to think about what to do for the people. “The BN already has two mega programmes in Sabah to be implemented under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the recently launched Sabah Development Corridor. These are the plans we are thinking about that are carefully planned for the people’s wellbeing, taking into account the finances needed to implement them,” he said when closing the mobile exhibition of Sabah Foundation-With-The-People and Sabah Development Corridor roadshow here yesterday. Abdullah said the projects and programmes outlined in the EN manifesto were thoroughly planned and were not empty promises merely to drum up support from the people. That’s why when we face a general election we are not worried. Let the people of Sabah make the evaluation on the development being carried out by the BN Government in the state. “I hope the Government’s initiative to bring in continuous development will receive the people’s support. I believe what Sabahans want is more development, peaceful and prosperous life,” he said. The Prime Minister urged the interior folk to give solid support to BN candidates. “We want a strong state government headed by a Sabahan, who have the capabilities to implement the development programmes we provide,” he said. Abdullah said the BN Government had brought in a lot of development to Sabah, particularly in the education field, since the last general election. He said the Government had spent millions of ringgit to upgrade the education quality in Sabah, particularly in rural areas. “The BN Government knows Sabah is a vast state and needs huge financial allocation for education. This is the reason why we give a substantial allocation for education in Sabah, accounting for 24 per cent of the overall allocations. “Even a bigger state like Sarawak only received 22 per cent, while other states were given a smaller percentage. “We also give free textbook aid for primary and secondary school students, supplementary food aid for rural and interior schools and school and examination fees have been abolished. All these showed the BN Government is really a caring and people-centred Government in all respects,” he said. The Prime Minister also slammed PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who did not do any reforms when he was Education Minister. “When I was Education Minister, I initiated efforts to revise the teachers’ salary scheme, but when Anwar was the Education Minister, he failed to conclude it. “Similarly, Anwar did not pursue my initiative to introduce a student integration programme for national and vernacular schools when I was Education Minister,” he said. Hence, the Prime Minister urged the people in Sabah to reject the Opposition and instead support BN.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- INK ISSUE: OPPOSITION PARTIES CRY FOUL

Ink issue: Opposition parties cry foul

KOTA KINABALU:

The Election Commission’s (EC) last-minute decision to cancel the use of indelible ink in the general election this Saturday has drawn much ire from Opposition candidates here, who stopped short of accusing the EC of cheating. Parti Keadilan Rakyat State Liaison Committee Deputy Chief Christina Liew said it is unfair and unacceptable for the Commission to do that just two days before the elections. “It is like a football match. Both teams are all set and satisfied with the ruling but suddenly in the middle of the game, the referee halted the game to tell that there is a change of rules. Of course the players are unhappy. “I do not know the EC’s real motive but I am urging the voters to come out in full force to vote this Saturday,” said the candidate for the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary and Api-Api State seats. Liew, who was met at Gaya Street handing out campaign fliers yesterday, said she had been receiving negative comments from supporters and friends on the EC’s decision and took the EC to task for not explaining the rationale behind the move. “Why must we approach them and ask for the rationale behind the change of mind? They should be the ones to explain to us, the voters, their reasons. I think the EC in Malaysia is the only one that can change the rules at the last minute,” she said. Keadilan State Information chief cum parliamentary candidate for Penampang Dr Edwin Bosie meanwhile charged that the EC’s excuses for cancelling the use of indelible ink as “very lame”. “Even if there are parties who actually buy the ink, what will they do with the ink? I mean, how can it be abused?” he said when contacted. “Only when a voter goes in (to vote) will they dip their hand and then have their name scratched off the list. “If there is an instance where a voter comes in already with ink but claims to have yet to vote, check the electoral roll. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out,” he said. Independent parliamentary candidate for Penampang Dr Anthony Tibok also felt that the EC’s sudden decision to cancel out the use of the indelible ink would work against efforts to hold a free and fair election. “I don’t think it will be good. I heard it over the news that the change was made at the last minute but I’m not really sure about the reasons for it. Maybe they still want to promote phantom voters,” he said. Upko candidate for Putatan Datuk Marcus Mojigoh agreed with the EC’s decision, stressing that the RM1 million worth of Indian ink purchased would not go to waste. “We are wise people. We know how to use it, it can be sold to others and I believe that since it is a high quality ink, it would be good for doing calligraphy or for stamping, which is still widely used at all banks and companies.

THURSDAY-06 MARCH 2008- NO REGRETS VOTING BN, SAYS ABDULLAH

No regrets voting BN, says Abdullah

KOTA KINABALU:

Malaysians who vote for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) in Saturday’s general election, will not regret or get disappointed. And the guarantee came from BN Chairman, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who stressed that the coalition is determined to develop all states. “For every vote you give to BN, you will not be disappointed. This is my guarantee,” he said, adding that as far as Sabah is concerned, it has the potential to further develop as the State is rich in natural resources, with ample space for development. Speaking at the gathering organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations in Sabah at Sekolah Menengah Kian Kok here yesterday, Abdullah said development plans for the state, are just pending implementation: “The five-year 9th Malaysia Plan and the newly launched 1 8-year Sabah Development Corridor will move in tandem and be carried out well to boost the State’s economic growth. “We are not in the stage of making promises like the opposition (parties). We have made the plans and set aside allocations, they are just waiting to be implemented once this is done, it would benefit a lot of people,” he said. Abdullah, who had earlier launched the Handicraft Centre in Keningau, which is part of the SDC’s program, said it was important for them to plan ahead to ensure Malaysia will be a developed country by 2020. He said one of the most important sectors would be to produce quality human capital. “Education must be given top priority. The existing people today will one day retire, and therefore we need the younger generations to take over. But first, they must be properly guided and given quality education, quality learning, quality teaching and opportunities. “By having experienced and skilled manpower, it will create the ability to perform and compete among them, and only then can we face the challenges in the competitive world,” he said. He said the Government was concerned by the fact that not many young people from the lower income groups could attend schools. Therefore to provide similar opportunities for all, the examination fees in both the primary and secondary schools were abolished, while students are entitled to free text books and uniforms, according to him. “This opportunity is given to all irrespective of the race and religion, rural or urban ... every citizen of Malaysia must have access to good education,” he said. Abdullah described himself as “lucky” for having the opportunity to lead a multi-racial coalition, stressing that they all have a similar vision of bringing Malaysia to greater heights, bringing greater security and prosperity for the people.. “We are not a coalition of convenience to face the elections. We have similar interests and are able to work closely together; we are not interested to make short-term plans but rather sustainable programs that would benefit Malaysians forever. “I have a sense of achievement when working with all the party leaders, we all work as friends and it is all for the good of the people. We want to narrow the gap of differences in terms of economic wealth thus providing a better quality of life,” he said. He said political stability had brought about better achievements, stressing that it was evident with the increased deficit. Malaysia, he added, is also not dependent on the US in terms of economy, but has instead created links with other countries including China, one of the fastest growing economies in the world. “In fact, we were the first to develop diplomatic relationship with China, we are China’s best friend in Southeast Asia,” he said. Abdullah urged the people to make the right decision to ensure sustainable development for Malaysia in general, and Sabah in particular.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- KARIM CHALLENGED BY HIS OWN CONSTITUENT

Karim challenged by his own constituent
Retired cop pledges to end sufferings of Bongawan people

KOTA KINABALU:

Incumbent Bongawan assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang is in for a fight with his former believer Lusin Balangon. The 56- year-old ex-policeman who signed the nomination form on Feb 24 under the Parti Barisan Rakyat Sabah (Bersekutu) ticket after losing faith with the ruling coalition and Karim, will be fighting for the State seat with two other opponents namely Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Ag Wash Ag Yahya and Md Hans Md Tahir (independent). “He (Karim) has served in Bongawan for 18 years but unfortunately, he has done little to improve the constituents’ well-being. “I believe the people are smart enough to think and are tired of being fooled by all the broken promises. He has been given enough time to prove himself but nothing is done to improve the Bongawan people’s socio-economy,” said Lusin who retired from the police force after 33 years in service. He added that Karim is not contesting against the opposition, but is rather fighting for the seat with his own people. “I have lived in Bongawan almost all my life. He (Karim) is not against the opposition. He is fighting with me, his own constituent ... the people will decide which better leader to choose come March 8,” he said while campaigning at Kampung Kayau in Papar. He said when he was a policeman, he was exposed to the people’s problems such as bad road conditions and other facilities. “I had served the people during my service as a policeman. Now that I have retired, I would like to continue helping the public because I understand the problems which are the same I faced under the Barisan Nasional’s governance,” he said. Lusin pointed out his decision to contest is not for fun. “I was planning to take a break after retiring from the police force, but with the encouragement from my wife, five children and villagers, I could not resist but to continue serving for the good of the people,” he said, pledging to end the constituents’ sufferings. Lusin said there was nothing he would do to fish for votes but hope the people would be able to decide themselves this Saturday. “You are the ones who will decide. If you want things to change, vote for the right person,” he said. Lusin had also started campaigning in several villages in Bongawan and had even visited the BN’s base. “I believe that to be a good leader, one should not be picky. That is why I went to the BN base to get to know them better, after all they are also voters,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- USBO PRESIDENT URGES BAJAU COMMUNITY TO FULLY SUPPORT BN

USBO president urges Bajau community to fully support BN

KOTA KINABALU:

United Sabah Bajau Organisation (USBO) president Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said has called on the Bajaus, who form the largest bulk of Muslim bumiputera voters in Sabah, to vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN) come polling day on Saturday. He said a strong support should be given to the BN in line with Usbo’s stand as a non-governmental organisation, to support the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the federal level and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the state level. Salleh, a former chief minister, stressed that Usbo had been consistent in its stand to support the Government either at the federal or state level, and had repeatedly made known its stand to assist in the efforts to strengthen Umno. “In line with this principle, I’m calling all members of the Bajau community to give their strong and undivided support to all the BN candidates, to give the BN an absolute victory and return it to power. “This is important so that the Government can continue with its development agenda including the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the Sabah Development Corridor,” he told Bernama yesterday. Usbo, formerly known as United Sabah Bajau Association, is a non-governmental organisation championing the cause of the Bajau community in all aspects including economy and education. The Bajau community has 12 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups namely Bajau, Iranun, Sama, Ubian, Yakan, Suluk, Kagayan, Binadan/Banaran, Jama Mapun, Sibutu, Sikubang and Simunul. Salleh, who is former Kota Belud member of parliament, said by giving a strong support to the BN, the Bajaus would be assured of a brighter future. “We are confident that the BN will be able to bring about a paradigm shift to the community,” he said, referring to the BN manifesto that pledges fairness to all communities in the country. He said the Bajaus, many of whom are still living in coastal areas and remote islands, including nomadic Sea Bajaus who still live on boats, needed the attention, which only the BN could provide. - Bernama

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- CHUA CONDEMNS BAD TREATMENT BY TAWAU HOSPITAL

Chua condemns bad treatment by Tawau hospital

TAWAU:

The district hospital’s alleged bad treatment of a snatch theft victim has incurred the anger and disappointment of Barisan National (BN) candidate for Tawau parliamentary seat, Datuk Chua Soon Bui. In condemning the rude behaviour of a nurse and the poor service provided by the district hospital to Madam Liew, Chua said what had occurred was contradictory to the hospital’s service standard. “I request the hospital’s director to conduct a full investigation into the complaint and disclose its finding to the people in Tawau,” she said. The Tawau hospital, she added, maintains a standard of ‘service with a smile’ requiring its nursing and medical staff to treat patients in a friendly manner. “But instead Madam Liew who was injured in a snatch theft incident, was treated badly by the nurse,” she said. According to Chua, the victim whose injuries were bleeding profusely, was sent to the hospital’s emergency room but was not given any treatment and the staff were also rude to her. Chua was on her way to Wakuba when she learnt about the incident and immediately contacted some SAPP leaders in the district to get in touch with the hospital’s director to remedy the situation. She also contacted a Kapitan Cina and requested the community leader to assist Madam Liew at the hospital as well as in making the necessary reports on the loss of her MyKad and other important documents to the snatch thief. Chua also urged the police to step up patrolling and security check to reduce crime in Tawau.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- 300 PKR MEMBER SWITCH CAMP

300 PKR members switch camp

LAHAD DATU:

About 300 members of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) handed over their Umno membership application forms to Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Datu Nasrun Haji Datu Mansur at Kampung Bakau yesterday. The group was led by Patawi Wapijo, the former PKR election campaign director for P.188 Silam. According to Patawi, he and his supporters quit the opposition party because they disagreed with the choice of the candidate for Lahad Datu. He claimed that the PKR candidate, Zainuddin Zulkarnain was not a member of PKR. “Keadilan means justice and fairness, but we can find no justice and fairness in PKR. How can a non-member become a candidate?” he said. Due to the unfair leadership’s decision and lack of respect for founder members of the party, he and his supporters decided to leave and support the BN candidate. Meanwhile, Nasrun, who is the BN candidate is confident of retaining the N. 50 Lahad Datu state seat in the March 8 general election as BN has implemented a lot of development projects for the people here. He stressed that Zainudin has no issue to raise because the constituency has seen tremendous development carried out by the BN during the last four years, especially infrastructure.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- LDP CONFIDENT BN WILL WIN BIG

LDP confident BN will win big

SANDAKAN:

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is confident that the cooperation forged among the Barisan Nasional (BN) components will bring a big victory to them in Saturday’s elections. Its president, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said that since the nomination nine days ago, the LDP candidates fielded for three state seats — Karamunting, Tanjong Kapor and Merotai — had received good cooperation from all other BN components. “This is a factor the opposition does not have and because of this, I am sure the BN will excel in the elections this time,” he said here yesterday. Liew who is contesting for the Sandakan parliamentary seat, said he too received good cooperation from other BN components especially Umno, Sabah Progressive Party, Parti Bersatu Sabah, MCA and MIC throughout the campaign. “Therefore, my hope to win the Sandakan parliamentary is very bright because I receive a solid support from all BN components and the continued BN spirit shown in the constituency,” he said. In the 2004 general election, Sandakan was the only parliamentary constituency in Sabah the BN failed to capture after it lost to independent Chong Hon Min. In Saturday’s election, Liew ‘ s opponents are Chong Chui Lin (DAP) and Fong Vun Fui (independent). Liew also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman have big visions to develop Sabah, in particular Sandakan, and the people should not miss the boat to bring prosperity to their town. “Both leaders have plans to bring development and progress to the State, particularly Sandakan through the Sabah Development Corridor and Ninth Malaysia Plan in which we are looking at least RM250 billion in allocations to be provided to Sabah,” he said. “The opposition will hamper the process of development in Sandakan. However with the Barisan Nasional this will be a different scenario and if the voters give me the mandate this Saturday, I will prove to them I can work together with other Barisan Nasional elected representatives for the betterment of Sandakan, he added. Liew pointed out that if all the BN candidates in Sandakan win this can make the channelling of funds easier and hasten the pace of development for the benefit of the people. “With a Chief Minister and a Deputy Chief Minister from Sandakan, if elected I can play an effective role in Parliament to seek development funds for Sandakan. “The people of Sandakan must seize this opportunity and give their support to ensure victory for all the Barisan Nasional candidates in Sandakan. Being the president of LDP, if I become the member of parliament, I can have access to Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and work together with him to bring development to Sandakan,” he said. Meanwhile, Liew described DAP candidate Chong Chui Lin Shanty as a ‘political tourist’ as she had lost in the previous election contesting under the Bersekutu banner in Tawau. “Now she wants to try her luck again in Sandakan. What can she do to help to resolve the problems affecting the people of Sandakan?” he asked. On the issue of him being labelled as an outsider, Liew said he considers Sandakan as his hometown because his late father resided here for years before moving to Kota Kinabalu. “I still have relatives living in Sandakan. I maintain an office here and made regular trips to work on my cases before becoming a candidate,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- DOMPOK STEPS UP CAMPAIGN

Dompok steps up campaign

PENAMPANG:

UPKO President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the Barisan Nasional candidate for P174 Penampang, had been intensifying his campaign in the last couple of days. He has been consistent in his message to the people that he is ready to be the elected representative of Penampang. He also reiterated his pledges to the people his commitment to serve them and to honour their mandate. Dompok, who shifted to Penampang from Ranau where UPKO vice-president Datuk Siringan Gubat was picked to defend the seat, was in Sugud on Monday night. Also present was his wife Puan Sri Diana Dompok, who had been accompanying her husband in the campaign trail, including to other constituencies such as Kuamut, Ranau, Bingkor, Nabawan and Putatan. Diana said that she was touched by the vocal support from the people in Penampang. “Women from all walks of life, young and old, have come up to me to express their joy with the return of my husband to Penampang. We appreciate their support,” she said in Sugud. The Sugud function was also attended by Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun, Datuk George Ginibun and Moyog polls director of operation Fred Moosom.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR COOKIES MAKER

Hard work pays off for cookies maker
Papar woman’s products also marketed in city

PAPAR:

After 20 years of hard work, Dayang Itam Yusof has a good reason to smile. The 55-year-old woman now owns a small factory near her house in Kampung Laut here, and her cookies business is picking up. “Although it is just a small family business, it helps us earn our living,” she said when attending to her customers. Dayang Itam said over 10 people in her village have also ventured into the same business, thanks to assistance from the Government. Asked to give her view on Sabah Development Corridor, she admitted not knowing exactly how it will benefit her, but she is confident that whatever the Government’s incentives are, it would bring good to many business people like her. She started her humble business by sewing dresses for brides-to-be and later ventured into selling of cakes and cookies. “When I was told of the Government’s incentives, I quickly grabbed the opportunity and applied for assistance to enable me to purchase machines to expand my business ... today, my cakes are even sold in the State Capital,” she said. “I believe SDC is a good plan by the Government and hope that it would not overlook small business people like me,” she said, adding that if given the right guidance, the small and medium enterprises would also be able to contribute towards the State’s economic growth. Another villager, Joy Francis, said that it is about time that SDC is launched to help improve the economy not just in the urban but rural areas as well. The 24-year- old from Kampung Sabandil, some five kilometres from here, hoped the authorities concerned would meet the people to further explain the SDC policies and objectives. “I came here to learn about SDC and how it can benefit me and my family. There have been many exposures done but I hope to learn more so that I could also play my role to ensure the project’s objectives are met,” he said. SDC is a definitive development project undertaken by the Government to fully eradicate poverty in the State by 2025, and according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, it is not an unrealistic programme as the Government would ensure the successful implementation of the project to benefit the people from all walks of life. Stressing this in his speech during the official launch of the 18- year development plan at Sepanggar Bay container port near here on Jan 29 this year, Abdullah said SDC would stress on the people’s welfare, whereby no race or group would be left out of mainstream development. SDC is the fourth economic corridor to be launched after the Iskandar Development Region, Northern Corridor Economic Region and East Coast Economic Region. He said SDC, which begins this year, would see the development of Sabah based on five main aspects, which are: •Sabah as a major entry point in the region for trade, investment and tourism; •Sabah as a harmonious and peaceful state regardless of race or religion; •Sabah as a technology-savvy state in all aspects of life which will ensure a higher quality of life; •Sabah as a rich state with employment opportunities for all; •Sabah as a comfortable state to reside with a high standard of living together with cultural diversity, heritage and environment. “We will witness a significant transformation if we can successfully build up the five aspects. The implementation of SDC would be a facelift for Sabah,” Abdullah said. By the year 2025, it is expected that Sabah’s economy would develop rapidly and that the State’s Gross Domestic Product is expected to increase four-fold to RM63.2 billion.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- CM ASSURES FLOOD VICTIMS OF ASSISTANCE

CM assures flood victims of assistance

KOTA KINABALU:

They may be busy with the election campaign but the BN Government will not forget and do nothing about the people affected by floods and landslide, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman. Musa said even though the Election Commission regulation states that a candidate is not allowed to give out any financial or material assistance during their campaign, it does not mean that the people affected by natural disasters would be left without help. “Though we are busy with the election, we will still continue to help those who need our help. The BN Government is always concerned about the welfare and interest of the people and will provide help whenever needed. This is our way,” said Musa when met after officiating at the opening of SMK Taman Tun Fuad Stephen in jalan Bundusan yesterday. In addition, he said the State Natural Disaster Relief Committee chaired by the State Secretary is on hand to provide help and assistance to the people, he said. According to the Chief Minister, he had directed the committee chairman Datuk Sukarti Wakiman to inform district officers in all flood and landslide-prone areas in the State to check and mobilize natural disaster operation rooms in their respective districts. He said this is to ensure that immediate assistance can be dispatched whenever needed. “Certainly, the government, through the State Secretary committee and government officers will provide assistance,” he said. He noted that Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim who attended the ceremony with him rushed to areas affected by flash floods in Kota Kinabalu to see what the City Hall can do to help the people affected. Several areas around Kota Kinabalu were hit by flash floods following a heavy thunderstorm late yesterday afternoon. Among those areas were Kibabaig, Minitod, and Bundusan in Penampang. Several roads including the stretch near University Malaysia Sabah in Likas and near Industrial Training Institue in Sepanggar were also flooded.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- DON'T DISRUPT DEVT MOMENTUM

Don’t disrupt devt momentum, says CM Right choice vital to ensure all projects carried out

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah is enjoying rapid development and this momentum towards progress should not be disrupted by allowing a new government to come into power and take over the State administration. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said it is important for the people to make the right choice and ensure the continuation of the ongoing various development programmes in the State. “Various development projects are being implemented and many more are being planned. This is why we should vote for BN candidates, so that the BN Government can continue implementing all its development plans to keep Sabah moving forward, he said. Speaking at the official opening of SMK Taman Tun Fuad Stephen in Jalan Bundusan yesterday, Musa pointed that a huge allocation has been given by the Federal Government to Sabah under the Ninth Malaysia Plan including the RM3.4 billion for improving education in the State. In line with the Prime Minister’s aspiration to achieve first class mentality and human capital, he said emphasis is being given to improve the education both in quality and accessibility. According to him, various projects including construction of various supporting facilities has been started to improve the State’s education system. He said various infrastructures such as hostels, new schools, housing for the teachers and many more have been and will be built throughout Sabah. “The State BN Government has always been concerned about the people’s welfare and is working closely with the Federal Government to ensure Sabah is developing in all aspects, including education. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s aspiration to ensure quality education for every child in the country,” said Musa. In addition to education subsidies, the Federal Government has provided various programmes and schemes to assist the students, especially those from poor families, to ensure they can continue their education to higher level Apart from that, he said the State Government is keeping a close watch and work closely with the State Education Department to ensure that whatever request or problems faced by the department can be forwarded to the Ministry of Education and solved accordingly. Earlier, Musa and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan witnessed the presentation of KUAM assistance to school headmasters in Tambunan to be distributed to poor students in their respective schools. He reminded that the education system in the Sabah can only be effectively improved with strong support and participation from the people, especially the parents. In this regard, he said parents should play an active role in the education of their children by working together with the schools. Parents, he said, should not leave the children’s education solely to the teachers.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- JEFFREY CLAIMS BN FEELS HEAT, WIDESPREAD CASH HANDOUTS

