Hishammuddin Says Letter Requesting Uncollected ICs Be Send To Sabah Was Fake

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 31 (Bernama)-- Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said a letter purportedly from the National Registration Department (NRD) ordering all uncollected identification cards (IC) be send to Sabah was fake.

He said the NRD had never sent a letter asking uncollected ICs be send anywhere and deemed such an action as politically inclined to tarnish the name of the country, especially when the general election is near.

He said NRD director-general Datuk Jariah Mohd Said will lodge a police report today on the matter.

"It is a fake letter and the accusation is false," he told reporters at the 2012 Immigration Day celebrations at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here today.

Yesterday, PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar told reporters that he had received a "suspicious" letter allegedly signed by NRD director (identification card) division and addressed to state and district NRD officers throughout the country.

Mahfuz alleged that the letter that was signed by NRD director (identification card) division Md Solehan Omar and dated Dec 14 2012, had directed state and district NRD officers nationwide to send all uncollected identification cards (IC) to Sabah.

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NRD Tells RCI It Cancelled Problematic ICS

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) investigating the illegal immigrants' issue in Sabah was told today that the National Registration Department (NRD) cancelled problematic Identity Cards (IC) and deleted the applicants' names from its records.

Putrajaya NRD Identity Card Division director Md Solehan Omar said the problems included information on name, address, date, place of birth, finger print and pictures of applicants which did not match the NRD records.

Responding to conducting officer Manoj Kurup on the issuance of problematic ICs, Md Solehan said the Sabah and Sarawak Special Committee on Identity Cards was formed in 2006 to resolve the issue of unsystematic issuance of ICs in the two states.

"This committee conducts checks and investigations on IC complaints received by the Sabah NRD before deciding if they are to be approved," he said during the eighth day of the proceedings, here, Thursday.

Md Solehan, 58, explained that the committee would cancel the problematic IC and delete the applicant's name from its records.

However, Md Solehan, who is a member of the special committee, could not reveal the exact number of such problematic ICs which have been resolved, as the process had yet to be completed.

Questioned as to whether one IC number could be used by two or more persons in Sabah, the 51st witness said there should only be one IC number for one individual.

However, based on NRD records, an estimated 600 IC numbers belonged to two individuals or more, he added.

He said the JPN1/9 receipt, which was the identification document issued to an applicant pending their proper IC, and JPN1/11 lost IC receipt could be used to vote as they were official NRD documents.

When Manoj asked about the function of the Agency Linked Up System (ALIS), Md Solehan it was a system which enabled departments such as the Election Commission (EC), Health Ministry, Public Services Commission, police and others to check the name, IC number, address and place of birth of individuals.

He also explained that the special committee could also access such information via ALIS.

Sabah and Sarawak NRD also went into the interior areas of the two states to carry out birth certificate registrations, accompanied by a magistrate to certify them, he said.

The RCI then heard from the Malaysian Immigration Department assistant superintendent and special unit head, Abdul Khalid Abdul Karim, who said that up to Dec 2012, some 98,427 IMM-13 cards had been issued to Filipino refugees in Sabah and that the records were only from 2005.

He said 60,248 of those card holders were still active based on extension applications, while the rest may have not done so, had passed away or returned to their country.

The IMM-13 cards were valid for a year and would be cancelled by the immigration director if the holder was convicted in a court of law.

However, he said he did not know the number of IMM-13 cards which had been cancelled upon such convictions.

He said the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for issuing the IMM-13 cards by the Sabah Immigration Department was still based on the Office Directive 2/2012 dated Dec 31, 2012, which was very comprehensive compared to the procedures between 2005 and 2011.

To a question by lawyer Ansari Abdullah, who was observing the inquiry on behalf of author Dr Chong Eng Leong, regarding the SOP in the 1970s up to 1984, the witness said he had no knowledge of the matter.

But he agreed with Ansari that the latest SOP was implemented after the government had announced the setting up of the RCI in June last year.

The witness also agreed with Ansari that under Section 16 and 17 of the Immigration Act, it was an offence to enter a non-gazetted area in Sabah.

Questioned as to whether anyone had been charged in court for infringing this act throughout his time in the Immigration Department since 1983, Abdul Khalid said,"No."

--BERNAMA

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Fourteenth rare Borneo pygmy elephant found dead

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31, 2013 (AFP) - A fourteenth rare Borneo pygmy elephant has been found dead of suspected poisoning, Malaysian officials said Thursday, the latest in a series of fatalities that has shaken conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, an official warned that a three-month-old baby elephant, poignantly photographed trying to nuzzle its dead mother, was losing weight fast and may not survive.

