Sabah Deputy CM Confident Putatan Folk With BN

PUTATAN (SABAH), Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin has expressed confidence that voters in Putatan will remain with the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the next general election.

The assemblyman for Petagas, one of the two state seats in the Putatan parliamentary constituency, said even the young voters in Putatan would favour the BN. Tanjong Aru is the other state seat within Putatan.

Yahya, who is Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, spoke at a meeting with about 1,000 young and first-time voters at his residence in Kuala Putatan II, yesterday.

The BN had brought much development to Putatan, including infrastructure, such as roads, and schools, he said.

Yahya advised the young voters not to fall prey to the sweet promises of the opposition political parties to garner their votes.

-- BERNAMA

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Ten wandering pygmy elephants in Sabah translocated to Tabin elephant range

photo credit: Borneo Insider

LAHAD DATU: Ten Borneo pygmy elephants that had ventured more than 45 km from the Tabin Managed Elephant Range, ending up 10 km from Lahad Datu town, were rescued over a period of one week from Jan 18.

The effort coordinated by the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) under the Sabah Wildlife Department saw nine female elephants taken back to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, while a sole young male aged about four years was sent to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu due to severe injury to his trunk, which was probably caused by a snare trap.

WRU senior officer Jibius Dausip said a team was dispatched after receiving a call from a man at Sri Tungku Simpang Ladang Permai to complain that elephants were roaming near his house.

He said the elephants, of various ages, were most likely part of a family group that had ventured beyond its traditional range.

In a statement issued jointly by the Sabah Wildlife Department and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) on Wednesday, WRU wildlife veterinarian Dr Diana Ramirez said the injured male had to be sent to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park as it would have had minimum chance of survival in the wild.

She said two of the biggest females were collared with satellite units provided by the DGFC to track their movements.

However, tracking after a month has shown that the two females named Bikang 1 and Bikang 2 had yet to meet following their release on Jan 20 and Jan 23 respectively.

The department's senior officer and WRU manager Dr Senthilvel Nathansaid it was impossible to translocate and release the whole group in one day for logistic reasons.

"We are currently studying the possibility of releasing future translocated herds together to prevent them from separating.

"It might cost more and it would be logistically more challenging because we would need to set up a pre-release holding area and rent more transporting lorries.

"However, our main concern is the elephants' welfare and to keep the group dynamics intact," Nathan said.

DGFC director Dr Benoit Goossens said extensive agriculture through plantations such as oil palm had considerably reduced the habitat of elephants and other wildlife in Sabah, therefore increasing human-elephant conflicts.

He said the recent death of 14 elephants was most likely a result of human-elephant conflict in elephant ranges and hence, there was an obvious need to better manage the landscape within and around plantations by providing routes for wildlife to move from one forest to another.

"After one month of satellite monitoring, we can confirm that the two females have been exploring the reserve and have not (yet) ventured into the plantations around Tabin.

“If they ever return to the vicinity of Lahad Datu, we will be able to analyse their migratory pattern and advice the plantation owners on how to fence their land to avoid any more intrusion.

"While establishing corridors within plantations and between forest reserves can be a solution to mitigate conflicts, there is also an urgent need to stop any land conversion in elephant ranges as stated in the recently launched State Elephant Action Plan.

“All forest reserves in elephant ranges should be upgraded to Class One, providing a haven for elephants," said Goossens.

He said elephant translocation was part of a long-term programme that the Sabah Wildlife Department and DGFC kick-started last year to tackle human-elephant conflicts in plantations such as oil palm.

Funding is currently provided by The Asian Elephant Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. - Bernama

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PM: GE13 will be Malaysia’s 1st ‘social media election’

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak using his iPad to take a picture of the audience during the opening of Malaysia Social Media Week 2013 summit in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday . -IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The Star.

KUALA LUMPUR: The coming General Election will be Malaysia's first "social media election", said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said that this was because politicians were already using social media networks to engage with the people online.

"Of course, it will not be the biggest factor in the elections, but it is certainly increasing the tempo of political debate and bringing more voices into it," he said.

Najib said this when officiating the Malaysia Social Media Week 2013 summit, currently ongoing in hotel here.

As an avid social media network user himself, Najib was given a special Leadership in Social Media Engagement Award at the event organised by the Malaysia Social Media Chambers.

The event held from Feb 26 to March 3 saw over 25,000 participants, including bloggers, journalists and social media experts from across the country and all over the world, attending in person as well as through live streaming via www.socialmediaweek.com.my.

Local guest speakers at the summit included Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Tune Talk CEO Jason Lo and television host Aishah Sinclair.

In his speech, the Prime Minister also said that the advent of the social media had greatly encouraged openness among the people.

He said that this also brought about a greater need for accountability.

"The power to reach new audiences also brings new responsibilities; to be more open and more accountable.

