Budget 2013 shows continued high commitment to Sabah people: Musa

Kota Kinabalu -- The Sabah state government said the 2013 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak showed continued commitment, attention and sensitivity to the people with its allocations and development initiatives for them.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the budget was a testament of the government's attention to the needs of the people, particularly the allocation of RM386 million to standardise prices in Sabah and Sarawak.    

"This budget has taken into account the interest and welfare of the peole from farmers, fishermen, youth, women, civil servants, private sector worker, the handicapped, traders and the corporate sector," he told a press conference held in conjunction with the 2013 Budget announcement today.

In commending and welcoming the government's care through the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme including the help extended to the young, aged 21 and above, he said he was confident that Najib's leadership was capable of driving up the country's economy.

Describing the budget as being sensitive, sincere, inclusive and realistic, he said the allocations were in tune with the transformation programmes planned towards making Malaysia a high income developed nation.

Musa also called on all parties including leaders, public servants, the private sector and the people in general to continue to have the commitment and work together with the Federal government to make a success of the budget's agenda.

Everyone must do this for the sake of the country's development and progress for the people in line with the budget theme "Prospering The Nation, Enhancing Well-Being Of The Rakyat: A Promise Fulfilled" .-- BERNAMA   

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Mustapa: Proton's electric cars by 2014

 


 KUALA LUMPUR: Proton is expected to roll out its hybrid electric vehicles by 2014.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed told Parliament that Proton, like many other car manufacturers, is focused on moving towards producing environmentally friendly cars.
Proton is currently collaborating with UK-based Frazer-Nash Research (FNR) firm to develop its own electric vehicle models.
This is based on the firm's capability in developing its own intellectual patent in alternative and green technology.
Mustapa said in a reply to Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) that Proton had allocated RM500mil for research and development (R&D) in green technology and is expected to gain profits after commercialising it in 2014.
Azmin had asked the ministry to state the rational of investment by Proton through Frazer-Nash Research (FNR) to develop its own hybrid cars.
Mustapa said that Proton's investment in green technology R&D compared to other multinational car manufacturers was much smaller.
For instance, General Motors spends about USD1.2bil to develop its green car Chevrolet Volt while Nissan-Renault had allocated USD5.6bil for the same purpose.
Allegations that Proton spent some RM270mil to test 30 cars and each cost about RM9mil were also untrue, Mustapa said.
They are attempts by the opposition to confuse the public, he said.
He also denied allegations that Proton had not met its target to produce hybrid cars commercially by 2011.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/27/nation/20120927133244&sec=nation

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Cute animal pictures enhance concentration at work, says study

TOKYO: Looking at pictures of cute animals enhances performance in work requiring concentration, according to an experiment.

The experiment called "Power of Kawaii" was conducted by a team led by a Hiroshima University professor with 130 college students.

The word "kawaii" means cute in Japanese.

Participants were asked to perform two sets of tasks picking up small parts with tweezers to retrieve them from a hole without touching its perimeter and choosing designated numbers from a line of numbers.
They were divided into three groups and each was shown either seven photos of kittens and puppies, or of adult cats and dogs, or of sushi and other food.

The group shown photos of kittens and puppies saw their accuracy and speed improve 44% in the task for picking up small parts and 16% in the number finding assignments, according to the results.
In contrast, there was no before-and-after change in performance in the other groups, the team said.
"The feeling that something is adorable has a function to prompt a person to want to be closer to and know more about the object," said Nittono, a professor of psychophysiology and engineering psychology.

"That perhaps creates the effect of concentrating one's attention," he said. - Bernama http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/27/nation/20120927132153&sec=nation

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Masidi: CM managed to turn Sabah, Yayasan around

 

In recent years, Musa has done a lot for Sabah so we have no reasons to push him away. Let's see what Masidi has said in this article. 

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Musa, a leader who is unafraid of saying no-Masidi

What do you think?

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Sabah, Sarawak leap up investment ladder

The manufacturing sector attracted a strong surge of domestic investments for the first seven months of 2012, with Sabah and Sarawak emerging among the top three investment destinations.

After topping the 2011 list, Penang drastically dropped to seventh place in the January to July period.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority said (Mida) domestic investments amounted to RM13.7 billion, or 51.7 per cent of the total RM27.5 billion, from 469 manufacturing projects in the period under review.

Investments in Sabah and Sarawak jumped during the period, placing them in second and third rankings after Selangor.
By value of investments, Selangor, one of the traditional preferred investment locations for manufacturing activities registered the highest level of capital investments amounting to RM6 billion.

"This achievement is of no surprise as Selangor houses the country's largest and most sophisticated airport, seaport, highways and other modern facilities, developed by the Federal Government,"said Mida in a statement yesterday.

The other top 10 leading states in terms of value of investments were Sabah (RM4.8 billion), Sarawak (RM4.6 billion), Johor (RM3.1 billion), Terengganu (RM2.3 billion), Perak (RM1.8 billion), Penang (RM1.6 billion), Negri Sembilan (RM1.4 billion), Pahang (RM0.8 billion) and Malacca (RM0.5 billion).

Penang, ranked seventh in the first seven months of 2012, suffered a a 65 per cent drop in investment value.

According to Mida, the 469 projects will be able to spin off 46,137 jobs, mostly in the managerial, technical, supervisory and skilled manpower categories.

It said a majority of the investments were new projects (279 projects) with investments of RM17.4 billion (63.3 per cent).

" Existing manufacturing companies have also continued to reinvest, consolidate, expand and diversify into higher value-added products and activities to increase competitiveness of their operations in the country."

This is reflected in the approvals of 190 expansion or diversification projects with investments of RM10.1 billion. Of the RM27.5 billion, foreign investors injected RM13.77 billion.

