BORNEO TODAY - VOL 1 - JAN-FEB 2009

3RD FEBRUARY 2009-LET REPS WHO QUIT TO CONTEST, SAYS DOMPOK

2009-03-03T05:45:00.002+08:00

Let reps who quit to contest, says Dompok

PENAMPANG:

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok has called for a review of the Federal Constitution to allow people’s representatives who vacate their seats to contest again.

The proposed anti-hopping law and the present provision in the Federal Constitution which bars State Assemblymen and Members of Parliament who have resigned to stand in an election for another seat in the same House had to be reconciled, he said.

If not, the anti-hopping law would bring injustice to the representatives who really fought for the people, said Dompok who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

“Now, elected representatives who vacate their seats have no opportunities to test their influence or obtain feedback from the people. In this respect, it is good if the voters were to determine the position of the representatives,” he told reporters after launching his party’s Natural Disaster Fund here yesterday.

Many quarters have called for the enactment of anti-hopping laws after Bota Assemblyman Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim in Perak quit Barisan Nasional and crossed over to Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

- Bernama

THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

2009-02-05T20:55:00.001+08:00

THE ‘MALAYSIAN’ PRIME MINISTER

According to Bob Teoh in My Sin Chew “Some thought it a joke that a Black man can be in the White House. But Barack Obama proved everyone wrong. So can an Iban, Kadazan, Kenyah, Dusun, Chinese, Indian, Orang Ulu, Orang Asli dan lain lain lagi be prime minister of Malaysia? “

Yes, anyone can be PM in Malaysia, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"It is up to the people to decide, just as the Americans had done through the democratic process," he told reporters while extending his congratulations to U.S. President-elect the day after his unprecedented victory.. PAS spiritual adviser Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat also commented of Obama‘s victory “"It was a victory of sorts for Islam because Islam did not differentiate between race or creed," "That is why Obama's victory is groundbreaking. It also proves there is no such thing as the superior race of the Caucasian. Everybody shares equality in Islam," he said.

So can anyone become Prime Minister of Malaysia? Yes according to Dr Mahathir. It does not matter if the Prime Minister is Malay or non-Malay, as long as he enjoys the trust of all Malaysians. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there was no specification in the country that a Prime Minister must be a Malay.

“But when you talk about having a non-Malay as a PM, you are being racist yourself because you shouldn’t ask the question if one is Malay or non-Malay.

“If he is acceptable to all Malaysians, yes, he can become PM. The specification is that he must be the leader of a majority party and if he can be such a leader of that majority party. Don’t ask if he is Malay, Chinese or Indians,” he told reporters after delivering a keynote address on “Bangsa Malaysia” at the Perdana Leadership Foundation on Wednesday.

However, Dr Mahathir said it was wrong to assume that race-based politics were no longer relevant.“Race-based politics is still relevant. We are still not united if we can’t even a vision school for all children from various races to attend together. As long as there is such sentiment, we won’t be able to have Bangsa Malaysia.

THE LAW ON WHO CAN BE PRIME MINSTER

It is correct t hat the Federal Constitution does not prohibit anyone who is qualified from becoming Prime Minster of Malaysia. This is found in Article 43 of the Federal Constitution which reads:-

43. Cabinet

(1) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall appoint a Jemaah Menteri (Cabinet of Ministers) to advise him in the exercise of his functions.

(2) The Cabinet shall be appointed as follows, that is to say:

(a) the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall first appoint as Perdana Menteri (Prime Minister) to preside over the Cabinet a member of the House of Representatives who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House; and

(b) he shall on the advice of the Prime Minister appoint other Menteri (Ministers) from among the members of either House of Parliament,

but if an appointment is made while Parliament is dissolved a person who was a member of the last House of Representatives may be appointed but shall not continue to hold office after the beginning of the next session of Parliament unless, if he has been appointed Prime Minister, he is a member of the new House of Representatives, and in any other case he is a member either of that House or of the Senate.

(3) The Cabinet shall be collectively responsible to Parliament.

(4) If the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, then, unless at his request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in this Article, a person who is a citizen by naturalisation or by registration under Article 17 shall not be appointed Prime Minister.

Is Singapore ready for a non-Chinese PM?

From Malaysia we switch over to Singapore. The recent announcement of Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s promotion to Finance Minister — in addition to his current Education portfolio — set many tongues wagging as to whether he might be the successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong many moons from now.

This in turn sparked a debate in the Straits Times as to whether Singaporeans (read: the Chinese-speaking majority) are ready to accept and support a non-Chinese prime minister.
This isn’t the first time this issue has surfaced. Mr Lee Kuan Yew once said that former Cabinet Minister S. Dhanabalan was one of the four men he considered as his successor, but decided against him as he felt Singapore was “not ready” for a non-Chinese prime minister. That was almost 20 years ago. Only time will tell whether a “Obama“ type Ptime Minister can emerge from Singapore

THE BITTER EXPERIENCE OF FIJI

For those who are getting high on Obama’s victory, you need to consider this. It is one thing to win an election. It is another thing to stay in power. Consider the bitter experience of Fiji.

Voyagers from the east settled Fiji at least 2,500 years ago. Some of their descendants later moved on to settle the Polynesian islands to the west. The first known European contact came when the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted the Fiji group in 1643. European sandalwood traders, army deserters, and shipwreck survivors also landed on the islands during the first half of the 19th century, a period in which the chiefs of Bau rose to a dominant position. Protestant missionaries from Tonga arrived in 1835, and French Catholic priests in 1844. After a few chiefs had been converted, more and more Fijians embraced Christianity, usually in the form of Wesleyan Methodism.

In the course of a civil war in the 1850s, Cakobau, the most powerful chief in Fiji, combined forces with the king of Tonga to become paramount chief of western Fiji. The growing presence of Europeans contributed to political and economic instability. In 1871, some 3000 Europeans supported Cakobau's claim to rule as king of all Fiji, but unrest continued. Cakobau's government appealed to Britain for assistance and, on 10 October 1874, Fijian chiefs signed a Deed of Cession making Fiji a British Crown Colony.

From 1879 to 1916, more than 60,000 laborers from India arrived to work on European-owned sugar plantations, and by 1920 they had settled as free farmers. European settlers were granted elective representation in the Legislative Council in 1904, and Indians were admitted in 1929. Ethnic Fijian representation was based on traditional hierarchies until 1963, when the council was reconstituted; the franchise was extended to women, and direct election of Fijian members was provided for. On 10 October 1970, Fiji became a sovereign and independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations, with Kamisese K. T. Mara, head of the Alliance Party, as prime minister. He and his majority party won elections in 1972, 1977, and 1982, but lost the April 1987 elections to a coalition of the Indian-based National Federation Party and the Labour Party. The new government was short-lived, however. Within a month, it was toppled by a military coup led by Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka and aimed at restoring political leadership to ethnic Fijians. On 20 May thousands of rioting Fijians attacked Indians. Under a compromise reached the next day, the governor-general temporarily was to head the government, assisted by an 18-member advisory council, including the coup leader and former Prime Minister Mara. Elections were to be held within six months, and the council was to propose constitutional revisions that would safeguard the political dominance of indigenous Fijians.

On 25 September 1987, however, Rabuka led a second coup. He subsequently suspended the constitution, dissolved the parliament, and declared Fiji a republic. The governor-general, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, was appointed president of the republic, and Mara was reappointed prime minister. Full civilian rule returned in January 1990 when Rabuka gave up his position as minister of home affairs and returned to barracks as head of the armed forces.

The second coup in 1987 and the adoption of the 1990 constitution, which favored ethnic Fijian control of the government, led to heavy Indian emigration, especially among those Indians with sufficient capital to move. This emigration caused serious economic difficulties for Fiji, but it also ensured that the native Fijian population became the majority. In May of 1992 the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) or the Fijian Political Party, led by now Major-General Rabuka, won 30 of the 37 seats reserved for ethnic Fijians. Rabuka formed a coalition government with the General Voters Party (GVP) and with the informal support of the Fijian Labour Party (FLP), and became prime minister. After President Ganilau's death in December 1993, the Council of Chiefs elected Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara as the new president in January 1994. Rabuka's government fell in November 1993 when the legislature defeated the government's

budget. New elections were held in February 1994. The SVT won 31 seats, and Rabuka was able to form a coalition government with the GVP. However, Rabuka's hold on power was tenuous as pressure mounted from within and outside the country for constitutional reform.

Beginning in 1995, a Constitutional Review Commission spent almost two years to develop a system that would avoid purely ethnic politics and, at the same time, take account of the concerns of the native Fijian community. Its recommendations were unanimously adopted by Parliament in July 1997. In 1999, parliamentary elections were held that resulted in a government led by Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), who became the first Indian prime minister of Fiji.

On 19 May 2000, George Speight, a failed businessman and son of Sam Speight, an opposition member of Parliament, took Parliament by show of force and held Prime Minister Chaudhry and most of his multiracial cabinet hostage for 56 days. In exchange for the hostages' release, the military—which imposed martial law during the crisis—agreed to replace Chaudhry's government, grant an amnesty to the rebels taking part in the coup, and to abolish Fiji's multiracial constitution. One of Speight's demands was a new constitution that would only permit indigenous Fijians to hold the posts of prime minister and president. The coup resulted in widespread civil unrest and attacks against ethnic Indians, and caused a drop of 41% in tourism. Speight and 369 of his supporters were arrested in July 2000, and the military installed ethnic Fijian Laisenia Qarase as prime minister in a caretaker government. He was charged with organizing Fiji's next general election and drawing up a new constitution. Eighteen political parties fielded 351 candidates for office in parliamentary elections held in August and September 2001. Qarase was elected prime minister as the head of his newly created party, the nationalist Soqoso Duavata ni Lewenivuana Party (Fijian United Party or SDL), which took 32 out of 71 parliamentary seats. Qarase's campaign focused on indigenous Fijians' fears of political domination by ethnic Indians, who make up 44% of the population. Almost all ministers in Qarase's new government were indigenous Fijians. In February 2002, the Fijian Supreme Court ruled that Laisenia Qarase had to include ethnic-Indian members of the Fiji Labour Party in his cabinet. As of January 2003, more than 14,000 ethnic Indians left the country since the May 2000 coup, mainly professionals and skilled workers.

DO WE HAVE A DREAM?

For 200 years, the head of state in the United States has always been a White man (never a woman) until Barack Hussein Obama had the audacity the change all that. That's amazing given that it was not too long ago that people like Obama was not even allowed to vote let alone become President of the most powerful nation on this planet. We are only 44 years old. Will change will take it little while to come or will it come quickly. Only time will tell.

CYBER-CONTRACTS & DIGITAL SIGNATURES

2009-02-04T06:00:00.015+08:00

CYBER-CONTRACTS & DIGITAL SIGNATURES

Although most transactions between meeting planners and suppliers today are created by the exchange of paper, this traditional way of doing business is rapidly changing and totally electronic or “cyber” contracts are now a reality.
By contracting on-line, businesses can improve efficiencies, reduce paperwork, and streamline their operations. At the same time, however, new technologies create challenges for the legal system, which must try to apply existing law in a new context.
Take the following hypothetical exchange of e-mails:
Planner to Hotel:
Can you handle 100 room and meeting space for 150 schoolroom setup on March 11 and 12, 2008.
Hotel sales person to Planner
Yes we can handle it. I’ve checked the books and everything is clear.
Planner to Hotel:
Great!, we’ll take it.

Can the above exchange create a contract? Certainly. But several legal issues arise, many of which are the same as encountered in traditional contracts: What are the exact terms of the contract? Is it enforceable? What happens if a message is garbled or sent in error? What if one of the messages was unauthorized or sent by an impostor? The Internet hasn’t changed the basic rules of contract law. Contracts can be formed by oral or written agreement and they can be implied by conduct of the parties. With the advent of on-line communications, they can be formed electronically. A “cyber”, or electronic contract is a contract created wholly or in part through communications over computer networks. A cyber-contract can be created entirely by the exchange of e-mails where an offer and an acceptance are evident or they can be made by a combination of electronic communications, paper documents, faxes and oral discussions. If a planner and supplier exchange promises by e-mail the law will interpret this agreement the same way it would interpret a more traditional contract written on paper. Parties to an electronic contract should be just a careful in articulating the terms as they would be in traditional contracts.

IMPOSTORS AND PERSONS WITHOUT AUTHORITY
The daily news is full of headlines detailing the latest computer scam causing someone to lose a lot of money. The biggest concern in electronic communication is the identity and authority of the person on the other side of the transaction. It is a simple matter for a person to adopt a pseudonym on-line or to send an electronic message that appears to come from someone else. This person could be anyone from a curious competitor to a dishonest person with too much time on their hands. It could even be a disgruntled former employee.
For those who want to engage in on-line contracting, two major issues arise: (1) How can you be sure that the person with whom you are communicating is the person he or she claims to be? and (2) Can an impersonator bind you to an electronic contract?
Since electronic communications does not involve business cards, letterhead or corporate seals it is impossible for one party to determine the other party’s authority to book a meeting or sign a contract. Just because someone has a corporate e-mail address and says they are the executive director, vice-president of special events or director of meeting planning does not make it so. Parties to an on-line contract must still exercise due diligence to ascertain who they are dealing with on the other side. The development of digital signatures is helping to solve this problem.
Everyone is (or should be) concerned with someone else impersonating them and fraudulently signing their name to contracts. The key issue of course is who, if anyone, is bound to these contracts. Under current law a forged signature will only bind the forger, not the party being impersonated. The other party to the transaction, however, may be left holding an empty bag if the impostor can’t be caught or identified or if the impostor is in no position to perform on the fraudulent contract. The exception to this is if the real party ratifies the signature or was somehow negligent and contributed to the forgery. This is just as true in on-line contracts as it is in traditional paper contracts. These issues are not unique to on-line communications. Impostors and persons without authority operate in paper transactions as well. The difference is that in on-line communications there is greater anonymity and greater ease in perpetrating fraud without a great deal of financial investment. Technology companies and lawmakers are dealing with these issues daily and the result is new techniques to combat the potential for fraud in on-line communications. As mentioned above, one of these new techniques is the creation of digital signatures. A digital signature can provide assurance that the communication was sent by a known party and not an impostor.

WRITING AND SIGNATURE
As a general rule, contracts do not have to be in writing or even signed by either party to be enforceable. Contracts may be formed by conduct of the parties and may be oral unless they are required by law to be in writing sufficient to indicate that a contract has been made between the parties. The definition of a writing is not limited to ink on paper. Rather, the essence of the requirement is that the communication be reduced to a tangible form. Electronic transmissions recorded in a tangible form should meet the writing requirement. To ensure this result it is probably necessary to preserve electronic communications, such as e-mails, in printed form or in a computer log.
In many cases, the law requires that an agreement be both in writing and signed by the person who is sought to be held bound in order for that agreement to be enforceable. If two parties are entering into a contract on-line, these writing and signature requirements may apply.
Generally, a signature is “any symbol executed or adopted by a party with present intention to authenticate a writing. Therefore, a signature need not be ink on paper--rather, the issue is the intent of the signer. A symbol or code on an electronic record, intended as a signature by the signer, should be sufficient. Digital signatures should certainly do so.