Jeffrey claims BN feels heat, widespread cash handouts

KENINGAU:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is contesting Keningau parliamentary and Bingkor state seats, yesterday said the Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders and candidates are feeling the pressure from the opposition, particularly the PKR. He said reports reaching him from the ground indicated many BN leaders have to resort an “inducement” in order to attract crowds to attend their meet-the- people gatherings. He alleged that the distribution of financial assistance to students under the Kumpulan Amanah Pelajar Termiskin (Poor Students Trust Fund) throughout Sabah is an inducement to fish for votes from the people. Parents from across the State such as in Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Ranau and Inanam were invited to attend such functions, which were actually political gatherings, he said. “Why the Ministry of Education cannot wait until the election is over to do the distribution of whatever cash and why identified PKR supporters are not given the so— called assistance?” Jeffrey asked. In view of this, he urged the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to monitor and investigate reports of alleged cash distribution in Sabah ahead of Saturday’s general election. He claimed that parents of schoolchildren in many constituencies were given hard cash. Jeffrey also claimed that he has been informed by PKR supporters that “other kind of bribing are taking place”. He urged the Election Commission to establish enforcement teams to monitor activities of all candidates in the election. “I’m making this call because so-called house-to-house campaigns is being used as an opportunity to distribute cash,” he said. “The Election Commission ought to enforce the law to prevent corruption during this election.” Jeffrey pointed out that Section 27B of the Election Offences Act 1958 states that “The Election Commission may, if the Commission considers it necessary, to establish an enforcement team or any number of enforcement teams for the purpose of monitoring and controlling the activities of candidates during the campaign period until the expiry of the polling day.” He urged all PKR officials at the grassroots level to make police reports if they find any evidence of candidates resorting to bribery in gaining support and votes from the people. “It is very important to gather all information about bribery in this election so that the PKR team of lawyers could prepare papers to be filed in courts after the election. If no report is lodged, the relevant authorities will not be able to do anything. PKR must cooperate with the relevant authorities to do investigation on corruption because one of the PKR objectives is to provide a clean government,” he said. Commenting on Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin’s recent call in Ranau for the State Government to review provision on land law that prohibits any form of agricultural activities or development on land with a gradient of 25 degrees, Jeffrey said that this concern shows that under the BN Government, important policies affecting the livelihood of the people are not even discussed by the State Cabinet. “Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin holds a very important post both in UPKO and in the State Cabinet. How is it that he needs to make this an election issue?” Jeffrey asked. Jeffrey said that if the PKR wins the election and form the next State Government, it will revise the land ordinance. “This is to ensure the problem faced by locals will be solved promptly and they need not wait for years to get their land deeds,” he said.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- WRONG DECISION MEANS FIVE-YEAR SUFFERING: MUSA

Wrong decision means five-year suffering: Musa

PAPAR:

Politics should not be likened to television shows. “If your favourite TV (television) programme is disrupted, it would just take minutes, sometimes even seconds to restore. But if you make the wrong decision on the polling day this Saturday, you will suffer for five years.” This simple but stern reminder came from Sabah Barisan Nasional liaison chief Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who reiterated his tireless call to the rakyat (people) to opt for the ruling government on March 8 and choose continuous development for the State. Describing the ruling coalition as a “caring and generous” government, Musa said the people’s needs are always their top priority and any development programmes implemented are for the good of the nation in general and rakyat in particular. “It is time for the rakyat to value the BN struggle. Do not let your constituency be left behind just because you made the wrong decision on polling day,” he said when launching a series of the Yayasan Sabah roadshows on the 18-year Sabah Development Corridor here. Musa, who was pretty philosophical yesterday, started his speech with two poems touching on the famous Belacan Papar (Papar shrimp paste) and BN slogan of continuously struggling for the good of the people. He said the BN manifesto was made after taking into account the people’s needs, and some have already been implemented while others will be done soon. “The Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s manifesto is too good to be true. It was written on the basis if they form a Government ... but we all know that this will not happen,” he said. “How can you form a Government if you cannot even achieve majority victory throughout the nation?” Musa asked. He said PKR was rejected in Peninsular Malaysia, so there is no reason for Malaysians in Sabah to vote for the opposition party. Also present at the event were several BN candidates, namely P175 Papar - Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin; P176 Kimanis - Datuk Anifah Aman; P177 Beaufort - Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Hj Ukin; N21 Kawang - Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar; N22 Pantai Manis - Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail; N23 Bongawan - Datuk Karim Bujang; N24 Membakut - Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif; N25 Klias - Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun; N26 Kuala Penyu - John Teo Mau Sing; N27 Lumadan - Kamarlin Ombi; and N28 Sindumin – Ahmad Bujang.

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- SAMSON ADMITS FACING UPHILL TASK IN RETAINING SRI TANJONG SEAT

Samson admits facing uphill task in retaining Sri Tanjong seat

TAWAU:

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Sri Tanjong state seat, Samson Chin Chee Tsu has admitted that it would be quite a Goliath task to retain the constituency this time around. In view of the situation, Chin, and the BN election machinery, have been pooling all the available resources to help keep the seat, which has about 19,500 voters. “This is the first election that I feel that I need to put in extra efforts. “I’ve participated in four elections here but this is the most challenging; I must admit it’s going to be a hard fight,” he told Bernama when met during his campaign rounds here. The BN election machinery would not take things for granted or underestimate the opposition here, instead it would work hard to retain the seat. In this election, Chin, from Parti Bersatu Sabah, is facing Wong Sze Phin @ Jimmy of DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Kong Hong Ming @ Kong Fo Min. In the 2004 polls, Chin retained the seat with a 3,907-vote majority, defeating a DAP candidate. Chin said Sri Tanjong voters knew that “they are living in peace, are safe and prosperous” under the BN Government and that they should not tinker with the situation. “Although we are living ma multiracial country, we live together peacefully. There are no problems among the races unlike in many other countries where one race is against another. “Over the past 50 years we have been very peaceful except on one occasion in 1969. But we have learnt and matured a lot as we go along,” he said. In terms of economy, he said, the BN-led Government had proven that it was able to bring in foreign direct investments. He said the Government’s vision of turning the nation into a developed country by 2020 should not face any hitches. “(Therefore) The voters should not disturb this security, peace and prosperity that we enjoy today. Jam sure almost everyone, from businessmen to the poor, are happy with the ruling BN Government,” he said. - Bernama

WEDNESDAY-05 MARCH 2008- PROBE ON CAUSE OF FLASH FLOODS IN LIDO, KEPAYAN

Probe on cause of flash floods in Lido, Kepayan

PENAMPANG:

Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim said action will be taken to determine the cause of the flash floods in Lido and Kepayan yesterday evening. “The monsoon drains are full and the problem was aggravated by the high tide yesterday afternoon,” Iliyas said after visiting the affected areas with Barisan Nasional (BN) Kapayan candidate Datuk Edward Khoo. Iliyas and Khoo waded through knee-high flood water at housing estates in the affected areas to talk to the affected families. According to him, the tide was expected to start receding at 8pm and water in the drains will be able to flow out smoothly then. Iliyas said that once the water had receded, City Hall would be checking the drains to ensure that there are no blockages. “If there are any blockages, we will clear them up immediately so that the problem does not re-occur,” he said. “We feel sorry for the people who had to endure this and Datuk Khoo, myself as well as City Hall will do whatever we can to resolve the problem,” he added. City Hall would be meeting with the Penampang District Council and the State Drainage and Irrigation Department to find out the root problem and ways to fix it.

TUESDAY-04 MARCH 2008- JEFFREY, ANWAR HAVE THEIR OWN POLITICAL AGENDAS: PAIRIN

Jeffrey, Anwar have own political agendas: Pairin

TAMPARULI:

PBS President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan said his younger brother Dr Jeffrey and Keadilan Advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have their own political agendas without wanting to truly fight for the people. Responding to a news report yesterday in which Jeffrey urged him to “retire gracefully”, Pairin said the Opposition are only good at lying and kicking up wild allegations. “In the papers, it was reported that there were 2,000 people at his ceramah (talk) in Tambunan, but according to my sources there were only 180 people attending,” he said after officially opening the Pusat Giat Mara centre here, yesterday. “This is the Opposition, they tell people outside of Keningau that Pairin has already dropped in Tambunan and Keningau. What I can say is the opposition cannot be trusted. “They will continue to lie to the people because they are only fishing for votes, only to further their respective agendas especially Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Jeffrey, because they are partners-in-arms,” he said. Pairin charged that Anwar and Jeffrey were part of the team that worked towards taking down the PBS-led State Government in the 1994 general elections. “One wants to be PM (Prime Minister), one wants to be DPM (deputy Prime Minister). Their aim is not to form the Government, or be in politics to truly fight for the people in our country or our State. “They don’t care if our security is threatened, because in Semenanjung it is obvious where demonstrations happened and here they instigate (the people) in various ways. “They have personal political agendas and are not interested in developing the country ... they cannot be trusted and the people need to know this,” he said. Commenting on the Keadilan slogan “Time for Change”, Pairin said the Barisan Nasional has already brought about positive changes and would continue to do so. “We have a new PM who brings a new approach which is closer to the rights and needs of the people, especially in the Interior and rural areas and for the poor, particularly the hardcore poor. “When we receive good things through change, this is what we need to hold on to and not discard. Why go hunting aimlessly for a bird when you already have one in hand?” he said. On his chances in the Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan State seats, Pairin expressed confidence in being voted in for another term. “I will defend and win both seats, with the support that is definitely leaning towards BN. All (our candidates) will win, including Tuaran and Tamparuli and all (candidates) under the BN,” he said.