During the first quarter, investments in the manufacturing sector jumped 12 per cent to RM15.1 billion, of which domestic investments formed the bulk with RM9.2 billion.

For the first seven months of the year, chemical and chemical products carved out the bulk of the total investments with 43.3 per cent followed by transport equipment (16.7 per cent).

The electrical and electronic products industry recorded a 6.9 per cent growth, on the heels of the food manufacturing industry, which saw an eight per cent growth during the period.

Mida said Saudi Arabia, Japan, France, Norway and Singapore were the leading sources of foreign investment.

It said for the first six months of 2012, foreign direct investments totalled RM12.81 billion.

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MCMC plans to open internet learning centres in Sabah

TAWAU (Sept 23, 2012): The Sabah Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) director, Bukhari Yahya announced plans to open a number of internet learning centres in the state. 

He said the people, especially rural folk, would have easy access to internet and be guided on its use to advertise their products. 


"There are still many entrepreneurs, especially those in the rural areas, who lack the skills or don't know how to advertise their products on the internet," he said after presenting 1Malaysia laptops to the people of Kalabakan parliamentary constituency at the residence of Kalabakan assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, here today. 

Meanwhile, Abdul Ghapur, who is also Kalabakan Umno chief, advised the people who had not received the laptops to be patient as it would be distributed in stages. 

He also said Kalabakan received the most laptops compared to other constituencies, with 800 units today. – Bernama

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Sabah reaps benefits from first GTP phase

KOTA KINABALU: The first phase of the GTP has benefited the state of Sabah since the start of its implementation.

The state continues to receive close attention, funding and policy support from the Federal Government according to its Chief Minister,Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He further shared his confidence that the support will continually be received from the Federal Government especially with the National Budget coming around the corner.

Sabah has already made its mark in the national economy as a consistent contributor and the continued assistance will assist in bringing the state to the same par as the rest of the nation.

Phase 1 of the GTP has impacted Sabah significantly, especially in the rural areas where hundreds of kilometers of roads had been built.

In view of this, the Chief Minister urged Shareda (Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association) to step up efforts in facilitating the development of affordable homes that will provide people from the lower income group the opportunity to own houses.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/9/24/nation/12057617&sec=nation

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Beaufort to remain BN stronghold – Musa

KOTA KINABALU: Beaufort will remain a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold despite recent ‘minor wave’ in the constituency’s leadership, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the practice of jumping parties in politics was not uncommon but this would not affect BN’s struggle to bring progress for the people.
“What is important is that we continue to cooperate, to work together, strengthen unity.
“Leaders may come and go but this is common and BN will continue to serve the people,” he said at the Beaufort constituency Merdeka Raya celebration here last night.
Also present were Kuala Penyu assemblyman John Teo Mau Sing and Klias assemblywoman Datuk Azizah Dun.
Musa who is also state BN and Umno chief, said BN had an excellent track record and would strive to bring progress to Beaufort folks, who had always been strong supporters of the Coalition.
“We want to continue towards making Sabah at par with other states,” he said.
On a lighter note, Musa said while he represented one of the Sandakan’s constituencies, Beaufort held a special place in his heart as his birth place.
“So it’s like my hometown.
“If everything is calm and good, I leave the leaders there to handle things, but if there are issues, I won’t hesitate to go to the ground myself,” he quipped.
He also stressed that it was important for people in the constituency to make smart decision for the good of their future.
Touching on the Merdeka Raya event, he said the people in Sabah should be grateful that the state was part of a peaceful and prosperous country.
The decision by Sabah and Sarawak to join the formation of Malaysia was right, he added.
Acting Beaufort Umno chief Isnin Aliasneh meanwhile assured that the situation in the party was manageable despite a few members having decided to leave the party.
Isnin who took over the leadership following Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin’s exit from BN, also expressed confidence that BN would be able to defend the seat from falling to the opposition in the coming election.
He said the voters and leaders in Beaufort had remained strong supporters of BN.
Giving a metaphor, Isnin said: “The former captain may have abandoned ship to join another fleet, but rest assured we who are left behind are capable of steering the wheel.”

 

 http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/20/beaufort-to-remain-bn-stronghold-musa/#ixzz2758QfItl

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Create smart partnerships with Chinese – Musa

 LAHAD DATU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman wants Bumiputera entrepreneurs to create smart partnerships with the Chinese community to improve the development of Sabah.
Musa in his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony of Lahad Datu Business Hub (LDBH) at Singga Point yesterday, said the smart partnership could establish a harmonious environment, besides improving the development of the state in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s inspiration of 1Malaysia.
He said Sabah is a role model of the 1Malaysia concept due to the close cooperation between all communities, including the Bumiputera and Chinese communities.
Speaking on the LDBH project, Musa said it was the government’s desire through its agencies to promote Bumiputera companies to collaborate with government-linked companies (GLCs).
“The collaboration between Megabuild Development Sdn Bhd (MDSB) and Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC) to build a four-storey shopping complex consisting of 30 units of shops shows the ongoing efforts by the government to ensure Bumiputera entrepreneurs also succeed in the property field.
“The Barisan Nasional (BN) government continues to introduce various efforts to promote the development of Bumiputeras in the entrepreneurship sector and this collaboration also serves as proof of willingness of the government to provide assistance to Bumiputera companies that dare tackle the challenges of the business sector,” Musa said, adding that this effort had produced several well-known entrepreneurs in Sabah.
Musa also advised Bumiputera entrepreneurs to work hard and instill an unshakeable spirit to implement good ideas in order to stand on par with entrepreneurs of other races.
Meanwhile, the Lahad Datu Business Hub will be located at the intersection of Singgamata Point Road and will cover 1.67 hectares of land. It will be highly accessible to all traffic going to and from Lahad Datu.
The development of Lahad Datu Business Hub is expected to act as a catalyst to the growth of Lahad Datu business activities and its surrounding area. It also aims to provide modern and exclusive business premises facilities.
Also present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur, Sedco chairman Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Sabah Islam Religious Centre chairman Datuk Mohd Suhaili Said, SUDC managing director Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Pg Tahir and MDSB chairman and managing director Mahmud Awang Hussin.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/20/create-smart-partnerships-with-chinese-musa/#ixzz2757C3asf

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SABAH BUSINESS FRIENDLY – MUSA

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will continue to formulate policies and procedures that support a business friendly environment, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

Being the second largest state in Malaysia, he said there are vast opportunities in Sabah especially in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing as well as oil and gas.