The decomposed remains of the latest known victim were located on Wednesday, said Laurentius Ambu, director of the wildlife department in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island.

Officials believe the animals may have been poisoned, possibly by substances left out by workers at nearby oil palm plantations to deter the animals from eating their palm fruit.

They fear more dead pygmy elephants -- an endangered species -- could be found because they usually roam Borneo's jungles in herds of 50 to 60 animals.

Masidi Manjun, Sabah's tourism, culture and environment minister, warned it would be a "challenging task" to keep the three-month-old orphaned calf alive as it was consuming only half its normal 30 litres (7.9 gallons) of milk daily.

"It is surviving, but it is going to be a challenging task," he told AFP by phone from Sabah of the calf, which has been named "Joe".

It is being kept in quarantine at a wildlife park and has lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds) after being traumatised by an 800 kilometre (497 mile) road journey to the park, the Star newspaper said Thursday.

State officials on Tuesday released photos of the original 10 pachyderms to be found dead, including one of the orphan and its dead mother.

A chemists' report on the beasts would be completed next week and could reveal what killed them. Poisoning is suspected due to severe ulceration and bleeding in the animals' digestive tracts.

Dozens of wildlife officials, police and other personnel have been dispatched to comb through the Gunung Rara reserve, where the carcasses have been found, for other possible victims.

Masidi vowed to push for severe punishment including a stiff jail sentence for anyone found to have maliciously poisoned the animals.

"It is a combination of anger and sadness. I am still grieving. I fail to understand human behaviour," he said.

WWF-Malaysia in a statement blamed the deaths on rampant felling of forests by planters, which had forced elephants to find alternative food and space and put them in conflict with humans.

The group says only about 1,200 Borneo pygmy elephants, which are smaller and have more rounded features than full-sized Asian elephants, are estimated to be left in the wild.

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Be thankful we have a brave govt: Dompok

Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) should be handed a thumping victory in the forthcoming elections on the account that it is a government which is brave enough to take chances to solve problems.
"The people must support the BN because we have a new leadership that is not afraid to tackle issues and has also set up the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI)," said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.
In this respect, Dompok, who is also Upko President, said the people of Sabah should therefore hand the coalition a handsome victory.
"The people of Sabah should be thankful that we have a brave government that is willing to take a risk to solve a problem and I see no reason for the BN votes to decrease on account of what the RCI is doing for the State and country. It would not make sense (for it to happen)."
He said this in response to a question on whether the support for BN in the coming general election would be effected following revelations that phantom voters were planted in certain areas, contributing to victories for some BN candidates during previous elections.
On a question regarding former State Secretary Tan Sri Simon Sipaun and DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang alleging that the RCI would not be able to settle anything regarding the problem in the State, Dompok brushed aside their claims.
"That is what they say. They said 'the RCI would be stillborn and wouldn't even see the light of day', but now it has seen the light and is basking in the sunlight. And when the Pakistanis came out to testify, they said 'Oh the Government would'nt do anything about it.' Wait! Give the BN a thumping victory and we will prove what we can do."
To another question on whether opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be called to testify in the RCI, Dompok said if indeed Anwar had something to say he should be called.
On whether former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad would be called to testify, Dompok said again it would be up to the RCI.
"I suppose the avenue for him to enlarge his statements could be at the RCI if he wants, but it's up to the RCI to call him or for him to volunteer."
On whether it was right for Mahathir to give citizenship to the illegals, Dompok said he was of the view that citizenship must follow the law and procedures have to be followed and that one cannot give citizenship to anybody and anytime they like.
"I saw a nice picture of the Australian Prime Minister kissing a new Australian citizen on Australia Day and this citizen had to recite the Australian anthem and there was a special ceremony to welcome them.
"So things like these should be done properly with proper procedures, so there is a meaning to citizenship. How can it be meaningful if you can just become a citizen overnight or it is given to just about everybody else under very dubious considerations?"
On the claims that 200 illegals were issued Malaysian identity cards within the framework of the law, Dompok said:
"That's why we have the RCI because obviously we would not be able to get the details. I've tried it before when in Parliament when I was Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity where I tried to inquire deeper into this issue but could not, so I'm very happy that the RCI has been set up so people can ask questions and anybody subpoenaed."
On the call by Perkasa leader Ibrahim Ali to burn Malay language Bibles contain the word 'Allah', Dompok said he was made to understand that Perkasa has now rescinded their call.
"I think Perkasa has now realised their folly. I understand today that they do not recommend it anymore and I think all right thinking Malaysians should condemn this type of threats which should not exist in Malaysia.
"How can you burn other people's religious books? You can burn a book that contains that particular word that you don't like but you can't burn it out of the hearts of people who use it."