DIGITAL SIGNATURES
Most persons are comfortable with traditional contracts because of the security and familiarity with paper documents and handwritten signatures. In on-line contracts the security factor has been missing in the past and there is not much familiar with electronic lines of type. In other words, it is easy to be a victim of fraud when conducting business entirely on-line. The technology industry recognized early on the pitfalls inherent in online communications. They have risen to the occasion by creating systems and procedures for satisfying the business and legal requirements of authenticity, integrity, nonrepudiation, writing and signature, and confidentiality. The primary tool in use is digital signatures. A digital signature is an electronic substitute for a manual signature and is generated by a computer rather than a pen. It serves the same functions as a manual signature, and a lot more.
A digital signature is not a replication of a manual or typed signature such as “signed, John Tan”. In technical terms, digital signatures are created and verified by a special application that generates cryptographic messages. Cryptography is a branch of applied mathematics and involves transforming clear messages into seemingly unintelligible forms and back again. For digital signatures to work, two different translation keys are generally used. The first, called a public key, creates the digital signature by transforming the data into an unintelligible code. The second key, called a private key, verifies the digital signature and returns the message into its original form.
A person’s public key is distributed by the person to other’s with whom they do business. One way of accomplishing this is to post the public key on an organization’s web page for anyone to access. A public key can also be attached to the document being executed. Individual’s using a digital signature will also have a private key that is known only to that individual, or a limited number of corporate officers. The private key is used to create the digital signature. The document’s recipient must have the corresponding public key in order to verify that the digital signature is the signer’s. This system is totally secure as long as the private key is kept private. This is because a digital signature is derived from the document itself. Any change to the document will produce a different digital signature.
A digital signature has many advantages over a manual signature. Both are used to signify authorship. acknowledgment and acceptance of terms. A digital signature, however, also serves an important information security purpose that a manual signature cannot. Digital signatures allow the recipient to determine if the digitally signed communication was changed or not after it was digitally signed. This feature provides integrity and authenticity to a communication that a manual signature does not. Additionally, a message sender can include information about the sender’s authority and job title as well as the sender’s identity encrypted into their digital signature.

HOW ARE DIGITAL SIGNATURES ACTUALLY SIGNED AND THEN VERIFIED?
A sender must first create a public-private key pair before an electronic communication can be digitally signed. As mentioned above, the sender discloses his or her public key to the recipient. The private key is kept confidential by the sender and is used for the purpose of creating a digital signature. The entire process is started by the sender who runs a computer program that creates a message digest (technically known as a one-way hash value). The program then encrypts the message digest using the sender’s private key. The encrypted message digest is the digital signature. The sender attaches the digital signature to the communication and sends both electronically to the intended recipient.
When the digitally signed communication is received the recipient’s computer runs a computer program containing the same cryptographic mathematical formula that the sender used to create the digital signature. The digital signature is automatically decrypted using the sender’s public key. If the recipient’s program is able to decrypt the digital signature successfully, he or she knows that the communication came from the purported sender. Further, the recipient can tell if a communication has been altered or tampered with because the recipient’s program will create a second message digest of the communication. This second message digest is then compared to the original message digest. If the two match the recipient has now verified the integrity of the message. Messages, of course, can be a few sentences long or an entire facility contract.
This system is virtually foolproof as long as the public key used by a sender can be verified as indeed belonging to that sender versus an impostor. This potential risk has been solved by the use of third parties to verify an individual’s public key. Such a third party is called a certification authority. Several national companies serve in this capacity for individuals and organizations for a nominal fee.

THE LEGAL EFFECT OF A DIGITAL SIGNATURE

If the proper guidelines are followed, digital signatures should meet all of the legal requirements for electronic contracts. Although we are still primarily dependent on the use of paper in creating contracts, the full use of electronic or “cyber-contracts” is probably not far away. Such cyber-contracts will not take the place of full scale negotiations but they will definitely speed up the end game of signing contracts once the details are agreed to by the parties. Human history in a sense is a story of technology from flint stones to that of genetic clones. The tribulations and triumph of such a journey, which will continue in the future, has one aspect constant at its core - ‘the laws that govern them’.
The cyber revolution holds the promise of quickly reaching the masses as opposed to the earlier technologies, which had a trickle down effect. Such a promise and potential can only be realized with an appropriate legal regime based on a given socio-economic matrix. In the ambit of technology and law, law has always been at the curve of the highway chasing the developments of technology and ends often issuing violation tickets. Law needs to provide a road map to technology with appropriate signals and speed breakers for its safe driving. The need of the times is that law needs to travel along with technological developments if not in advance. Such an effort can make law as a management tool, of rights and obligations in the interface of technology and business and administration.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - GUARD FINED OVER THREAT

2009-02-04T06:00:00.014+08:00

GUARD FINED OVER THREAT

KOTA KINABALU:

A security guard was fined RM25 in default three days’ jail by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for threatening a man. Sofian b Akan, 33, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Mohd Faiz Omar to threatening Zulkaiman b Zaman, a labourer, by saying “where’s father? I want to beat him up”.

Sofian committed the offence on January 30 this year about 9pm at the Kampung Sembulan mosque area here. He was charged under Section 8 (1) (e) of the Minor Offences Ordinance which provides a fine of RM25.
Meanwhile, the court will set the dates for the trial of four local men who denied causing hurt to another man. Alleminur Mohd Said, 27, Kennedy Yap Meng Sion, 26, Sabri Sunaru, 18, and Foo Mm Fung, 25, pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing hurt to Japalinus b Jacabus, 21, with a belt.

The four men allegedly committed the offence on January 18 this year about 330pm at an unnamed lodging place in Lorong ,Berjaya, Bandaran Berjaya here. The court set March 2 for fixing the tñal date for Sabri and Foo, while Alleminur and Kennedy’s trial dates will be fixed on March 11 and March 16 respectively.

The court granted Alleminur RM1,000 bail deposited under two local sureties, while Kennedy, Sabri, and Foo were granted RM1,500 bail each deposited under two local sureties. The four men were charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code which provides a jail sentence of up to three years or a fine. Inspector Zamri b Zakaria was the prosecuting officer in all the cases.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - 13 YEARS FOR FATAL STABBING

2009-02-04T06:00:00.013+08:00

13 YEARS FOR FATAL STABBING

SANDAKAN:

A 26-year-old man was sentenced to 13 years’ jail plus RM1O,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment in default for stabbing to death a 23 year-old man.

Sessions Court Judge India b Hj Ayub, who meted out the punishment to Saripudin Bin Hami after the submission by Deputy Public Prosecutor APP Mohd Fillanny bin Siji, said the sentence was fitting, as nobody who committed such crime should seek mercy from the Court.

Saripudin committed the crime on February 13, 2006 around 3pm at the badminton court in Ladang Tung Hup, LP7, Kinabatangan when the victim was having a badminton game with fellow workers.

At the time, when the shutter cock dropped to the ground, the accused picked it up and stopped the badminton game, prompting the victim to rush and attempt to take back the shuttle cock.
In the ensuing scuffle, the accused pulled out a Bugis knife from the right side of his waist and stabbed the chest of the vitim as the co-workers at ladang Tung Hup watched in horror.
The victim was also stabbed in his back, and the motive was the accused suspected the victim was having sexual relationship with his (accused’s) wife.

The victim suffered massive. bleeding and was pronounced death upon arrival at the hospital in Kinabatangan. Saripudin bin Hami was prosecuted and charged under Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT MINISTRIES CARNIVAL

2009-02-04T06:00:00.012+08:00

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT MINISTRIES CARNIVAL

KOTA KINABALU:

The Higher Education Ministry will be holding a two-day Education Carnival 2009 next week. The event, jointly organised by the Education Ministry, will be launched on Feb 14 at 1Borneo by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin.

The programme, themed ‘Let’s Enter the U”, is intended as a one-stop centre for students and the public to obtain more information on higher education opportunities, accreditation, sponsorships and education costs.
Various activities will be held during the carnival that include exhibition, forum, counseling services and quizzes Among the participants in the carnival are local colleges, National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Human Resources Department and Public Services Department.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - TRAFFIC CONGESTION WORSENING

2009-02-04T06:00:00.011+08:00

TRAFFIC CONGESTION WORSENING

LAHAD DATU:

The Government has been urged to take immediate measures to overcome the worsening traffic congestion in the district. “Road users have to spend hours on the road to get to their workplace and to get home.” said SAPP Silam Zone Chief Kassim Sulaiman yesterday.

“The Government must give priority to solve this problem for the convenience of Lahad Datu people here,” he said in a statement.

Kassim also urged the Government to expedite the construction of the proposed Lahad Datu coastal highway that has been put on hold for many years now, to ease the flow of the traffic between the town and Sapagaya area.
“As a short term solution, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to widen and seal the road from Fajar area to Tabanac township.

“The road linking Dam area and Kampung Kenangan should also be completed as soon as possible as it provides an alternative road for people wanting to go to Segama and Sandakan,” he said.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - SORRY STATE OF MARKET DISSAPPOINTS

2009-02-04T06:00:00.010+08:00

SORRY STATE OF MARKET DISSAPPOINTS

TAWAU:

Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah has expressed disappointment over the poor maintenance of cleanliness and facilities at the Sri Tanjong Market here.

Edward, who made a spot check on the market on Sunday, found many problems, including wrecked garbage bins and wet dirty floor.

At the bread and cake stalls, many people were sleeping on the shelves or playing cards. The fans were still on although the hawkers had gone home, while sewage appeared to be discharged into the drain.

Edward strongly urged the relevant agency to take immediate action to overcome the problems. “Besides keeping the market clean, I hope the Agency would ensure all the wrecked facilities here are repaired and maintained from time to time,” he added.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - 2,640 TRAFFIC SUMMONS ISSUED: TAWAU

2009-02-04T06:00:00.009+08:00

2,640 TRAFFIC SUMMONS ISSUED: TAWAU

TAWAU:

A total of 2,640 traffic summonses were issued in the district and 53 accidents involving the death of a motorcyclist were recorded between January 19 and February 2.
District Traffic and Public Order Chief, DSP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said the accident rate increased by 10.4 per cent compared to the period last year.

Most of the accidents happened along Apas road with ten cases and Kuhara road with seven cases. The fatal accident which involved the rider occurred at Utara road.

Zaidi said most of the traffic summonses were issued for speeding (948), while 140 were issued for beating red light.

The other summonses were for dangerous driving along highway (34), using ceilphone when driving(161), overtaking along double lines (16) and other offences (1,660).

“On Monday night, 86 summonses were issued to the offenders who failed to produce identity cards and valid license, and for dangerous driving, not using seatbelt and other offences.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - WOMAN HELD FOR THEFT

2009-02-04T06:00:00.008+08:00

WOMAN HELD FOR THEFT

TAWAU:

Police here have detained a 48year- old local woman in connection with a report by an express bus operator that RM37,203 he kept in a bag was stolen. The suspect was picked up at the roundabout, off Ba Zhong Commercial Center here on Monday, said Acting District Police Chief DSP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah.

He said the bus operator, 52, stated in the report that the bag containing the money was put in a ticketing office at the bus station in Sabindo here about 1.30pm on Monday when it was stolen.

Suddenly, a woman went into the ticketing office and took the bag away, and she tried to flee to Lahad Datu by bus. Zaidi, who is also District Public Order Head, said the victim chased after the bus with the woman among its passengers.

Later, after about half an hour, Police succeeded in intercepting the bus and arrested the woman with the bag. The money in the bag was the proceeds from the bus ticket sales and takings from a restaurant business owned by the bus operator, he said.

] The Police will investigate the case under Section 380 of Penal Code. Meanwhile, Zaidi said the crime rate in the district plunged by 65.40 per cent in January this year compared to the same month last year, while the property crime cases fell by 50 per cent.

He said the Police recorded nine crime cases in January this year comprising one murder, one molest, four robberies, one criminal intimidation and two causing hurt cases. There were 26 cases last year. For property crime, Zaidi said 26 cases were recorded.

In the month, the police carried out nine operations with the arrest of 295 illegal immigrants who comprised 135 Indonesians, 152 Filipinos and eight other foreign nationals.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - HOSPITAL PLANS IN NABAWAN FOR PENSIANGAN

2009-02-04T06:00:00.007+08:00

HOSPITAL PLANS IN NABAWAN FOR PENSIANGAN

NABAWAN:

The Federal Goyernrnent plans to build a hospital for the residents of Pensiangan. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the hospital was necessary to ensure the good health of the residents there.

Kurup, who is also the President of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), said the Nabawan Health Clinic which has been operating since 1973 needed to be upgraded as the number of patients had been rising while staff were limited.

“The Pensiangan area is very big and it burdens people in terms of transportation when they are referred to other hospitals as in Keningau for treatment. As such it Is necessary that a hospital be built in Nabawan which is located in the middle of the Pensiangan Parliamentary constituency,” Kurup told reporters after a briefing and visit to the Nabawan Health Clinic here

Kurup said the clinic attended to an average of 4,500 patients a month and had a staff of 69 personnel and two medical officers.

The Nabawan district has five health centres in Salong, Sepulut, Pegalungan, Pensiangan and Tibow, he said. “This district needs a hospital and we are planning for it,” he said. According to Kurup, the Health Minister would visit the district soon. Bernama

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - FIVE REPORTS ON WORKERS LAID OFF

2009-02-04T06:00:00.006+08:00

FIVE REPORTS ON WORKERS LAID OFF

TAWAU:

At least five reports on termination of services involving 25 workers from throughout the State werereceived by the Sabah Labor Department between Jan 1 and Jan 28 this year. The affected workers were mainly from the manufacturing and service sectors due to the current economic downturn, said State Labour Director Hjh Siti Aishah Binti Hj Mohd Asri.

She said they are currently monitoring the employment situation in the State after receiving the reports from the workers. Siti said the Department has set up an operations room in all its 13 offices throughout Sabah.

Workers who have been laid off or retrenched by their employers can report the matter to the centre, she said. “The Department will strive to seek jobs for these people based on their talent and capability. Skills training also would be conducted for them based on the market needs, she told reporters after launching the Sabah Softwood Berhad (SSB) Child Day Care Centre in Kumansi.

Meanwhile, commenting on the illegal employment of housemaids, Siti stressed that any employers who were found to employ housemaids without valid documents will face action. It was learned that employers prefer to employ illegal housemaids because these workers do not demand reasonable pay.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - DEALER ORDERED TO CHANGED OWNERSHIP

2009-02-04T06:00:00.005+08:00

DEALER ORDERED TO CHANGED OWNERSHIP

KOTA KINABALU:

The Consumer Claims Tribunal here yesterday ordered AZ Auto (ALFRED) to change the name on the vehicle’s registration card to its new owner, Gilbert Richard @Ziboi, within 30 days.

Tribunal President Rethana Abd Razak gave the order after Gilbert lost patience with the company from which he bought the car. Gilbert filed the claim after the company failed to comply with his request since June last year.

He said the company told him that they had to wait for approval from the Road Transport Department (RTD)in Putrajaya. Gilbert said he has been waiting for a longtime to get his name registered in the vehicle registration card, and he feared it would be difficult for him to get compensation if anything happens to the vehicle.

The owner of AZ Auto, Frederick Mathew said they were in the process of changing the ownership of the car to Gilbert and they have registered his name in the car insurance policy.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - T-SHIRTS BEARING ALLAH,OBSCENE WORDS SEIZED

2009-02-04T06:00:00.004+08:00

T-SHIRTS BEARING ALLAH,OBSCENE WORDS SEIZED

KOTA KINABALU:

The Home Ministry, with the assistance of Jabatan Hal Ehwal Islam Negeri Sabah (JHEAINS), confiscated 54 T-shirts that bear the word Allah as well as obscene words from a shop here yesterday. Forty-three of the T-shirts were found to bear the word Allah while 11 bear obscene words during the 2pm operation led by the Ministry’s Assistant Enforcement Officer Mohd Nazrie Abdullah and Musaliy Moksin from JHEAINS.