“These sectors are mapped out under several initiatives like the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and the federal government-led Economic Transformation Programme (ETP),” he said during a meeting with Wu Bangguo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China here yesterday.

Wu is also chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC).
Musa who is also Finance Minister said under SDC, Sabah was promoting economic growth based on the strengths of the different regions in the state and with focus on proper management of natural resources and environmental sustainability.

Sabah, he added, was in the process of transforming its economy from one that was purely resource-based to one that was more diversified and driven by knowledge, innovation and productivity.

The Chief Minister said in manufacturing, Sabah’s focus was to leverage on agriculture, biomass and the oil and gas industry.
He also said Sabah was the largest producer of crude palm oil in Malaysia and that the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster in the east coast was one avenue for the state to venture into downstream processing of palm oil products.
“We are also promoting the development of petrochemical and gas-based industries through SOGT (Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal) and SAMUR (Sabah Ammonia Urea Plant) in the west coast.

Musa also told the senior Chinese leader that early this year Sabah received interest from two prominent U.S.-based firms.
Dole Food – the world’s largest producer and marketer of fresh fruits and vegetables – had expressed interest to invest more than RM1 billion in Sabah.
The Chief Minister added that the hospitality and tourism industry was one of the primary income-generating sectors.
Sabah, he said has proven to be a popular destination for the Chinese “and I see increased cooperation in this sector”.
Musa also informed the Chinese leader that it was recently announced that Sabah was the most successful state in attracting private investment in the country.
For the first quarter of this year, Sabah managed to attract some RM10 billion in investment, way ahead of other states – and this is because the Sabah State Government is stable, business friendly and prudent.
“Another reason voiced by investors especially those from Europe and U.S. is that our environment is still protected…we have clean air, unpolluted waters and we have in place stringent forest laws as well as a strong conservation progamme,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, Musa said Sabah had anticipated closer ties and cooperation with China as the business relationship had grown stronger.
“Visits from China including by another senior leader of the NPC, Jia Quinling in April this year, and the recent participation by Malaysians at the trade and investment fairs in China and vice-versa had created opportunities and expanded the network for cooperation,” Musa said.
He also stressed that the State Government enjoyed close relations with the Federal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and that billions of ringgit had been channeled for infrastructure development including building better roads and utilities as well as improving the public delivery system.
Later at a press conference, Musa expressed his appreciation to Wu for visiting Sabah.
“There are many opportunities which we can explore together in Sabah,” he said.
Musa also said Wu felt that Sabah has big potential in the resources and tourism sectors and that many more visitors would come to Malaysia including Sabah.
And according to him, the visit by Wu was very meaningful because he was a very high-ranking leader. “We welcome him and we hope more leaders from China will visit Sabah.”
Also present yesterday were Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun and State Secretary, Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman.

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Grateful AirAsia dedicates Musa A320 plane to Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia is dedicating one of its A320 airplanes to Sabah as a sign of appreciation for all the support the state has given to the airline.
Its group chief executive officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes who made the announcement yesterday, said the words ‘Thank You Sabah’ would be painted on the aircraft’s body.
“We don’t name planes very often and we have only done it for one Malaysian leader which is Tun Dr Mahathir. This airplane dedicated to Sabah will be called The Musa A320 and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is the second Malaysian to have AirAsia’s aircraft named after him,” Tony said.
“Our engineers are painting it now and we are hoping to launch it in three months in the presence of the chief minister. It is our thank you for all your support, Sabah and will be forever there, The Musa A320.”
Tony made the announcement at the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk 2012 (SIBC 2012) where he was the guest speaker.
According to the director of AirAsia Berhad, he and his partner would never forget the people who were there to support them when they first started out 10 years ago.
“We needed RM20 million to start, we went to every bank in Peninsular Malaysia but were rejected. My partner said he knows the Finance Minister of Sabah whom he believed can understand our vision and will help us.
“We met with Datuk Musa and Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat; after listening to us, they said they would support us. They were the only two people in Malaysia who believed in us. Sabah Development Bank gave us a RM20 million loan. The sad thing was that we didn’t have money to pay for the processing and legal fees, so we never took the loan.
“We will never forget our true friends, people who were there when we were nothing. Thank you Datuk Musa and Sabah, AirAsia would not be here without Sabah,” he said.
Tony also said Sabahans did not realize what a great chief minister and cabinet they have in terms of pushing Sabah, and they really go 150 per cent out for the betterment of the state.
“We like Sabah; this is the greatest state in Malaysia by far and the 1Malaysia concept was started here before it was introduced throughout the nation,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Musa, who was the guest of honour, said when Tony and his partner came to see them 10 years ago, he had wondered why a company from Kuala Lumpur was asking for a loan from Sabah.
“As the Finance Minister, I was curious and as Tony made his presentation, I observed him and I noticed that he was genuine, sincere and very intelligent.
“These are the attributes that I, as a former businessman, noticed in him and that is why I approved the loan,” Musa said.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/21/grateful-airasia-dedicates-musa-a320-plane-to-sabah/#ixzz27540R6BS

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Sabah BN remains resilient despite defections: Musa

BEAUFORT (Sept 16, 2012): Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said today Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) remained unshaken despite the defection of two more leaders to the opposition yesterday.
He said Sabah BN would remain strong and united despite the departure of former federal deputy minister Datuk Yahya Lampong and corporate figure Tan Sri Ibrahim Menudin to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
"What is more important is for us to face the next general election with enthusiasm to ensure a major victory for the BN in Sabah and the country as well," he told reporters after opening the Beaufort Umno Division delegates meeting, here. 

