Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai : “6G Welding course” in 2013

The Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology will continue to empower Sabahans with ICT skills and knowledge in 2013, said its Minister Dr. Yee Moh Chai during his winding-up speech at the State Assembly on Thursday(25th Oct 2012). Dr. Yee told the Dewan that the Ministry received a supply allocation of RM87.89 million and a development allocation of RM6.93 million in the 2013 budget. This allocation will be used for human capital development, tackling the unemployment problem, and bridging the digital gap between urban and rural areas. To accelerate the development of human capital in Sabah, the Ministry will proceed to the second phase of the study on Sabah Manpower Planning Requirement 2010-2025. According to Dr. Yee, the objective of this study is to take human capital development to the next level to meet the manpower needs of the state. Other studies also conducted by the ministry include a survey to establish the extent to which the Ministry’s ICT and language classes are considered successful. “My Ministry is committed to provide the catalyst and leadership for the development of human capital in Sabah,” Dr. Yee said. In 2013, the Ministry will also conduct a “6G Welding course” at the Institute Latihan Perindustrian ILP in Papar. Successful trainees will receive an internationally recognized competency certificate awarded by a recognition body appointed by PETRONAS. “The advantage that this certificate has is that it is recognized not only in Malaysia but also in Australia and Singapore,” he said. The course will also open the door to an array of job opportunities in the oil and gas industry, according to Dr. Yee. Unemployment is a long-standing issue in Sabah. To tackle this issue, Dr. Yee’s ministry will continue to organize the Youth Mentoring Day Programme, specifically targeting school leavers and job seekers in the state. This programme is intended to lead to job opportunities among youths and possibly also to various training courses in private and public higher education institutions. The Ministry has organized this programme in seven districts, namely, Papar, Membakut, Tenom, Keningau, Ranau, Kudat and Kota Kinabalu with a total attendance of 1, 605 people this year. The ministry expects 2000 participants next year. The Youth and Career Seminar is another programme designed to tackle unemployment in the state. It received favorable response from the public this year, with 574 attendees in 5 districts. The ministry will continue the same programme next year with a target attendance of 1, 000 people. Dr. Yee also indicated that his Ministry would work together with the trade union and the Sabah employers’ associations to tackle issues relating to the implementation of minimum wage, extension of the retirement age and the welfare of workers generally. The digital gap between urban and rural areas will continue to be a primary concern of the Ministry in 2013. It will conduct more advanced training and ICT courses, as well as continuing with the Creative Arama IT programme in all districts. According to Dr. Yee, in this regard his Ministry has also established 19 e-Desa Centres in its effort to bridge the digital divide. He said each e-Desa Centre is given the opportunity to hold activities and business enterprises that have bearing on the needs and circumstances of the area. As an example, the e-Desa in Tangkarason village, Paitan has established restaurants, swiftlet-farming centres and home-stay accommodation for visitors.

Read More

Work on Tanjung Aru library to start next year

 

This is indeed a great news for all of us. 

Read More

CM : Govt supports aspirations of Chinese community

As far as we concerned, Musa has done a lot for Sabah and it can be really seen from various allocations until the setting up of new buildings, investment opportunities, among others. We should cherish the effort given.

Agree with this?

Read More

Landing lights failure at KKIA is not acceptable, says DCM

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai wants heads to roll over the runway blackout incident at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) as flight operations returned to normal yesterday.

Yee wants action taken against those responsible for the two-day crisis that left thousands of passengers stranded at both Terminal 1 and the low cost terminal and affected the state's tourism industry.

“This is not acceptable,” he said of the failure of the landing lights at the extended runway especially when a similar incident had occurred previously but it was repaired immediately.
He said Malaysia Airports Berhad should haul up those responsible and replace them.

Flight operations at KKIA were halted on Thursday night after the runway lights blacked out and it was only after 10pm on Friday that the problem was rectified.

It is learnt that the KKIA runway extension project was riddled with delays and the contractor has failed to meet at least three deadlines set by the Transport Ministry to complete it.

A faulty transformer had apparently triggered the blackout of the runway lights.
The sub-contractor tasked to repair it had been on a go-slow action for some time over delays in payments from the main contractor, it is learnt.

Despite orders by the Department of Aviation to rectify the problems on the electrical circuit, no work was carried out by contractor or his sub-contractor, sources said.