Speaking to reporters after the raid, Mohd Nazrie said the owner of the shop can be charged under Section 7 (1) of the Printing and Publishing Act 1984 for the offence. “We would like to remind all business owners to be more careful and do not sell such kind of clothes with words like Allah and obscene words printed on them, which is against the law,” he said, adding that the Home Ministry and JHEAINS will continue to monitor other clothing outlets in the State.

Meanwhile, Musally said the raid was conducted based on an email received from a member of the public stating that such T-shirts were being sold to the public.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - POWER TARIFF LOWEST IN SABAH

2009-02-04T06:00:00.003+08:00

POWER TARIFF LOWEST IN SABAH

KOTA KINABALU:

Over the last 20 years, the electricity tariff in Sabah has never changed and it is the lowest tariff in the country.
Commenting on the statement by Likas Assemblyman Datuk Liew Teck Chan yesterday urging Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) not to consider raising tariff but to step up efforts to overcome electricity thefts, SESB Corporate Communication Senior Manager, Cenderamata Sinteh, said that over the past 22 years the electricity tariff in the State has remained unchanged.

“The last revision done on the tariff matter was in 1986,” she revealed.

Cenderamata said the SESB graph shows that the tariff in Sabah is only 25 sen/ kWh, while that in Sarawak set by SESCO (Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation) is 29 sen/kWh while the Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) tariff is 32.5 sen/kWh, she pointed out.

She said the cost of electricity supply is 48 sen/ kWh without subsidy and 35 sen/kWh with fuel subsidy. Cendramata said the SESB financial position could be in a worrying state because it has to manage a high cost of electricity supply and this may affect the program to standardize the system in the State.

On the concern over deposit paid by consumers, she said SESB has to implement a policy

that has been required in its liscense according to the Electricity Supply Act (1990), which among other things stipulated that a consumer is required to pay a two-month deposit based on the consumption.

The deposit is significant as a security if the consumer has an outstanding bill or when a consumer decides to terminate electricity supply to certain premises, said Cenderamata.

She added that the matter would be analyzed every six months and if the consumer’s electricity usage is lower, the deposit would be revised and vice versa.

“Consumers could control the additional deposit by controlling the usage of the electricity at their premises,” he said. “In fact, SESB pay’s interest on the consumer’s deposits, and for this year, SESB has paid RM6.7 million in the form of rebates.

“I would also like to inform the public or consumers that SESB is always carrying out operations to curb power supply or electricity thefts together with other relevant agencies and we would like to say thousand thanks to those who have cooperated with us all this while.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - GRAND WELCOME FOR SULTAN BRUNEI

2009-02-04T06:00:00.001+08:00

GRAND WELCOME FOR SULTAN BRUNEI

KOTA KINABALU:

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Sir Hassanal Bolkiah and his Royal entourage were given a grand welcome on their arrival here yesterday morning.

A special aircraft carrying His Majesty and the Royal entourage touched down at the Terminal Two of the International Airport in Tanjung Aru 11.05am
Bouquets of flowers greeted the Brunei Queen, Raja Isteri Saleha Pengiran Pemancha, as the Brunei Royal visitors were warmly welcomed by the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and his wife Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar; Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin as well as State Cabinet Members and other dignitaries.
The Brunei national anthem was played followed by Negaraku and Sabah Tanah Airku, before Sultan Hassanal inspected a guard of honour mounted in His Majesty’s honour by three officers and 102 strong personnel of the Seventh Battalion Malay Royal regiment, led by Major Mohd Yazid Yaacob.

Outside the Airport, schoolchildren and well wishers, some dressed in traditional waited patiently by the roadside with Malaysian and Brunei flags in their hands, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royalties, who are on their 3 day official visit to Sabah.

Even local Bruneians were seen carrying the gabus, a traditional Bruneian guitar-like instrument, to welcome the Brunei royals. At 3.00pm the same day, Sultan Hassanal was briefed on the State development, namely on the tourism sector and the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) at the multi-vision hail of Menara Tun Mustapha, and later attended a high tea reception at the revolving restaurant at the same complex.

The State Government later hosted a banquet for Sultan Hassanal and his delegation at the Bangkuasi hall of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, where Tun Ahmadshah and wife, Musa and wife, and other members of the State Cabinet, local and foreign dignitaries as well as heads of State and Federal Departments were present.
Sultan Hassanal is scheduled to visit Malaysia’s second largest naval base at the Sepanggar Bay this morning followed by a tour to the 1Borneo Hypermall in the afternoon, before departing for Sandakan from the Terminal Two.

He will be welcomed on arrival at the Sandakan Airport by Tun Ahmadshah, Datuk Musa and local dignitaries. The Sultan will be joining the people of Sandakan in a dinner reception at the Libaran multi-purpose hall later in the evening.

Sultan Hassanal will be touring the Rainforest Discovery Centre at Sepilok tomorrow, and fly back to Brunei from the Sandakan Airport later in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY - 4 JANUARY 2009 - DAP APPROVAL CANCELATION UNINTENTIONAL:MAYOR

2009-02-04T06:00:00.000+08:00

DAP APPROVAL CANCELATION UNINTENTIONAL:MAYOR

KOTA KINABALU:

The cancellation of the Democratic Action Party’s Chinese New Year celebration was unintentional. Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim when commenting on this yesterday said the cancellation was on technical grounds, stressing that ”it has nothing to do with them being in the Opposition”. “I have spoken and SMSed (DAP Sabah Chief) Dr Hiew King Cheu to apologise for what had happened. It is on technical grounds,” he said.

Sabah DAP had applied to City Hall to hold a CNY celebration at the Damai Hall in Likas on Jan 28. The application was approved but somehow cancelled at the last minute which drew rage among the Opposition party members.

In apologising for the confusion, Iliyas stressed that however, DAP should be realistic and practical. “Our friends in SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) is out of Barisan Nasional.

Before, they used to do their functions at Government properties but now since they left the Coalition, they know where they stand. “So, I hope, those people know where they stand and do not simply bash us. They should know where they stand,” he said when asked to comment on DAP’s statement that they too have equal rights to use public facilities.

DAP Sabah Deputy Chief, Jimmy Wong, had on Monday disclosed that they were suing City Hall over the alleged breach of contract and removal of the Party’s CNY greeting billboards in Foh Sang and Lintas. “We want to take legal action as to restore the status quo of equal opportunities and reputation,” he said.

When asked to comment, Iliyas said he was sad over the fact that DAP wants to sue City Hall for the matter. “We in City Hall still have many things to do, but this is a free country, if they want to sue us, what to do. “All we hope is for them (DAP) to be more realistic and sympathetic to us, do not sue every time you get angry, we can go bankrupt like this.

I apologise, Actually, I did not hurt anyone personally, this was unintentional but due to a technicality of the matter,” he said. Iliyas however said the City Hall is empowered to cancel any function.

2ND FEBRUARY 2009-HELPING THE AGED IN THE YEAR OF THE OX

2009-02-03T08:00:00.002+08:00

HELPING THE AGED IN THE YEAR OF THE OX

We are in the middle of Chinese New year festivities which is a season of both giving and receiving. This is the year of the Ox a beast of burden who gives it life entirely for the benefit of others. In these turbulent times of financial uncertainity we need to look and find ways to take care of the laged members of our society who have given to us in the days of their youth but may now have been abandoned or neglected. The Old Age Assistance Scheme Enactment 1982 of Sabah is an enactment that was passed on 1^st October 1982 to repeal and to re-enact the law relating to the payment of financial assistance to certain aged people and for matters connected therewith. However the present Enactment states that the monthly financial assistance that can be given is RM60.00. This is high time for review and if it is not already changed then the Minister concerned should look at this matter.

Definitions in the Enactment (see Section 2)

“child” means living child or legally adopted living child;

“Director” means the Director of Welfare Services;

“disposable capital” means the property which the applicant possesses or to which he is entitled exclusive of —

(i) his wearing apparel; and

(ii) necessary household furniture used by the applicant;

“disposal income” means any income of the applicant from any source;

“Minister” means the Minister for the time being charged with the responsibility of welfare services;

“President” shall have the same meaning as in the Local Government Ordinance 1961;

“Scheme” means the Old Age Assistance Scheme established under section 3 of this Enactment; and

“Welfare Scheme” means any scheme administered by the Government or statutory bodies or other organisations which provide for monthly financial assistance to any person.

Establishment of Scheme.

This comes under Section 3 of which subsection (1) reads “ There shall be established an Old Age Assistance Scheme for the purpose of providing financial assistance to persons who possess the qualifications as provided under section 5 of this Enactment.” and subsection (2) reads “The Scheme shall be administered by the Director through the District Committee established under section 4 of this Enactment”

Establishment of District Committees.

Under subsection (1) of Section 4 it states “For the purpose of assisting the Director as hereinafter provided, there shall be established a District Committee for each District consisting of the District Officer or the President who shall be the Chairman, the Welfare Officer in charge of the District who shall be the Secretary, and not more three other members who shall be appointed by the Minister from time to time.” and subsection (2) of Section 4 it states that “(2) The Chairman shall have power to convene a meeting of the District Committee whenever he deems necessary.” while subsection (3) of Section 4 states “Subject to the provisions of this Enactment, the District Committee may determine its own procedure.”

Who qualifies for assistance under the Act

This us stipulated under Section 5(1).which is entitled “Qualifications of applicant” and it states as follows “

(1) Any person who —

(a) is a Malaysian citizen;

(b) is a permanent resident in Sabah;

(d) is not in possession of any disposable capital of a total value of more than two thousand ringgit;

(e) is in possession of disposable income less than the amount as prescribed by the Minister from time to time under Sec. 10;

(f) is not a beneficiary of any welfare scheme; and

(g) has no child,

shall be eligible to apply for financial assistance under this Enactment:

Provided that in the case of paragraph (e) the amount to be paid under the Scheme shall be the difference between the disposable income and the amount prescribed by the Minister under section 10.

What if person is not a Malaysian citizen & has disposable capital of total value of more than RM2000,00.

Well under section 5(2) his application can be approved as that Section reads ‘Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (1) of this section, the Minister may, subject to paragraphs (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) thereof, approve any application for financial assistance under this Enactment if in the opinion of the Minister such applicant is in need of financial assistance.”

Application for financial assistance.

This is stated in section 6 which reads as follows:-

“(1) Any person who possesses the qualification as provided under section 5 and who desires to be granted financial assistance under this Enactment may make application to the Director.

(2) Every such application shall be in the prescribed form accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the facts stated in the application.

Section 7 states the power of Director of Welfare Services to make inquiries.

It reads” Where an application is made under section 6 of this Enactment, the Director —

(a) shall make such inquires as to the means and conditions of the applicant and as to the merits of his case;

(b) may require the applicant to furnish such information and such documents required for the purpose of considering the application; and

Approval of application and registration.

This is stipulated under Section 8 of the Enactment and it states

“(1) Upon receipt of an application for financial assistance, the Director shall refer the application to the District Committee established under section 4 for consideration.

(2) Where the District Committee is of the opinion that the applicant has satisfied all the qualifications provided under subsection (1) of section 5 of this Enactment, the District Committee may approve the application.

(3) Upon approval of an application by the District Committee, the Director shall cause the name of the applicant to be registered in the appropriate Register and grant to the applicant a certificate in such form as he may think fit showing that the applicant is eligible to receive financial assistance under this Enactment.”

The Register

Under section 9 it states that “The Director shall keep a proper register in each District of all persons whose applications have been approved and are eligible to receive financial assistance under this Enactment in such form as he may think fit.”

Section 10. deals with the payment of financial assistance and it reads:-.

”(1) All persons whose applications have been approved by the District Committee shall be eligible to receive financial assistance at such amount as the Minister may from time to time prescribe.

(2) Such financial assistance shall —

(a) commence from the 1st day of the month following the month in which the application is approved or;

(b) be payable as the Minister may from time to time determine.

Can the financial assistance end,. Yes it can under section 11 which is entitled “Cessation and revocation of financial assistance”.

and states that

“(1) The financial assistance payable to any person under section 10 of this Enactment shall cease —

(a) on the death of such person: or

(b) if he ceases to be qualified under section 5 of this Enactment.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, revoke the payment of any financial assistance granted under this Enactment.”

Wbat if there is a dispute?

This is dealt with under Section 13 .entitled “Questions and disputes to be decided by Minister.and it reads

“(1) All questions and disputes as to whether a person is eligible for financial assistance payable under this Enactment shall be decided by the Minister.

(2) Any decision made by the Minister —

(a) on any question and dispute referred to in subsection (1) of this section;

(b) in revoking the payment of any financial assistance pursuant to subsection (2) of section 11 of this Enactment,

shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to appeal or called in question by or before any Court.”

False statement.

In section 14 it is an offence to make a false statement for it reads “If any person applying for or receiving financial assistance under this Enactment in furnishing any information in his application knowingly makes any false statement or false representation, he shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.”

OLD AGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME REGULATIONS 1982

3. Application.

Any person applying for financial assistance under section 6 of the principal Enactment shall submit his application in the prescribed form in Schedule A together with the statutory declaration prescribed in Schedule B to these Regulations.

4. Duties of Welfare Officer.

(1) Every application shall, in the first instance, be submitted to the Welfare Officer.

(2) Upon receipt of any such application, the Welfare Officer shall —

(i) investigate the truth of its contents; and

(ii) certify the truth thereof.

(3) The Welfare Officer shall refer the application upon certification by him to the District Committee for consideration.

5. Certificate.

The District Committee shall, if it approves an application, issue a certificate in the prescribed form in Schedule C to these Regulations to the applicant. Such certificate shall be prepared in triplicate, the original copy to be given to the applicant, the duplicate copy to be kept by the Welfare Officer in the District and the triplicate copy shall be sent to the Director.

6. Provision for appeal.

If the application of any such applicant is rejected, the District Committee shall state its reasons for doing so and shall inform the applicant of his right of appeal to the Minister within 14 days from the date of rejection.

7. Rate of payment.

(1) An applicant whose application is approved by the District Committee in accordance with the principal Enactment and these Regulations shall be paid a monthly financial assistance at the rate of RM60.

(2) The payment of any such financial assistance shall personally be made to the person to whom such payment is payable. Payment to any proxy shall not be permitted.

8. Penalty.

Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to six months or to a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or to both.

THE BORANG

SCHEDULE A

Application No:

APPLICATION FORM FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

UNDER THE OLD AGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

(Regulation 3)

1. I, Mr/Miss/Mrs. …………………………………………………………………………………………

(name in capital letters)

of ……………………………………………………………………….(address)……………………………

hereby apply for financial assistance under the Old Age Assistance Scheme.

2. I enclose herewith:

(i) a Statutory Declaration sworn before a Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths;

(ii) Letter of permanent residence in Sabah (For Malaysian citizens of Semenanjung Malaysia or Sarawak origin);

(iii) Birth Certificate, Identity Card or Passport to show the applicant’s age.

3. I understand that I may be required to furnish further information pertaining to my application.

4. I understand that the amount of financial assistance that may be granted to me will be for such amount as may be determined by the Government from time to time.