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RCI: A-G assures of action

 

Tawau: The Government will act on any report or resolution by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah, said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

In giving this assurance, he said, where there were criminal elements involved, action would be taken, and wrongs would be righted.

"Yes, if there are criminal offences, we will act. This is the Government's promise. That is why, the RCI was set up.

"However, we must remember, if we talk about criminal prosecution, we have to see whether there is sufficient evidence. In the RCI, everything that people say is acknowledged, but without evidence, we cannot accept.

We can accept hearsay evidence.

"To enable us to go to court, we have to look at admissible evidence.

This is not an excuse not to take action against those who committed a crime. We will take action, but according to the law," he told reporters after attending the Opening of the Legal Year 2013 at the Tawau Court, here, Monday.

Also present at the event were Chief Justice of Malaysia Tun Arifin Zakaria, Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif, Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Abdull Hamid Embong and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum.

Abdul Gani also urged all parties to have confidence in the RCI which he said, had delved extensively into all issues which were exposed.

"Everyone knows, that many were arrested (including) those with identity cards. This shows that the government is transparent. Looking at another aspect, it is a promise fulfilled.

"The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) had said he would see to it that an RCI would be set up, and that it would be transparent and reliable.

Otherwise, all these issues would not have been exposed.

"And, I am very glad and happy with it because that is what we want.

Why, because the truth must come out exactly as it is," he said.

Abdul Gani said, a mistake could have been committed earlier, and that mistake was being investigated, whether it was committed by government officers or the Government itself, or there was an element of fraud or corruption, which should be resolved for everyone's satisfaction.

"And, that mistake, we have to rectify...it is very important for this State (Sabah), it's my State.
We must do something. So, don't be in a haste, let's wait and see, just allow the RCI to do its job effectively," he said.

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Musa hopeful people will retain BN

Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is hopeful that the people in Sabah, including civil servants, will make the right decision in the coming 13th general election of choosing a government which can ensure transformation continuity for their own betterment.
While regarding 2013 to be seeing the hottest and toughest general election ever in the country, Musa, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, believes that the State's people are mature enough to judge for themselves the development brought about by the BN government.
"From my visits throughout the State, I believe the people appreciate and are grateful for the development taking place and the allocations provided by the Government.
"But as a country that practises democracy, it is up to the people to judge and decide on the Government for the future because whatever change is effected, it is hoped that it is change for the better."
Musa said this at the Federal Government departments and statutory bodies' staff assembly at the Sabah Federal Government Administration Complex, here, Monday.
Also present were Federal Administration Secretary for Sabah, Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman and heads of federal departments and agencies.
Musa, who is also State Finance Minister, also outlined the contributions and successes of the BN government which used sound approaches and made careful plans such as the Government Transformation Programme and Economic Transformation Programme.
"Our country and State enjoy peace and prosperity. Sabah is rich in natural resources, hence many investors are keen to invest here, with investments reaching RM10 billion while our tourism industry continues to develop," he said.
Musa said the State Government was indeed committed to determining the fate of future generations including by initiating tree replanting projects and using suitable species since 2007.
Admitting that there was no perfect government, he stressed that whatever the Government did was to bring about major and wholesome transformation in various sectors including social development and education for greater development and prosperity.
He said the State Government's achievement was proven when it gained recognition for its sound financial management while several state departments and agencies obtained four-star rating from the National Audit Department.
Musa said the State Government appreciated and thanked the 100,000 federal officers and staff in Sabah and the peninsula for their contributions to Sabah's development, including its rural and remote areas, besides spurring the State's economy through a management expenditure allocation of almost RM7 billion last year.

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Muslims must unite for progress: Musa

Published on: Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sandakan: The spirit of unity should be nurtured in the quest to achieve progress and harmony in the society in line with the theme of the national-level Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration, "Moderation the Key to Unity of the People", said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He urged the people to practise 'wasatiyyah' or moderation in their actions and way of life.

"By embracing wasatiyyah, Muslims can succeed globally in technology, science and economy towards building an Islamic civilisation and mission," he said when launching the district-level Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration, here, Saturday. Musa urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad's character in defending the religion, nationhood and country to reflect their admiration and love for him.