Musa, who is also Sabah BN chairman, was asked to comment on the defection of Ibrahim and Yahya, as announced by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Labuan and Dalit, Tuaran, yesterday. 

Also present at the event were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Sabah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun and Beaufort Umno Division acting head Isnin Aliasnih.

In the 2008 general election, Sabah BN won 59 of the 60 state seats and 24 of the 25 parliamentary seats, losing the Sri Tanjung state seat and the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat to the opposition. 

Musa said the BN state government would continue to develop the state.
"We are thankful to the national leaders for having allocated huge sums of money for us to continue to develop Sabah as desired by the people," he said. 

Earlier, in his speech, Musa urged the people of Beaufort to support the candidate the party leadership would propose for the parliamentary seat in the next general election. 

"I promise to develop Beaufort, because this is where I come from. We will plan and develop Beaufort and, God willing, we will be successful. I am not standing here because I wish to give others from here a chance to contest in Beaufort," said Musa whose seat, Sungai Sibuga, is in the Libaran parliamentary constituency. 

The Beaufort MP is Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, the former Umno Supreme Council member, who has defected to the opposition along with Tuaran MP and former United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) deputy president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing.
Musa said the opposition pact, which administered four states, was afraid that the BN would recapture those states as they were facing many problems with their failure to deliver on their electoral promises. 

"Now, they are coming to Sabah and wanting to teach a duck to swim," he added. Musa said he hoped that the people of Sabah would not be fooled by their sweet promises to garner support in the next general election. – Bernama

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Set minimum wage at RM900 for Sabah, S’wak: NGO

 PETALING JAYA (Sept 17, 2012): The RM900 minimum wage set by the government for Peninsular Malaysia should also be set for Sabah and Sarawak, said non-governmental organisation (NGO) Oppressed People Network (Jerit).
"What is the rationale of providing a minimum wage below the poverty line in east Malaysia? The cost of living in east Malaysia is 30-40% higher than in Peninsular Malaysia," said Jerit.
The NGO also called for wealth redistribution to reduce the income disparity in Sabah and Sarawak, noting that they are rich with natural resources.
"Both Sabah and Sarawak have plenty of resources from timber and oil and also have wealth from the plantation industry. But both states remain among the poorest in Malaysia," it said in its statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day last Sunday.
Jerit pointed out that native land protection has been a problem for the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.
"They are struggling to get the states to give due recognition to their customary land rights. There are many incidents where indigenous people have been forcefully removed from their customary land in the name of development."
The NGO also called for the lifting of the ban on activists seeking entry to Sabah and Sarawak.
"If the government really appreciates the integration of society between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, do not discriminate the people who have been critical of the state governments or of those who merely want to help to empower the marginalised people in the two states," the statement said.


http://www.thesundaily.my/news/492590

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Make hudud pledge, PR told

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18, 2012): Pakatan Rakyat (PR) should be fair to the people and include its plans to implement hudud in its election manifesto if it is committed to passing the Islamic law, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

"If they are serious about it they should let the people decide and vote for this; not take over Putrajaya and then only argue about it," he said at a press conference in his office yesterday.

He was responding to PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's statement in his blog posting dated Aug 24 which stated that the implementation of hudud should not be delayed, as its enforcement as part of the syariah legislation is an obligation, not an option.

PR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reportedly dismissed the matter as being a non-issue as the implementation of hudud is not part of the coalition's Buku Jingga manifesto or common policy framework.
Chua said Muslim lawmakers are obliged to support the implementation of hudud, citing the amendment of the Terengganu state constitution in 1999 by the PAS administration, with support from Umno.

"The political reality is that two-thirds (of representatives) in parliament are going to be Muslims, and they will have to support the implementation of hudud as part of their duty to the religion," he said.

Reminded about DAP national chairman Karpal Singh's stand against the implementation of hudud, Chua said he is "the only voice in DAP to object it".

He also said the hudud law as promoted by PAS only places emphasis on punishment and prohibition, when the teachings of Islam is more about education and enlightenment.

"I believe that Islam also teaches us forgiveness and enlightenment, that is why Umno also objects to PAS's version of the hudud law," he said.

Chua claimed that the implementation of hudud will cause the market to plummet by 500 points as loans will be recalled.

He also alleged that some businesses will be affected and cited a call by PAS Pahang chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to shut down Genting Highlands as an example.

He also said that out of 11 nations practising hudud laws right now, eight are failed states where it is unsafe and corruption is rife.

He named Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Yemen as nations where the implementation of hudud had failed.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/493736

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Princess Diana had wanted to visit Danum Valley – Yayasan Sabah

LAHAD DATU: Fifteen years ago, there was another British Royal who had intended to visit Danum Valley in Lahad Datu, Malaysia’s well-reserved rainforest.
Arrangements were made to accommodate the royal visit, and the date was tentatively set.
Scores of discussions were organised to ensure everything was fit for a princess.
Yayasan Sabah Conservation and Environmental Management Division group manager Dr Waidi Sinun said they made sure everything was in order, especially when the guest was one of the world’s most influential women, Princess of Wales, Diana.

“Of course we were all very excited,” he said when met at the Danum Valley Field Centre over the weekend, adding: “It was indeed an honour to have such influential person having interest in our work and the area itself.”

But all hopes were crushed when Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car accident on August 31, 1997, six months before she was scheduled to visit Danum Valley.