"People, especially the young "digital natives" who have grown up using the Internet - now have higher expectations for openness in all spheres of life," he said, after posting his first Instagram picture - a picture of the audience at the event which he took using his iPad - on his newly set-up Instagram account @najib_razak.

Najib described social media akin to "running on a treadmill that never stops", and that its rapid evolution pushes its users to be forward-looking.

"A recent study even found that Malaysia, along with Brazil, has the highest Twitter use in the world,” he said.

He added that the Government had put in much effort to ensure that every Malaysian had access to social media.

"We cannot afford to let parts of society be left on the wrong side of the 'digital divide', cut off from the most potent force for education and enterprise in the modern world.

"We are working to make sure that doesn't happen, through initiatives like Digital Malaysia, offering smartphone vouchers to young people, and expanding broadband access in rural areas.

"I want all Malaysians to be ready for the fast approaching future," he said.

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Nik, BR1M is for the human beings and not Haiwan

His recent " HAIWAN " remark on the BR1M assistance has caused much tension among the people including those politicians as well as the BN Government. He was reportedly said that the BR1M makes the people look like chickens and cows and the government is " feeding the hungry chicks " in the country.

First of all Nik, the BR1M is not a chicken, cow or whatever you may it is. We view this as a whole thing. The government has spent so much pennies on the development of the country and yet some of the opposition leaders are making so much annoying statements. Don't you ever think that this assistance can help thousands of poor and hardcore poor people in Kelantan?

He shouldn't make such hurtful remarks against the people. And now I am sure the Kelantanese, and even those in the country would like to know, if his wife and children have benefited from such assistance.

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Sabah BN Women gear up for door-to-door ‘marathon’

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) Women were urged to get themselves mentally and physically ready for the 13th General Election.
BN Women chairperson Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who likened the general election campaign to a marathon, said that since this is the final phase of the preparation for the general election,  all the 20,000 women members in Sabah must be ready to face the opposition.
Speaking to more than 2,000 Sabah BN women at the launch of Sabah BN Women Gelombang Biru election machinery at Likas Sports Complex here yesterday, she said
the campaign requires mental strength as well as physical fitness.
“Even though our intelligence reports show that BN will win the election, we must double our effort because the opposition will double their lies during this time,” she said.
Shahrizat said the 13th general election is a serious business, so it is important for the women election machinery to use their wisdom to tell the voters to vote with common sense, not emotion.
She said opposition parties have been using many tactics, twisting facts, inciting hatred against the government.
“That is why our Jalinan Rakyat machinery will approach voters door to door, as women always do in the previous elections to be closer to voters.
“We have had various campaigns since winning the last general election. We have Skuad Sayang and Salam Sayang, using the word ‘Sayang’ (love) to show that BN is loving the people, not spreading lies,” she said.
In Sabah, Shahrizat said BN Women must give their full support to the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
Meanwhile, Sabah Umno Women chief Datuk Armani Mahiruddin yesterday pledged to ensure the more than 20,000 members of Jalinan Rakyat machinery in the state will work hard for BN victory in the 13th general election.
“I can feel this is the last gathering for the Jalinan Rakyat machinery before the general election, the only election that will determine the life or death of Barisan Nasional,” she said.
“I urge all BN women, particularly in Sabah, to rise to the challenge, to be responsible in the next general election, and not to let down our central leadership who have put their faith in us to campaign for BN,” she said.
Armani, who is also Senate Deputy Speaker, said the political pattern has changed in Malaysia, but a study by the Jalinan Rakyat machinery has shown that BN still has the support of the people.
With 678 polling district centres’ in 25 parliamentary and 60 state constituencies, Armani said BN Women will support whoever are selected as candidates for BN, and will work with them to ensure victory.
She said Jalinan Rakyat machinery will be approaching voters with a door-to-door effort to explain the benefit of voting for BN.
“During our door-to-door campaign, we will also tell the people how the opposition has twisted the facts, spreading lies for personal gain.
“We are confident with the help of Wanita wings of all BN component parties, we will win the 13th general election,” she added.

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SAPP lost its 70 members in Beaufort

 

photo credit: Borneo Insider

It is quite shocking to know that there are 70 SAPP members have quit the party and decided to join Beaufort UMNO.  Having said that SAPP prominent leaders, Yong Teck Lee, Richard Yong, Melanie Chia, Junz Wong, Wong Yit Ming among others, are giving so many anti government speeches and even some wild allegations still the other door is open for the exes.

So now, perhaps they will think like, 70 of its members are just peanuts. They can gather more and more members in the future. How? By saying nasty things about the government. Don't they ever think of how Liew Teck Chan got his votes in Likas during the election? Go find out yourself. 

I am going to think what SAPP has to say about this " incident " . Would he able to change the whole political picture in Sabah, as a whole?