5. I further understand that it is an offence under:

(i) Section 14 of the Old Age Assistance Scheme Enactment 1982 punishable with RM2,000 or to imprisonment for a term up to twelve months or to both; and

(ii) Section 199 of the Penal Code punishable under section 193 of the same with imprisonment for a term up to three years and shall also be liable to a fine,

to give any information which is false in any material particular in this application.

Date:.………………………… ………….….………………………

Signature/Thumb Print of Applicant

THE CERTIFICATE

OLD AGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME ENACTMENT 1982

Application No. of Holder ………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of Holder ….………………………………………………………………………………………………

NRIC No.. ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………

Date and Place of Birth …………………………………………………………….…………………………

Residential Address ..…...………………………………………………………….……………………………

Postal Address ……………………..……………………………………….……………………………………

1. This is to certify that the Holder of this Certificate is eligible to receive financial assistance at a rate as determined from time to time by the Government of the State of Sabah and shall continue to be so eligible unless this Certificate is cancelled by the Government by reasons that the Holder is no longer eligible to receive financial assistance under the said Scheme.

2. This Certificate and the Holder's Identity Card must be produced by the officer concerned at the time of receiving such financial assistance under this Scheme.

3. This Certificate is not transferable.

4. The financial assistance paid by the Government must be received by the Holder himself.

5. In the event that this Certificate is lost the Holder must report thereof to the nearest police station and the Welfare Officer In-Charge of the District by subscribing an oath.

…………………………….. .………………………………

Secretary Chairman

Old Age Assistance Scheme Old Age Assistance Scheme

District Committee District Committee

Date: ……………………………… District: …………………….

…….………………………………

Signature/Thumb Print of Holder

MONDAY - 2 JANUARY 2009 - CASH CALLS ON CM

2009-02-02T18:00:00.001+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.020+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.019+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.018+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.016+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.014+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.013+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.012+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.011+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.006+08:00

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

2009-02-02T06:00:00.005+08:00

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,”

SATURDAY-24 JANUARY 2009 - DRIVING'S LICENCE: ORAL SET FOR ILLITERATE

2009-01-24T06:20:00.002+08:00

Driver’s licence: Oral exam set for illiterate

KOTA KINABALU:

From March 1, this year, illiterate people will sit tor an oral exam to obtain their driver’s licence.

At the moment, the Road Transport Department (RTD) requires them to sit for the computerized examination system.

RTD Director General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said the change is to enable the illiterate to obtain their driving licence.

“After much consideration, we have decided to change the computerized examination system (part one) into oral examination for illiterate people, to make it easier for them to get their driving licence,” he said.

Solah disclosed this at a press conference in conjunction with the Accounts and Financial Committee Meeting at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel here yesterday.

With the new system, he said there are certain criteria for those wishing to take the oral examination, namely the applicant must be of Malaysian citizen and have the approval from their school principal, village chief,
representative or Government officers.

“Candidates who are allowed to sit for the oral examination (part one) are also required to undergo a driving test for five hours at a driving institute first,” he said, adding that test would be conducted every first and third week of the month.

The number of candidates for the oral examination is restricted to only 50 people, while the location for the
driving test will be decided by State RTD Directors, he said.

Meanwhile, Solah said RTD is committed to its service delivery to fulfill customers’ expectation.

He said the current RTD standard of procedure would also be revised to make it easier for customers.

“The four main services (core business) are enforcement division, vehicle licensing, driver’s licence and automotive engineering,” he said.

For copies of car registration, Solah said all documents such as police report on lost vehicle, owner’s vehicle registration, reports on vehicle inspectiQ from Puspakom and approval letter from applicant would be cancelled starting January 1 this year.

“All applications can be handed in by either the owner or through their representative,” he said, adding that the decision was made as RTD had received complaints and feedback from the public.

He said all copies of car registration that have been processed would only be handed to the car owner while applications handed in by representative, copies would be posted to the owners.

For copies of driver’s licence, either the owner or their representative can hand in and collect the document, he said.

“Last time, the rule was that only the owner could claim the licence,” he said, adding that the rule was amended on January 2 this year.

Meanwhile, Solah said RTD would send a notice of reminder to their customers prior to the expiry of their vehicle registration and driver’s licence.

“Starting from December 18, 2008, the department had sent out a total of 1,353,516 notices of reminder to vehicle owners that their vehicle registration and driver’s licence will be expired by February this year,” he said:

SATURDAY-24 JANUARY 2009 - MAN STABBED TO DEATH IN BEAUFORT

2009-01-24T06:14:00.002+08:00

Man stabbed to death in Beaufort

BEAUFORT:

A local man was stabbed to death while drinking at a stall here yesterday.

District Police Chief DSP Mustaffa Maarof b. Mustaffa said the victim was identified as 29- year-old Azizul Japar.

“Police received a report around 3pm and rushed to the scene,” he said, adding the body was sent to the district hospital for postmortem.

Mustaffa said Police were investigating the murder and yet to make any arrest.

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - MAN'S BODY FOUND NEAR SCHOOL

2009-01-23T03:47:00.007+08:00

MAN'S BODY FOUND NEAR SCHOOL

PENAMPANG:

The body of a man, believed to be in his 40s, was found along Jalan Sahabat near SRJK Yue Mm here yesterday evening.

District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat, when disclosing this yesterday, said no identification documents were found on the body which was found lying down close to a water metre in the area.

“We were notified at 3.30pm and a Police team rushed to the area,” he said, Madang added the body was sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for post-mortem.

We are still investigating the cause of death as no injury was found on the body," he said..

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - WELCOMING THE OX

2009-01-23T03:29:00.003+08:00

WELCOMING THE "OX"

KOTA KINABALU:

It is during this time of the year that the roads are jammed and people flock to the shopping complexes to get something that makes them looks good for the Chinese New Year.

Lanterns and red-colored decorations were put up days before the Chinese New Year celebration, as red is said to be the luckiest color, especially when ushering a new beginning - the Year of the Ox.

Days before Chinese New Year are spent on thorough cleaning and decorating the home (often with red banners, as red is considered especially auspicious), preparing special food, getting a haircut and mending old clothes. Everything is meant to look fresh and new to set the tone of the coming year.

The Chinese community would be busy doing last minute shopping’s and obviously, the Chinese New Year, which falls next Monday, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.

The Year of the Ox is predicted to be a conservative year, one of traditions and values, not a year to be outrageous, but rather slow and steady.

This Ox year will bring stability and growth where patience and diligence pay off, and a year where we reap what we have sown.

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - SABAH JOUNALISTS HAIL EDITORS' ASSURANCE ON PAY NEGOTIATIONS

2009-01-23T03:11:00.001+08:00

SABAH JOUNALISTS HAIL EDITORS' ASSURANCE ON PAY NEGOTIATIONS

KOTA KINABALU:

The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has welcomed the assurance given by newspaper editors on possible direct negotiations pertaining to the salary and work benefits of local journalists.

SJA President Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said a better salary and work benefits would augur well towards motivating the journalists to be more productive and strive for quality.

Nevertheless, the predicament of local journalists could be better dealt with if they could form a union, he told l3ernama here yesterday.

He said the proposed setting up of a I union for journalists in Sabah was a step in the. Right direction and should be supported.

“It could serve as a plat form to foster better understanding and cooperation between journalists and the management or employers for a win- win solution,” he said.

On Wednesday, several local newspaper editors said journalists in Sabah could negotiate their salaries and work benefits directly with their employers rather than having a third party do it for them.

However, they said although the idea of forming a union for journalists in the State was not considered a bad idea, they felt a representative body for the local professionals was not necessary.

Joniston said: “Some of the local newspaper editors are also former NUJ (National Union of Journalists) members and I believe they understand the benefits of having a union.”

The idea of forming a union was mooted at a recent dialogue between NUJ and local journalists organized by. SJA following complaints that they were underpaid and deserved better benefits as professionals.

It was revealed during the dialogue that some journalists including those with degrees earn less than RM1,000 and. are deprived of medical benefits, among others. Joniston said Sabah local journalists were not demanding perks similar to that received by their national counterparts but at least there should be efforts to narrow the wide gap, between them. - Bernama

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - KG KIBABAIG DRAINAGE SYSTEM HAS TO BE RE-PLANNED: DAP

2009-01-23T01:58:00.004+08:00

KG KIBABAIG DRAINAGE SYSTEM HAS TO BE RE-PLANNED: DAP

PENAMPANG:

Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) has called on the relevant authority to re-plan the drainage system in Kampung Kibabaig here following frequent flash floods during the rainy seasons.

“Villagers have complained to the authority about the drainage system but nothing has been done yet.

“Recently, the village was again hit by flash floods and a car got stuck while trying to brave the water,” said Sabah DAP Publicity Secretary Teddy Yang who visited the affected area with his assistant Dr Jeffrey Wong, organizing secretary Steven Jimbangan and ApiApi Branch Chairman Kenny Chai.

Wong, who is also the DAP Moyog Branch Chairman, said that Kibabaig .is a low land area and is surrounded by swampy area, thus vulnerable to floods during heavy rain.

“However, the situation worsens as a lot of land have been reclaimed for housing development. These projects do not come along with proper drainage system, so we hope the developers would also take note of this problem,” he said.

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - PAIRIN CHALLENGED BY KURUP

2009-01-23T01:49:00.001+08:00

PAIRIN CHALLENGED BY KURUP

KOTA KINABALU:

BS President Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup have been ordered to stop their public spat over the candidature if a by-election for the Pensiangan seat were to be called.

“It (public quarrel) is of no good for anybody. Jam not siding anybody but they are just biting eaéh other and I want to tell this senior leaders that it is only Barisan that will be the loser,” Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Secretary Datuk Karim Bujang said yesterday.

He said this when contacted about a public spat between Pairin and Kurup over the Pensiangan candidacy with a by-election looming.

Pairin had said that BN should do away with its seat sharing quota system and place candidates that could win a seat in reference to Pensiangan, but Kurup responded with a sharp rebuke that his election machinery is in place and asked Pairin not to interfere.

Karim said the two are senior leaders who should know that such a public spat was not in the BN spirit.

“If they had any ideas or grouses they should bring up at closed door meeting where they could pow wow as much as they want,” he said, adding: “I think it will be stupid for Barisan to tell them it is wrong to argue in public.”

Pensiangan, a rural parliamentary constituency with about 19,000 mainly ethnic Murut voters, was won unopposed by Kurup in the March 2008 general
election but an Election Court on Sept 8 declared the result null and void.

Kurup, who is Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister, has appealed to the Federal Court which is scheduled to hear the case and decide on Feb 12-13.

Kurup took over the Pensiangan parliamentary seat from his former secretary general Bernard Maarat who has since joined PBS, and has voiced his intention to contest the seat if a by-election is
called.

Two clays ago, PBS Secretary General Datuk Radin Malleh came to Pairin’s defence, and slammed Kurup by asking him to do some soul searching in terms of the achievements in the area he had served as Assemblyman since 1985.

The constituency which makes up of the State seats of Nabawan and Sook is close to Indonesia’s Kalimantan border and it still lags in infrastructure and development, according to Radin.

He urged Kurup to put the interest of Pensiangan and Barisan above everything else.

Yesterday, Kurup told Radin to stay away from the issues raised by Pairin, the Deputy Chief Minister cum Rural Development Minister.

“Gentlemanly Datuk Pairin should not hide behind his Secretary-General when faced with a situation which was raised by him in the first instance. I do not want to be engaged in debates over the matter in the media with Datuk Radin Malleh as it is understood he is merely sheltering his President,” he said in a statement.

Kurup challenged Pairin to a face to face debate on the issues that have been raised, namely Pairin’s statement on the candidacy and its implications; the meaning and the contents of “colorful and well documented history” and Pairin’s performance as a two-term MP for Pensiangan.

FRIDAY-23 JANUARY 2009 - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS SOLVED OR SETTLED IN 10 DAYS: MURUGIAH

2009-01-23T01:31:00.002+08:00

10 DAYS TO SOLVE/SETTLE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah has recorded a total of 650 complaints from the public, with 514 of them having been dealt with and solved by the Public Complaints Bureau Sabah, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator T Murugiah said.

“The Bureau was set up to enable the public to lodge their complaints. We are here for the people and we will solve all their problems,” he said, during a meet-the-client session at the Bureau’s office at Menara MAA here yesterday.

Any public complaint would be followed up within 48 hours after it has been lodged, according to him.

“Within 48 hours after a complaint is made, we will follow up and get feedback from the complainant. This is to ensure all complaints made are dealt with as
efficiently as possible,” he said, adding that all complaints would be solved or settled within 10 working days.

Between 1975 (its inception) and November last year, the Bureau, which is under the Prime Minister’s Department, has received a total of 7,351 complaints, with 5,964 of those cases having been solved since, said Murugiah.

“This is a huge record from the Bureau by solving 81 percent of the total complaints made by the public. They should be proud of the achievement,” he said, adding that the effort of the Bureau is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s wishes for a smooth delivery system in all Government Service Departments.

The best records of the Bureau involved resolving 288 complaints in a day and 2,836 complaints in a month, said Murugiah.

“Most of the complaints lodged were through Government agencies and Departments, with the Royal Malaysian Police receiving the most complaints (252 cases) in 2008,” he said, adding that other bodies such as Public Works Department, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sabah Education Department received 149, 107 and 101 complaints respectively.

Murugiah said the public had begun to understand the role played by the Bureau in solving public complaints, and to achieve the Vision 2020, every Bureau officer would be provided with up-to-date information to help address the people’s needs.

“We are not a rubber-stamp like the Post Office, where we will mail a complaint to other departments to solve. The Bureau is a public complaints department and we will solve all public complaints” he said.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - PORK EXPENSIVE THROUGHOUT STATE

2009-01-22T05:37:00.001+08:00

PORK EXPENSIVE THROUGHOUT STATE

TAWAU:

Pork is not only expensive in Tawau but also throughout the State, said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Department here yesterday.

Its Head, Mohd Fikri Lai Abdullah, said complaints by consumers that pork is the most expensive in Tawau were not true as a survey showed the price had also gone up considerably in Kota Kinabalu and other towns.

Fikri said as pork is not a controlled item, his department could not control the price but just monitor it.

To ease the burden of consumers. The price has been lowered from RM950 per pig to RM900 since January 20 this year.

Lt was learnt that pork price is normally fixed after a meeting among members of the Pig Farming Association in Sabah. Therefore, it depends on the consumers whether they want to buy It or not.

“There are three wholesalers in Tawau who have registered under the Sabah Farming Association; they are producing pork especially for the East Coast areas in Sabah like Kalabakan, Semporna, Lahad Datu and Tawau.

I just need to clarify that the local government has the right to issue the license to the pork wholesalers, and not our Ministry. The pork price increase may be caused by the high prices of corns and soya beans and higher labour cost,” Fikri explained to Tawau Member of Parliament Datuk Chua Soon Bui at his office here yesterday morning.

Many consumers in Sabah have complained that the high price of pork is unreasonable and it burdens them.

Chua disclosed that she will bring up this issue in Parliament and ask whether pork can be listed as a controlled item.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - SABAH JOURNALISTS CAN NEGOTIATE FOR SALARY REVIEW

2009-01-22T05:26:00.000+08:00

Sabah journalists can negotiate for salary review

KOTA KINABALU:

Several local major newspapers feel that journalists in Sabah can negotiate their salaries and work benefits directly with their employers rather than having a third party do it for them. Although the idea of forming a union for journalists in the State is not considered a bad idea, they feel that a representative body for the local professionals is not necessary. “The local newspaper companies hire their editorial staff on a contract basis which is renewable every one or two years. “This allows them to negotiate salary increments, allowances and other benefits,” The Borneo Post’s Editorial Consultant, Eddy Lok, told Bernama.