He said the annual Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration should be turned into a platform to strengthen Muslim unity.

If Muslims ignore the importance of unity and understanding, they will be lagging behind others in the competitive world, he added.

Source : Daily Express

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'CM is fully supportive of Kudat-Palawan ferry link'

Published on: Sunday, January 27, 2013
PUERTO PRINCESA (Palawan): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is fully supportive of the idea to link Kudat and Palawan through the establishment of a ferry service plying the Kudat-Brooke's Point route soon.

BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area) Business Council Chairman, Datuk Roselan Johar Mohamed, said the Chief Minister was fully aware of the situation.

"Through the Bimp-Eaga outings, he (Musa) has entrusted me to do something about it. I know he can't wait to see the ramp in Kudat to be completed and he even expressed his interest to join the maiden voyage to Palawan.

"Our Prime Minister is also fully aware that Kudat needs more outside trade and he has personally approved the allocation to construct the ramp to accommodate the berthing of a ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessel as well as the CIQS station," he said when asked to comment on the recently-concluded Bimp-Eaga trade mission from Kudat here.

Roselan said a delegation of close to 50 comprising mostly businessmen, including five from the Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce, Kudat led by Tanjung Kapor Assemblyman Datuk Teo Chee Kang, coming here for the four-day trade mission simply meant that Kudat was hungry for trade and more economic development.

"When was the last time we saw such a big number in a single trade mission?" he asked.

In this respect, Roselan disclosed that they had successfully persuaded the Philippine-owned Montenegro Lines to position a ro-ro vessel of 499 dead weight tonnage (dwt) at Brooke's Point to perform twice weekly voyages to Kudat.

Together with Bimp-Eaga officials in Palawan as well as from the Palawan Economic Development Council (Pedco), Roselan had earlier accompanied Teo and the delegation to meet up with the business circle as well as inspect the ramp at Brooke's Point.

The next day during and after the trade forum, businessmen from Philippines and Sabah were seen discussing proposals from each side intensely at the venue in A&A Plaza Hotel.

On security concerns hitting the endeavour, Roselan, who left for Cotabato in Mindanao to attend another meeting after the forum here, said after returning from Cotabato on Friday night he could categorically say that "all is safe and fine over there."

Roselan found that the people in Cotabato, which is a 70 per cent Muslim territory, most of them in the lower rung of the economic ladder, were eager to learn new technology and ways to improve their businesses.

"I am very surprised that they truly are looking forward to Malaysia for more exposure and opportunities as well as technical training.

Our Malaysian leaders are very well and highly regarded over there.

"Before I left for Cotabato, everybody told me to get a bodyguard.

It is all nonsense (as) we really see no reason to have one.

My entourage of three men went to Cotabato to look into their agriculture sector and we have found a remedy to their predicament.

"Come December this year, we hope to see some good results," he said, adding that the same phenomena would be attributed to Palawan.

"All these are made possible because the Malaysian Business Council in Bimp-Eaga has partnered with Biojadi, a biotech company specialising in organic fertiliser to revolutionise their agriculture sectors," he said.

According to him, the Bimp-Eaga is not involved in political maneuvering.

"We stay out of politics but when the peace treaty has been agreed and duly enforced, then we will move into the Bangsamoro region and the corresponding Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) areas, too.

"We came to discuss with strategic agendas in mind, which is simply to ensure that the food basket of every member country is accorded the right priority and budget," he said.

Roselan said efforts were also being done to connect all the trading ports of the member countries through sea and air linkages in order to increase visits among its people, which ultimately will increase intra-tourism and investments.

In this respect, he said MASwings had been so passionate about the Bimp-Eaga territory and very soon Palawan would be connected to Kota Kinabalu by air.

"We all want an open door policy to be widespread, where we welcome legitimate travellers and tourists to pass through our doors.

It is a blessing when more people pass through our doors," he said.

When asked what he hoped to accomplish after taking charge of the Bimp-Eaga Malaysian Business Council, Roselan said previously after the four governments discussed, the various subject matters were merely put into files.

"Now when they introduced the business council as a fifth country entity, we are always consulted and we listen and we look for the slightest opportunity we can.

"That is why we always like more representation from the private sectors to come and listen to the various governmental meetings.

There are plenty of gold mines hidden somewhere within those meetings.

"I know some meetings may be boring, but there are many more meetings which are so very crucial for the private sectors to participate.

The governments are here to extend every facility to the private sectors to flourish as well as to increase their investments within the four pillars of our jurisdiction," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters here on Friday, Teo described the trade mission as a success and believed much would come out of it.