A specialist team worked to rectify the electrical problem on Friday, the sources added.
They managed to restore the runway (edge and approach) lights at about the same time the RMAF arrived with the portable lights, said an official who declined to be named.

From late last night, 12 international and local flights were able to land, and most outbound flights, though delayed, also took off to their respective destinations.

Most of the stranded passengers whose flights were cancelled were also put on other flights, easing the situation at the airport's two terminals.

Read More

RM30 mil allocated as Rubber Production Incentive since August

24th October, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: The State government has approved RM30million as Rubber Production Incentive since last 1 August to increase rubber output and boost the income of all rubber smallholders in Sabah.

Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin, said the incentive scheme also aimed to standardise prices of rubber in Sabah and the peninsula and therefore lessen the impact on smallholders when prices drop.

“Since the incentive was given out on 30 September, a total of 20,816 settlers, tappers, participants of the Community Farm and smallholders have enjoyed assistance that amounted toRM3,941,458.66,” he said.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Leased Land Won't Be Taken Back, Says Sabah Government

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government has given its assurance that it will not take back land leased to developers for 999 years and commercial land leased for 99 years.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the lease on the land may however be renewed 10 to 20 years before the expiry of the lease.

"Although there is 20 or 10 years left on the lease, the government can still approve a lease renewal as the land is owned by the people and not the government," he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah at the State Legislative Assembly here today.

Musa, who is also Sabah Finance Minister, said the policy will be discussed at a state Cabinet meeting.

The Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) had earlier urged the government to reinstate the 999-year land lease tenure for subdivided titles.

Read More : Bernama.com

Read More

Media's vital role in progress of state and country-Musa

Hey ya'all, been in the cold lately. As Musa said in his earlier speech, media plays an important role in ensuring the progress of government messages and etc.  What do you think about this?

Read More

Musa Aman unveils RM4.09bil budget for Sabah

Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman has unveiled a RM4.09bil budget aimed at continuing Sabah's development programmes and boosting the economic wellbeing of the people.
The amount represented a RM40mil increase over last year's budget of some RM4.05bil.

Musa said the expenditure was aimed at eradicating poverty and improving the quality of life of the people.
He said the other thrusts of the budget were to strengthen Sabah's financial position, improving basic infrastructure and public amenities while developing high quality youth and human capital.

In this regard, Musa said more than 85% of the development expenditure or RM2.07bil would go towards the economic sector.

Of this, nearly half or RM988.23mil had been earmarked for public utilities, including water supply, rural electrification and sewerage projects.

Musa said nearly RM764mil would be spent on infrastructure including the construction of roads and bridges as well as ports and harbours and the upgrading of Borneo's only rail service, Sabah Railways.
Musa also announced a special RM1mil allocation and the RM500,000 sentuhan kasih (touch of compassion) funding for each state constituency be continued next year.

The state expenditure for next would be funded in part from the sales tax of crude palm oil that was expected to generate some RM1.05bil.

Another RM1bil each would come from petroleum royalties and interests and proceeds from investments.

Read More

Nazri: Michael Chia never arrested in HK with Sabah Umno cash

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 22 ― Putrajaya revealed today that businessman Michael Chia was never caught in Hong Kong holding large sums of Singapore currency as reported, in the latest twist to the saga over a RM40 million political donation for Sabah Umno.
“According to MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), Chia was never arrested in Hong Kong... that is the MACC’s answer.
“And (Hong Kong’s) ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) never caught Michael Chia,” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz (picture) said when wrapping up committee stage debates on Budget 2013.
The Padang Rengas MP explained that the RM40 million, which was allegedly meant for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, was actually frozen in an investment account in Hong Kong.
Nazri admitted, however, that he was not certain of the exact details but said that the money in the Hong Kong account was later meant to be transferred to an account in a Swiss bank.
“That is my understanding of the case,” he told the House.
The minister was replying to a question from Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) who had asked why the Malaysian authorities had not sought information from the Swiss government when investigating Musa for graft.
Lim had cited reports claiming that Chia was holding more money for Musa in a Swiss bank account.
“This matter raised about the Swiss bank account is actually the same as the one frozen in Hong Kong that was yet to be transferred to the Swiss account.
“Therefore when it was discovered that the cash was not corruption money but a political donation, so the question of seeking information from the Swiss government did not arise,” Nazri said.
Nazri’s disclosure today comes more than a week after the matter was first reported and several days after his first answer on this case in Parliament.
It also disputes previous media reports on the matter, including the first exposé that was carried by whistleblower website Sarawak Report.
According to prior reports, Chia had been arrested at Hong Kong International Airport and charged with money laundering after attempting to smuggle S$16 million (RM40 million) back to Malaysia in 2008.
It was reported that Chia had at the time allegedly told Hong Kong authorities that the money belonged to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman.
In April this year, Sarawak Report revealed documents allegedly from Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency, the ICAC, showing that a Sabah lawyer was holding some US$30 million in a Swiss bank account for Musa.
The report also claimed that a paper trail showed that millions in euros as well as US, Hong Kong and Singapore dollars had been channelled from several firms managed by the Hong Kong-based Chia to a number of British Virgin Islands companies and subsequently to the lawyer’s Swiss account.
In Parliament earlier this month, Nazri revealed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), based on findings by the MACC, had cleared Musa of corruption after it was discovered that the RM40 million in question was a “political donation” to Sabah Umno.