TUESDAY-04 MARCH 2008- BE TRUE REPS OF PEOPLE, URGES MUSA

Be true reps of people, urges Musa

SANDAKAN:

With five days to go before polling day, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman wants successful candidates to discharge their duties as true representatives of the people and not for the sake of getting the honorific title of ‘Yang Berhormat’ (YB). “After the general election, all elected EN candidates must meet the people and ask what problems they face and be caring representatives. “What is important is that the honorific ‘YB’ refers to ‘Yang Berkhidmat’ (One Who Serves) and not ‘Yang Berhormat’ (Honourable) as the people want elected representatives to look into their welfare,” he said in his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony for SMK Tinusa here yesterday “(They) must always be in their constituencies to listen to the people’s problems. “I want them to spend more time in their areas and not just visit once in their five years as ‘YB’,” he said to loud applause from the approximately 500-strong crowd. When met by reporters after a disbursement-of-loans ceremony for Yayasan Usahawan Maju, also held here, Musa denied there were problems related to cooperation among Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah component parties. “To my knowledge, there’s no problem. What is important is that I advise BN Sabah component parties to always help each other and work as a team so we can score a handsome victory,” he said. Musa, who is BN Sabah chairman, said it was a BN principle (for BN component parties) to help each other out when facing a general election. He said all BN candidates must provide concise information to the people on what the government had and would do for them. - Bernama

MONDAY-3RD MARCH 2008-LIEW CAN HELP SOLVE PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS

Liew can help solve people’s problems: Pang

SANDAKAN:
Barisan Nasional elected representatives received annual allocation of funds from the Government to implement development projects for the good of the constituents in their respective areas. “Apart from the projects implemented by the Barisan Nasional Government, BN elected representatives too are provided with funds to carry out repairs or upgrade of basic facilities in their constituencies,” LDP vice president Isaac Pang disclosed after visiting the Sandakan central market with BN Sandakan parliamentary candidate Datuk Liew Vui Keong on Sunday. Isaac urged the people to support and ensure the victory of Liew and all BN candidates to ensure continuity in the development programmes implemented by the BN Government. “Opposition elected representatives do not have allocations to implement development projects and they cannot resolve the problems faced by the people,” Isaac said. He pointed out if the people of Sandakan give the mandate to Liew as their elected representatives, he would be able to help address the issues affecting them. “Being the president of LDP which is a component party of BN, he is in a better position to channel the issues and problems of Sandakan people to the BN leadership for solutions apart from bringing development and progress to Sandakan,” Isaac said.

MONDAY-3RD MARCH 2008- LIM URGES SANDAKAN INDEPENDENT TO WITHDRAW

Lim urges Sandakan independent to withdraw

SANDAKAN:
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has called on Sandakan parliamentary independent candidate Fong Vun Fui to withdraw from the contest for the larger interest of the people of Sandakan to prevent a division of the votes against the Barisan Nasional candidate. “Sandakan people must vote as one to ensure the Barisan Nasional candidate is defeated because at this stage what is significant is to send a very clear message across that Umno’s political hegemony must not be allowed to raise its ugly head,” Lim told reporters after attending a political talk at the Yu Yuan Secondary School hall on Saturday night. Lim said a vote for any BN component party is a vote for Umno’s political hegemony. In a three-way fight there is a possibility that votes against the BN might be split and this must not be allowed to take place because every vote counts. “In Sandakan, DAP’s Chong Chui Lin is seen as the candidate likely to have a greater chance of’winning and therefore I call on the independent candidate to withdraw from the contest to prevent a division of votes. If he refuses to do so, then the Sandakan voters must ensure not a single vote is wasted otherwise the BN maybe the beneficiary which is very unfortunate,” he said. Lim said if the BN wins in the Sandakan parliamentary seat, Sandakan voters and Sabahans in Malaysia will miss out on the opportunity of sending a very credible and qualified Malaysian to become a Member of Parliament and also the opportunity to send a clear and unmistakable message to put an end to Umno’s political hegemony.

MONDAY-3RD MARCH 2008-JUSTIN SAYS HE DID NOT SUPPORT LAND APPLICATION APPROVAL

Justin says he did not support land application approval

KENINGAU:
The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Bingkor, Justin Guka, has strongly denied his involvement in giving support to the approval of application for 2,500 acres of Bingkor Native Reserve (BNR) by 50 outsiders. “I was never directly involved in supporting the approval of the land,” he told The Borneo Post when commenting on the issue which was played up by the opposition, especially Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), during their campaign for the March 8 election. Incumbent Justin is facing two former Bingkor assemblymen, PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Thomas Anggan (independent). Setia candidate Victor Leonardus is also vying for the seat. Justin said a letter from the State Land and Survey Department director, Bil: L. S. 1302.1.1/Vol. V (327)/(-rhl) dated February 11, 2008, was the answer to the PKR allegation. The letter forwarded to the Keningau Assistant Collector Land Revenue (ACLR) among others, said the land application (BNR) for livestock by 50 participants from Kampung Bunga Raya, Bingkor which was seconded (supported) at the Keningau Land Utilization Committee (LUC) meeting on November 7, 2007 was more suitable for a village reserve. The letter also rejected the application, stating that it could not be applied by any individual except for village reserve purpose. Justin said the letter had been circulated to all the Bingkor people to prove that he was not involved in approving the land application. “I also promise to struggle and defend the right of the people,” he said, adding PKR brought up the issue as they wanted to confuse the people and seek their sympathy.

MONDAY-3RD MARCH 2008-ISSUES FOR ALL CANDIDATES TO PONDER

Issues for all candidates to ponder
As the election gets underway and as polling draws nearer, I want all contesting candidates to ponder the following issues: 1. Why is the Federal Government not considering increasing the 5% oil royalty? A review is long overdue taking into consideration inflation and cost of living; 2. We set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the video clip issue concerning the fixing of judicial appointments, yet in Sabah, we have not done so with regard to illegal immigrants and fake identity documents; 3. The Saham Amanah Sabah issue: The Government last time indicated that they will guarantee the SAS shares but what has happened now? I see one passing the buck to another and to this day I cannot get a straight answer. Thank goodness I did not invest in the SAS but I feel sorry for those who did; 4. The papers highlighted what the BN has done for the country recently and said that they are the only ones who can deliver. I firmly believe so because there has not been any government since — maybe there should be a balance and if the opposition cannot deliver at least we can compare, so right now I think it’s a bit lopsided. Lately, the government has been saying they are doing a good job, I would expect from them nothing less as this is the reason why we vote them and they are being paid to do their job; 5. Why should all gaming outlets be controlled by private companies of Sdn Bhd? Lotteries should be conducted through a welfare outlet with a profits going back to society, instead of a few individuals. At the end of the year, they gave any ang pows to a few charities as window-dressing. Somebody is making big money at the expense of the people. Is this how the government serve the people? 6. My general perception of this election is this - everybody wants to be a candidate so that they will be able to win to get a position and power and this would further enable them to get contracts and enrich themselves. As regards their stories about wanting to serve the people, I am sorry I cannot buy that. Sometimes I feel that by voting in an election I am a part of the corrupt nature of our politics and politicians to give them a chance to win for business and their families first. Whoever forms the next government, they will take care of the people in one way or another in a small way as a window dressing as they will be taking care of themselves and their own people first. And because of this Sabah will always be a developing and poorest state instead of the reverse.
Clement Lee.