She and companion, Dodi Fayed, succumbed to serious injuries after the Mercedes-Benz they were traveling in hit the road tunnel in Paris to elude paparazzis.

The car driver, Henri Paul, was also killed in the accident, while the couple’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived the crash.

But Danum Valley had ‘its second chance’ to play host to British royals.
Fast-forward just over a decade later, they again received a call that the British royal couples, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and wife Catherine Middleton, or fondly known as Kate, had picked Danum Valley one of the top three rainforest research centres in the world to end their visit to Malaysia. William is Diana’s eldest son.
Their visit to the forest was planned because of William’s longstanding interest in conservation, which also offered the royal couple an opportunity to experience the ecological wealth of Sabah’s forests and the importance of supporting the efforts of the scientists working to understand and conserve them.
Whether the visit was part of William’s way of fulfilling his mother’s wish is anyone’s guess, but according to Waidi, “If it was me, I would do it.”
Waidi, who had a half-an-hour chat with Britain’s future king, however disclosed that William did say that his father, Prince Charles, has a soft spot for the rainforest.
“To have Princess Diana’s son at Danum Valley is a great honour. It is a recognition to the conservation work that Yayasan Sabah has done, jointly with the Royal Society’s South East Asia Rainforest Research Programme (SEARRP). It has elevated Danum Valley to a higher level,” he said.
William became a Royal Fellow of the Royal Society during its 350th anniversary celebrations in 2010.
Danum Valley is older than the Amazon rainforest, which is about 60 million years old, is a world class ecosystem, home to about 125 species of mammals, over 300 birds, 72 reptiles and 56 amphibians.
Located in the southeastern part of Sabah, Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), about 82 kilometres from Lahad Datu town, covers an area of 43,800 hectares, and is one of the last strongholds of undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest.
Most of the researches are collaborative efforts between Malaysian and scientists from overseas and mostly based on long-term research programmes initiated in 1984 between Danum Valley Management Committee and The Royal Society’s SEARRP, where these studies have contributed to the understanding of tropical forests.
William and Kate had an enjoyable three-hour tour at DVCA, trekking into the rainforest jungle, met up with 25 researchers and Oxford University undergraduates, and were lifted up 50 metres above the ground to listen to Semporna-born researcher, Dr Kalsum Yusah’s findings on ants.
Malaysia is the royal couple’s second destination after Singapore on their nine-day tour of the Far East as representatives of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in conjunction with the celebration to mark the 60-year reign of the Queen of England.
The couple left for Solomon Islands yesterday where they were greeted by warriors in traditional dress.
On Tuesday, they will arrive in the tiny South Pacific island of Tuvalu where they will be carried from their aircraft in the island’s traditional reception for visiting dignitaries.

 http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/17/princess-diana-had-wanted-to-visit-danum-valley-yayasan-sabah/#ixzz26tULst7o

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30% cut in KK parking fees

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai yesterday announced that the parking fees in the state capital would be reduced by 30 per cent.

The decision was made by the State Cabinet, the Resource Development and Information Technology Minister said.

According to the Api Api assemblyman, the reduction is for all zones and expected to be implemented soon.
Yee said City Hall would be ironing out the details, such as the implementation date of the reduced rates.

 http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/19/30-cut-in-kk-parking-fees/#ixzz26tSStssu

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China’s top legislator leads delegation to Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: A Chinese delegation of 100 members led by China’s top legislator Wu Bangguo, arrived here yesterday for a three-day visit to Sabah.

The delegation was welcomed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai upon arrived on a China Airlines flight at 5.50pm yesterday.

Also present at the airport to welcome the delegates were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Peter Pang En Yin, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Pang Yuk Ming and Sabah State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman.

Wu, who is chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, will be paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman today.

Yee said it was an honour for Sabah to be visited by Wu, who is deemed as the number two leader of China.
He said there have been many visits by top leaders from China these few months which has enhanced relations, especially bilateral trade, between Malaysia and China.

Yee said Wu and the delegates’ trip to Sabah is actually a personal visit.
However, the State Cabinet specially sent the ministers to welcome the delegates upon learning about their arrival.
Meanwhile, Wu praised Yee for his good command of Mandarin.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/19/chinas-top-legislator-leads-delegation-to-sabah/#ixzz26tQjS4hs

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Govt committed to transforming public higher learning institution-Musa

Kota Kinabalu: The government is committed to transforming public higher learning institutions (IPTAs) in its effort to develop the education sector in the country, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said this included allowing IPTAs to have more freedom in managing their operations so that they can be more competitive both in terms of academic performance and resource management.
“The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak has been working very hard to empower IPTAs by giving them more autonomy managing their own finance, human resources, administration, student intake and income,” Musa said in his speech for the launching of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Seminar on Najib Leadership here yesterday.
He added that the government was prepared to loosen regulations that prevent IPTAs from generating profit.
The text of his speech was read by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah education exco Datuk Masidi Manjun who also officiated at the launch on behalf of the Chief Minister.
“With enhanced autonomy, IPTAs, for example, would be allowed to generate their own income by setting up subsidiary companies.
“For this purpose the government is willing to ease rules and regulations that prevent IPTAs from generating profit. However, the government will make sure that the effort to generate income would not adversely affect the role and objective of IPTAs,” he said.
Musa commended UiTM for organising the seminar, saying that leadership is a key component in nation-building and the event would provide a useful academic platform for students and academicians to examine and discuss the country’s leadership.
He added that the Prime Minister in his tenure over the last three years had introduced various programmes and policies aimed at strengthening unity, improving quality of life and addressing the welfare of the people at all levels towards achieving a developed and high income status.
Among these programmes, he noted, included Gagasan 1Malaysia and the various transformation plans under it, education assistance schemes, Klinik 1Malaysia, Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia and many other initiatives all aimed at improving the livelihood of the people and propelling the country forward.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/14/govt-committed-to-transforming-public-higher-learning-institutions-musa/#ixzz26nqYu5Z2