 

Read More

Sabah announces a budget of RM4.088 billion for 2013

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government has allocated a budget of RM4.088 billion for the state in 2013, a rise by RM40 million compared with the estimated provision in 2012.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also State Finance Minister, said the estimated 2013 budget covered three main areas, namely emoluments with an allocation of RM663.17 million (an increase by RM39.51 million from the RM623.66 million allocated in 2012), recurrent expenditure with RM1.120 billion (an increase of RM32.92 million from RM1.087 billion) and special expenditure with an allocation of RM2.337 billion (an addition of RM34 million from RM2.303 billion in 2012).

"The 2013 budget reflects our commmitment to continue to provide the best of services and care for the people and state of Sabah.

"This budget has been set for the entire spectrum of the society, taking into consideration the needs and well being of all people in the state and bringing the development of the state to a higher level," he told reporters after tabling the budget at the State Assembly here today.

Musa also said the state revenue had gone up and projected to amount to RM3.828 billion next year compared with an earlier projection of RM3.69 billion.

"Taking into consideration the average revenue of Sabah for the last three years (2009-2011) which was in the region of RM3.8 billion a year, the state government is confident that the target set for next year is reasonably attainable.

"Hence, the state is also not planning on introducing any new tax or raising existing tax rates."

He also said that the revenue estimate for this year had been revised to RM4.022 billion, a rise by 8.97 per cent from the original estimate.

The major contributors to revenue are crude palm oil duties, petroleum royalties, procurement and returns from investments as well as non-revenue receivables comprising mainly allocations and contributions from the Federal government.

Musa said the state's revenue would come under three categories, namely tax revenue which is expected to amount to RM1.225 billion, non-tax revenue (RM2.26 billion) and non-revenue receivables (RM343.28 million).

On the allocation for development, Musa said RM2.242 billion had been set aside with RM1 billion to be financed by the state government and RM1.42 billion from the federal government.

He also announced an allocation of RM32 million for Chinese and missionary schools and non-Islamic bodies next year.

Read More

SDC's agriculture projects herald a new, bright future for residents in Kudat, Sabah

14th October, 2012
KUDAT: The most-awaited agriculture-based projects which are currently being implemented by the State government under Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) in the northern part of Sabah heralds a new, bright future for thousands of people in this area.
Statistics indicated that, for now, northern Sabah, covering the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas, still has a high population of hardcore poor or a high incidence of poverty.
But thanks to the 1Malaysia’s Government Transformation Programme (GTP) initiative taken by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, this region is now enjoying tremendous growth and development, particularly in the agricultural sector.
In what is seen as a new dawn for this area and its people, Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, Chief Executive, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), a one-stop authority for SDC, said the State government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who is also chairman of SEDIA, has devised a special strategy in tackling poverty in northern Sabah.
One of the SDC’s key projects for that purpose is the agro-politan project in Pitas, he told Bernama, here.