Lok, a former Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Penang, said the local newspaper companies each had a small workforce compared with the national press and this encouraged one-to-one negotiation, not only for salary review but also other issues pertaining to work. Daily Express’ Chief Editor James Sarda said that should a union be formed to represent the welfare of journalists in Sabah, other benefits which they enjoyed compared with those in the peninsula might have to be reviewed. While the national journalists enjoyed yearly increments and longer annual leave, the local journalists were also getting other perks like more press holidays on top of annual leave, the former NUJ member said.

Meanwhile, New Sabah Times’ Managing Director Anthony Wong said the demand and supply of national newspapers were far greater than that of local newspapers. “Bear in mind that we only cater to Sabah and not the whole country. Therefore, our audience is very small and our circulation of about 23,000 copies at RM1.20 per copy for the whole of Sabah cannot beat 200 or 300 over thousand copies of the national dailies. “Advertisement revenue is also not enough to improve the staff’s salary. We are selling RM6.50 per column cm for advertisements, while national papers are selling at about RM48 per column cm. Even at RM6.50
advertisers are complaining that it’s pricey,” he said. However, Wong said, the New Sabah Times ensured that its staff received other allowances as well as bonuses every year. Last Sunday, NUJ representative Norila Mohd Daud met Sabah journalists and discovered that there are huge differences in perks enjoyed by journalists in the peninsula and those in Sabah although they are in the same vocation. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) President Datuk Jonistan Bangkuai said the SJA would form a protem committee to discuss the matter with the NUJ. - Bernama

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSION: MASIDI

2009-01-22T05:22:00.001+08:00

Don’t jump to conclusion: Masidi

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Education Exco Datuk Masidi Manjun wants an investigation to be conducted into the allegation that pupils of a school there had to study without proper facilities because the contractor did not finish building the cabin classrooms.

Masidi who is also the Karanaan Assemblyman, said there is a need to find out what had actually happened before jumping to any conclusions.

We should not jump to conclusion and blame the Education Department as we have to find out if the project was tendered out or if it was abandoned by the contractor,” the Tourism. Culture and Environment Minister said.

Speaking to reporters after launching the Sushi King outlet in lBorneo yesterday, Masidi said he had not heard of any case where a Contractor abandoned the project.

“I know that one of the school’s buildings collapsed because of termites but no one told me that the contractor failed to complete the project. I have also informed my officer to arrange camps for the pupils to use as temporary classrooms,” he said.

Masidi added that he was informed by the State Deputy Education Department Director hat the Ranau Education Officer is aware of the problem and is doing something about it.

“However, it is incumbent on the Department to ensure that every construction is well monitored and that problems should be reported to the superiors so that rectifying measures can be taken,” he said, adding that the Education Department cannot be blamed if no one officially reports the matter.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - EIA NEEDED, REITERATES MINISTER

2009-01-22T03:50:00.000+08:00

EIA needed, reiterates Minister

KOTA KINABALU:

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun yesterday reiterated the State Government’s stand on the proposed coal-fired plant to be built in Sandakan.

“I would like to stress that the Government’s position was that an EIA must be conducted and if the EIA recommends that the area is not suitable for a coal-fired plant, and then the State Government will listen and act on the advice.

“We need to give everybody an opportunity to air their views and the Government will be sensitive to their views,” he said when asked to comment on Sandakan Member of Parliament Datuk VK Liew’s call that the Government use the same practice it applied when rejecting the proposed Lahad Datu coal-fired plant.

He said that any decision made on the proposal should be best for Sabah.

Masidi also expressed hope that Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd I will take into account that the price of fuel is now lower than coal.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - MURDER OF BUS CONDUCTOR SOLVED WITH EIGHT NABBED

2009-01-22T03:44:00.000+08:00

Murder of bus conductor solved with eight nabbed

PENAMPANG:

Police believe they have solved a murder case within 48 hours with the arrest of eight men, including teenagers, during separate raids here earlier this week.
District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat when disclosing this yesterday, said the victim, identified as Yap Tet Loi, succumbed to serious head and body injuries eight hours after he was found unconscious at a walkway in the Towering area around 7.3Oam on Monday.

“The victim, who worked as a bus conductor, was rushed to the hospital but died the same day at around 8.4Opm. We believe that he was hit badly before he was left in the area,” he said.

Following a public tip-off, Police arrested two suspects on Jan 20 at around 5.3Opm in the Towering area and another group of eight men at the same place at 4.3Oam the next day. All of them are locals aged between 14 and 51.

Madang said the case would be investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and they face the mandatory death penalty, if found guilty.

“We are still investigating the motive behind the attack and murder,” he said.

In an unrelated incident, Police arrested a school bus driver who had allegedly raped one of his passengers.

The 34-year-old local man was picked up after a secondary school student lodged a Police report over the rape which occurred on Jan
15.

“In the 17-year-old victim’s report, she claimed that the bus driver had purposely sent the other students home, leaving her alone in the bus.
“He then took her for a ride before finally making a stop at a place near Sungai Moyog around 7pm where the rape took place. He raped her in the bus before sending her home,” said Madang.

He added the victim related the incident to a teacher who later accompanied her to lodge a Police report on Jan 16.

The suspect was subsequently picked up the same day.

“We will be investigating the case under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and he may face 20 years jail and liable to whipping if found guilty,” he said.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - DON'T BE VERY OVERCONFIDENTS, RADIN TELLS KURUP

2009-01-22T03:31:00.000+08:00

Don’t be overconfident, Radin tells Kurup

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Secretary-General Datuk Radin Malleh has cautioned Deputy Federal Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup not to be overconfident of winning if by-election were to be called for the Pensiangan parliamentary seat

“It seems that Tan Sri Kurup forgot that the constituency was never won by PBRS in the real sense of the word but was given free to it in the name of Barisan Nasional(BN) spirit,” he said yesterday.

Radin, who is Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, was responding to Kurup’s statement Tuesday that the voters are well prepared and already know who to vote for in the event of a by-election.

Kurup, whose uncontested victory in the last general election held in March 2008 was declared null and void by anElection Court, had chided PBS President Datuk Serf Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan who stated that the selection of the BN candidate should not be automatic.

In defending Pairin’s views, Radin contended that Kurup himself is the one who does not know how to read the political situation and the local sentiment in Pensiangan.

“The voters there want a candidate who is a local and preferably a Murut because a majority of the voters there are Murut,” he said.

According to Radin, the electorates had, stated that Kurup had failed to bring about any. Progress and development to the area.

“The voters are claiming that Kurup had been the Assemblyman for Sook since 1985 until 2008 except for the period between 1999 and 2004 and had been full a Minister, Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in that period of time but still the area is lagging behind in terms of basic infrastructures, amenities and other developments,” he said.

As such, Radin reckoned that Kurup should make a soul searching for the sake of the future of the peo1c In Pensiangan as well as the fate of BN.

“Hence, Kurup should put the interest of the people in Pensiangan and BN before all else,” he added.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 -WAR MEMORIES. LINGER ON FOR LAST HERO ALIVE

2009-01-22T03:15:00.000+08:00

War memories. Linger on for last hero alive

KOTA KINABALU:

Lee Mm may have survived the sufferings endured during World War II.

And, although the war ended decades ago, the memories linger on for this elderly man, who could be the last standing hero alive.

Now at the age of 88, Lee Mm never fails to attend the special ceremony held annually at the Petagas Memorial Garden to commemorate the fallen heroes.

“This is the date (Jan 21) to remember every year. I get the chance to pay respects to my friends who perished in the War and I get to share the stories with their children and family members,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan led the group of dignitaries in laying wreaths to commemorate the fallen heroes yesterday.

Lee Mm, who came all the way from Menggatal along with his son, was smartly dressed in a white shirt and dark silver coloured pants as he walked slowly to the plaque to read the names of the fallen heroes.
“My name was once printed on the plaque before it got stolen. However, four names, including mine, were extracted on this new plaque,” he said.

The then 21-year- old single man recalled how he fought, armed with just a parang, against their enemies in 1940s.

“I remember when they first dropped their bombs in my village. It was in November 1941 ... it was such a terrible sight. Many were killed while the living escaped for their dear lives.

“I was just lucky to survive the sufferings, and I am happy to live to tell the story. Although many of my friends did not make it, I am proud of them. They fought hard to free us from the enemies’ clutches

it is just right to commemorate their sacrifices, they had earned our respects,” he said.

The proud father of five was also awarded the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu by the State Government over 10 years ago for his services.
And to ensure the younger generation remembers the sufferings endured by their ancestors, he had written two books in the Chinese Language, with the help of a senior journalist years
back. -

At the event, Lee Min had the chance to chat with an old friend, Huo Fung Siong’s son, Huo Chen Seng, 77.

“My father was among those who fought against the Japanese in Kampung Tenghilan inTuaran. A group of them were captured, brought here (Petagas) and shot dead.

“I always make a point to come to this ceremony; it saddens me but I feel proud that somehow, my father and his friends are appreciated till today ... Jam proud to be part of this,” he said.

Among those present at the ceremony were State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, Fifth Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Masrani Paiman and Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - NO LAY-OFF OF WORKERS IN SABAH SO FAR DESPITE ECONOMIC CRISIS, SAYS YEE

2009-01-22T02:35:00.000+08:00

No lay-off of workers in Sabah so far despite economic crisis, says Yee

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Government has not received any specific reports of workers in Sabah being laid off because of the economic crisis, according Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

He said the Government is constantly monitoring the situation although the private sector is not obliged to report to the State Government if they are laying off staff. Speaking to reporters after giving away ang pows and goodies bags to the needy in the Sports Toto’s annual charity campaign, Yee said while there is no specific law to compel companies in the private sector to report any lay-off, it does not mean that the Government is not concerned about the welfare of the people.

He said the Government is watching the employment situation in the State because it is aware of the fact that there are incidences of unemployment in Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries like Singapore because of the global economic crisis. To a question if there would be enough jobs to go around, Yee said:

“Unemployment has always been a problem in the country and no doubt, in Sabah as well. To say that there are jobs for everyone of course would be the ideal situation and as I have said many times before we have created a job centre in Sabah as the State Government was, at that time aware that this was going to happen.

“So we were well armed in the sense that we have provided training to people and still continue to provide training courses to people who are going to be without a job and let’s hope by doing that, we will be able to at least ease the problem caused by the economic downturn and be able to face it better,” he said.

He also allayed fears of Sabahans over difficulties in securing jobs when more qualified Malaysians who have been working overseas decide to return home to work.

“We certainly are aware of the fact that there will be more people returning from places like Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia and the fear of the locals is that since they are more skilled, they would grab the jobs.

“That is not necessarily true because they are most likely to have been doing jobs of a different nature. So there is no competition because their skills would be of a different nature,” he said, adding that the fear is unfounded.

On the appeal by CUEPACS to the Federal Government not to lay off contract workers because of the economic crunch, Yee said while there are contract workers in Sabah’s civil service, he is not aware of any deliberate termination of their contracts because of the crisis.

“There are certainly contract workers in the Civil Service but I am not aware of any so-called termination of employees, but no doubt, there will be contracts ending and which may not be renewed,” he said.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - HOPES ARE PINNED ON NAJIB

2009-01-22T02:24:00.001+08:00

Hopes are pinned on Najib

KOTA KINABALU:

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Deputy President Datuk Chin Su Phin has cautioned the Barisan Nasional (BN) to be wary of the recent call by PAS for Datuk Sen Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to continue as the Prime Minister.

He said it was merely an Opposition ploy because it is the PAS view that if Abdullah were to continue as Prime Minister, it will give the Opposition another chance in trying to topple the BN in the next general election and form the Government.

It is common public views that if Abdullah were to continue to lead the BN, the Coalition may lose in the next general election, said Chin yesterday.

“We hope that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will take over the Prime minister’s post as planned in March and when he becomes the Premier, we hope he will restructure the BN, in particular the Government, both at the Federal and State levels by dropping those leaders who are no longer suitable or corrupt or involved in abuse of power.

“The performance and leadership of Najib are very crucial because the people are hoping to see the implementation of new policies and for Najib to lead the BN Government to a new era,” he said.

Commenting on the BN’s failure to retain the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, Chin said Chin Su Phin the candidate and the BN Coalition itself should be blamed for the defeat in the by-election as the poll outcome clearly showed the Malay voters are still divided.

Although the results of the last general election in March 2008 had taught the BN Coalition a lesson, still the Government is not firm when it comes to making decisions, he said, citing the issue on the proposal to setup a coal-fired power plant in Sandakan.

“Most of the Sandakan people and the environmental groups are strongly opposed to the project and. There fore, the Government should call off the project immediately. Nobody can deny that Sandakan is facing inadequate electricity supply but we have other feasible alternatives of power sources.

“After all, the Government has also been emphasizing on the need and importance of protecting our environment all this while,” he said. citing the issue on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) as yet

another example of the BN Government’s indecisiveness and lackadaisical approach in the decision-making process.

He said the existing QEH main tower had already been vacated, while the vacant land behind it is already in place for the construction of the proposed twin- tower building to take off.

“But it is very sad to see that the authorities concerned still have to refer to the engineering consultant report on whether to demolish QEH main tower block or not,” said Chin, urging the Government to go ahead with construction of the proposed twin-tower building immediately in the interest of the people and Sabah.

He reckoned that the twin-tower construction project should be awarded to capable contractors with proven good track record in the building and construction industry.

“We believe the country has a lot of capable contractors like Tan Sri Ting Pek King who completed a resort project in Langkawi and also the Terminal 2 of the
KKIA well ahead of the time of completion.

“Now the question is whether the Government wants to implement the twin- tower building at the QEH, and our hope is there should be no further delay to the project,” said Chin.
Commenting on the sudden resignation of Datuk Roderic Fernandez as the Sabah State Attorney recently, Chin described it as a big loss to Sabah as Roderic is a good and capable lawyer and Attorney General.

As his (Roderic) three-year contract is not due until May this year, Chin felt that the sudden resignation of Roderic was something unusual but declined to elaborate further.

THURSDAY-22 JANUARY 2009 - REVIEW FOR REAR SEAT BELT FINES

2009-01-22T02:18:00.001+08:00

Review for rear seat belt fines

BEAUFORT

The Government has agreed to review the summonses issued against rear passengers who were caught for not wearing seat belts with a view to canceling them, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Lajim Hj Ukin. He said the decision followed the problem & understanding the rules and regulations on the enforcement of the ruling among authorities including the Traffic Police and Road Transport Department. The RTD alone has issued some 2,452 summonses to alleged offenders since the rear seat belt ruling came into force on January 1 this year, said Lajim After inspecting the site for the proposed construction of the RTD Training Academy Complex here yesterday.

Lajim was accompanied by RTD Director General Datuk Solah Hassan, Deputy Director General Ruhaizah Mohamed Rashid and PUSPAKOM Chief Executive Officer Khairuddin Datuk Haji Yusoof.