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CM visits family of road accident victims

BEAUFORT: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman visited the family of the road accident victims at Kampung Pintas here yesterday.
He conveyed his condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims’ family and relatives.
Ramsin @ Tamsirin, 59, Siti Runi bt Tarawi, 55, Hassan b. Jimy, 55, Saimah bt Jamin, 51 and Taripan bin Tamin, 53, died in the
accident which happened in Sepanggar near Tuaran yesterday morning.
Earlier, Musa who is also Sabah Umno chief, officiated at the Beaufort Umno delegates meeting cum Hari Raya gathering at Dewan Pa’ Musa here.
Present were the division’s acting head, Isnin Aliasnih and his division committee members, including Social Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Hajah Azizah Mohd Dun who is also the Beaufort Umno Wanita head.
Also present were Sabah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Salleh Tun Said, Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Yahya Hussin, Umno information chief Datuk Sapawi Haji Ahmad and Umno and BN leaders from several divisions.

 http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/09/17/cm-visits-family-of-road-accident-victims/#ixzz26np9ApDk

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Musa : Petroleum Royalty-Open for Discussion

Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman presenting the best student award to Canicius Kundayis, while looks on is Kamarudin Zakaria, who is the PETRONAS vice-president for Downstream Operation.

Ok, Lets us look in different angle of this issue. I will take my angle slightly different from other. Datuk Musa statement on 21 August 2012, “Therefore, I believe this issue (petroleum royalty) is open for discussion and what’s important is that we scrutinies the matter and reach the best decision for the mutual benefit of all concerned." Well this is a good news for all of us as a Sabahans. CM, at last, willing to take the responsibility, bring up the issue on a discussion with federal. On the effort, as a Sabahan we must give full support to Datuk Musa. Some of our politicians already make a statement on their support on Datuk Musa:


“On behalf of the Tenom Umno, we congratulate the Chief Minister who is concerned about the interest of the people and was prepared to discuss with the Federal government amicably"

Esar Andamas

“I hope the call to review the oil royalty would not be seen as a demand by the federal government but a reward for our unwavering loyalty and to support to the BN led government

The United Sabah Chinese Communities Association Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) president John Lim Yu Sin

“Personally and as a Sabahan, I believe the government should take a look at the rate of oil royalty given to Sabah. The time has come to give it serious attention because the five per cent was decided based on an agreement more than forty years ago. Today is a new era and it must be reviewed.

Sabah Puteri Umno chief, Musliati Moslimin

“I am hopeful that the discussion can be made smoother with the good relationship between the state and federal governments"  The PBS Youth chief Datuk Jahid Jahim

Well people, this is for our future, for our next generation. I don't get Why must we against the effort? He try to fix the mess which is not done by him, and i can see that he is trying the best as he can. This is good news and people should support this effort not only for ourselves but also for our next generation. Think and make a wise decision. We are going to create a history which is surely will benefits to our people.

God Bless.

SabahBorneoAramaii

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Sabah Government Will Not Tolerate Insults To Cultural Heritage, Says Musa

"Mengomot" cutting of the padi

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government will not tolerate insults to cultural heritage, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
"I am compelled to publicly criticise the ignorant and irresponsible parties behind the blog post that has insulted the Sumazau dance that is very much a part of Sabah's rich cultural heritage."We in Sabah are proud of our cultural diversity. We are home to 32 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique identity. Though different from each other and with different backgrounds and religious beliefs, there has always been above it all, respect," he said in a statement, here, today.Musa said every culture had its own identity, steeped in tradition and history, and the Sumazau was no different as the dance had its own distinctive meaning."It is also for all occasions and for everybody. Modern day Sabah is known around the world as a vibrant melting pot of cultures."Our people are peace loving and harmonious. Many families, my own included, have members that are of different races and religions.We are like one big family here in Sabah," he said.As chief minister tasked with the responsibility of leading the state, Musa said his administration "works hard to ensure this precious peace and racial harmony is protected and safeguarded"."Such preservation is vital to developing Sabah and steering our homeland to a brighter future for our children."I join the outrage voiced by the people of Sabah against any slur to our culture by irresponsible parties with selfish or malicious agendas," he said.Musa said the state government would not tolerate such disrespect "for our cultural values, and those who have no respect for our cultural values are not welcome here".-- BERNAMA

Source: News online Bernama

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Sabah Government Hands Over RM12.5 Million To Schools, Non-Muslim Religious Bodies

Penampang Anglo Chinese Primary School's Parent Teachers Association Chairman Dr. Cecilia Chong receive cheque from Musa Aman

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government on Wednesday handed over funds totalling RM2.86 million to 72 government-aided schools and RM9.64 million to 51 non-Muslim religious bodies in the west coast of the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the funds were the state government's annual assistance for schools and religious bodies to cover their expenses, mainly for development and repair works that would allow the organisations and schools to carry out their work effectively.

"Despite the pressing need for funds for a host of other socio-economic programmes, the state government has decided that education is vital to the growth of the nation and must be developed.

"Allocation for non-Muslim religious bodies is reflective of the government's pledge to uphold religious freedom.

"We hope religious bodies will continue to encourage spiritual development among the people, especially in this day and age when social ills seem to be on the rise," he said at the presentation of cheques to the schools and religious bodies at the State Assembly building, here.

Musa, who is also state finance minister, said the state government was aware of the important role of non-Muslim religious bodies, some of which were directly involved in the development of special assistance schools.