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SESB is now on Facebook and Twitter

photo credit: Borneo Insider

SESB, once being critically blasted for causing severe power breakdowns and the power thieves issue, has become a new entity. Recently, the company has started its promotional campaigns through Facebook and Twitter, for better communication with the consumers and provide better service to them.

Through the social websites, the public can receive info or updates on the electricity breakdown cases, and these are the additional personalised communication channels from the existing hotline 15454 and text messaging through the number 33154.

Personally I think this is one of the good ways to improve themselves better in connecting with the people. As far as I concerned, it is really hard to call upon them when there is a sudden electricity breakdown and you have to keep waiting.

Bravo to SESB. Keep up the good work. What do you think they should do besides having the two social websites? 

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No issue among the Sabah BN parties: Muhy

NABAWAN: Sabah is developing rapidly under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government and leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Federal level and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in the State level, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
"I can see for myself Sabah has undergone so many changes, its landscape has been transformed," he said, adding that he comes to Sabah so much so that he considered it as his second home.
"I have many leaders and friends here in Sabah ... I feel comfortable," he said at the meet-the-people session at Nabawan in Pensiangan, Saturday.
Muhyiddin said that during his many visits to Sabah, Musa had drawn up programmes that enabled him to go to so many places in the State, including the rural areas.
"There is no issue among the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties, the State is peaceful so Sabah has become one of the rapidly growing states in the country," he said.
Towards this end, Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister called on the people here to reject any attempt by the opposition for them to change the government in the coming General Election.
He said the country was not embroiled in a conflict, becoming bankrupt and its people oppressed.
"If the country is not experiencing all this then why should we change?" he asked.
He reiterated his statement that the people must not be hoodwinked by the opposition, particularly its leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who he described as "the biggest liar" in the country.
"(He is) a person who has eyes and ears but refuses to see and listen.
Don't follow this kind of people as they are the biggest liars."
He said the opposition was so obsessed in their goal to conquer Putrajaya and in the hope to get support from the people of Sabah, Anwar readily accepted the title of Huguan Siou.
"I just don't know how he could take the title away from my friend here Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan."
Muhyiddin said he had listened to the request and pleas from Pensiangan MP Tan Sri Joseph Kurup as well as leaders in the constituency for him to help them in a big way.
Smiles were on face of the leaders and more than 10,000 people at the programme when he announced a RM10 million allocation for school repairs in the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency.
"The Barisan Nasional (BN) government is always concerned about the welfare of rural students. We'll make efforts to improve any weaknesses.
"I understand there are many schools in this district, some in good condition and some in need of repairs.
"We will not neglect such schools," he said. He also announced a RM5 million allocation for the construction of a sports and recreation centre in the district.
Muhyiddin hoped for continuous support for the BN government from the people so that more development programmes could be given in order to develop the country.
He said the Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) were among programmes that would be continued if the BN received the mandate from the people.
"Without the BN government, there would be no BR1M. It would be like rejecting a windfall and I don't know what to say to those who reject windfalls," he said.
He advised the people to support BN regardless of who is the candidate in the upcoming General Election because all of them were winnable candidates capable of serving the community.
Earlier, shortly upon arrival here, Muhyiddin spoke over a cup of coffee with the local community leaders.

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Warm water and lemon, why you should drink it?

picture credits to : Ashley Pitman

Another entry for a healthier body today. I found this one interesting though. Why we have to warm water and lemon, and make it as a habit?  Here are some of the reasons/ benefits you can get. :)

1. Boosts your immune system

2. Balances pH

3. Helps with weight loss

4. Aids digestion

 

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

 

6. Clears skin

7. Hydrates the lymph system

 

 

So, what do you think? Want to have a try? I certainly want a sip by now. :) Enjoy reading !

 

Credits: Ashley Pitman

 

 

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Lahad Datu Standoff: Philippines naval ships in Tawi-Tawi waters to help stabilise situation

 
A Philippine Navy ship patrols the Sulu Sea near the port of Sulu province southern Philippines/EPA

"Going there with arms is not the way to resolve this. When you brandish arms naturally the other side has only one way to respond to such a challenge,'' Philippines president Benigno Aquino reportedly said in his first public comment on the incident. He urged the gunmen to give up peacefully.