Lajim, who is also the Beaufort MP, reiterated that owners of cars not equipped with rear seat belts had been given three years to install the seat beats. He said the owners should adhere to the Government’s ruling and fix the rear seat belts in their vehicles for the sake of their safety while on the road. A public awareness campaign has been conducted on the importance of wearing the rear seat belts, according to Lajim,

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - KKIA POISED TO BECOME HUB FOR SHOPPERS, SAYS MUSA

2009-01-21T05:07:00.000+08:00

KKIA poised to become hub for shoppers, says Musa

KOTA KINABALU

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is poised to become a hub for shoppers with its wide range of duty free products and excellent service standards, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said travelers could enjoy these privileges within a conducive and comfortable environment.

Commending the shopping campaign initiated by Malaysia Airports and launched here yesterday, he said it was an admirable effort as it was an excellent way of welcoming both local and foreign visitors.

Musa said the Sabah government viewed this as a positive development to boost the tourism industry in the state.

“This campaign is an innovative way to promote the new international airport in Sabah’s capital as a lifestyle centre. In fact, Sabah is a state that is rich with natural wonder and beauty as well as cultural heritage.

“These are some of the reasons travelers from around the world are drawn to Sabah and even Malaysians from other parts of the country are starting to make Sabah their destination of choice,” he said in his speech at the launch of KKIA Spend and Win Shopping Campaign here yesterday.

His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.

The KKIA shopping campaign offers chances to win RM55,000 in cash prizes.

“This initiative will also help boost the local economy, which will create more opportunities among the people of Sabah,” said Musa.

Earlier, senior general operations manager of Malaysia Airports Datuk Azmi Murad said the contest was organised to encourage shopping and dining at KKIA as well as enhance the airport shopping experience.

“This is also a medium for us to reward shoppers at the airport. Furthermore, we would like to enrich the airport experience of travellers and turn KKIA into a lifestyle hub,” he said.

Azmi said KKIA, Terminal 1 was currently undergoing expansion to accommodate not only the increase in volume of travellers but create a comfortable and conducive airport environment.

“Phase 1 of the development plan of Terminal 1 had been completed in August last year. Phase 2 is due to be completed by end of the year,” he said.

He said KKIA was the second busiest airport in the country after KLIA with passenger movements recording an increase of 6.5 per cent last year compared to 2007.

Azmi said on completion of Terminal 1, the new KKIA would be twice its original size.

— Bernama

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - CALL FOR RE-REGISTRATION OF PEOPLE IN SABAH

2009-01-21T04:03:00.001+08:00

Call for re-registration of people in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU

The federal government has been urged to carry out a massive re-registration of the people in Sabah to ensure that only local residents are issued MyKads or citizenship documents.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the exercise was important as there were irregularities in the registration exercise.

He cited the case of Rafli Dalam of Kota Belud, who was declared dead in 2001 by the National Registration Department but was very much alive.

“It should not have happened and maybe a syndicate was involved. The people of Sabah have aired their grouses over the citizenship status issue and now we have a dead man walking in the streets.

“What puzzles me was how Rafli was allowed to vote in the 2004 general election. The problem could be the tip of the iceberg,” he told Bernama after accompanying Rafli to lodge a police report at the Karamunsing police station here yesterday.

Rafli, 38, was certified dead by the NRD office in Hulu Langat, Selangor on Oct 27, 2001.

Calling for the electoral roll to be cleaned up due to many cases of dubious identity cards brought before the court, he proposed that a royal commission be set up to look into the identity card problem in Sabah.

Meanwhile, Rafli, 38, said he was frustrated as his business licence was revoked while his company’s low-cost housing project was in limbo.

He found out that he had had been certified dead when he went to the Sabah NRD headquarters to get his daughter’s birth certificate on April 30, 2007.

He said NRD had yet to rectify the problem although he had complained several times, prompting him to make the police report yesterday.

“Ironically, despite being certified dead in 2001, I was allowed to cast my vote in Kampung Sembirai (Usukan) in the 2004 general election. However, I could not vote in 2008 as my name was already removed from the electoral roll,” he said. — Bernama

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - COPE FACE STERN ACTION IF CAUGHT PATRONISING ENTERTAINMENTS SPOTS

2009-01-21T03:38:00.001+08:00

Cops face stern action if caught patronising entertainment spots

KOTA KINABALU:

Stern action will be taken against Police officers and personnel who are caught patronising entertainment outlets.

This warning was given by the Acting City Police Chief, Superintendent Rowell Marong, yesterday, who stressed that the matter is nothing new but still, there are a few who continue to
ignore it and patronise night spots.

“I am giving you (Police Excellence Service Award 2007 recipients, yesterday. officers and personnel) a stern warning. I will not hesitate to take action against those who are caught visiting entertainment outlets without any official tasks ... I am serious,” he told reporters after the monthly Karamunsing Police gathering, here.

He said for those who are on duty at entertainment outlets, they should first get his approval and to jot it down in their report book.

“There have been frequent reports in the mass media about the negative attitude of Police officers and personnel, and as a result, the public is looking down on us.
“The bad impression brought about by the handful of Police officers and personnelare rubbing offon the others. Their negative attitude has tarnished the Force’s image,” he said.

Rowell urged Police officers and personnel to get them selves equipped with knowledge and skills to better improve themselves and provide the best
services to the people.

“This Is in line with the Royal Malaysian Police Force’s mission and vision.

“The challenges are becoming more complicated and the criminals are Becoming smarter. If we continue to live in our comfort zone, we will be left behind. Do we want to be left out by the people or do we want to continue to serve and protect the public?” he asked.

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - LORRY OPPERATORS SEEKS INCREASE LADEN WEIGHT

2009-01-21T02:59:00.000+08:00

Lorry operators seek increase of laden weight

KOTA KINABALU:

The Federation of Sabah Lorry Transportation Associations (FSLTA) is urging the State Infrastructure Ministry to look into the issue of increasing the laden weight of members’ Lorries.

“This is a long standing problem and further delay in standardizing the laden weight with Peninsular Malaysia will cause sufferings to our members and delay in the State’s development,” FSLTA President Steven Chua Pui Ming said.

Chua said that the laden weight for Lorries in Sabah was much lower than their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia because the State Public Works Department (PWD) was worried that the existing bridges cannot accommodate heavier loads.

“But the 12,000 units of containers in Sabah have been traveling back and forth the existing bridges without any problem. We haven’t seen any bridge or road collapse because of the containers,” he said when met after a dialogue with Road Transport Department (RTD). Director General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan, taxi and bus associations and other transport parties with RTD, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), the Computerized Vehicle Inspection System Centre (Puspakom) and Police here yesterday.

According to Chua, the State PWD was using the excuse of the bridges as a way to get money from the Federal Government to upgrade the bridges in Sabah.

“The Federal PWD had no objection to the laden weight increase and during Datuk Samy Vellu’s time, it was already agreed to increase the laden weight for Sabah lorries to 40 tonnes,” he said, adding that it was supported by all the relevant departments except the Sabah PWD which said that the bridges in the State must be upgraded first before the increase could be implemented.

Chua also said that the issue had been brought to the attention of Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan and the State PWD on numerous occasions but they have yet to give FSLTA a positive feedback.

Meanwhile, Chua said FSLTA members were happy with the temporary approval for lorries in Sabah to carry five percent more of their current laden weight.

“This means that there will be less summonses for our members and a smoother transportation of materials and machineries among others throughout the State as we will be able to carry five percent more,” he said, adding that the temporary reprieve would be good for the State’s development and economic growth.

Sabah MCA Deputy Chairman Datuk Paul Kong who was also at the dialogue, thanked Transport Minister Datuk Sen Ong Tee Keat for helping to organise the forum.

“A lot of problems faced by the transport sector in Sabah were resolved today and this augurs well for the State’s development,” Kong said.

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - LORRIES CAN CARRY MORE LOADS NOW

2009-01-21T02:38:00.000+08:00

Lorries can carry more loads now

KOTA KINABALU:

From today, Lorries in Sabah are allowed to transport five percent more of their laden weight (berat dengan muatan) without violating the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Act.

Road and Transport Department (RTD) Director General, Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said the exemption however is temporary and only implemented in Sabah pending the review of the weight restriction order.

The temporary relaxation was agreed on during a dialogue between the Federation of Sabah Lorry Transport Associations (FSLTA), taxi associations, bus associations and other transport parties and RTD, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), the Computerised Vehicle Inspection System Centre (Puspakom) and the Police here yesterday.

“For lorries with loads of 10-35 percent more, RTD will issue a compound fine of RM300 while for loads exceeding 35 percent, offenders will be brought to court and charged under Section 19 of the CVLB Act.

“If found guilty, they can be fined between RM1,000 and RM1O,000 or two years’ jail or both,” he told reporters here after the dialogue

.
Previously, lorry operators were only allowed to carry additional loads of up to only five percent and would be fined RM300 for the 5-30 percent additional loads.

According to Solah, FSLTA had asked that the lorry load in Sabah (34 tons) be upgraded to be on par with those in Peninsular (40 tons).

“For this to happen, we need to review the load restriction order. As such, we have given this temporary relaxation until the review is finalised,” he said adding that the completion of the review depends on how fast the Works Ministry could finalise it and that the relevant quarters had had three meetings already.

Lorry owners with loaders used to - carry heavy machineries can now apply for a special permission from RTD if their cargoes are heavier than the BDM allowed for their vehicles, according to him.

The permission however will be on a case by case basis and not for everyone, he said, adding that by penalizing the transport owners for overloading, the development of the State will be affected.

‘These people are hampered by the low BDM and they cannot transport the machinery one by one as it would cause delay to development projects,” he stressed.
The RTD will prepare the guidelines of the special permission for the lorry drivers.

Solah further disclosed that express bus operators in Sabah had informed RTD that their vehicles had been the target of irresponsible people, resulting in damages.

“This is a peculiar situation where the buses are used as target practice in certain areas. People throw stones at the buses and cause damage to the windows.

“It was agreed today that RTD will not immediately summon the owners of buses with cracked windows providing that the crack is less than six inches. A notice will be issued to the owners to replace the windows within three months failing which they will be served with summonses,” he said.

This is because it takes time to ship the replacement parts to Sabah, he said.

The express buses plying the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan and Sandakan-Tawau routes are also exempted from the two driver’s laws because distances are just slightly over the 300 km set by RTD and the difficulties faced by the owners to obtain qualified drivers.

Under the law, any bus that travels more than 300 km one way, must have two drivers so that they can take turns driving thus reducing the risk of accidents.
However, express bus operators in Sabah have asked for an exemption because the distance from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is 330km while from Sandakan to Tawau 320km.

“We (RTD) agree to give the exemption On condition that the driver must break journey every four hours to rest,” Solah stressed.

According to him further, RTD had three months ago, set up an Automotive Engineering Division in its headquarters along Bundusan Road to look into problems of those transport industry.

On the issue of foreigners obtaining Malaysian driving license and the PSV licenses which allow them to operate passenger vehicles, Solah said the problem was highlighted duringthedialogueandhegave his assurance that the matter would be looked into by RTD.

WEDNESDAY-21 JANUARY 2009 - SUGAR PRICE MAY GO UP SOON

2009-01-21T02:36:00.000+08:00

Sugar price may go up soon

BUTTERWORTH:

The price of sugar maybe raised after the Chinese New Year celebrations following the hike in price in the international market, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said yesterday.

“Eighty to 90 per cent of our sugar supply comes from overseas. Our supply contract ended last year. This year we have a new contract and the price is higher than that of last year,” he told reporters after launching the Health and the• Dangers of Sugar Campaign here.

He said if the retail price were to remain at RM1.45 per kilogram, the Government would have to pay a subsidy.
However, he assured that if there is an increase, it would be done gradually at intervals of three to four months.

The sugar price in the country now is lower than that in the sugar producing countries, he said, adding that it had not been increased for three years. - Bernama

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - ANWAR TO VISIT SABAH JAN 22 - 23

2009-01-20T18:24:00.000+08:00

Anwar to visit Sabah Jan 22-23

KOTA KINABALU

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Advisor Datuk Sen Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Sabah on January 22 and 23, said PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday.
Anwar will meet all the PKR leaders and members at Sutera Harbour after arriving at 5.l0pm on Thursday.
According to Dr Jeffrey, the former Prime Minister is scheduled to attend a dinner meeting at 8pm in Sutera Harbour with community leaders, businessmen and members of nongovernmental organisations in the State.
At 10pm, Anwar would chair a closed-door meeting with PKR divisional leaders, State youth chief and State woman chief.
It will be the first proper State party meeting after its congress in Shah Alam in November 2008.
On Friday, Anwar would have breakfast with State leaders, where later he would meet divisional leaders at 9am at the Airport View Hotel here.
He is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Hotel at 10.3Oam before flying to Kuala Lumpur at noon.

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - BE THANKDUL FOR PEACE, HARMONY, SAYS PAIRIN

2009-01-20T12:25:00.001+08:00

Be thankful for peace, harmony, says Pairin

KOTA KINABALU

Sabahans and Malaysians in general should be grateful that they are able to live in peace and harmony when other countries are experiencing war, ethnic disagreement, starvation and humanitarian crisis.
“Therefore we should be thankful to be able to enjoy such peace and harmony despite the fact that we are living in a multi-racial, multi-religious and multicultural country,” Deputy ChiefMinister Datuk Sen Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan said.
However, there is a need to realize that the stability, peace and harmony enjoyed by all Malaysians did not come naturally and was not achieved easily, he said.
“It resulted from the sacrifice and contribution from many quarters, including the Government and the rakyat,” he said when launching the Chinese New Year Carnival 2009 at Lintasan Desoaka here last night.
Therefore, Pairin said it was imperative that the stability and peace be maintained for the benefit of the future generation.
According to him further, cultural celebrations such as the Chinese New Year carnival have strengthened unity among the races in the State and the attendance of people from all walks of lives as well as races reflects just how high the unity and tolerance is in the country.
“In this context, the State Government is confident that it is a positive sign towards the success of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) with the aim to produce a happy and united community that live in harmony and prosperity,” Pairin stressed.
He added that the stage performances and other entertainment programs lined up for the carnival can be made as the prelude to the Chinese New Year celebrations on Jan 26 and 27.
The event, he pointed out, will not only attract locals but also foreign visitors who are always in awe of Sabah’s diversity in culture and added that it also provides business opportunities for those interested to get some income before the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim in his speech thanked Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai who is also the Api Api Assemblyman for co-organising the event.
Iliyas disclosed that the event was in support of the State Government’s efforts to promote its tourism industry so that more people visit the City.
“Not only are we focused on making the City cleaner, safer and more beautiful, we are always concerned about the welfare of the residents, therefore we organize many of these community based events,” he said.

TUESDAY - 20 JANURY 2009 - NINE SMUGGLING BOATS FROM LABUAN CAUGHT

2009-01-20T10:49:00.002+08:00

Nine smuggling boats from Labuan caught

LABUAN:

There was no escape for a convoy of nine boats laden with contraband goods from duty-free Labuan when they were trapped in a narrow river tributary near Menumbok in hinterland Sabah on Sunday night.
Three Marine Police Strike Force Unit personnel in a decoy village boat tailed the convoy up the Menanap River, a small tributary that flows into the main Klias River, while other Police boats blocked the river mouth around 9pm.
The boats with their smuggled cargo of beer, spirits, wine and cigarettes destined for the Chinese New Year market in Sabah, were heading for the drop-off point when the last boat in the convoy was intercepted.