-- BERNAMA

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Dunia Puji Malaysia Pastikan Sabah Bebas Arang Batu

CM marking Earth Day

KOTA KINABALU, 18 Feb (Bernama) -- Malaysia menerima pujian dari komuniti antarabangsa kerana keputusannya untuk tidak menggunakan arang batu bagi menjana tenaga di Sabah, yang merupakan satu langkah memberikan opsyen kuasa bersih kepada negeri itu.

Ketua Pakar Teknikal Tenaga Diperbaharui dan Keefisienan Tenaga Bank Dunia Prof Daniel M Kammen berkata langkah itu membolehkan Malaysia memilih untuk melabur di dalam ekonomi dan persekitaran yang sihat bagi Sabah dengan membatalkan cadangan pembinaan loji yang menggunakan arang batu yang diganti dengan opsyen tenaga mampan.

"Ini merupakan satu keputusan yang sepatutnya memuji dan menyokong Malaysia pada persidangan iklim akan datang di Afrika Selatan.

"Saya sangat teruja dengan usaha Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman dan bagi kepimpinan mereka di dalam hala tuju negara dan negeri itu ke arah menghasilkan sumber tenaga campuran.

"Ini akan membantu menstabilkan kos tenaga, membawa masuk usahawan baharu ke bidang tenaga, mewujudkan pertumbuhan pekerjaan dan memotong kesan alam sekitar tempatan dan pertumbuhan pengeluaran gas rumah hijau global," katanya dalam satu kenyataan Jumaat.

Green SURF (Sabah Bersatu bagi menyediakan Kuasa Untuk Masa Depan) telah mentauliah Kammen untuk menyediakan laporan opsyen tenaga bagi Sabah sebagai seorang Profesor Tenaga di University of California di Berkeley.

"Kejayaan tenaga dan alam sekitar kebiasaannya tidak mendapat perhatian seperti yang diperolehi peristiwa negatif. Ini adalah satu kes di mana satu kerjasama mencetus kumpulan alam sekitar yang diketuai Green SURF bekerjasama dengan para pegawai yang dipilih mengadakan dialog dengan orang ramai dan menghasilkan bahan teknikal yang diperlukan seperti laporan opsyen tenaga yang kita kemukakan kepada pembuat keputusan.

"Saya teruja berupaya bekerja dengan rakyat Sabah bagi mencapai kejayaan ini dan berharap melihat komuniti antarbangsa mempelajari daripada kejayaan perancangan dan perkongsian Sabah ini," katanya.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dan Pengasas World Land Trust John Burton mengucapkan tahniah kepada kerajaan kerana membuat keputusan yang rasional yang memanfaatkan kesemua pihak.

"Adalah baik mereka mendengar pendapat orang ramai dan menunjukkan komitmen sebenar kepada alam sekitar," kata Burton.

Sambil memuji keputusan kerajaan itu, Penyelaras Seranta Asia Tenggara 350.org Malaysia Abe Woo berkata langkah itu membuka satu haluan baharu di dalam sejarah pergerakan alam sekitar dan pengurusan tenaga.

"Ini memberi isyarat kerajaan yang positif dan responsif kerana keseluruhan jaringan antarabangsa 350.org terus menyokong langkah berani kerajaan sekarang bagi memerangi perubahan iklim," kata Woo.

Pengarah Komunikasi 350.org Jamie Henn menyifatkannya sebagai satu "kejayaan yang dirasai di seluruh dunia."

350.org adalah satu pergerakan antarabangsa untuk menyatukan dunia bagi mencari penyelesaian terhadap krisis iklim.

Aktivis Alam Sekitar Roz Savage berkongsi keputusan kerajaan negeri itu melalui Twitter, sambil menyatakan bahawa beliau merasa berbesar hati dan bangga menjadi sebahagian daripada kempen meminta projek itu dibatalkan.

Savage adalah wanita pertama yang berdayung secara solo merentasi Lautan Pasifik dan dinamakan Pengembara National Geographic Tahun 2010.

Pelukis dan Pereka Projek "Postcards2PM" kelahiran Sabah Yee I-Lann, yang bertanggung jawab terhadap penghantaran ribuan pos kad yang ditandatangani yang telah dihantar kepada Najib, berkata pihak berkuasa, yang termasuk Tenaga Nasional Berhad dan Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, akan menggunakan kepakaran pakar alam sekitar bagi menyediakan penyelesaian yang baik.

"Saya berharap pihak berkuasa akan melindungi alam sekitar di kesemua projek pembangunan," katanya.

Green SURF turut menerima banyak reaksi di laman blognya, dengan para pembaca memberikan pujian kepada kerajaan serta kegembiraan mereka bahawa suara mereka telah didengari.

Pengumuman pada Rabu oleh Musa bahawa tiada loji arang batu akan dibina di Sabah sebagai satu kejutan yang manis, berikutan banyak bulan tidak kedengaran berita selepas kajian penilaian kesan alam sekitar terperinci bagi tapak di Lahat Datu ditolak pada Ogos tahun lepas.

Semasa membuat pengumuman baik itu, Musa berkata kerajaan Barisan Nasional di bawah kepimpinan Najib adalah "kerajaan yang sentiasa mendengar suara dan perasaan rakyat."



-- BERNAMA

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Review BIMP-EAGA strategies – Musa

Musa Aman

Posted on March 14, 2011, Monday

KOTA KINABALU: BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia Philippines-East Asean Growth Area) can be a major contributor to the realisation of an Asean economic community, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Tan (third left) together with Philippines ex-president Fidel Ramos (fourth left), visit the BIMP-EAGA expo at Sabah Trade Centre. Also seen is Brunei Foreign and Commerce Second Minister Pehin Datuk Seri Lim Jock Seng (second left). — Bernama photo

However, there must be better connectivity in order to facilitate a freer movement of goods and people to transform EAGA, he said in his key note address at the official opening of the BIMP-EAGA expo here yesterday.