Read More

RM2.98 billion for Sabah

15th October, 2012
KUDAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday announced an allocation of RM2.98 billion to fund various development projects in Sabah next year.
The funds will be spent on, among others, improving electricity supply (RM400 million), clean water supply (RM150 million), building roads to connect rural areas (RM31.3 million), and the Kota Belud-Pitas Agropolitan project (RM66 million).
“Also among them are public housing projects in Putatan and Sandakan (RM65 million), a water treatment plant project in Semporna (RM30 million), the Tambunan Community College and Teachers Training Institute Tuaran Campus (RM32 million),” said Najib in his speech when he launched the state-level “Promises Fulfilled” Tour at the Kudat Sports Complex here yesterday.
He added that the government will enhance the development of the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal project in Sipitang, the Rice Bowl in Kota Belud, Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Kota Kinabalu and also distribute 40,000 water tanks in Sabah and Sarawak as well as implement the price standardidation programme in both states.
“Cooking gas in Banggi for instance costs RM39 per cylinder but with the price standardisation, it will be sold for RM29,” he said.
Meanwhile, for Kudat residents, the Prime Minister announced that RM3.06 million to build shophouses in Kerakit, Banggi had been approved, RM8 million to widen the road to Kepitangan Bridge, and RM3.5 million for public housing in Jalan Apa.


Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Big plans for Sabah if BN wins

15th October, 2012
KUNDASANG: Prime Minster, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged the people in Sabah to continue giving their undivided support to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government because it has big plans for them.
“Continue to support the BN government because we have big plans for the people of Sabah and Malaysians as a whole.
“If we were given the mandate and support, we will strive even harder. Musa (Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj. Aman) and I together with our partners in the BN government in Sabah will work harder to further develop the state which has great potential,” he said.
Najib said this while delivering a brief speech during a walkabout here, yesterday.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman; Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun, who is also Karanaan Assemblyman; Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Dr. Ewon Ebin; Ranau Member of Parliament, Datuk Siringan Gubat and Kundasang Assemblyman, Datuk Joachim Gunsalam.

Read More: New Sabah Times

Read More

Masidi: 10 mistakes leaders must avoid

16th October, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: There are 10 common mistakes which leaders must not make, said Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.
In his keynote speech at the Leaders Conference organised by Yayasan Sabah Group here, yesterday he said the first mistake commonly made by leaders is avoiding personal responsibility.
“Leaders need to realise they are responsible to themselves and to others. They should also realise that they need to lead themselves before leading others,” he said.
According to Masidi, another common mistake made by leaders was not building a leadership team as leaders normally formed followers instead of leadership team.
In this respect, he said, the leaders should teach the team complimentary skills that would teach the followers not to compete with them but to complete them.
“If you teach them this way, your employees will not absolutely depend on you. Additionally, leaders also have to teach the group to be committed to the same cause,” he said.
Masidi also said possessing limiting attitude also could be one of the mistakes of leaders who usually refused to accept ideas, suggestions and feedbacks from the employees.
“This kind of leaders will not favour changes and they show negative thinking towards the employees’ proposals unless the ideas come from themselves,” he added.
Masidi added that leaders should treat the employees fairly and reward them according to their contributions to the organisation.
“The general rule is that 80 per cent of employees can generate 20 per cent of revenue to the company. However, 20 per cent efficient workers can always generate 80 per cent profit to the business.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

UMS graduates receive keys to city

16th October, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: Sixty seven graduates of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) yesterday received keys to the city of Kota Kinabalu.
They were part of the 300 who took part in the annual Town & Gown Procession organised by the City Hall.
The procession started six years ago and always attracted large crowds of spectators prompting Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir to say that it could become another tourism product for the city.
“It also injects a sense of pride among city dwellers because there is a prestigious local university in their midst. The procession also is a symbol of public acceptance and cohesion between the university and community,” he said.
Abidin was speaking when delivering his speech at the event held at the compounds of the City Hall.
This year’s theme is “University & Community: Harmony for the Future”, which he said was in line with the country’s aspirations to produce a progressive society.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Roadshow On Women Director’s Programme launched

16th October, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: The government wants to see at least 30 per cent of women holding decision-making positions in the corporate sector by 2016.
State Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the goal is achievable with a combination of government, corporations, entrepreneurs, existing providers and individuals coming together.
“That must consolidate and improve the provision of training, development, coaching and mentoring for potential board members,” said Azizah in her speech while officiating the launching of Roadshow On Women Director’s Programme here yesterday.
She also said investors, corporate companies, professional services organizations and search firms should play their role actively in supporting such initiatives.
Furthermore, all company chairmen must set out the percentage of women they aim to have on their boards in 2012 to 2015, as demanded by both the Securities Commission and Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur.