Two local men, aged 18 and 20, were caught and held at the Menumbok Police lockup, some three kilometres down river, to assist Police in their investigations.
“The rest of the crew in the other boats escaped into the darkness of the surrounding mangrove swamp on foot when they realized there was no escape. The river was not wide enough for them to make a u-turn to sneak away,” said ASP Rahni Abdul Ladis who heads the Labuan Marine Police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Manaf Othman yesterday told reporters at the Menumbok jetty, where the cargo from the boats were being unloaded, that a detailed count of all the items is not completed yet but RM2 million would be a rough estimate of the value of the seized goods, boats and their high- powered outboard engines.

“We launched Operations Barracuda to focus on coastal areas in anticipation of an increase in smuggling activities prior to the Chinese New Year.

“Two vessels, six officers and 20 men are involved in the two-week operation, he disclosed.

“This is our biggest case so far this year,” he added.

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - TAN, YEE URGED TO SOLVE ISSUES AFFECTING CHINESE COMMUNITY

2009-01-20T06:25:00.000+08:00

Tan, Yee urged to solve issues affecting Chinese community

KOTA KINABALU

Chinese State Cabinet members have been urged to get serious in solving issues affecting the Chinese community, instead of attempting to evade responsibility by accusing their critics of politicizing issues.

“As responsible elected representatives, they (the Chinese State Cabinet members) should immediately go down to the ground to find out for themselves the problems affecting the people, instead of simply accusing others of politicizing the issues,” Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Information Chief Chong Pit Fah said in a statement issued here yesterday.

He was responding to a recent statement by Deputy Chief Minister cum State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan, who accused him (Chong) of politicizing the issue of the high pork price in the market.

Chong who is SAPP Kepayan CLC Chairman, had earlier urged the Chinese State Cabinet members to look into the issue of high pork price affecting the Chinese community.
He especially noted that the current high pork price in the market had not only affected the pig farmers and the pork sellers but also the consumers, who are the worse hit.
He further argued that as a “concerned- and - people - oriented” political party, SAPP is duty bound to highlight the plights of the people.

Chong also reminded the other Chinese member of the State Cabinet, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai to take action to resolve the issue.

He claimed to have received numerous complaints that the present Government policy governing the pig farming industry in the State was largely to be blamed for the recent exorbitant hike in the pork price.

“We were made to understand that many are keen to go into pig farming but they just don’t get the chance. Perhaps our learned Chinese State Cabinet members could look into this and shed some light on it,” he said.

Chong also finds the recent explanation given by the pig farmers in the State over the drastic increase of the pork price unacceptable.

He argued that if the cost of feed in Sabah is 20 per cent more compared to Peninsular Malaysia, the price of pork in Sabah should only cost slightly over RM700 per 100kg and not over RM900 as, the same amount of pork only costs RM600 in Peninsular Malaysia.

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - AZIZ HEADS SEMPORNA UMNO YOUTH

2009-01-20T06:23:00.000+08:00

Aziz heads Semporna Umno Youth

SEMPORNA

Mohd Aziz Jamman has been announced a the new Semporna Umno Youth head after the incumbent, Nixon Abd Habi, failed to defend his post in the election on Sunday.

Mohd Aziz received 235 votes while Nixon garnered 218. There were five spoilt votes.

A commotion almost broke out when the lights at the Semporna Community Hall, the venue of the election, went out suddenly at about 10.40pm as soon as the recount had been completed.

However, the Police personnel present managed to control the crowd and averted trouble.

On Oct12 last year, the results of the poll which favoured Nixon had to be referred to the Sabah State Umno Liaisor, Body after there were protests that the number of ballot papers issued exceeded the number of delegates. -Bernama

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - BE THANKFUL, HARMONY, SAYS PAIRIN

2009-01-20T06:15:00.001+08:00

Be thankful for peace, harmony, says Pairin

KOTA KINABALU

“Therefore we should be thankful to be able to enjoy such peace and harmony despite the fact that we are living in a multi-racial, multi-religious and multicultural country,” Deputy ChiefMinister Datuk Sen Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan said.

However, there is a need to realize that the stability, peace and harmony enjoyed by all Malaysians did not come naturally and was not achieved easily, he said.
“It resulted from the sacrifice and contribution from many quarters, including the Government and the rakyat,” he said when launching the Chinese New Year Carnival 2009 at Lintasan Desoaka here last night.

Therefore, Pairin said it was imperative that the stability and peace be maintained for the benefit of the future generation.

According to him further, cultural celebrations such as the Chinese New Year carnival have strengthened unity among the races in the State and the attendance of people from all walks of lives as well as races reflects just how high the unity and tolerance is in the country.
“In this context, the State Government is confident that it is a positive sign towards the success of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) with the aim to produce a happy and united community that live in harmony and prosperity,” Pairin stressed.

He added that the stage performances and other entertainment programs lined up for the carnival can be made as the prelude to the Chinese New Year celebrations on Jan 26 and 27.
The event, he pointed out, will not only attract locals but also foreign visitors who are always in awe of Sabah’s diversity in culture and added that it also provides business opportunities for those interested to get some income before the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim in his speech thanked Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai who is also the Api Api Assemblyman for co-organising the event.

Iliyas disclosed that the event was in support of the State Government’s efforts to promote its tourism industry so that more people visit the City.
“Not only are we focused on making the City cleaner, safer and more beautiful, we are always concerned about the welfare of the residents, therefore we organize many of these community based events,” he said.

THUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - BUS PASSANGERS GIVE MIXED RESPONSE TO PROPOSAL

2009-01-20T06:12:00.003+08:00

Bus passengers give mixed response to proposal

KOTA KINABALU

The proposal by the Road Safety Department and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety to end express bus services at midnight in a bid to avoid road fatalities received mixed reaction from passengers.

It will just cause inconvenience to passengers who prefer to travel at night,” said Clement Ajik who was waiting for the next bus to Keningau at the express bus terminal in Bandaran Berjaya here yesterday.

He said by stopping the midnight express bus service, it would cause congestion at the ticketing counters as passengers have to queue up early to buy tickets to their destination.

“Most travelers do not have the time to travel during the day as they have to work, so the only alternative is to travel by night,” he said.

However, Ruzaily Libon welcomed the proposal.
“It will burden most night travellers, but it is better than to lose lives,” he said.

Express bus driver John Mu, when interviewed, said some bus drivers tend to drive fast at night as there are not many vehicles on the road.

“Accident occurs when they drive fast and cannot avoid an in-coming car or something on the road,” he said, adding that bus drivers should keep to the speed limit.

Unlike in West Malaysia, the last express buses leave the terminal in Kota Kinabalu for Tawau,. Lahad Datu and Semporna around 8pm due to the condition of the roads and for the safety of passengers.

Sabah Express Bus Operators Council (SEBOC) President Donald Haji Hanafi on Sunday said the implementation of the proposal is only applicable in the Peninsular and as the roads linking the east coast and west coast of the State are not expressways.

TUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - EDUCATION LOADS NOT AFFECTED

2009-01-20T06:10:00.004+08:00

Education loans not affected

KOTA KINABALU

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has assured that the amount of loans allocated for the National Higher
Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) this year will not be reduced despite the global economic downturn.
He said PTPTN had disbursed loans of RM2.6 billion last year and was confident of maintaining the amount this year for the benefit of 200,000 students.
“There are some 260,000 places in public and private institutions of higher learning (IPT), polytechnics, community colleges and so on, excluding those taking diploma, certificate and first degree.
“We believe that the RM2.6 billion is adequate to fund the students. The amount does not include the scholarships,” he told reporters after launching the PTPTN Info Centre here yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled said from 11,956 in 1997, the number of students who took PTPTN loans had risen to 1.2 million with loans amounting RM26 billion.

As for Sabah, PTPTN had until Nov last year approved 78,086 applications by students involving an allocation of RM1.6 billion.

He said the Ministry was conducting a study to find the best method to collect loan payments, including a proposal for salary deduction.

“We are trying to find the best method to do this. But first it will have to be presented to the Cabinet for approval and only then it can be implemented,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled added the total loan owed to PTPTN amounted RM1.9 billion would be repaid in stages.

In his speech earlier, he urged Sabahans to fully utilise the Info Centre which is located in the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) building here.

According to him, the setting up of the facility in East Malaysia was part of the PTPTN’s efforts to disseminate important information to the community.
This, he said, was in line with the seventh core of the National Higher Learning Strategic Plan which is to strengthen the Higher Education Ministry’s delivery system.

“As we are all aware, development of education is an important element in how a country progresses. Other than producing more skilled manpower, education is also important in increasing productivity by improving the performance of workers,” he said.

TUESDAY-20 JANUARY 2009 - NINE SMUGGLING BOATS FROM LABUAN CAUGHT

2009-01-20T06:05:00.003+08:00

Nine smuggling boats from Labuan caught

LABUAN:

There was no escape for a convoy of nine boats laden with contraband goods from duty-free Labuan when they were trapped in a narrow river tributary near Menumbok in hinterland Sabah on Sunday night.
Three Marine Police Strike Force Unit personnel in a decoy village boat tailed the convoy up the Menanap River, a small tributary that flows into the main Klias River, while other Police boats blocked the river mouth around 9pm.
The boats with their smuggled cargo of beer, spirits, wine and cigarettes destined for the Chinese New Year market in Sabah, were heading for the drop-off point when the last boat in the convoy was intercepted.

Two local men, aged 18 and 20, were caught and held at the Menumbok Police lockup, some three kilometres down river, to assist Police in their investigations.
“The rest of the crew in the other boats escaped into the darkness of the surrounding mangrove swamp on foot when they realized there was no escape. The river was not wide enough for them to make a u-turn to sneak away,” said ASP Rahni Abdul Ladis who heads the Labuan Marine Police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Manaf Othman yesterday told reporters at the Menumbok jetty, where the cargo from the boats were being unloaded, that a detailed count of all the items is not completed yet but RM2 million would be a rough estimate of the value of the seized goods, boats and their high- powered outboard engines.

“We launched Operations Barracuda to focus on coastal areas in anticipation of an increase in smuggling activities prior to the Chinese New Year.

“Two vessels, six officers and 20 men are involved in the two-week operation, he disclosed.

“This is our biggest case so far this year,” he added.

10TH JANUARY 2009-HOW TO PROSPER IN DIFFICULT TIMES

2009-01-10T09:00:00.000+08:00

2009 – HOW TO PROSPER IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Hi and a happy new year to all Lex Borneo readers. Now that most of the new year parties have ended and the fireworks have fizzled out we are faced with tough economic questions for 2009. The global financial crisis in 2008 has no parallels since the year 1929 in the last century. But is it all doom and gloom for 2009. Is there any ray of hope amidst the massive chorus of hopeless voices? To find the way out and forward Borneobest Bookstore is organizing a seminar in Kota Kinabalu on 18^th January 2009 with the main speaker being Dr. Tan Khian Seng .

Dr Tan Khian Seng [PhD Business Administration, PhD Theology & PhD Psychology] is a noted author and a renowned speaker both in Singapore and internationally with more than two and a half decade of public speaking experience. He was a frequent and well-received speaker on radio and television. He was invited to speak on talk shows such as “Positive Business Minutes” and “Power of Dreams”.

He has widely travelled far and has spoken at conferences and seminars in the USA, Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. He consults regularly with many multi-national companies and government departments both in Singapore, Malaysia and internationally with clients like Apple Computer, Banque Nationale De Paris, Coopers & Lybrand, Deloitte,Matsushita Asia Pte Ltd, National Panasonic amongst others.

Dr Tan is the author of several books, ‘Healing the Wounded Helper’, ‘The Wings of God’, ‘Keys to Financial Breakthroughs Vol 1, Vol 2 & Vol 3’ and ‘The Power of Dreams’.

In the seminar he will deal with areas of interest such as the Coming Financial Wipeout and what you can do about it/ Understanding the money system/ Strategies for asset protection / Managing financial risk / Healing wealth wounds – stop bleeding money / Tapping into God’s unlimited abundance / Prosper in difficult times. Due to the content of the seminar it is open only for Non-Muslims. For further details call 088-470778 or go to the website borneobest.com. To register just sms your name and handphone numbers to 0148639736 or 0178206778.

CRIMES WITHOUT LAWS

According to author Robin Matthews, absolute capitalism is a criminal system and New York today seems to offer solid proof the claim may be true. Last year ordinary New Yorkers have been in the street demanding no bailout for the collapsing giants: Bear Stearns, AIG, Merrill Lynch, Leyman Brothers, Washington Mutual, Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.

The fraud involved in corporate behaviour began collapsing the U.S. housing market, hammering ordinary citizens, and spreading quickly, globally – partly because U.S. ideas of deregulation, privatization, and real U.S. toxic non-assets had been spread with missionary zeal around the world. Leaders of the gigantic criminal corporations have stashed billions in mattresses and now want huge “separation” payments as they are ushered out the door.

All this is happening with a dramatic difference from the-crash-and-after of 1929. It is a difference no one mentions. If what we are facing looks like a criminal system, is it one? All at first looks “straight”. The U.S. Federal Reserve Board and the Bush government made possible the huge, elaborate, world-fooling practice of stuffing valueless debt into bright packages, selling them as if as-sound-as-bond-investments, and shipping them – literally – around the globe. And around the globe, bankers were permitted to “print money” by backing loans with loans until their asset base and reserves were in ridiculous proportion. And then calls came on debt – and the house of cards has tumbled.

When the whole rotten cargo began to burst and stink, Federal Reserve Board and the Bush government moved in “to protect the financial system” - that is, to endorse Capitalism as crime by protecting the fraudsters, buying the cargo, and [as in most crime] making the innocent pay for the depredations of the guilty.

Over years, Alan Greenspan, enigmatic head of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board practiced “stimulation” and employed highly intrusive policies to influence the U.S. economy.

The first years of the twenty-first century were marked by his bold slashing of U.S. interest rates. People could borrow. People without collateral could borrow. Anybody could borrow. People could spend. House prices rose … and rose. Home owners increased the size of their mortgages as prices rose. Paradise had arrived.

The shady operators moved in, made their fake, bright packages of the valueless mortgage debt and hawked them everywhere. Alan Greenspan had gigantically interfered in the U.S. “Free Market Economy”. The Market “ruled”, except it was set up to do so by Alan Greenspan and the Bush government. And, moreover, “The Market” was a mafia engaged in crime where no law existed.

So massive was the Greenspan interference that concerned people asked Greenspan if, perhaps, the Federal Reserve Board (having the power) should make some regulations about lending and provide some oversight? Shouldn’t there be some laws, some regulations? Greenspan cluck-clucked and said that would be interfering in the “free market economy” and he didn’t believe in that.

Robin Mathews says that the present world of economic finance is almost a monolith; an aggressive religion; a single-minded, brainless, tunnel-visioned group of ideologues hell-bent on turning all public wealth into chips in a poker game in which the slickest, sleaziest, and most dishonest grab the most and prove, incidentally, the ascendancy of the individual such as Donald Trump, the legitimacy of greed, and the natural depravity of human kind. .

The Bush/Greenspan regime hatchetted regulation to make the immoral legal. And their agents travelled the world urging other regimes to privatize, deregulate, exploit. This kind of depraved thinking can be seen in writer such as the Canadian Margaret Wente,in a column she wrote just about eight months before the corruption in the capital markets of North America split wide open in the criminal disasters we are witnessing. Look what she had to say.

“Contrary to a lot of wishful thinking, white collar criminals do not, in fact, pose huge problems for the capital markets of North America. This particular cycle of corporate greed, excess and lousy oversight ended years ago, and the really big-time bad guys are all locked up or dead.”.