"It was a success and I believe Palawan Governor, Abraham Mitra, is serious when he says he wants to come to Sabah and visit Kudat in the very near future," he said.

Addressing questions from the Filipino media about threats of illegal trading and drugs coming in from Sabah with the inception of the ferry service, Teo said the security issues were discussed at length between Kudat District Police Chief, DSP Dawi Ossen, and his counterparts in the Philippines as well as the Navy and Philippines Coast Guard during a CIQS to CIQS meeting on Thursday.

"It is something that we are equally concerned aboutÉillegal trading is a matter of enforcement," said Teo, adding that he had also informed officers from the Malaysian delegation involved in the proposed setting up of the Customs, Immigration, Security and Quarantine (CIQS) Centre in Kudat to report to their respective higher-ups for actions.

Responding to the proposal by his Philippine counterparts for a formal agreement to be signed for a stronger police presence along the proposed Kudat-Palawan ferry route, Dawi had said that it was a good idea, which he would be bringing up to the Sabah Commissioner of Police.

It would be up to the Malaysian police top brass in Bukit Aman to consider, he told the meeting.

Among those representing the various Malaysia and Sabah government agencies at the meeting were William Santor (Kota Kinabalu Quarantine Department), Ahmad @ Abu Bakar Ali (KKIA Immigration Department), Hasan Abas (Kudat Immigration Department), Kudat Town Board Executive Officer, Mumin Amsah, Kudat Town Engineer, Jasmin Lumbok, Bangi People Development Officer, Abdan Abdul Majid, together with Bimp-Eaga Malaysia Business Council Deputy Chairman, James Ibrahim @ James Lim.

Also at the meeting were the Chairman of Kudat Bumiputera Chambers of Commerce, Mohamad Ayong, Kudat Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Pak Chee Eng, Kota Marudu Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Lu Kim Yung @ Lu Kim Yen, and Kudat Town Board councillors.

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Platform for entrepreneurship stakeholders

 

  

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah West Coast Entrepreneur Network Association (SEA) launched its Sabah Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Link (SeedLink) as a networking platform for entrepreneurship stakeholders to link up all members and available resources. 

SEA founder Darwin Tan said since the inception of SEA six months ago, the non-profit organisation currently has more than 200 affiliate members and 3,000 entrepreneur contacts.

"The difference between this organisation and any other chamber of commerce is that in this organisation we concentrate more on young people. If you look at the other chambers or organisations, they are linked up because of their ethnicities or beliefs.

"Here, everybody is welcome. We conduct trainings, share resources.

We are not here exactly to help everybody because we must confess, we do not know everything. But we sure know someone who knows how to answer the questions our members ask.

"So our job would be to link them up in order that they can help each other and, at the same time, increase our knowledge, too," he said at the SeedNite Mocktail, here.

More than 100 entrepreneurs, social leaders and other interested parties attended the event officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

During the event, SEA also launched its fund-raising event for its SEED Vision and aimed to raise RM1 million fund to form SEED Foundation which could be an engine to fund Sabah entrepreneurship development programmes in the future.

In his brief speech, Dr Yee, who is also the Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, praised the efforts and initiatives taken by SEA and was impressed by the fact that almost all who came to the event were young people.

"I would like to extend an invitation to all entrepreneurs to make full use of the facilities provided by the Government for your own benefit such as this building (Wisma Bandaraya) from the sixth floor up.

"We also have lined up various programmes and training for you in order to help you with your business as well as to help you expand your thinking and your philosophy. If you need any help, come to us.
We are here to assist you," he said.

SEED Project Director, Alvis Loo, said the project welcomes participation and sponsors from any individual, SME company and MNC in the country.

For further information about SeedLink and SEED Foundation, contact Membership Director Chong at 010-8026333 or Alvis at 017-3635890.

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Education vital to improve M'sians' oral health: CM

 
Kota Kinabalu: Education is vital to improve the oral health status of Malaysians, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Saturday.

He said oral care and healthcare services must be further extended to suit a growing population.
"Even though the ratio of the profession to population is down to six for every 6,810 patients, we need to find ways to improve the status," he said when opening the Third Borneo Dental Congress, here.

His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

Musa said continuously educating the public such as on good brushing techniques would help keep dental diseases away, including, the common fear of visiting the dentist.

He said for dentists, knowledge transfer is equally important to strengthen the dental healthcare services.
He said today, knowledge attainment could be received through scientific courses, meetings and conventions such as the Dental Congress.