MONDAY-3RD MARCH 2008-PM CONFIDENT OF TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY WIN

PM confident of two-thirds majority win
KUALA TERENGGANU:
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of securing a two-thirds majority in the genera1 election. The Prime Minister said this was based on the reports received from the states after a week of campaigning As for the position of the Barisan Nasional at this stage, InsyaAllah, we will obtain the two-thirds majority,” he told reporters after opening the Conference of Terengganu Religious Leaders 2008, here. The BN Chairman was asked to comment on the position of the coalition so far after seven days of campaigning. The campaigning period is entering its second week before polling on Saturday. Abdullah said he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were giving more attention to states in the north and East Coast to ensure the BN Government would continue to get the people’s support. We go to the states that need help. As for Johor, we are of the opinion that we are strong (there), Alhamdulillah, and it is capable of carrying out campaigns to maintain the strong support.
He urged members of the associations, especially the younger generation, to carefully read the BN manifesto to help them make up their minds why they should vote for BN and not the opposition. “First we read the BN manifesto, then we listen to the BN leaders and finally we decide (where we stand),” he said. Sari Nuar said Abdullah had received the invitation and agreed to come for the meet—the-people session expected to be attended by some 3,000 people comprising BN supporters and association members. The event scheduled to start at 2pm will be attended by BN component party leaders including Sabah Umno Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who would also deliver a speech before Abdullah give his talk. Sari Nuar said only VIP vehicles will be allowed to enter the school compound during the event and members of the public who wish to attend the talk are to park their vehicles at a designated parking area at Likas Sport Complex. - He said a shuttle bus will be provided to transport the attendees to and from the sport complex and advised the public not to park their vehicles along the roadside near the school to avoid traffic congestion. The Federation is an umbrella organization for more than 120 registered bodies which are organising the event.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- PROTECTING CORAL REEFS OFF SABAH

Protecting coral reefs off Sabah

KOTA KINABALU:

The Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Malaysia has stressed the need for every individual to be aware of the importance of protecting coral reefs from threats and playing their part, which is the fundamental objective of the International Year of the Reef 2008. Dr Dionysius S.K. Sharma said that in Malaysia, individuals, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are creating partnerships with the very intention to save the reefs. He said: “Malaysia has extraordinary reefs, home to hundreds of species of reef- building corals and countless other species, which make up an incomparable kaleidoscope of marine biodiversity. “The reef cover in Malaysia is approximately 3,600km with 75 percent situated off the coast of Sabah, roughly five times the size of Singapore. “Coral reefs serve to provide livelihoods through fisheries and tourism, and protect coastlines from erosion, among others. “Malaysia’s reefs are under the same pressures faced by reefs globally, caused by human activities such as unsustainable fishing practices and unplanned coastal development, a lack of adequate waste management systems, habitat destruction and climate change. “This is reflected by the fact that for the first time, corals have ended up on the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species, a list, as its name suggests, identifies species requiring immediate safeguard measures.” Dr Dionysius said that in view of this, WWF-Malaysia, as well as like-minded NGOs and governmental bodies, are pooling resources to save our coral reefs. He said the efforts are made through trans-border collaborations under the Coral Triangle Initiative involving Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste and implementation of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Action Plans, spearheaded by the governments of three nations - Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. He said it is important for every individual to learn more about our rich marine heritage as individual behaviour and actions, whether at sea or on land, have an impact on the marine environment. “Visit the marine park and conserve water, dispose of trash properly, practise responsible diving and snorkeling, support reef-friendly businesses or, if you are in the business, exercise positive codes of practice and get involved in cleanup activities,” he said. “All these and much more are ways in which we can all contribute towards ensuring the survival of our reefs, our heritage.”

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- KEADILAN TOP GUN JOINS UPKO PENAMPANG

Keadilan top gun joins Upko Penampang

PENAMPANG:

Tan Sri Bernard Dompok received yet another endorsement in his quest to become the Member of Parliament for Penampang when a top Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader joined the Barisan Nasional. PKR director of operation in the on-going campaign for Penampang, Maxmillian Takong, on Saturday night submitted his form and pledged full support to Dompok and Upko, witnessed by Upko Pupatu branch committee. The Upko President said, “He is joining us on his own free will. He informed me that he decided to join us simply because the BN is the better choice. I thank him and appreciate such conviction.” “I call on our people to be courageous in accepting the fact that they will go nowhere by supporting the opposition. PKR, DAP and PAS had openly said that they cannot win and form the Federal Government. All they hope to do is to reduce the BN majority. So why are our people wasting their time with the opposition?” He said this to reporters after visiting the Lido market here on Sunday. Also with him was the BN Kepayan candidate Datuk Edward Khoo. Apart from Dompok, the Penampang seat is also contested by Edwin @ Jack Bosi of PKR and independent hopefuls Anthony Tibok and Livired Missih @ Willybrod Misi. Takong’s endorsement is but only one of the many support received by Dompok since nomination day on Feb 24. The others who had openly supported Dompok were the Penampang Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as all the BN component parties in the district. On Sunday, Dompok was the guest of honour at a ‘welcome home’ luncheon gathering attended by community leaders and Upko election machineries from the district. In a related development, Dompok was in Keningau two days ago to give moral support to BN candidate for N 33 Bingkor, Justin Guka. “I am happy to see that the component parties are working closely with one another in the area. Cooperation and unity are keys to victory and I believe they will deliver,” he added.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- KENINGAU CAN BE METROPOLITAN CITY, SAYS PAIRIN

Keningau can be metropolitan city, says Pairin

KENINGAU:

Keningau will become a metropolitan city in 2025 with the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Middle Corridor, said the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Keningau parliamentary seat, Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, on Saturday. “I am confident under the BN Government leadership, Keningau will become a metropolitan city in 18 years,” he said when officiating a meet- the-people session at Kampung Baru in Bingkor here. Keningau would become a producer of agricultural products and have modern infrastructures, world- class education and tourism facilities as well as the biggest bio-technology producer in the country, he said. Pairin who is also the Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister, is confident that the SDC Middle Corridor would change the physical and economic landscape of the Upper Interior. He said the people from Keningau, Tambunan, Nabawan, Tenom, Sook, Kemabong and Pagalungan with a majority population of Kadazandusun Murut, would enjoy all the development opportunities provided and implemented by the BN Government in their districts. “The Prime Minister has targeted to eradicate poverty by the year 2010. It can be achieved through the various developments planned and brought by the Government,” he said. Meanwhile, Pairin invited the people to attend the SDC roadshow which is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the community centre here on March 5. Pairin who is also the PBS president, is challenged by his younger brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan from PKR and Peter Kadau from DAP in Keningau while for the Tambunan state seat, the Keningau BN chairman is facing a three-cornered fight with Moses Michael Iking from PKR and independent candidate Francis Koh Kui Tze.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- JEFFREY URGES PAIRIN TO RETIRE GRACEFULLY

Jeffrey urges Pairin to retire gracefully

TAMBUNAN:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday advised Datuk Seri Pairin Kitingan to retire gracefully and accept the fact that “change is blowing very hard into Sabah and everybody can feel it”. Making the call in front of over 2,000 Jeffrey supporters at TVRC Tambunan yesterday, Dr Jeffrey urged his elder brother to step down and protect the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community through strengthening the KDCA in his capacity as the Huguan Siou. “I will always respect my brother and I cannot deny that he has brought great contributions to the development of Tambunan and Keningau. But he is now sounding more like the Umno leaders when he is telling his own people that the development will stop if they do not vote for BN. “He did not realise that it was at this point when PBS was given the mandate by the people back in the 1984 election where the Government took away the district administration in Tambunan and yet the people backed him up no matter what. “Is he telling us that the BN Government will do the same if the people of Tambunan choose the opposition again this time? It was the same threats given by BERJAYA to the people not to vote for PBS. Now he is sounding more like them now and I believe that the people are wise and politically matured to decide that change will prevail here in Sabah,” said Jeffrey in a statement yesterday. “He even admitted it in his press statement that Umno at that time stopped all developments for Tambunan because he was in the opposition party, but I do believe that if the people have given you the mandate to fight for injustice in Sabah, we must accept and respect the vote given to us by the people and not simply surrender to BN,” he added. Meanwhile, a man claiming to be a family friend of the Kitingans, Hj Jaafar Abdullab @ Ricky Kimsuan, joined in the siblings’ rivalry yesterday by asking Pairin to stop bashing his younger brother Jeffrey, who is spearheading PKR to correct wrongs in the State. “Pairin please lab you have been in power for more than 30 years, with 10 years as Chief Minister, what else do you want to do now that you could not have achieved the past 30 years? “Don’t say Dr Jeffrey ‘melompat sana sinilah’, Pairin also ‘melompat’ from BN to opposition and then back to BN now. A president should not ‘melompat sana sini’,” saidHj Jaafar in a statement yesterday. Hj Jaafar, once an ardent follower of PBS, who claims now to be a consultant to Dr Jeffrey, said while the people have seen the best of Pairin, they have yet to see the best of Dr Jeffrey, simply because he is not in a position to decide on priorities and policies.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- PKR ADMITTED CANNOT FORM GOVT, SAYS MUSA