Read More: New Sabah Times

Read More

RM300 mil ITCC-Penampang structural works begin

16th October, 2012
PENAMPANG: The RM300- million International Technology Commercial Centre Penampang (ITCC- Penampang) is taking shape as structural works began yesterday.
In a symbolic ceremony of filling concrete to the pile cap performed by Sabanilam Enterprise Sdn Bhd Executive Director Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun, its Managing Director Datin Seri Sylvia Malakun, main contractor Masenang Sdn Bhd Managing director Kong Hock Sian and invited guests, the centre is expected to open its doors in 2015.
At the ceremony yesterday, a Kadazan traditional rite, ‘poposungkad’ was performed before the pile cap was filled.
It involved the strewing of salt around the area by a village elder. This ritual is usually performed before a house is built.
Malakun said he is confident Masenang, with its good track record will be able to complete the work within 30 months.

Read More: New Sabah Times

Read More

25 households get electricity supply

16th October, 2012
BEAUFORT: Twenty-five households who have been living in the dark will now have light in their lives with the help of the Barisan Nasional government.
A total of 14 electricity poles are set to be erected soon, connecting the electricity supply to the 25 houses in Kg Bakalau, near here, at the cost of RM22,624.60.
The handover ceremony was performed by Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun recently, where she said that the aid demonstrates the BN-led government’s concern towards the people’s daily needs.
“The government listens to the people’s needs and the leaders always work hard to solve the people’s problems. Just like today’s event, the affected people will definitely live more comfortable lives with this assistance,” she noted during the ceremony while urging the people to continue supporting the BN government to ensure the continuity of development.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Allocation for mission schools shows a caring govt

16th October, 2012
SANDAKAN: The huge allocation provided for the development of religious schools, national type schools (Chinese & Tamil) and mission schools as well as government-assisted schools proves that the government puts much importance to the development of human resources that includes all the people both in the urban and rural areas.
“The Barisan Nasional government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman give a lot of attention to the development of the education sector,” said Youth & Sports Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin when asked to comment on the Education Ministry’s 2012 Special Stimulus Package (PRK) for mission schools in Sabah and Labuan.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Najib’s Sabah visit boost for BN ahead of general election

16th October, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit to three districts in Sabah over the weekend is poised to further strengthen the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state ahead of the next general election.
A political analyst said the prime minister’s assertion in Penampang on Saturday that the federal government never seized Sabah’s rights has somewhat diluted the opposition’s trump card – playing up or harping on that issue to win the hearts and minds of the people.
In what is seen as a plus point for the BN, Najib had aptly assured the local people during a walkabout in Kundasang town that the federal government had big plans for Sabah “if the BN is given the mandate once again”.
As a prelude to this, Najib, the architect of the 1Malaysia concept, announced on his visit to Kudat on Sunday that he agreed in principle to build a coastal road linking Tuaran, Kota Marudu and Kudat as well as the setting up of a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) centre in Kudat in the northern part of Sabah.
Political analyst Salman Nurillah sees the prime minister’s visit to Sabah as a timely boost for the BN as it sought to reassert its dominance following the recent departure of several state BN leaders to the opposition camp.

Read More : New Sabah Times

Read More

Sabahans to benefit from PR1MA project

17th October, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: The 1Malaysia Public Housing project (PR1MA), which focuses on encouraging the middle-income people in major towns throughout the country to own their first house, will be built in the State.
State Minister for Local Government & Housing Datuk Hajiji Noor said the implementation of the project was still being discussed with PR1MA to determine the locations of land belonging to the government and its agencies.
“I have met PR1MA chief executive officer (Datuk Abdul Mutalib Alias) to discuss the need for affordable homes so that the middle-income group in all districts in Sabah can own a house,” he said.
Hajiji said the State government would suggest to the Federal government suitable land owned by government agencies that had not been developed so that affordable homes could be built in the State.

Read More: New Sabah Times

Read More

Najib’s tour a boost for Sabah BN, analyst says

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s visit to three districts in Sabah over the weekend is poised to further strengthen the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state ahead of the next general election.