LAHAD DATU: Six Philippines naval ships have been deployed to the seas of Sulu and Tawi Tawi to prevent possible spill over from the standoff between Malaysian forces and the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan's gunmen.
The ships are only conducting patrols within the waters of Tawi Tawi islands, less than half-hour speed boat ride from the seaside village of Tandau where the Sulu group has been holed up since Feb 9.
Philippines navy spokesman Lt Comm Gregory Fabic was quoted as telling the media in Manila that the naval vessels would not dock in Sabah waters but were there to help make the situation stable.
He stated that there were also no instructions given for the evacuation of the Sulu group led Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram, the brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.
``We are hoping that this will be resolved peacefully. If they are retreating, we are not there to help them because we need instructions if they can be picked up,'' Fabic was quoted as saying.
``If there are conflicts, we cannot help them. We will (only go there) if it is resolved peacefully and are given instructions to repatriate them,'' Fabic added.
The Sulu group of about 100 have insisted on staying put in Tanduo although a Friday deadline for them to be deported is looming.
The Malaysian security forces, who have thrown a tight land and sea cordon around the group, are reportedly in a position to deport the group anytime but are holding back pending efforts to resolve the standoff through negotiations without bloodshed.
Meanwhile, Philippines president Benigno Aquino reportedly said in Manila that the Sulu gunmen, who claimed that North Borneo was part of the Sulu Sultanate, should give up peacefully.
``Going there with arms is not the way to resolve this. When you brandish arms naturally the other side has only one way to respond to such a challenge,'' Aquino was quoted as saying in his first public comment on the incident.
Aquino also stated that his government had been talking to all parties, including the Sultan's family, to find a peaceful solution.
Philippines Foreign secretary Albert del Rosario stated in a separate statement that Aquino had ordered his government authorities ``to do everything'' possible to try and urge them to peacefully withdraw and to do this as quickly as possible.

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615 claims on land pertaining to NCR

 

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Land and Survey Department received a total of 615 claims on land pertaining to Native Customary Rights (NCR), involving a total of 1,164 claimants over a period of 15 years, since 1997.
According to the director, Datuk Osman Jamal, from the total, 365 cases were approved, 70 rejected and 180 still remain unresolved.
“This means that the NCR issue is not a big thing as portrayed by some quarters because right now we only have a total of 180 cases still pending due to certain technicalities,” said Osman, in his briefing to senior officers of the Department of Information on land issues in Sabah, here, yesterday.
He said among the problems that arise which cause some cases to remain unresolved are because of overlapping land applications.
In the meantime, Osman denied claims by some people that the government had neglected Native Customary Rights in the administration of land.
He said until December 2012, the state government through the Department of Land and Survey had registered a total of 355,564 communal land titles throughout Sabah and of that number, 54 per cent or 192,438 titles were owned by natives.
“So if we are said to be unfair to the natives, it is not true because the natives have been given more than 50 per cent of the total number of land titles in Sabah,” he said.
In terms of area, Osman said a total of 550.987 hectares or 26.83 per cent of the 2.05 million hectares of land throughout Sabah issued with titles from the government belong to natives.
He said the government always acted fairly when considering land applications from natives.
“In their claims, the natives can choose their own lawyer to process the application and they can call any number of witnesses,” he said.
The Department of Land and Survey also allows unsuccessful applicants to appeal within 30 days after decisions are made or refer the case straight to court if they are dissatisfied with the government’s decision.
He said the department strives to expedite the application process so that more land can be approved to natives.
Among the measures taken is the implementation of the NCR Fast Mobile Unit to resolve NCR land issues especially in the interior.
He said the mobile unit to be launched next month will be equipped with the basic office facilities to facilitate natives in referring any problems they may have with their land applications.

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Service tax defaulters will be blackisted

 

KOTA KINABALU: The state customs department has launched a crackdown on defiant businessmen who have yet to settle their service tax despite being reminded to do so.
All in all, 344 business outlets have been identified and served with notices to pay up within seven days from February 20.
“If they still fail to comply, they will be blacklisted,” state customs director Datuk Dr Janathan Kandok.
On Tuesday night, a team of customs officers led by Dr Janathan conducted a surprise check on a major entertainment outlet which is among the 344 defaulters.
“This operation is to serve as a warning that we are serious and we want them to settle their dues within the time frame given,” he said.
The defaulters, he said, included operators of pubs, reflexology centres, hotels, restautants as well as architect and law firms.
Failure to pay service tax is an offence under Section 12 of the Service Tax Act 1975 and the offeners are liable to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the amount of the unpaid service tax.
“In fact we have called these people to the office to remind them of their responbility to pay up,” Dr Janathan said.


TAKE NOTE!

