MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - CASH CALLS ON CM

CASH CALLS ON CM

KOTA KINABALU:

The Consumers Association of Sabah and Labuan (CASH) has called on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to intervene to resolve the problems facing more than 400 residents of Kampung Kiulu Baru Lumat in Beaufort who have been ordered to vacate their homes by Feb 4.

Its President, Datuk Patrick Sindu, said the affected residents were locals who had been staying there for a very long time and deserved to be treated humanely.

“If people in Pulau Gaya, who are outsiders, can easily be given comfortable homes in Telipok, there is no reason locals cannot be treated the same. Cash feels that the eviction notice is a serious matter. That’s why we want the Chief Minister, as the State’s chief administrator, to do something to protect the local residents.. .at least provide them with new homes in a new settlement area,” he told Bernama here yesterday.

He said this in response to a report in a local newspaper on the problems facing villagers in Kampung Kiulu Baru Lumat, following an eviction notice pasted at the village community hall ordering them to vacate the area. The notice was put up on Jan 24 by a company which claimed to be the owner of land occupied by the villagers. Most of the residents in the village are Kadazan dusun whose ancestors migrated there from Kiulu, Tuaran, some 35 years ago and it is learnt that they had applied to have the area gazetted as village land. In a related development, Patrick suggested that the State Land and Survey Department be revamped following numerous complaints on land matters from the public. He also suggested that a land tribunal be set up in Sabah.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - MEDIA VITAL FOR SDC SUCCESS

MEDIA VITAL FOR SDC SUCCESS

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman said mass media plays an important role in helping he Government to develop the State, particularly the implementation of Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

According to Musa, the Government is committed to ensuring the success of the SDC, thus cooperation and support from the media are needed.

“The State Government seeks the assistance from the media in the Government’s efforts to develop the SDC, he said in his speech at the Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) Chinese New Year luncheon at Atlantis Seafood Restaurant here yesterday.

Musa said that in line with the implementation of the SDC, people will be enjoying every development benefit provided by the Government. The event featured lion dance, singing and dancing, lucky draw and presentation of red packets to children and those who are still single.
Organizing chairman Jonathan Wong said KKJA will continue to cooperate with the Government in helping them to develop the State.

“I hope this program will strengthen the relationship among the members who are from different races and religions,” he said. Among those present at the celebration were Assistant Minister to the Chief MinisterDatuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai, Liberal Democratic Party President Datuk VK Liew, City Hall Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, KKJA President Wong Bak Kion, Organizing Chairman Jonathan Wong, Barisan Nastional component Party leaders and family members of KKJA members.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - YONG QUESTIONS THE PLACING OF RM 1 BILLION GRANT

YONG QUESTIONS THE PLACING OF RM 1 BILLION GRANT

KOTA KINABALU:

SAPP President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has questioned the decision to place the RM1 billion special grant for Sabah under the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department.

He said everybody in the Government knows that any funds placed under the ICU, still remains in the hands of Federal authority. “As such, projects under this ICU are still controlled by federal authorities. The ICU was the boss of the disbanded JPPS (Federal Department of Development Sabah),” said Yong yesterday.
“It only means that allocations may be made from the existing 9th Malaysia Plan and ordinary budget. As SAPP has pointed out several times before, there was no mention of any RM1 billion special grant to Sabah in the 2009 Federal annual budget or 2008 supplementary budgets or even the extra budget under the economic stimulus plan,” he said in a statement.

Yong was commenting on a recent statement by the State Secretary Office that the ICU of the PM’s Department has channeled RM200 million of the RM1 billion allocated to Sabah via the State Development Office (SDO).
Yong said that it was also puzzling that the RM200 million has been channeled to the SDO by the Prime Minister’s Department, but Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok was not even aware of such special grants.

“And as disclosed by the State Secretary, RM2.1 million has been allocated to Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen, then how is it that the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Rural Development Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan seems to be in the dark? Is it not that same Ministry of Rural Development that is responsible for Assemblymen funds?”

He said that the impression earlier given to the Sabah people for the withholding of RM1 billion was that the Federal Government wanted the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) formed before such special grants are disbursed to Sabah.

He pointed out Section 7(b and 14 (b) and 15 (a) of the Sabah Development and Investment Authority Enactment 2009 (SEDIA) expressly provided for the receipt of grants and funds from the Federal Government. This is the only function that significantly differentiates SEDIA from other existing statutory bodies. he said.

“But two weeks after the SEDIA enactment was passed by the State Legislative Assembly, the Government announced that RM 200 million of the RM 1 billion has been channeled to the SDO instead of SEDIA. If this is the case, then the same funds could have been channeled to the federal Education Department, Health Services Department. federal Public Works Department (JKR) and so on What is the role of SEDL then?” Yong asked.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - TAKE OWN INITIATIVES

TAKE OWN INITIATIVES

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman said every Komuniti Bestari must take its own initiatives to carry out activities in their own areas without depending entirely on the Government.