In his address delivered by Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan, Musa stressed on the need to encourage the growth of entrepreneurs who are able to take advantage of the opportunities that will emerge from a stronger cooperation within BIMP-EAGA.

“Regional cooperation and economic integration is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. Our economies are small if compared to Asia’s twin economic giants, India and China.

“But together, Asean is a formidable grouping with a combined market of 550 million and a GDP that is the third largest in Asia,” Musa said and stressed ‘for Asean to remain relevant, we must pursue economic integration at the sub-regional level’.

He added, “our proximity within nations and our capacity to produce significant volumes of similar agriculture commodities are critical factors in the development of an integrated production base and an efficient value chain.”

Musa also spoke about the need for the private sector to be more involved in BIMP-EAGA.

Efforts to pursue the initiative, he said, would be meaningless if the private sector does not become an active player because it is, after all, the private sector that makes investments and conducts trade and tourism.

He was of the opinion that the private sector through the leadership of BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) should strengthen its capacity to collectively promote trade, investment and tourism in the sub-region.

“I was informed that BIMP-EAGA is in the process of preparing a blueprint that would build on the gains of the development roadmap and set out specific goals as well as targets in the different areas of cooperation.

“I hope the private sector will actively participate in the preparation of the blueprint to ensure that your aspirations for a more economically integrated BIMP-EAGA are incorporated,” he stressed.

Musa added that the private sector must contribute perspectives and take ownership of a strategy that will shape the future of BIMP-EAGA cooperation.

He however pointed out that while BIMP-EAGA was formed out of a need to address common development challenges, it is important for the grouping, as they move forward, to take stock of their individual strengths and shared resources.

“They must capitalise on the strengths and resources to collectively engage markets in the region and globally to reap maximum benefits,” he said adding that, “it will not be an easy task but I believe it can be done.”

According to him, it has been frequently asserted that EAGA’s major constraint is its weak economic complementaries.

“The sub-region produces and exports similar commodities but we should view this in a positive way to strengthen our agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing sectors, allowing EAGA to have greater significance in Asean,” he stressed.

The food basket vision of BIMP-EAGA, Musa said, is timely given that food security is a pressing agenda worldwide and he added that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that the world’s food production must increase by 70 per cent in 2050 in order to meet the estimated population growth of 9.1 billion.

Musa also pointed out that tourism is another source of wealth for BIMP-EAGA as it is blessed with a diverse range of natural attractions and good environment.

The growth area, he said, is home to one of the largest and oldest rainforests, two rich marine biodiversity sites namely the Sulu and Sulawesi seas and four world heritage site, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Mulu Caves in Sarawak as well as the Tubattaha Reefs and St Paul Subterranean River, both in Palawan.

“We have attractions that can parallel the world’s best but if we are to realise our vision of becoming a tourism hub alongside with making our mark as a food basket, member nations in this grouping will have to revisit our cooperation strategies with a view to strengthen the way we cooperate,” he stressed.

Sabah, according to him, has a lot to offer to BIMP-EAGA and the state government’s commitment to make the grouping work remains strong.

Strategically located and endowed with natural resources as well as vast land, Sabah is an important contributor to the grouping’s overall aims to further consolidate the agriculture and tourism sectors.

“I do hope that we will be able to form meaningful partnerships with our partners in the region to create more business and employment opportunities apart from generating higher incomes for our people,” Musa said.

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CM expects bigger Sabah role

Published on: Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman urged more Sabah entrepreneurs, especially Bumiputeras, to venture into the oil and gas industry given the importance of the sector to the State.

He said currently the number of Sabah entrepreneurs in the industry is still very low. "I hope more (Sabah) entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to participate in the industry," he said, after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Naim Engineering Sdn Bhd and DPMMS Sabah branch consortium and Sabah Oil and Gas Contractors Association (Sogca).

Musa said he frequently requested Petronas to provide opportunities to Sabah entrepreneurs and Bumiputeras because of the industry's significance to the State.

The Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) was being built so that entrepreneurs or contractors here could take part in the industry which has huge potential to be developed and expanded.

At the same time, Musa concurred with Malaysia Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMMS) Sabah branch Chairman, Datuk Awang Buhtamam Awang Mahmun, that the entrepreneurs be improved on its capacity building.

To this, he said Sarawak-based Naim Engineering should give opportunity as well as to assist Sabah entrepreneurs in their endeavour in oil and gas.

With Naim Engineering's expertise, he believed that such opportunity would be made available to the entrepreneurs. Naim Engineering was chosen by Petronas as the main contractor to implement the SOGT in Kimanis worth RM2.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Naim Holdings Berhad Chairman, Datuk Abdul Hamed Sepawi, assured that the company aim to work with local entrepreneurs in Sabah in line with Petronas' desire for more local content in projects.

He said Naim Engineering is also doing likewise.

"We will try our best to accommodate local entrepreneurs here especially in the services, procurement and manpower areas," he said, adding there are many areas in the oil and gas industry where local entrepreneurs could play a part.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman Presenting a souvenir to the US Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Faauaa Hunkin.

Naim Engineering was chosen by Petronas as the main contractor to implement the SOGT in Kimanis worth RM2.4 billion.

While Naim Holdings Berhad involvement in the industry is quite new, he said it has the expertise in project management as well as in several areas.

To strengthen his point, Abdul Hamed said the oil and gas downstream industry in Miri and Bintulu have been in place for quite a long time.

"(So, rest assured) because there is a lot of areas where we (Naim Engineering and local entrepreneurs) can cooperate," he said.

With regards to the Kimanis SOGT, he said Naim will endeavour to work closely with Sogca and DPMMS to get more participation from Sabah Bumiputera contractors and suppliers on its own or in joint venture with others.

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