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Book on past educators in Sabah launched

 img source: google

 KOTA KINABALU: A book about the history of past educators and schools in Sabah was launched at Sabah State Library (PNS) here yesterday.
Sabah Ex-education Officers Association (PBPPPS) has published 6,000 copies of its new book entitled “Jejak Pendidik” (Volume 5) and presented a set of the books ranging from Volume 1–5 to PNS.
Jejak Pendidik Volume 5, which took one year to be completed, contains more than 50 stories of former teachers, principals and directors who served the State during the Japanese occupation.
The deputy president of PBPPPS Datuk Haji Zulkifli Haji Jaafar said that the book is telling the readers of the educators’ lifetime during the Japanese rule long ago.
“It compares the life between past and today’s teachers, the differences and also the history of schools in Sabah,” he told the media during a press conference yesterday.
Zulkifli also hoped that the public will learn from the stories or even use it as a reference to do a thesis.
“We hope that the people especially the younger generation will read this book and learn from the history,” he said.
Meanwhile, PNS Director Wong Vui Yin said that they will support PBPPPS and ensure that every library in the State including the new branch in Semporna and Sipitang will have at least one copy of the book.
“There are a total of 120 libraries under the supervision of PNS. We will make sure that every library has one or two and of course more in the headquarters library,” he said.
The price of the book is RM30 each. Members of the public or book stores interested to purchase the book can go to PBPPPS office near Maktab Sabah or call 016-835 6590.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Green smoothie, a new way to keep YOU healthy

Before I jumped into my topic today, how many of us have actually taking care of ourselves especially our health? We meddled with lots of issues in today's society, facing lots of stress in workplace, schools, home and etc, we bunched lots of processed foods each and every day, and the list goes on.  No, I'm not here to criticize the way you are eating but rather share with you how this green thing can help in managing your health.

 Well, green smoothies are quite rare in Asia but somehow in Europe and Western countries, they have been practicing this for quite some time, and many of them have actually regain their sense of vitality. I was quite skeptical at first. But after browsing so many blogs about this thing, I finally realized that this drink can actually provide us many benefits.

Personally I have tried this drink and I would like to say that, it was quite strange at first but somehow it really good though. I'm still on my way to practice in 2, 3 months more .

So guys, have a try! Share with me what is your best green smoothies ever!

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MCA pledges to assist BN candidate for Penampang

KOTA KINABALU: MCA Penampang chief Datuk Paul Kong has given his division’s pledge to ensure that the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the parliamentary constituency will be victorious in the 13th general election.

Kong, when addressing the audience and invited guests at MCA Penampang’s ‘Majlis Malam Muhibbah Tahun Baru Cina 2013′ at the Lido Commercial Area on Sunday, also expressed hope that the BN leadership will retain incumbent MP, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

“Tan Sri Bernard has been very helpful and I give my deepest appreciation as well as gratitude to him for having assisted MCA Penampang financially over the years as our MP. As Tan Sri Bernard has been a good MP for Penampang and always have the rakyat close to his heart, I hope that he would be re-nominated to contest again in the 13th general election.

“MCA Bahagian Penampang will mobilize all its leaders and members to help Tan Sri Bernard retain the seat,” he said.

Kong also reminded the people on the importance of maintaining continuity and urged them to give their full support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak so that he has the opportunity to lead the nation after the election.

“Since becoming Prime Minister in April 2009, Najib has initiated many reforms by introducing the 1Malaysia concept as well as many transformation programs which are seeing good results. By giving him a big mandate, Najib will carry out more and better programs which will greatly help in the achievement of Vision 2020 by making Malaysia a high-income and a developed-status nation by year 2020.

“As for the Chinese community, our best hope is to live a peaceful life, in a prosperous country and a safe society. A change of government may not necessarily bring a better future for us, hence I urge the rakyat to give their full support to the BN government.

“Though it is not perfect, hopefully we can improve by the initiatives and programs initiated by Najib,” he stressed.

Kong also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Datuk T C Goh for generously assisting them by making the venue available for the function.

The ‘Majlis Malam Muhibbah Tahun Baru Cina 2013′ at the Lido Commercial Area was the first of three similar events that MCA Penampang Division has organized in conjunction with the ushering in and celebrating of the Lunar New Year of the Water Snake.

The other events will be held from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Tuesday, Feb 19 at the Beverly Hill Plaza, Jalan Bundusan and Friday, Feb 22, at the Kepayan Low-Cost Housing Commercial Area (next to Yu Sang Supermarket).

MCA Penampang will also host a Chinese New Year open house from 10am-1 pm on Saturday, Feb 23 at Buhavan Square in Donggongon New Township, he said adding that many state as well as local dignitaries, including federal and state ministers, assistant ministers, elected representatives, leaders of BN component parties and community leaders have been invited to the event.

“We expect to draw a crowd of 2,000 and the main attraction of these four events will be the acrobatic and cultural performances of the troupe from Hunan, China. Ang pows will be given to children and single adults.

“Lunch will be served along with mineral water and mandarin oranges! As all these four events are open to the public, we therefore cordially invite everyone to attend,” he said.

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JV way to end K'batangan land dispute

Kota Kinabatangan: The land claim issue involving members of the Sungai Koyah A, Kinabatangan Phase I, II and III smallholders scheme here was resolved with the consent of the majority of them to enter into a joint venture with Syarikat Bagus Maju Berhad.