A political analyst said the prime minister’s assertion in Penampang on Saturday that the federal government never seized Sabah’s rights has somewhat diluted the opposition’s trump card of playing up or harping on that issue to win the hearts and minds of the people.

In what is seen as a plus point for the BN, Najib (picture) had aptly assured the local people during a walkabout in Kundasang town that the federal government had big plans for Sabah “if the BN is given the mandate once again”.

As a prelude to this, Najib, the architect of the 1 Malaysia concept, announced on his visit to Kudat yesterday that he agreed in principle to build a coastal road linking Tuaran, Kota Marudu and Kudat as well as the setting up of a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) centre in Kudat in the northern part of Sabah.

Political analyst Salman Nurillah sees the prime minister’s visit to Sabah as a timely boost for the BN as it sought to reassert its dominance following the recent departure of several state BN leaders to the opposition camp.

Although Sabah BN might face a strong challenge from the opposition in the urban and suburban areas, he predicted that Sabah would remain a stronghold of the BN, helmed by Najib and, at the state level, by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

In the previous election in 2008, Sabah BN almost made a clean sweep of all the 25 parliamentary and 60 state seats. The only seats that fell to the opposition, namely the DAP, were the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary and Sri Tanjung (Tawau) state seats.

Salman, a former civil servant with a law degree from Universiti Malaya and a Master’s degree from UiTM, said the big turnout for the prime minister’s programmes in Penampang, Kundasang and Kudat “where thousands of people were so eager to see him face to face and listen to his speech, actually sent a strong signal or message to the opposition, especially local parties like STAR and SAPP, that the people still have trust and confidence in the BN to deliver”.

“While the local parties are trying to show that they are fighting for the rights of Sabah, the big plan for Sabah for the year 2013, with a huge allocation, was actually complementing the struggle and showing that our PM really cares for the welfare of the people of Sabah,” he said.

Salman said: “While I don’t deny that we are left behind in certain parts of physical development, the allocation of RM2.98 billion for 2013 shows that our PM means business as far as the further development of Sabah is concerned, particularly in the north of Sabah.”

He also cited several programmes or projects in the north that would eventually benefit the people of Sabah as a whole.

Salman said these included the 1 Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PRIMA), a fish-rearing project by Ko-Nelayan which has identified 400 hectares of land in Kudat and was expected to produce 28,000 tonnes of fish with good prices in China and Hong Kong, and an agro-based project with 3,600 hectares of land for rubber estates in Bengkoka.

Other government programmes are standardising the prices of essential goods in Sabah with a RM386-million allocation in the 2013 budget, expansion of the 1 Malaysia Clinic concept for the people of Sabah and the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) to benefit nearly 500,000 middle- and low-income people.

Construction of a new Community College and upgrading the Teaching College in Tuaran, improving water supply, which is one of the basic needs for Sabahans that still needs proper attention from the federal government, and improvement of water and electricity supply and housing for the people, he added.

Salman believed that these programmes or projects would help strengthen the people’s support towards the BN, thus spearheading the country to achieving developed nation status by the year 2020.

“In fact, a senior citizen in Kundasang (as reported in newspapers) prayed and wished that our beloved prime minister will have a long life so that he would be able to lead us for many more years to come,” said Salman, adding that Najib’s 1 Malaysia concept of “People First, Performance Now” was bearing fruit and was well-liked by the people. — Bernama

 

Read More

Sabah navy base to be ‘world’s first’ Scorpene training centre

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 — The Kota Kinabalu Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base here is set to become the world’s first training centre for Scorpene submarines.

RMN Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said a second simulator training facility, costing about €27 million (RM135 million), would be built for the purpose.

He said work to build the training facility would begin next month, and was scheduled for completion in either January or February, next year.

“When the facility is completed, it will be the world’s first training centre for Scorpene submarines,” he told Bernama here today.

Abdul Aziz said that upon completion of the facility, RMN would also open its Kota Kinabalu base to accept foreign trainees.

So far, India and Chile had offered to send their trainees for training with RMN, he added.

The Kota Kinabalu RMN base here is where the two French-made Scorpene submarines, purchased by the government for RM7.3 billion, are based.

The submarines are named KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak.

Abdul Aziz said the first simulator for Scorpene training at the base was limited for internal use by RMN.