Musa said there should be no excuse for practitioners not to keep abreast with the latest in the industry.
"With the presence of speakers from overseas, I am sure that delegates will gather more knowledge and learn from experiences of dental experts from beyond our shores," he said.

He hoped with the convention dentistry will continue to grow in providing the best oral healthcare.

Meanwhile, about 350 delegates of all sectors in the dental fraternities gathered for the Third Borneo Dental Congress, Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition.

The Congress from Jan 25 to 27 will include activities like Hands-on Workshop, Best Dental Scientific Posters Competition as well as booths from dental care companies.

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Scepticism over integrity of Sabah's RCI proven wrong: UPKO

PENAMPANG (Jan 27, 2013): Scepticism over the integrity and independence of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate an extraordinary increase in the population of Sabah has so far been proven wrong.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) Deputy Secretary-General Senator Dr Lucas Umbul said witnesses who had testified thus far have given evidence and statements with ease and without fear or favour".

Therefore, he said all parties should hold on to their opinion as their comments could intimidate incoming witnesses and prevent them from giving evidence without fear or favour.

"No one should make any conclusion at this point in time because there are still many more witnesses to come and members of the RCI need to be given ample space and time to complete their investigation," he said in a statement, here yesterday.

Lucas, who is also the UPKO Tenom Divisional Chief, said that one could only give a fair comment and opinion once the RCI has completed its public inquiry, saying "the report is written and made public".

Expressing his satisfaction on the peoples' appreciation to the decision by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's administration to establish the RCI, he said the decision was made possible simply by the basic principal and leadership approach by the Najib Administration "which is - 1Malaysia (inclusiveness) People First (giving priority to the peoples concern and aspiration) Performance Now (implementation with integrity and competency)".

Lucas stressed that the establishment of the RCI was not a mere slogan but implemented with vigour within the underlying theme of transformation, namely political transformation, government transformation and economic transformation.

"In short, the Najib Administration represents a new and transformed government," he added. He said Najib was genuinely implementing political transformation as evident in the government decision to abolish several laws which have been described by various quarters as draconian such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the University and Colleges Act and the like.

"Surely, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as the Prime Minister must have been confronted with various challenges in arriving at a decision to establish the RCI.

"However the challenges are understandable because the extraordinary increase in the population of Sabah is historical in perspective all of which happens during the tenure of two previous administrations," he said.

Lucas also announced that UPKO Secretary-General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau has been subpoenaed to appear before the RCI and is ever ready to attend as a witness to the RCI. Next proceedings are slated for Jan 29 till Feb 1 and from Feb 22 to 27, this year. – Bernama

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Sabahans have no reason to replace caring govt: Deputy CM

PUTATAN (Jan 27, 2013): Sabahans should have no reason to replace the current Barisan Nasional (BN) government at the 13th General Election, as it has maintained the people in comfort and peace in the country through various programmes and initiatives, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin.

"We should be grateful for having a government that is sensitive and listens to the feelings and problems of its people. And fulfils their needs through programmes such as 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) and RM100 school aid," he said during a gathering at Kampung Tombovo, here yesterday.

Yahya, who is state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister and Petagas assemblyman, also advised Sabahans to live in peace and harmony and avoid any sensitive issues touching on religion.

He presented cash and daily necessities to 100 senior citizens and the underprivileged, at the gathering and plastic chairs to the Village Safety and Development Committees from Kampung Potuki, Kampung Tombovo, Kampung Kopimpinan and Kampung Dovansom.

Meanwhile in PITAS, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri urged the people to evaluate the opposition's stand carefully, saying they were just pretending to cooperate through a marriage of convenience.

"There's a sense of falseness in their coalition. Their tactic of win first and solve problems later is a gamble on the people's fate," said the Kudat member of parliament.

"Whereas, Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is a united, solid and very experienced party," he said during a gathering with the fishing community in Pitas, at Kampung Rosob yesterday.