Land and Survey Department Director Datuk Osman Jamal said all the problems including doubts on the matter were resolved Monday, when most of the 400 members agreed to the joint venture.

"What the department will do after this is to issue an invitation letter to the company once we have agreed with the agreement letter related to joint venture mechanisms," he said.

"Two things important before a joint venture is formed is that the company will provide to the department a joint venture agreement and the 'cash flow' of the land," he added.

Osman said 'cash flow' is very important because it details how the land would be developed later, when it is expected to bring in profits and when the dividends would start to be given out to members as well as other opportunities.

He told reporters this after meeting with those concerned at Dewan Sri Lamag, here, Monday. Present, were Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin and Sukau Assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman.

He said the agreement is equally important for the discussion of how the current valuation of the land price as well as the benefits to be provided to the members.

Asked about allegations that he was not transparent in researching this problem, Osman said the department and the government does have a system of transparency.

He said everything should be there, mechanisms and legal and proper way.

"The meeting today (Monday) will allow us to meet with members of the small farmers, and they are also able to respond directly, and in this way, we find the majority of them agreed to the joint venture," he said.

Asked about the status of other land application, he said, the mechanism is needed and it is a priority in accordance with the practice of our department from time immemorial.

"If we recall, recently, the Chief Minister also explained the importance of Customary Land Rights (NCR) and we also see the government's achievements on land ownership is also clearly reflect the State Government to give priority to that respect."

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IGP: Police in control of Lahad Datu situation

image source: The Star


Petaling Jaya: The situation in Lahad Datu, where a group of followers of the Sulu Sultanate are holed up in a village, is under control, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar
.
He said the situation would be resolved as soon as possible.

"We are hoping for a peaceful outcome," he told pressmen after presenting awards to motorists here Wednesday.

Ismail dismissed allegations that the police had been soft towards the intruders.

"We want to avoid any bloodshed...we are in control of the situation.

"We expect it to be resolved soon," he said.

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RM7.7 million for Sabah State Library

KOTA KINABALU: As much as RM7.7 million will be spent on identified facility and infrastructure projects for the development of the Sabah State Library throughout the state.

Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Hjh Azizah Dun said each year, the library development under her ministry’s purview will continue to be given priority.

She said this when officiating the state-level Reading Campaign 2013 Launching Ceremony at Suria Sabah shopping mall.

“This year, the construction of the Tambunan branch will begin where the project will cost RM4 million.”
“Other than that, five new buses for the mobile library will be purchased to replace the ones that have permanently broken down for the districts of Keningau and Sandakan as well as Tambunan, Beaufort and Kudat at a total cost of RM1.5 million,” said Azizah.

“We will also construct Rural Libraries in 10 villages which are Kg Kalumpang, Pitas; Kg Lihak-Lihak, Semporna; Kg Rosok, Kota Belud; Pekan Apin-Apin, Keningau; Kg Pagalungan, Nabawan; Kg Kaiduan, Papar; Kg Kokol, Menggatal; Kg Pantai Emas, Kota Belud; Kg Bolotikan, Papar and Kg Klias Kecil, Beaufort,” she added.

The establishment of the Rural Libraries will cost RM2.2 million. The buildings will also replace some of the earlier established Rural Libraries that have become run down.

“We hope that with these new buildings, we will provide a better and more comfortable library service to the people in rural areas,” she said.

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Civil Servant Has Important Role To Contrive Vision 2020 - Musa Aman

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said as a prime mover for government's transformation programme, the public service has an important role to ensure that Malaysia is well positioned to become a developed nation by 2020.

In this regard, he urged federal and state services based in Sabah to continue to give full attention so that all plans moved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could be implemented more effectively.

Nonetheless, he said, their performance last year had been satisfactory.

"Ministries and state agencies have performed well and some had gained recognition, for example, the Sabah Ministry of Finance which received recognition from the Auditor-General and was awarded the Excellent Financial Management Accountability Index Award for 2011 and managed to keep this award for 12 consecutive years," he said in a speech at the opening of a performance management seminar, here Tuesday.

His speech was read by the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department, Datuk Nasrun Datu Mansur.

-- BERNAMA

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Datuk Musa - Upko Chinese New Year Open House

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman gives his full support to the Chinese who is celebrating the Chinese New Year. Recently he attended the Chinese New Year open house hosted by UPKO Beaufort at Dewan Dato Shahbandar. Datuk Musa delivered his speech by mentioning about the people, should not be influenced by the opposition. Below are the quotes from Datuk Musa while delivering his speech on that day :

"Billions of ringgit have been received from the Federal Government for the development of the State"

"We have so many difference ethnic group in Sabah but what is special is that we celebrate all festivals together "

"We need to continue preserving this culture so that we can continue to live in peace and harmony as well as we helping one aother"

It is clear that Datuk Musa cares for the people in Sabah. Some more he still wants Sabah to be more developed from time to time. Seems like he never want to see Sabah stop developing. So, people should give full support to Datuk Musa and the government because they did the good job in presenting all the promises to the people. Not 100% perfect but 70% of their promises are successfully delivered to the people. Agree to disagree its up to you. Have a nice Day people.