He said the building of the simulator facility at the base could reduce the government’s expenditure in sending RMN personnel abroad for training. — Bernama

Read More

Petronas warns of big royalty risk

NATIONAL ROLE: Revenues will be hit if royalty payments to states are increased from five to 20 per cent, says firm.

THE sustainability of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas)'s ability to contribute to the nation will come into question should royalty payments to the states be increased from the present rate of five per cent to 20 per cent.

Petronas, in a statement here yesterday said this increase will result in lower petroleum income tax payments.

It said the company's profits will also be reduced, thereby potentially affecting its ability to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Petronas said the increase in royalty payments will also reduce the profitability and economic viability of all current and future oil and gas projects under development.

This in turn will deter Petronas and production sharing contract (PSC) contractors from further investing in these projects.

"Over the next five years, planned projects with a total capital expenditure worth about RM170 billion are at risk of being cancelled.

"Coupled with declining production from maturing domestic fields, this will actually result in lower royalty payments to the states."

It said a reduction in the oil and gas production will also threaten the energy security of the country.

Apart from this direct impact, the resulting slowdown will have an adverse multiplier effect on the domestic oil and gas industries such as service companies as well as spin-off industries, leading to a reduction in employment opportunities for the people residing in those states.

Petronas was responding to a statement by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Husni Hanadzlah who had said that Pakatan Rakyat's shadow 2013 Budget is "mathematically wrong", misleading, and will definitely increase country's fiscal deficit and national debt. Bernama

Read More

Accord set to boost growth in East Asean area

Kota Kinabalu: Things are looking bright for the BIMP-EAGA initiative with a peace accord due in southern Philippines.

The Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area could play a major role in the blueprint for the Bangsamoro establishment.

Trouble in southern Philippines has long been a stumbling block in the initiative, which was launched in 1994, and despite some progress since then, the ambitious plan to be an economic force in the region has yet to reach its full potential.

When Philippine president Benigno S. Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Al Haj Murad Ibrahim sign the accord on Monday, to be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it could set the pace for realisation of the BIMP-EAGA dream.

MILF political affairs chief Ghadzali Jaafar recently said the accord could at least stop people from leaving southern Philippines and help in the transformation process to develop the Bangsamoro as a replacement for the failed Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao "experiment".

Tanjung Kapor assemblyman Datuk Teo Chee Kang said this was where BIMP-EAGA could come into play with the many plans it had rolled out.

"In Kudat, for instance, there is a plan to introduce a ferry service linking the district to Brooke's Point on the island of Palawan in the Philippines."

He said those plans are now in the final stages to start the roll on-roll off ferry service.

"With the peace accord in play, this augurs well for the service to flourish."

Sandakan-based businessman Datuk Albert Lim revealed another effort to harness the BIMP-EAGA potental through the Sandakan-Zamboanga Business Council which was introduced more than 10 years ago.

"Trade has always been active between the two ports from the past and maybe the peace accord could spur more activities in the future."

Read More

New bridge 'a vital link'

Penampang: Since its completion last month, the new bridge across Sungai Moyog in the Inobong area has brought relief to the residents there.

The bridge connects more than 10 villages, as well as two housing estates, to the main road of Penampang-Tambunan, easing traffic congestion especially during rush hour.

The Pagansakan-Pukakon bridge cost RM9 million, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be launching it tomorrow.

Najib will also perform the ground-breaking for the Native Court building during his visit here.

His visit will be hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Penampang member of parliament Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin.

"The bridge is a vital link for the people in the district, who have seen much progress and development," Mojuntin said.

He said in the past, those living across the river, which number more than 1,000 families, had to use another route which was 10km longer compared with the present one.

"The new route also connects two new residential areas, which have more than 700 houses.

"For nearly two years, the traffic congestion on the road leading to Donggongon town was bad without the new route."

Mojuntin said with the new route, the travelling distance for people living across the river to town had been shortened. Even the congestion had been lessened, he added.

New bridge 'a vital link' - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/new-bridge-a-vital-link-1.156190#ixzz298zY4g00

Read More

Sabah sees brighter future for the Bangsamoro

Datuk Musa Haji Aman

KOTA KINABALU: The peace deal between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has been long awaited with Sabah hoping to see a brighter future for the Bangsamoro people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the pact would pave the way for peace for the Bangsamoro people and would herald a better future.
The Sabah Government welcomes the announcement of a framework agreement for peace between the Philippine Government and the MILF, Musa said in a statement.
“This is an historic moment and a dawn of a new era for the Bang­samoro. It is a reflection of the commitment towards ending decades of violence and allowing the Bang­samoro people to live and work on their own land in peace,” he said.
Musa, who is also the state securi­­-ty chairman, congratulated President Benigno Aquino and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for their commitment to the peace deal.