PKR admitted cannot form Govt, says Musa

TAWAU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said there is no point voting for a party that cannot garner a simple majority to form the Government. He said the opposition, namely Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), had admitted recently that it could possibly win only 20 to 25 seats. “Earlier on, PKR already admitted that they can only win 20 to 25 seats. How can you form a Government when you need a simple majority of 112 to do so?” Launching the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) roadshow organized by Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah) at the community centre here yesterday, Musa who is also State BN chairman, said the fact that PKR would concede to being able to win only so few seats should be a clear indication to the people that it was a weak party. “When the leaders of PKR do not have the confidence to say they can at least command a simple majority, there must be a problem,” said Musa. “Why would you want to vote for a party that obviously cannot form a Government?” he added. Musa said doing so would be a waste of the people’s time and effort and voting for opposition parties like PKR, DAP and PAS would be gambling with one’s future. “What kind of development, projects and socio-economic programmes can they bring to the people when they cannot form the Government?” The Chief Minister said the people must ponder and look at the bigger picture before casting their votes. “Don’t be reckless with your votes. It determines your future and the future of your children.” Meanwhile during a meet-the-people function in Lahad Datu, Musa said only the BN Government can bring progress to the people of Sabah, including Lahad Datu. He said the district had stood to gain under the BN Government which had brought the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster, a mega project that would generate economic pin-offs for Lahad Datu. “The BN Government also approved a RM15O million flood mitigation project, 3,000 units of low-cost housing are underway and more will be built in the near future.” In view of the development of POIC that would naturally bring more visitors, especially for business, he has requested the Federal Government to upgrade the Lahad Datu airport. “Only the BN can give high- impact projects that will bring long-term benefits to the people. So for continued development, you must make BN a stronghold in Lahad Datu,” added Musa. Meanwhile, about 40 members from opposition parties resigned to join BN yesterday. One of them was independent candidate for Apas N56, Ardi Arsah.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- CLOSE SHOP CALL FOR KDM PARTIES UNREALISTIC AND NONSENSIAL: DOMPOK

Close shop call for KDM parties unrealistic and nonsensical: Dompok

PENAMPANG:

It would be unrealistic and nonsensical for the Kadazandusun-Murut (KDM) based parties under the Barisan Nasional (BN) to “close shop” to unite the community, said Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok. He said he does not understand the proposition made by Parti Keadilan Rakyat State information chief Dr Edwin Bosie, because “how do you promote unity when everybody’s closed?”. “I think he will be rejected by his party because that was obviously not the premise on which Keadilan was formed,” he said in an interview after attending a reception yesterday to welcome his return to Penampang after serving two terms in Ranau. “I don’t think it is realistic to expect the KDMs to come under a party like Keadilan which is working with PAS, surely not ... it goes without saying that this is a proposition th is close to absurdity,” he said. Earlier on Friday night, Edwin said it is important for the three BN KDM-based parties, namely Upko, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and PBRS, to “close shop” to allow the KDMs to unite as a single community. Edwin, who is contesting against Dompok for the Penampang parliamentary seat, said the presence of the three parties will only perpetuate division of the community, claiming further that it is a ploy to ensure the Federal Government can control Sabah. When asked to comment further on Edwin’s contention of division within the community caused by the three KDM-based parties, Dompok side-stepped the issue, saying that matter will work itself out in due time. “I think we have to allow these things to follow its natural course, eventually things will get right. At the moment, if you look at the composition of the other parties, some of them are purely multi-racial,” he said in an apparent reference to PBS. Dompok noted that Upko’s struggle for the KDM community is not unlike what is being championed by national parties MCA, MIC and Umno which he said represent the Chinese, Indian and Malay communities respectively. “In the same vein, Upko has taken upon its role to represent the views of the bumiputras from the KDM community,” he said. Earlier in his speech at the reception, Dompok said it is a great responsibility for candidates to receive support and assured that Upko’s candidates are “here to serve”. “We are here to carry out the mandate of the people, to ensure that what is promised is carried out and what is planned is implemented. “Our promise is that we will do our work fearlessly, in the true spirit of the responsibility given to us by the people, but this needs your support,” he said. Dompok stressed that the BN coalition has proven its capability in fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Sabah. “Our manifesto said that there shall be a place for everyone under the Malaysian sun, and this means that we all have the opportunity,” he said. Also present at the event were Moyog State candidate and Upko supreme council member Donald Mojuntin, Kepayan State candidate Datuk Edward Khoo, Penampang Umno chief Datuk John Ambrose Dumpangul, Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun and event organisers Jeffrey Ekol and Jackson Boijol.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- KDM'S GLORY DAYS COMING BACK: DONALD

KDM’s glory days coming back: Donald

PENAMPANG:

The Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community’s glory days are coming back, according to the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Moyog, Donald Datuk Peter Mojuntin. “A new era is dawning and therefore the KDM cannot afford to run around in circles anymore,” Donald said at a luncheon to welcome- Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok back as the BN’s candidate for the Penampang parliamentary seat yesterday. Donald stressed that the KDM should discard the habit of leaving BN and joining the opposition when they are disappointed only to realize later that ‘the grass is not greener on the other side’. “We have to stop doing this because the KDM are represented in the Government by elected representatives from KDM-based BN component parties,” he said. According to Donald, by giving them the mandate, the elected representatives can voice out the needs and grouses of the KDM communities to the Government. “We have the opportunity to say and do what we want for the people. We also have the opportunity to argue if something is not right,” he said in urging the people to ensure a resounding victory for BN candidates in Penampang, Moyog and Kapayan constituencies. “Our participation in BN will also serve everybody irrespective of race,” he said, adding that the BN is a well established coalition with a very good track record in terms of providing Malaysia with security as well as economic and political stability. On a different issue, Donald shot down talks that Dompok had made the wrong decision by dropping two Upko’s incumbents for the coming election. “People are saying that he (Dompok) made the wrong decision by not fielding certain candidates. I would like to stress that there were no wrong decisions. The decisions were made with good heart and our two leaders are with us all the way. “They are involved in the campaigning with open hearts and are giving the party everything they’ve got,” he said. According to Donald further, in any struggle, there is only one way to do it... with integrity and honesty. There is no need to destroy anybody’s credibility and no need to lie.

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- OPPOSITION PARTIES TRYING THEIR LUCK IN SABAH: CM

Opposition parties trying their luck in Sabah: CM

TAWAU:

The opposition parties, like PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which have been rejected by the people in the Peninsular, are just trying their luck in this Land Below the Wind, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. This, he said, was also realised by the people of Sabah and believed that they would reject the parties concerned and their political ploys. “The opposition parties, like PAS, PKR and DAP are not wanted in the Peninsular. My friends in Johor and Selangor said these political parties are just ‘story teller’ parties. They only appear during elections and make all sorts of promises. Since they are not accepted in the Peninsular, why come to Sabah? Do they think the Sabah people are stupid?” he said when speaking at the opening of the Sabah Foundation’s mobile exhibition here yesterday. He said it would be a big mistake for the opposition parties to belittle or look down on the political intelligence of the Sabah people or to think they would be easily accepted by the people in the State. “The Sabah people are politically wise and experienced and they are able to distinguish between the husk and rice or glass and precious stones,” he added. He said the people in Sabah had been supporting the Barisan Nasional (BN) on the realisation that only the coalition was capable of bringing development and to fulfil the aspirations of the people. “The people in Sabah and Tawau know the twists and turns of politics. They are good people who know how to be grateful,” he added. Met by reporters later, Musa said he was confident of the BN getting a bigger win in this general election considering the show of support for the coalition by the Sabah people after a week of campaigning. “I have been to almost all parts of Sabah and wherever I go, the response has been overwhelming. This indicates the people are aware of the good brought by the BN,” he added. -Bernama