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Rakyat Sabah Tidak Perlu Takut

Kita dikejutkan dengan pelbagai kejadian yang amat tidak selesa. Kejadian jatuhnya meteor di Russia sangat memberi kesan kepada seluruh dunia. Hal ini menjadi perhatian dan ramai yang mengibaratkan kejadian ini sebagai tanda-tanda kiamat. Sebagai seorang yang mempunyai pegangan agama seharusnya kita serahkan hal ini kepada Tuhan dan minta agar kita sentiasa dilindungi. 

Dalam masa yang sama, kita juga dikejutkan dengan kedatangan sepasukan tentera dari Filipina menceroboh masuk ke kawasan Lahad Datu. Tindakan mereka ini telah mengundang kemarahan rakyat setempat dan memberi kesan yang amat negative. Kedatangan mereka ini dilaporkan mempunyai hubung kait dengan tuntutan Filipina terhadap Sabah, menurut sejarah. Dilaporkan juga seramai 100 orang yang memasuki kawasan Lahad Datu namun terdapat sumber-sumber yang berkaitan dilaporkan seramai 500 lebih orang telah berada di Lahad Datu untuk masa ini.

Ramai yang mengkrirtik sistem keselamatan Negara dan mencurigai kebolehan tentera dalam mengesan sebarang kemasukan ke perairan Negara. Jika difikirkan memang menjadi perseolan mengapa sempadan kita senang dibolosi oleh pihak tentera dari Filipina itu. Saya sendiri tidak mempunyai jawapan yang tepat namun apa yang boleh saya katakan, kita tidak mengetahui keadaan sebenar apabila mereka menceroboh masuk ke kawasan kita. Banyak yang menjadi tanda tanya namun kita tidak mungkin akan mendapat sebarang jawapan.

Seharusnya kita berdoa agar pihak kerajaan akan dapat berbincang sebaik mungkin untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini. Pasti ada jalan penyelesaian tanpa melibatkan pertempuran darah. Keselamatan rakyat adalah lebih penting. Jika berlaku sebarang pertempuran pasti imej Negara aman kita akan terjejas. Semoga semuanya akan kembali seperti biasa. 

Sistem keselamatan kita pasti di tahap yang terbaik dan kita juga mempunyai ramai tentera yang boleh menjaga kita.

 

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Praying for quick end to Lahad Datu standoff

LAHAD DATU: Farmers and oil palm smallholders are praying for a quick end to the standoff that is entering its second week between Malaysian security forces and an armed Sulu group.

They have been unable to enter the vicinity of Kampung Tanduo at Felda Sahabat 17, some 170km from this east coast town, to harvest their oil palm and other produce, such as water melons.

A farmer who tried to enter the tight security cordon surrounding the heavily armed gunmen was turned back by the police early yesterday.

This was because the police feared the food supplies he was carrying could fall into the hands of the gunmen.

The farmer, who wanted to be known only as Ghafur, said he was trying to get to his oil palm smallholding for his twice-a-month harvest.

He was bringing along food supplies to last him a week in his smallholding.

Police officials advised smallholders not to enter the cordoned off area around Kampung Tanduo, where the so-called Royal Sulu Sultanate Army had raised yellow flags with a lion insignia outside a surau.

Interviewed by the Philippines' media, group leader Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram said they were in possession of all kinds of weapons.

Talking terms: Hamza speaking to reporters after a meeting with two representatives from the Sulu Sultanate Royal Army at the General Operations Force base in Felda Sahabat.

These include M-14, M-16, M203 and Baby Armalite assault rifles.

The five women who came with them were in charge of preparing meals.

The group, from the Tausug and Bajau communities from Jolo, Basilan and Tawi Tawi, had been landing in batches since Feb 9.

Malaysian security forces cordoned off the area on Feb 12.

The 15 families at Kampung Tandua have fled the area, leaving their farms unattended.

Most of them are staying with relatives and friends at the nearby Tanjung Labian settlement.

In KLUANG, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Husseinexpressed his confidence that the standoff would end soon.

He said the situation at Felda Sahabat 17 was under control and security forces were keeping a close eye on the rebel group.

He added that there had not been any untoward incident, either involving the gunmen, security forces or the villagers in the area.

“We want to avoid any bloodshed as we believe the matter can be resolved peacefully,” he told reporters at the Paloh MCA Chinese New Year open house at SJK(C) Paloh yesterday.