He said with sufficient planning and commitment, along with the help of the Information Ministry, all Komuniti Bestari will become capable NGOs, harnessing potentials and opportunities available in their own areas. These include the agricultural, business, tourism, and small-medium industries among others.

“I am confident that Komuniti Bestari in the State are capable of playing important roles in accomplishing policies and programs, and also to strengthen the spirit of unity and commitment in developing this State.” he said during a dinner organized by the Taman Jambo Komuniti Bestari Committee of Putatan at a hotel here last Friday.

The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin. The dinner saw the presentation of a RM1,000 donation by the Taman Jambo Komuniti Bestari to the State Welfare Department in aid of less fortunate children. Also present were Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Edward Ynug Oui Fah, Deputy Sabah Information Director, Ibrahim Jahar, and Taman Jambo Komuniti Bestari Chairman, Hussin Kadik.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - SABAH ENJOY AWAY GOAL ADVANTAGE

SABAH ENJOY AWAY GOAL ADVANTAGE

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah were denied of victory but Team Manager Rahman Zakaria believed the Rhinos have a better chance than Kuala Lumpur of progressing from the first round of the FA Cup.

After a scoreless first half, Azrul Ejati Damsah put Sabah in front in the 46th minute after picking up a clever pass from striker Zainizam Marjan. The young winger dribbled past a defender before finding the back of the net with a confident strike.

However, after leading much of the second half, Kuala Lumpur stunned Sabah with an equaliser deep into four minutes of injury time. And Rahman was unhappy with the late equaliser which he claimed had exceeded the added time.

“The referee should have blown the final whistle when the added time was up,” he said when contacted yesterday. Rahman was also disappointed with the way the referee handled the match where four Sabah players were yellow- carded and none for Kuala Lumpur, which disrupted their momentum. “We are disappointed (with the draw) but then again we scored and have the away goal advantage. “The way I see it Sabah have the chance to progress the opportunity is there for us in the next game,” he added.
Commenting further on the first leg clash at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras, Rahman said Sabah lost first choice goalkeeper Irwan Jamil to injury. “He (Irwan) decided not to return for the second half and Harold John replaced him.

“Overall, the players played alright. We need to improve on our combination and understanding in midfield though. “Kuala Lumpur dominated the area but the players worked hard. We will be ready for the return leg,” said Rahman.

Sabah will play host in the second leg of the FA Cup first round at the Likas Stadium tomorrow, Feb 3. The Rhinos won their only FA Cup title in 1994. Meanwhile, four teams are almost certain of making it to the second round with Sarawak leading the pack after thrashing the Armed Forces 6-1, Kelantan trounced Johor 4-0, Perlis outplayed Johor MBJB 4-0 and Perak defeated SDM Kepala Batas 4-1.

The other first leg results saw UPB MyTeam won 2-1 against Proton FC, Felda United beat Police 2-1, T-Team won 1-0 against Shahzan Muda, Penang won 1-0 over Johor FC, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka drew 0-0 and Pahang held Selangor PKNS 1-1. Four other teams Kedah, Selangor, Terengganu and Kuala Muda Naza received a first round bye.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - INSTANT DEAD AS CAR PLUNGES INTO DITCH

INSTANT DEAD AS CAR PLUNGES INTO DITCH

KOTA KINABALU:

A woman died on the spot while three men were seriously injured when a Perodua Kelisa car they were traveling in plunged into a ditch at Kilometre 16, Jalan Tuaran yesterday afternoon.

The deceased in her 40s, whose identity was not immediately known, was the front seat passenger of the car that went out of control amidst rain around 1.30pm.

Her body and all the injured victims were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Police and Fire and Rescue Department personnel were at the scene to help the victims and carry out investigation.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - INANAM TO BE UPGRADED

INANAM TO BE UPGRADED

KOTA KINABALU:

The Government has allocated RM6.2 million for upgrading and building basic infrastructural facilities in Inanam area near here, this year. Inanam Assemblyman Johnnv Goh said the allocation will finance 92 projects to be carried out by small bumiputera contractors in Sabah.
He said the projects include building and upgrading of roads, bridges and other facilities. “With the RM6.2 million, the Government hopes that all problems and requests by the public to have better facilities will be fulfilled.” he said when speaking to reporters after attending the Projects Allocation Voting Ceremony as the Federal Department Administrative Complex.
Johnny hopes that all the facilities to be either upgraded or built will be fully utilised so that the funds spent would improve the quality of their life.
Johnny also expressed confidence that the Class F contractors are capable mega federal projects over time.He said priority should be given to experienced Bumiputera who have proven track records in undertaking projects in the State successfully.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - HOUSEWIFE TAKES HOME MYVI

HOUSEWIFE TAKES HOME MYVI

KOTA KINABALU:

Housewife, Hwong Ming Ju, 44 went home in style with a Perodua Myvi worth RM45,558.20 after being announced as the winner of the grand prize in 1Borneo’s Shopping Passport - Stick & Win Contest organised by the hypermall yesterday. Her name was announced via a live teleconference during the winner’s draw ceremony.