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- INDEPENDENT WITHDRAWS IN TAWAU

Independent withdraws in Tawau

TAWAU:

The independent candidate for the Apas state seat, Ardi Arsah, yesterday announced his withdrawal from contesting and pledged his support for the Barisan Nasional (BN). Ardi and about 300 supporters declared their support for BN before Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also Sabah BN chairman, here yesterday. The withdrawal means that Apas will now see a straight fight between BN’s Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan and Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Vun Kon Pau @ Henry Vun. Despite the withdrawal, Ardi’s name will still appear on the ballot paper as it came more than three days after nomination day. Ardi said he decided to withdraw from contesting as he realised that only BN could develop Sabah. “I made the decision yesterday after discussing it with my supporters.” he said. BN received a further boost when Tawau PKR division secretary Yusuf Siha, vice-chief I Ahmad Jumadi and vice-chief II Othmah Tuyau pledged their support for BN. Meanwhile, the Barisan Rakyat Sabah (BRS) party also suffered a setback when its Tawau division was dissolved after division chief Landasan Tumabil and its committee members declared they had quit the party and supported BN. When asked about this development, Musa said those who quit their parties realised that they did not gain anything by joining the opposition. -Bernama

MONDAY-03 MARCH 2008- BIG RARE FISH FOUND IN TUARAN, TAKEN TO MUSEUM

Big rare fish found in Tuaran, taken to museum

TUARAN:

A mola fish or known as ‘sunfish’ - the heaviest bony fish in the world - was found by a resident of Kampung Lok Nunuk here early Saturday morning. Jarin b Atun, 37, said he was checking his boat at the shore when he saw a black object floating 50metres from the shore about 6am. He then took his boat and went to have a closer look at the object which was moving. “I was so surprised that it was a big fish with no tail and it was still alive,” Jarin said, adding that he immediately informed his family members and villagers. It was learnt that it took more than 10 men to bring the fish ashore. However, it died a few minutes later. Fisherman Jaafar bin Hj Musa, 79, and the other villagers said that they had never seen such kind of fish before. Sabah b Kaloh, who is the deputy chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee, then asked Ariffin Gadait who is attached to the Assistant State Secretary’s Office in the Chief Minister’s Department to identify the species of the fish. According to Ariffin, the fish was six feet long and four feet wide. Its eyes were three inches wide while its mouth was six inches wide. He said its pectoral fins which were round like a fan, were 10 inches long while both of its dorsal fins and anal were 33 inches long. “There were no signs of injuries on the body of the fish,” Ariffin said when he was further asked about the condition of the fish. He brought the fish to the State Museum yesterday in his Land Rover vehicle. Ariffin said the residents of Kampung Lok Nunuk wanted the museum to preserve and display the fish. The mola is found in all tropical oceans and is known to eat gelatinous zooplankton (jellyfish), crustaceans, plankton, small fishes and comb jellies. It can grow from one tenth of an inch to a fully matured fish reaching up to 12 feet in length and 14 feet from fin to fin. Some records show molas weighed over 4,000 pounds.

SUNDAY-3RD MARCH 2008-ISSUES TO PONDER

Issues for all candidates to ponder

As the election gets underway and as polling draws nearer, I want all contesting candidates to ponder the following issues:
1. Why is the Federal Government not considering increasing the 5% oil royalty? A review is long overdue taking into consideration inflation and cost of living;
2. We set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the video clip issue concerning the fixing of judicial appointments, yet in Sabah, we have not done so with regard to illegal immigrants and fake identity documents;
3. The Saham Amanah Sabah issue: The Government last time indicated that they will guarantee the SAS shares but what has happened now? I see one passing the buck to another and to this day I cannot get a straight answer. Thank goodness I did not invest in the SAS but I feel sorry for those who did;
4. The papers highlighted what the BN has done for the country recently and said that they are the only ones who can deliver. I firmly believe so because there has not been any government since — maybe there should be a balance and if the opposition cannot deliver at least we can compare, so right now I think it’s a bit lopsided. Lately, the government has been saying they are doing a good job, I would expect from them nothing less as this is the reason why we vote them and they are being paid to do their job;
5. Why should all gaming outlets be controlled by private companies of Sdn Bhd? Lotteries should be conducted through a welfare outlet with a profits going back to society, instead of a few individuals. At the end of the year, they gave any ang pows to a few charities as window-dressing. Somebody is making big money at the expense of the people. Is this how the government serve the people?
6. My general perception of this election is this - everybody wants to be a candidate so that they will be able to win to get a position and power and this would further enable them to get contracts and enrich themselves. As regards their stories about wanting to serve the people, I am sorry I cannot buy that. Sometimes I feel that by voting in an election I am a part of the corrupt nature of our politics and politicians to give them a chance to win for business and their families first. Whoever forms the next government, they will take care of the people in one way or another in a small way as a window dressing as they will be taking care of themselves and their own people first. And because of this Sabah will always be a developing and poorest state instead of the reverse.
Clement Lee.

SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-Tukaron bangkad

Tukaron bangkad (change shirts), a catchword in Keningau
KENINGAU:
An opposition catchword, tukaron bangkad, which means “change the shirts” in the Dusun language, is catching on in this rural parliamentary constituency. Tukaron bangkad is the subtle message sent by the opposition to voters here, telling them to change their preference from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) to the opposition. The message is sent to constituents of Keningau parliamentary constituency and the three state seats under it - Bingkor, Tambunan and Liawan. However, this tactic will not work, says Datuk Sairin Karno, the BN candidate for the Liawan state seat, who is quick to brush off the idea, saying that the opposition are merely trying to fool the voters. “They (the opposition) ate the ones who have actually changed their shirts and are now feeling the heat after realising that they only have a very slim chance of winning the seats here,” he told Bernama. “Now they want to hoodwink the people into following their footsteps, ‘but I’m confident that the voters are mature enough to make wise decisions,” said Sairin, who is upbeat about retaining the Liawan state seat. The Keningau parliamentary seat is seeing what observers described as “the mother of all battles in the Land Below the Wind” with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan facing his younger. brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Parti Keadilan’ - Rakyat (PKR) vice-president. Another candidate in the fray is Peter Kodou @ Peter Anthony Kodou of DAP. For the Liawan seat, Sairin is involved in a four- cornered fight with Juis Awang of PKR, Yapilin Nawawi (DAP) and Yangul @ Lawrence Mogidau Edau, an Independent candidate. In Bingkor, BN candidate, Justin Guka is locked in another four-cornered tussle. He would take on Jeffrey and two other Independent candidates, Victor Leonardusand Thomas Anggan. The Tambunan state seat will see Pairin, the Hoguan Siou or the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, being challenged by Moses @ Mozes Iking of PKR and Koh Kui Tze @ Francis Koh Lui Tze, an Tndependent candidate. While the BN looks capable of retaining these seats, observers are not ruling out an upset, especially in Bingkor and Tambunan state constituencies, as campaigning reaches its half-way mark before the March 8 polls. However, they feel the BN will scrape through and retain Keningau and the three state seats under it. Asked on the future of Keningau folks in the event of an upset, Sairin said: ‘Well, don’t blame us (BN) if (ongoing) development projects in the district will be disrupted”. “I strongly believe the BN will have to be fair and give priority to development in areas represented by the BN ‘wakil rakyat’. Otherwise it would be unfair to BN supporters,” said Sairin. Sairin argued the tukaron bangkad motto could bring about a disastrous effect on the people of Keningau, especially those in the rural areas who are still dependent on Government assistance to improve their livelihood. He said at the moment it would be unthinkable for the people here not to support the BN, more so because the district needed the continuity of development programs. “A number of state and federal development projects have been earmarked for implementation in Keningau to improve infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity and water supply as well as schools, to name a few. “These projects were initiated by the BN representatives like myself, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Justin Guka. These efforts will be hampered if the area is not represented by the BN,” he added. Sairin said the people of Sabah should learn from the experience of having to “change shirts” in the past especially when PBS pulled out of the BN coalition on the eve of 1990 general election. PBS applied to rejoin the coalition and was admitted back into the BN’s fold in 2002.