The trouble with the kind of theory put forward by Margaret Wente is that it isabsolutely ridiculous. And for a very simple reason: every society has a shape, has laws, has values. Every society “contains” its population and, however “free” it strives to be, it sets boundaries on the kinds and degrees of harm one person or a number of people may do to others.

No society “frees” the individual or group completely. Absolute Capitalism claims to free all, but we know it doesn’t. It frees the Capitalist to pursue greed. It exalts greed. It demands no impediment to greed. It makes laws to protect greed.

According to renowned economist Keynes he said that to pretend to free Capitalists is, in fact, to make laws, to shape society, to “contain” the population in a way that powerfully interferes with the economy in order to permit Crime Without Law. . Since that is the case, Keynes said, keep a close eye on the economy, interfere (for there must be interference), and do it so the most people (all over the globe) get the fairest treatment from the economy.

As the British Empire gave way to the U.S. Empire, Keynes even tangled with an opponent over the matter of interference in the economy.

Friedrich Hayek of the Austrian School of Economics – worked at The London School of Economics at the time (1940s). Hayek was like Milton Friedman, a free marketer and a leader in the movement that has just brought U.S. financial corporations to their knees in disgrace for the shameless dealings we can dub as Crimes Without Laws.

Hayek was exalted by people and regimes supporting unimpeded Capitalism. Connected to a Chilean “think-tank” during the Pinochet regime, he won the Nobel Prize in 1974. Margaret Thatcher got him the British Order of the Companion of Honour, and in 1991 he won the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.

As surely as Keynes was made a central figure during a time when the world was genuinely seeking greater democratic freedom and equality, Hayek was heaped with honours and medals for preaching class dominance, corporate fascism, and ruthless economic exploitation.

In June 1945, Keynes read Hayek’s reactionary, free market book, Road to Serfdom. Hayek argued, in effect, that the kind of intervention Keynes advocated would lead to totalitarianism. Don’t work for general employment, fairness, and balanced productivity. Instead, free Capitalists who, somehow, will make the best of all possible worlds – free them by making laws that prevent any interference with their activity. Interfere.

Keynes liked Hayek’s book, to the surprise of many. But he put his finger squarely on Hayek’s failing. Hayek pretended that the erasure of interference in the economy to seek fairness would, in fact, erase all interference. Of course it wouldn’t. Keynes said that the changes Hayek wanted “would only lead in practice to disillusion with the results of your philosophy….” We are seeing that disillusion, now.

The view Keynes set out was the exact opposite. He left no doubt he believed economics a moral science. He was sure it could not be governed by eternal rules and “models”. He remarked that one “had to be constantly on one’s guard against treating material as constant and homogeneous…” Indeed, economists who have destroyed his vision believe economics is the proper playing out of greed in competition. Not a moral science, it is a process of manipulation by which fixed rules are written to prevent government interference with the full workings of greed. At best, governing powers act as facilitators for those engaged in the extension of personal wealth.

LAW AND ECONOMICS

With the beginning of 2009 how will the state of Sabah face the challenges of this turbulent year? Will our YBs and MPs work towards laws that produce the best possible results for the economy. Law and Economics, or economic analysis of law is an approach to legal theory that applies methods of economics to law. It includes the use of economic concepts to explain the effects of laws, to assess which legal rules are economically efficient, and to predict which legal rules will be promulgated.

”Law and economics,” also known as the economic analysis of law, differs from other forms of legal analysis in two main ways. First, the theoretical analysis focuses on efficiency In simple terms, a legal situation is said to be efficient if a right is given to the party who would be willing to pay the most for it.

Law and economics stresses that markets are more efficient than courts. When possible, the legal system, according to the positive theory, will force a transaction into the market. When this is impossible, the legal system attempts to “mimic a market” and guess at what the parties would have desired if markets had been feasible.

The second characteristic of law and economics is its emphasis on incentives and people’s responses to these incentives. For example, the purpose of damage payments in accident (tort) law is not to compensate injured parties, but rather to provide an incentive for potential injurers to take efficient (cost-justified) precautions to avoid causing the accident. Law and economics shares with other branches of economics the assumption that individuals are rational and respond to incentives. When penalties for an action increase, people will undertake less of that action. Law and economics is more likely than other branches of legal analysis to use empirical or statistical methods to measure these responses to incentives.

TRIAL BY ORDEAL OF WATER

2009-01-03T06:00:00.000+08:00

Trial by ordeal of water

HOW NATIVE COURTS ABOLISHED TRIAL BY ORDEAL IN SABAH

The Chief Justice of Sabah & Sarawak, Tan Sri Richard Malanjum said that Native Courts must re-examine their entire system and undergo a transformation to remain relevant to natives in Sabah, when delivering his keynote address in conjunction with the three-day District Chiefs and Native Chiefs conference that began last Tuesday at Kota Kinabalu.

Among his suggestions was for the setting up of a Native Law Centre or Institute to provide a platform for the study of native laws and customs and finding ways of preserving them. He noted that, interestingly, there have been moves to encourage the revival of native laws of indigenous people in other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the African states, Canada and even the United States.

Maybe one reason why there seems to be a decline in the cases registered with the Native Courts is due to the absence or difficulty in getting reference materials by would-be litigants of Native Courts, he said, adding the Internet as a medium of communication must also not be ruled out.

"The world has become a global village and the catchwords for survival and success is 'either adapt or perish'. I hope the time will never come when the theme of this conference is: Are native laws and customs relevant and necessary to natives of Sabah?," he said.

The conference, he said, was critical as it provides the forum to determine the current position on native laws and customs including their usage and relevance to the present generation of natives.

"I would add that if this conference could be held yearly it could also be considered as the Native Law Advisory Council with the main function of giving advice to the authority that manages the affairs of the Native Courts.

Such a body existed even during the rule of the Charted Company," he said.

BRITISH NORTH BORNEO, 1881

If we look at the Charter for the creation of the British North Borneo Company we can see that the British formally recognized the protection of the native way of life, religion and custom. We reproduce the relevant extracts: of the Charter:-

“Petition granted to the British North Borneo Company, Westminster, November 1st, 1881
VICTORIA, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith:
TO ALL to whom these presents shall come, greeting.

NOW THEREFORE WE, having taken the said petition into Our Royal consideration in Our Council, and being satisfied that the intentions of the Petitioners are praiseworthy and deserve encouragement, and that the enterprise in the Petition described may be productive of much benefit to Our dominions and to many of Our subjects, by Our Prerogative Royal and of Our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, have constituted erected and incorporated, and by this Our Charter for Us and Our heirs and Royal successors do constitute erect and incorporate into one body politic and corporate, by the name of the British North Borneo Company, the said Alfred Dent, Sir Rutherford Alcock, Richard Biddulph Martin, Richard Charles Mayne, and William Henry Macleod Read, and such other persons and such bodies as from time to time become and are members of that party, with perpetual succession, and a common seal, with power to alter or renew the same at discretion, and with the further authorities, powers, and privileges conferred, and subject to the conditions imposed by this Our Charter; and We do hereby accordingly will, ordain, and declare as follows (that is to say):

RELIGIONS OF INHABITANTS.
8. The Company as such, or its officers as such, shall not in any way interfere with the religion of any class or tribe of the people of Borneo, or of any of the inhabitants thereof.

ADMINISTRATIONOF JUSTICE TO INHABITANTS.
9. In the administration of justice by the Company to the people of Borneo, or to any of the inhabitants thereof, careful regard shall always be had to the customs and laws of the class or tribe or nation to which the parties respectively belong, especially with respects to the holding possession transfer and disposition of lands and goods, and testate or intestate succession thereto, and marriage, divorce, and legitimacy, and other rights of property and personal rights.”

TRIAL BY ORDEAL

It is interesting to know that it in Sabah it was the Native Courts that abolished the cruel and outdated judicial method of trial by ordeal. Not many people are aware of this because as pointed out by Tan Sri Richard Malanjum there are insufficient records of reports on Native Law cases. But first what is trial by ordeal? The medieval mind was firm about justice. To them, God's plan was for a peaceful world free of sin, and it was the duty of all God's people to make it so. Wrong-doing required both reparation and punishment. Reparation was usually a payment of money to victims and their families, or to the king. Punishment was often designed to deter others, but to leave the sinner alive and able to repent. Hence the tendency to chop off hands, feet, and/or genitals.

In a time when everyone knew everybody around them, catching criminals wasn't a high art except in the rare case when a crime was committed by an outsider. For this reason, strangers were regarded with deep suspicion, and crimes of stealth, no matter who committed them, were punished most severely. "Murder" was reserved for a crime of stealth, and was punished more severely than a mere killing in a fight or feud.

However, sometimes guilt wasn't clear, and in these cases ordeal was used to settle the matter. Ordeal was by means of hot iron, cold water, or battle, and was a strict ritual administered by the Church. In fact, it almost became a sacrament along with baptism, marriage, and extreme unction.

In ordeal by hot iron, the accused person had to grasp a red-hot rod and carry it a fixed distance. The burn was then bound and inspected in three days. If it was healing, God had shown that the person was innocent. If it had begun to fester, then they were guilty.

Rather preferable, perhaps, was ordeal by cold water. The accused was tied up and lowered into the water on a rope. If he sank, he was innocent. No, he wasn't left to drown, but hauled out still able to celebrate. If he floated, he was guilty and dragged off for punishment.

Ordeal by battle was much rarer, but it wasn't reserved for nobles and knights. It was most often used when two people accused each other of crimes, or as a kind of civil prosecution when the law wasn't clear. This lingered as the duel, and in fact was still a possible judicial solution in England until 1819.

In ordeal by battle, or a court battle, the men fought to the death, no holds barred. The weapon was usually a stick, and it soon became a wrestling, gouging, stomping brawl. However, there are instances of more knightly duels with swords.

There were stories of duels between children and mighty warriors, and actual cases where a weak man defeated a strong. It was even possible for a woman to challenge a man, in which case the man was buried up to his waist in the ground as a handicap.

Ordeal by cold water is even more interesting. People being tested by cold water were male. That's because this test was never done on women until the much later witch-hunting period. Men generally have a much lower ratio of body fat than women and in modern studies it has been shown that a bound man rarely floats in cold water unless he's notably fat.

A guilt factor can enter in, of course. With hot iron, moisture on the skin might make a difference, so a guilty person's clammy hands might be disastrous. With water, a fit man can float if he has a lot of air in his lungs. Guilt might lead to panic, which might lead to sucking in extra air. In one case, an abbot was implicated in a crime and set to undergo the ordeal by cold water. He repeatedly checked himself out in a big tub of water to be sure he would sink. Every time, he did.

Come the day, however, he floated. Presumably, panic caused him to suck in breath. Was his panic caused by guilt, and by his belief that God knew his secrets? We'll never know.

His panic is understandable, however, because he chose the ordeal. Anyone always had the option of confession, and the civil powers preferred this. The Church also approved, since it was the step to repentance and salvation. Therefore, the penalties for those who underwent an ordeal and failed were harsher than for those who confessed.However, for many reasons, ordeal fell into disrepute. The jury system had always been around, and in 1215 ordeal by hot iron or cold water was forbidden by the Pope and judgement by one's peers became the norm.

TRIAL BY ORDEAL ABOLISHED BY NATIVE COURT

In Sabah we owe it to the Native Courts system for the formal abolishment of trial by ordeal in 1960 by the Native Court of Appeal case between Lagundi bin Koh/ Lusiah bin Lagundi as the Appeallants and Regina(The Crown) as the Respondent.The date of Judgment:was 7th October, 1960..The brief facts were that Lagundi was the stepfather of Lusiah. As a result of the pregnancy of the stepdaughter he was charged for incest. Allegations were made that he slept in the same mosquito net and went to dig tapioca in the garden with the stepdaughter. He denied all the allegations. Lusiah had named as the father another person who had been convicted and fined. Evidence of an ordeal by water was given in that whereby Lagundi and a younger person took part. Lagundi came out of the water first and was declared to have committed incest. Following this Lusiah was compelled to confess the incest. On such evidence the Native Court convicted them imposing on each fine, sogit and imprisonment. Further it was ordered that they be banished from the village. The District Officer upheld the conviction but reduced the fine and imprisonment. The Native Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and ordered that any sums paid by way of fine or sogit be refunded.
Held:
(1) That a confession must be free and voluntary.
(2) That a crime must be proved by clear evidence and not by result of an ordeal by water.
(3) That the use of ordeal by water to elicit the truth of a matter was tc be deprecated and should be discontinued.

SMITH. J. delivered the judgment of the Court:—
The appellants, Lagundi bin Koh and his daughter, Lusiah binte
Lagundi. were convicted by the Native Court at Lamag of having committed incest. The complainant was Tamah bin Jualan, the stepson of Lagundi. An appeal to the District Officer, Sandakan, was dismissed but that Court considerably reduced the penalties imposed by the Native Court. The District Officer imposed the following penalties : —
Lagundi
(a) Fine of $150.00 or three months’ imprisonment in default of payment;
(b) One year imprisonment with effect from 16th January, 1960;
(c) Sogit ($150.00) to the Kampong; and
(d) Banishment.
Lusiah
(a) Fine $75.00 or one month’s imprisonment;
(b) Six months’ imprisonment;
(c) $100.00 sogit to the Kampong; and
(d) Banishment.
Before the Native Court the procedure was as follows:
Tarnah made a statement alleging that : —
(a) Lagundi had slept in the same go hang (boat) with his daughter;
(b) They had slept together under the same mosquito net in their house;
(c) No third person accompanied them when they go to the fields to dig up vegetables.
Lagundi’s reply was that there were other people in the go hang, that his wife was also under the same mosquito net when they slept together, and that a boy named Aiui accompanied them when they went to dig tapioca. Lusiah also denied the charges. Then Tamab and Lagundi were both submerged in water. As Lagundi came to the surface first he was declared to be the loser. Orang Tua Usop, Orang Tua Tamalus and Imam Idris witnessed this ceremony. Then the question was put to Lusiah in this way. “You Lusiah now that the swearing by dipping has been performed before the people and the Orang Tuas of the Kampong and you have lost, try to remember whether you have committed incest with your father. And where was the offence committed?” And Lusiah answered:
“We have lost in the dipping. It is true that we committed incest but I ask for the consideration of Government.” At the hearing of the appeal Lusiah withdrew this confession and stoutly maintained her innocence.
This court is of opinion that before a person may be found guilt of a criminal offence there must be some clear evidence, implicating the accused, given to the court by a responsible witness or witnesses. Tamah’s complaint seems to this court to have amounted to no more than that Lagundi contravened the adat by sleeping in close proximity to his daughter. He expressly said that he did not see them committing incest. Tamah and Lagundi then underwent the dipping-in water contest. This case was, in fact, decided on the result of that contest. This court is clearly of opinion that this method of eliciting the truth is entirely to be deprecated and should be discontinued. As one of the assessors assisting me on this matter Orang Kaya Kaya Ugi very pertinently remarked: “The test is obviously unfair because a younger man, having as a rule stronger lungs than an older man, is much more likely to win the contest.” Similar practices were abandoned in England about six hundred years ago, except ordeal by battle which remained in force theoretically till 1818.
This Court also regards the alleged confession of Lusiah as unsatisfactory because it was not freely and voluntarily made. The Court put a strong suggestion to Lusiah and then she agreed.
This Court therefore, thinks that the conviction for incest both in the case of Lagundi and Lusiah should be quashed and orders accordingly. Any sums paid by way of fine or sogit must be refunded.