1Borneo Hypermall also announced 15 of its winners of the coveted return Jetstar Airways flight tickets for two to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore worth more than RM3O, 000. The lucky winners were picked from more than 15,000 entries in the 1Borneo Shopping Passport - Stick & Win Contest which ended on January 28.

1Borneo Hypermall’s Public Relations Manager, Chris Ho said, “The contest is designed to stretch your ringgit and give shoppers and tourists extra mileage and better incentives while they shop here during the Malaysia Savings Sale.”

“Like these winners, shoppers just need to spend a minimum of RM1O which entitles them to a sticker. Complete the shopping passport with 50 stickers and they stand a chance to win a grand prize of Perodua Myvi, return air tickets for two to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore furnished by Jetstar Airways”, Ho added.

The winners were drawn by Datuk Edward Khoo, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department. Also present were Datuk Raymond Chan, executive chairman and managing director of Ramajuta Group of Companies and Tan Tiang Lai, Sagajuta Sdn Bhd group director. An official prize giving ceremony will be held next week to present the prizes to the winners, who will be contacted by telephone.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - DON’T BE LITTLE UMNO

DON’T BE LITTLE UMNO

TAWAU:

Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reminded opposition parties, including PAS, not to belittle Umno, while admitting the Party need to improve various areas. Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said the rise and fall of power is part and parcel of life and had happened to all parties.

“That is his opinion. For us in Umno, the Party has been long established with more than three million members and can be regarded as he biggest political organisation,” he said when commenting on Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s statement describing Umno as a dying tree’.

“Every political organisation will have its seasons. Sometimes we are strong, sometimes we will face problems. “Opposition leaders will not respect us. We don’t expect them to make positive comments or statements although problems also exist in PAS and Pakatan Rakyat,” he said after attending a Chinese New Year open house organised by Umno Kalabakan. Also present at the event was Member of Parliament for Kalabakan and Umno Kalabakan Chief Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh. He said Umno and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) defeat in several bye elections are not indicators that the Party is weak and cannot rise again.

“We admit our weaknesses, but it does not mean that we are hopeless cases. After the general election we realised this and have started to make internal changes and reforms. Don’t underestimate Umno’s strength.” he said. He said BN and Umno hoped to send a message to the people that the Party is not static and are willing to make improvements necessary with the country’s changing political landscape.

Muhyiddin added that he is confident the people will accept the Party’s changes and ensure victory for BN in the next general election for continuing development in the country. Meanwhile, Ghapur said he plans to setup a Chinese School Education Fund to assist the Chinese schools in Kalabakan. He hoped the community will contribute to the fund and if there is a need, he would get assistance from the Education Minister.

MONDAY - 2 FEBRUARY 2009 - BN PROMISE IS NOT EMPTY TALK

BN PROMISE IS NOT EMPTY TALK

TAWAU:

The promise by the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government to bring continuous development to Sabah is not empty talk, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said.

The Rural Development Minister said only recently the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department channelled RM200 million in allocation to spur the development in the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

“On behalf of the people of Sabah, we are happy with the allocation as we are aware that there will be many development projects to be implemented in the SDC. “The amount is only part of what is needed to develop the SDC, which is a project stretched over 18 years,” he told reporters at the Chinese New Year open house organised by the Parti Bersatu Sabah at Sri Tanjung Hall, Sin Onn road here, yesterday.

Also present at the event were Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Edward Yong Oi Fah. Earlier Pairin, who is PBS President, also attended similar event organised by the Kalabakan Umno.

Pairin was commenting on the announcement by the Sabah Development Office that the ICU had channelled RM200 million for the development of the SDC. Pairin said the Federal Government had been responsive to the development needs of the SDC and other development corridors in the country. “This shows that the Government is serious in developing the economic corridors throughout the country... it is far from mere empty talk,” he said.

He said as a leader, he would want to see more development project for the people. He also called on the people to participate actively in the implementation of development programmes by providing inputs to the Government.

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - CALL FOR FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIRS

CALL FOR FLOOD DAMAGE REPAIRS

TENOM:

Residents here, in particular from Kampung Manining, are urging the relevant autorities to repair the roads, bridges and fallen electric posts in the area that were damaged by recent storms and floodwater.

Village Head KK Biou B.Parisip, 67, said residents were unable to transport their agricultural goods such as oil palm fruit and pamelo to the town because the wooden bridge at their village is not passable to heavy vehicles.

“The damage to the dilapidated wooden bridge has worsened during the heavy rains and floods recently,” he lamented yesterday.

Last Friday, several areas in Tenom, Keningau, Nabawan and Sook were flooded after heavy downpours causing extensive damage to infrastructure, houses, crops and livestock.

Biou said the suspension bridge over the river in Ulu Paguokon residential areas was broken, while the road to the Agriculture Park and Kampung Manining were damaged due to landslips, and a few electric poles there collapsed.

“We are urging the relevant authorities to take an immediate action and repair the damaged roads, bridges and electric poles as soon as possible to ease the hardship of the residents in the area,”