Abdul Rahim distributed cost of living allowances to 350 fishermen and fishing equipment to 70 others. He also announced a RM2.5 million allocation for the repair of 180 houses, saying the Kudat parliamentary constituency had received the highest allocation nationwide from the central government at RM3.3 million, thus proving its care for the people's needs. – Bernama

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Azizah: Over RM11m financial aid for single mothers

KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM11, 261,065 in aid was distributed to single mothers throughout the state last year said Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun.
She said the assistance was channeled through the Sabah Department of Social Services to help ease their financial burden.
“However, we do not want single mothers to rely on government aid alone. We want them to make an effort to improve their standard of living.
“That is why the government has implemented various measures to help improve their livelihood and these include programmes on self-motivation, skill training courses as well as grants for those who are starting up a business,” she said.
Azizah was speaking when opening the Consumer Program: Budget 2013 and the Implementation of Minimum Wage at Wisma Wanita, here, yesterday.
Also present were the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Asnimar Sukardi, Sabah Women’s Advisory Council chairperson, Datuk Hajah Mariati Robert and director of the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department, Datuk Siti Sapoo Ahok.
Azizah said the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department, Department of Social Welfare Services and the Sabah State Library also operated programmes such as Azam Kerja and Azam Niaga.
A total of 522 participants have taken part in Azam Niaga through the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department with 318 of them already declassified from the hardcore poor category.
“The participants now have their own source of income and do not have to rely on government assistance alone.
“This shows the commitment of the ministry to make sure that women in this state fully benefit from the initiatives introduced by the government,” she said.
Azizah said last year, the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department spent 97.60 per cent or RM585,624 of the RM600,000 allocated for the development of women in the state.
The federal government also allocated RM1.2 billion to the Permata Programme to provide pre-school education.
There are 13 Permata Centres in Sabah that are either operating, completed or under construction.
Three are already operating in Tuaran, Beaufort and Kota Belud. Two have been completed in Papar and Matunggong. Eight are under construction in Ranau, Penampang, Kudat, Kimanis, Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, Sandakan and Batu Sapi.
Families living in the rural areas with a household income of RM1,500 or less a month and urban families with a montly household income of RM2,500 and below can send their children to the Permata Centres for free.

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Masidi: Be ready for any criticism

RANAU: Political leaders need to be ready for any criticism from the people in order to improve their weaknesses, said Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Masidi, who is also the Ranau Umno division chief and Karanaan Assemblyman, said the constructive criticism is crucial to enable them to improve any shortcomings.

“Leaders must constantly chide and be reprimanded if there are faults and weaknesses because human beings are all the same; what distinguishes them is the function or office.

“A leader is not a prophet but only a normal human being with weaknesses but has been appointed to serve the people and their needs.

“Therefore, when reprimanded, don’t take it to heart or get angry but accept it with an open mind and always think positive,” he said.

He was speaking at a lunch with about 200 Ranau Umno community leaders at the Lohan Rest House here recently.

In this regard, he said when dealing with the various grouses from the community, both political and grassroot leaders should be open to criticisms.

Masidi said politicians should also pursue their careers in accordance with their religious teachings so that whatever they do stays in the right path.

“I also call upon all leaders in Ranau to serve the people well and with a sincere heart and always strive to get close to the people.

“For those who do not hold positions in the party, I hope they too can work together to serve the people as I believe many people in Ranau have become successful and this is the right time for us to come together to help those in need,” he said.

Masidi also thanked former leaders in Ranau including Tan Sri Kasitah Gadam, Tan Sri Ghani Gilong and former Kundasang assemblyman Datuk Mynoor Ginggor who have done a lot to serve the people.

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Salary increment for civil servants on maximum pay to be announced soon — Ali

PUTRAJAYA: The government is expected to announce a salary increment review of between two and five per cent for civil servants who have reached their maximum pay, in February.

Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa said the Public Services Department (JPA) would carry out an in-depth study to ensure civil servants who have reached their maximum pay or those with excellent records based on their Annual Performance Assessment Report but have not been promoted, are given due consideration.

“I do not want to see a civil servant with an excellent track record continuously receiving the same salary simply because he or she has reached the maximum salary scale.

“As such, the review is only for those on maximum pay. Even for this category of staff, only those who exceeded 80 per cent performance marks would be given the benefit. This is what I want to address.

“JPA is finalising the list. They are going through the service record. We have to discuss with Treasury on the financial implication. The government is very positive about it. They understand static pay is not an answer for a performing civil servant who is excellent,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman had earlier said 20 per cent or 280,000 of the 1.4 million civil servants fall under the category. — Bernama

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Let RCI complete job first – Rosnah

PAPAR: Umno Puteri chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on immigrants should not be politicised to the extent of creating dissatisfaction and hatred among different ethnic groups in Sabah.

The Papar member of parliament said it was regrettable that certain opposition leaders were manipulating the facts from the inquiry to play with the sentiments and the feeling of the people with the hope of gaining political mileage and support from certain groups.

“The fact that the RCI was set up shows that the government is sincere and committed in dealing with the issues pertaining to the illegal immigrants in Sabah,” she said.