Read More :  The Star Online

Read More

Kudat folk all set for PM's visit

Musa Aman at Kudat

KUDAT: PREPARATIONS are running in full gear for the "Jelajah Janji Ditepati" (JJD) carnival, which will be held here this weekend.
The coastal town is busy with people sprucing up the streets and setting up tents at the main venue, the Kudat Stadium. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to launch the carnival. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, accompanied by Tanjung Kapor assemblyman Datuk Teo Chee Kang, inspected the main venue and Istana Tun Mustapha yesterday.
Musa was also briefed by the Kudat Township Board representative, district officer Sebastian Lim, and Teo on the preparations for the two-day event.
"It is all systems go for the carnival and it will be a busy week for us here in the district," said Teo. "We are proud to host the event and the prime minister."

Read More: New Straits Times

Read More

The Sabah BN leadership has brought success: TYT

Tun Juhar Mahiruddin is being escorted by Datuk Musa Aman

Kota Kinabalu: The people of Sabah were urged to support and stand firm with the current government which has brought much prosperity.

Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin said the leadership of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had brought successes to spur rapid development in various sectors.

"The Sabah Development Corridor project has attracted high investment since its launch in 2008.

The government transformation programme (GTP) 2.0 can also boost the socio-economy of Sabah," he said at an investiture ceremony here in conjunction with his 59th birthday at Istana Negeri, Sunday.

He said the state government was capable of ensuring the success of the GTP and Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) towards making Malaysia a developed nation by 2020.

He also urged the people to avoid enmity which could bring disaster and to strengthen unity and identity as per the 1Malaysia national development mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

During the ceremony, Kundasang State Assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunasalam headed the list of recipients awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title 'Datuk'.

Earlier, Juhar had conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK) award which carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima' to his wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, in a separate ceremony.

A total 905 people were listed as recipients of awards medals in conjunction with the birthday of the Yang Dipertua Negeri which is normally celebrated on Sept 16.

However, the celebration was shifted to the first Saturday of October since last year when Sept 16 was declared as Malaysia Day holiday.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the State Government remains committed to driving economic growth with the offer of various incentives for foreign investments while ensuring a conducive investment environment.

Musa said the flow of foreign investments had continued to see a positive trend, clearly reflecting investors' confidence in the state's economic fundamentals and prospects as well as its political stability and level of security.

"In the first quarter this year, Sabah received RM10 billion - the highest amount of private investments compared with other states.

"Apart from that, as of September 30, the amount of cumulative investments in the private sector, under the Sabah Development Corridor projects, had reached RM114 billion since its launch in 2008," Musa said.

Musa said the State had also spent a total of RM1.136 billion from the RM1.39 billion allocated to it under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the 10th Malaysia Plan.

He said the State also saw a 15.7 per cent rise in the number of foreign tourists during the January to July period this year, with a total of 541,552 visitors, compared with 467,924 tourists seen in the same period last year.

"In the second roll out of the 10th Malaysia Plan, Sabah was also allocated RM4.376 billion to carry out 743 projects in 2012.

"As of September 21, RM1.971 billion or 45.1 per cent of the 2012 allocation had been spent to finance development projects implemented in Sabah."

He said the State Government was confident that the success in attracting private and foreign investments into the state was clear proof of the state's conducive environment to attract high impact investments with greater economic prospects.

Musa said the State Government was also committed to ensuring that all development programmes for Sabah under the 2013 Budget are implemented including the standardising of goods prices, opening of 1Malaysia retail shops and the expansion of padi space in Kota Belud.

He also said the State Government took pride in the AAA rating given to the state by Rating Agency Malaysia (RAM) for four consecutive years.

Apart from the foreign investments and tourists, the state has also welcomed high powered delegations including senior leaders from China and the latest being the visit from Britain's royal couple, The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, he said.

This has further reflected the positive image of Sabah in the world map, he added. 

Source:  http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=82775

Read More