He added that the security forces were in the midst of deporting the gunmen back to their country of origin.

Hishammuddin reiterated that the gunmen were neither militants nor belonged to any terrorist organisation.

“The group's presence is not a threat to Sabah or Malaysian security and our police have things under control,” he said.

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Proposal for all parties to send 13th GE candidate list for MACC vetting

KUALA LUMPUR: The Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel (CCPP) has proposed that all parties send their list of candidates contesting in the 13th general election for vetting by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

CCPP chairman Datuk Johan Jaafar said the proposal was to ensure potential candidates were not tainted with corruption and to prevent any baseless accusations on any individual or party behind the candidate.

"We were encouraged by the spirit that all parties have stated their support to fight corruption. Therefore we hope to get the support of all parties on this question," he told reporters after chairing the panel's meeting here on Thursday.

He said the filtering would involve all candidates from all parties irrespective of whether they are members of Parliament or state assemblies who would be renominated or contesting for the first time.

According to him, the filtering mechanism or vetting would be decided by MACC.

In this regard, Johan said CCPP would also be proposing that all members of the government administration at federal and state levels as well as close family members not to be involved in the application for government contracts.

He said the proposal was to avoid a conflict of interest and close possible space for corruption.

CCPP also suggested that all members of Parliament and state assemblies declare their assets each year to the MACC to prove their commitment to fighting corruption.

"They should not just do so before taking the post but also each year after taking the post. There should be no exception on this matter," he said. - Bernama

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MACC done screening potential candidates for GE13

SEREMBAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has completed the process of screening candidates submitted by political parties to contest in the coming general election.

However, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan said political parties could request the commission for the service if they still had candidates to be screened.

She said it was nothing new for the commission to screen candidates for the general election as it had done so on 891 candidates for the 2008 general election.

"The outcome of the process will be conveyed to the applicants and the final decision to decide on the candidates are for the parties concerned," she told reporters after the signing of a corporate integrity pledge between Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and MACC here on Monday.

Also present at the function were Negri Sembilan State SecretaryDatuk Mat Ali Hassan, State MACC director Sok One s/o Esen and SAINS general manager Zulkifli Ibrahim.

Sutinah said there was no provision in the law which required political parties to submit names of their potential candidates for screening by MACC, but an initiative by the commission to ensure the country's administrators comprised those with integrity and free from corruption.

She said screening was also done on candidates for important posts in the Government.

On the corporate integrity pledge with MACC, she said 175 companies in the country had signed it. - Bernama

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Don’t be provoked by stories on social media — Musa Aman

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister urged the people not to be provoked by articles published on the social media regarding a group of Philippine nationals who encroached into Lahad Datu recently.

He said the people should not believe stories released by unreliable sources that could lead to all sorts of opinions and speculation.

“The government has settled talks (with the intruders) and we are going to deport them to their home country.

“What is important right now is that we are putting security first and want a peaceful ending to this and we do not want any bloodshed at this juncture,” he said when met by reporters after the Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association’s Chinese New Year luncheon here yesterday.

The group, that had demanded to be recognised as the Royal Soldiers of the Sultanate of Sulu, entered the state via Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu on Tuesday and did not want citizens of Sulu origin in Sabah to be sent back to the Philippines.

During the luncheon, Musa announced a RM50,000 ‘Ang Pow’ from the Sabah state government to the Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association to fund its activities.

“The media fraternity in Sabah is indeed a very important partner of the government. You play an important role in providing the latest information to readers and viewers on government initiatives.

“I also wish to encourage you to keep on reporting about development and achievements that we now see in Sabah and how this is creating economic spin-offs, job opportunities and providing higher education, bridging regional gaps in the process,” he said.

Meanwhile, Musa who opened the Bangso Bajau Sama Sabaha Association (PBBSS) at Dewan Seri Sulaman today, took the opposition to task for accusing the Barisan Nasional (BN) government of not bringing about any development in Sabah. — Bernama

“They (opposition are spreading baseless accusations. They must physically step into Sabah and see the rapid development involving billion ringgit projects.

“The opposition is only good in spinning the truth to confuse the people by claiming there is no development here. They come from the mainland to teach us how to administer the state.

“We are not boasting or being arrogant but our track record is excellent ….They need not come and teach us because it will be like teaching a duck to swim,” he said.

Sabah is a state comprising various ethics and they are all united and live in peace and harmony.

“The prevailing peace and harmony has helped us share the benefits of development and economic growth in the state.

PBBSS President Datuk Hajiji Noor meanwhile, proposed that the government build a Bajau Cultural Centre in the district to promote the ethic group’s tradition and culture, especially to local and foreign tourists. — Bernama

“We must maintain our tradition and culture. At the same time we must retain the BN which has loyally contributed to our well being,” he said. — Bernama

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