“The right thing to do now is for everyone to let the commission do their job objectively without too much political pressure,” she added.

“Let the RCI make its own conclusions, we do not need unnecessary assumptions from the opposition parties in regards to what has transpired in the inquiry.

“The witnesses who have testified before the commission have given their own personal accounts and views of the things being probed, the truth has yet to be determined. There are about 100 more witnesses who have yet to give their testimonies.

“So let the inquiry be concluded and not make our own conclusions to suit our interest just because election is nearing,” she said yesterday.

What was important, said Rosnah, was to ensure transparency in the whole process of the inquiry, not only in investigating the issues of immigrants in Sabah but also formulating necessary measures to overcome the problems to be identified.

“Perhaps they (opposition) have forgotten that it was the government who set up the RCI. The moment the commission was established they started to take advantage, even claiming credit for the inquiry.

“If they really are responsible, they should let the RCI finish its job before jumping to conclusion and try to influence public opinion; let the witnesses give their statements.

“I was made to understand that DAP Sabah will organize demonstration and so on … such action is really not necessary. The right thing to do is to wait for the inquiry to be completed and to accept whatever it decides,” she said.

She stressed that politicizing every statement made by the witnesses would not help the proceeding of the inquiry, the ultimate objective of which is to find effective solutions for the long standing illegal immigrant problems in Sabah.

She added that it was irresponsible and cowardly for the opposition to take advantage of the good intention of the RCI to ignite friction and hatred among the people just to promote their narrow political agendas.

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Edu Blueprint boon to Sabah students: Max

Published on: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Kota Marudu: The Education Blueprint will bring positive changes especially to Sabah and Sarawak which will benefit enormously from the reforms.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili terms the Education Blueprint as a transformation programme that aims to strengthen the present system and improve weaknesses in order to fulfill the education needs of the people, in line with the national education policy and global challenges.

"Some people have doubts about the blueprint but in actual fact it will bring a lot of good as well as improvements, including benefiting mission schools and vernacular schools," he said.

Dr Ongkili added that the Blueprint is also to ensure quality teachers to produce quality human capital for the country. It also reflects the importance placed on education as one of the seven national key result areas on "improving student outcomes".

He said this before presenting the government's RM100 aid to 100 students of SMK Tandek who were the first students in the constituency to receive the assistance.

The RM100 aid is to help students cover their fees and cost for the start of the school year, given out under Budget 2013 as a continuation of the government's measure first implemented last year.

A total of 1,800 students from SMK Tandek will receive the aid.

"This is part of the government's initiative to ensure the interest of the people, including the younger generation, is uplifted and their future is brighter. Barisan Nasional cares for our children and the younger generation of this country, consistent with our slogan Janji Ditepati (Promise Delivered)," he said.

Dr Ongkili also advised the students to put to good use the government's initiatives to give them better education opportunities.

"Education is the most powerful weapon a person can possess, which no one can take away from you but no one can hand over to you either without you putting in your own efforts," he told the students.

Source : Daily Express

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Outgoing Archbishop: Kind, considerate CM

Published on: Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Kota Kinabalu: Outgoing Archbishop Datuk John Lee said the State Government has been very supportive of the Catholic Church and its activities in Sabah.

"I want to thank the Chief Minister and the State Government for their support given to the Catholic Church during my tenure.

He (Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman) has been considerate and fair to all religious organisations regardless of denomination," he said.

Lee, who was accompanied by his successor Archbishop John Wong and a Sacred Heart Cathedral delegation, paid a courtesy call on Musa at his official residence at Sri Gaya, Monday.

The delegation also paid special tribute to Musa for the kind approval of five acres in Kg Nagasiba where a church would be built.

A senior church leader, Thomas Fong said that the Nagasiba community had been seeking for a church in the village for the past 20 years, as a nearby church, Queen of Peace at Kg Kobusak, could no longer accommodate the needs of the growing community.

"We are here today to meet our Chief Minister to thank him personally and the State Government for the approval.

"The whole Kg Nagasiba community would like to thank the State Government for this wonderful gift," he said. The church would also carry out a fund raising project for the new church.

Meanwhile, Musa said the State Government would continue to support religious development in Sabah as spiritual growth was important in the overall development of a well-rounded society.

He said this was clearly demonstrated by the yearly allocations the State Government gives to non-Muslim religious organisations yearly.

"I also wish to thank Archbishop Lee for his sacrifices and hard work during his term of office," he said.

Source : Daily Express

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