GE13: Najib meets Barisan component party leaders

PUTRAJAYA: Several leaders of the Barisan Nasional component parties met with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at his office at Bangunan Perdana Putra, here on Monday.

It is learnt that the meetings were a continuation of several meetings held since last week between Najib, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman, and all the state leaders to discuss the candidates who would be contesting in the 13th general election.

In the morning, Najib had met with the MCA president, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, the MIC president, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, and the Gerakan president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, before meeting with the United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong).

The vehicle carrying Dr Chua was seen leaving the building at 10.40am, but attempts to get his comments on the meeting were futile.

Last week, Najib also held meetings with the chairmen of the respective state Umno and Barisan Liaison Bodies, which further indicated that the general election was getting closer. - Bernama

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GE13: Submission for representative observers abroad is open today, says EC

PUTRAJAYA: Political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGO) appointed by the Election Commission (EC) may submit their applications to station representative observers at postal ballot centres in Malaysian missions abroad, from Monday.

In a statement Monday, EC secretary Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria, said the closing date for submissions would be five days after the date of Parliament's dissolution.

He said the observers must be Malaysians, 21 years old and above, appointed by a political party registered with the EC or NGO which has been appointed as a local observer.

"Each political party or NGO is limited to not more than five appointments and only one observer will be allowed to observe the postal vote process in a Malaysian mission, at any one time," he said.

Applications must be sent to Setiausaha Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia, Aras 5, Blok C7, Kompleks C, Pihak Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,62690 Putrajaya (u.p : Unit Pengurusan Undi Pos).

The only duty and responsibility of these representative observers was to observe the postal voting process, said Kamaruddin.

"They must comply with the regulations at any foreign mission office and only observe from the stipulated place," he added.

They are also prohibited from taking any photographs throughout the process; disrupting the process or carrying out any activity which could incite chaos; and from issuing any statements to the media, he said.

"The officers in charge at the missions have the right to evict them from the premises or terminate the observers' appointment in such cases," he said.

Kamaruddin further added that all the representative observers' expenses must be fully borne by the political parties or NGOs which appointed them.

The EC has appointed 16 NGOs as local observers for the upcoming 13th General Election, five from Peninsular Malaysia, eight from Sarawak and three from Sabah. - Bernama

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Foreign travel writers to help restore tourism confidence in Sabah

                                  Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (centre) showing some travel brochures to visitors at the mini carnival

Kuala Lumpur: Scores of foreign travel writers and bloggers are currently on a tour of Sabah under the Mega Familiarisation programme organised by Tourism Malaysia to enlighten them on the Lahad Datu armed intrusion.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said members of the media fraternity from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Macau and Hong Kong arrived here 10 days ago.

She said the ministry was spending RM500,000 under the programme to take the foreign media delegation to dive spots such as Pulau Layang-Layang and Sipadan to see for themselves the security situation on the islands.

This is to allay fear among foreign travellers on the security situation in tourist destinations in Sabah following the intrusion by Sulu terrorists, she told reporters after launching the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) Mini Carnival 2014 here Sunday.

"We want them to know that the security of Sabah's east coast has been tightened with the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to keep watch on a coastline of 1,400 km from Kudat to Tawau.

"As the hotel occupancy rate in Sabah, particularly in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau has dropped by 35 percent, we need to offset the trend by restoring tourism confidence by giving travel writers the true picture of the situation," she added.

Dr Ng said the mega familiarisation programme was a follow-up to the setting up of a task force by the ministry to revive tourism industry in Sabah following the intrusion through aggressive promotions abroad.

One the VMY 2014, she said a massive campaign would be carried out to promote domestic tourism, and emphasised that cleanliness and good manners should be inculcated among the local community to make it a success. 

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Three Immigration complexes to be operational by Tuesday

LAHAD DATU: Three Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes will be operational in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) from Tuesday onward.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the CIQs were placed in Lahad Datu, Kudat and the integrated immigration control post in Kerakit at Sabah's northernmost Pulau Banggi.

"A total of 12 cabins that will be used as temporary offices have been sent to the area," he said, adding that six will be placed in Lahad Datu, four in Kudat and the remaining two in Kerakit. All were sent in by March 28.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Lahad Datu ICQ site here Sunday, Hishamuddin said that 14 officers will be placed at each of three CIQs.

The officers include intelligence and enforcement personnel from the Immigration Department.

He said the move to set up a CIQ centre in Lahad Datu was in line with a 1993 gazette that allowed for Lahad Datu to be an entry point to the state.

"This will enable us to tighten our security along Sabah's east coast border and also allow for foreigners with proper documents to enter the state legally," he said.

Hishammuddin said that this would also help in ensuring better monitoring of movement in and out of the East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), apart from ensuring the safety and security of merchant ships passing through the area.

"I believe the implementation of ESSCOM will become an important component of Sabah's security, he said adding that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman will personally oversee the project.

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Cops seek " Datuk Seri " from Penang on Lahad Datu incident

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib showing a picture of the "Datuk Seri" 
at the press conference in Felda Sahabat on Sunday.

LAHAD DATU: Police are seeking a ``Datuk Seri'' from Penang in connection with their investigations into the Feb 9 Sulu intrusion in Lahad Datu.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib identified the man asDatuk Seri Muhammad Ridzwan Sulaiman who is from George Town in Penang.

He said Sunday Muhammad Ridzwan was believed to be the president of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Al-Ehsan Islamiah Malaysia (Al-Ehsan Islamiah).

``Anyone with any information on his whereabouts should come forward and assist police in locating him as he was needed in their investigations under Ops Daulat which was launched following the intrusion.

Speaking to reporters at the daily press briefing at Felda Sahabat Residence, Hamza said that Muhammad Rizdwan could also come forward and surrender himself to police.

He said police believe that the man was still in Malaysia and his last known address was at Weld Quay in George Town.

He said police have yet to get more details about the identity of the man who is in his 50s.

It is learned that the wanted man was being sought by police in their investigations into the money links for the financing of the Sulu intrusion.

According to sources, it is believed that several other Malaysians were also investigated for funding the Sulu armed group that entered Kg Tanduo before security forces started action to flush them out on March 5.

The sources said that the man might not be a holding a Malaysian ``Datuk Seri'' title but might be from the family of the self proclaimed Sulu Sultan.

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Need a wheelchair? Contact Sabah Cheshire Home

Need a wheelchair?  Now, it won’t be a problem. Sabah Cheshire Home (SCH) in collaboration with Latter Day Saint (LDS) charities will be distributing wheelchairs to the needy in Sandakan.

For 2013, LDS Charities will be donating 170 wheelchairs of which 50 units will be distributed in Sandakan and another 50 units in Tawau. 

Assistant Manager of SCH Sandakan, Cecelia Kimin said the distribution of wheelchairs had continued since 2006 as it was found that not everyone is afford to have a wheelchair. 

To date, nearly 2,000 units of wheelchairs have been distributed around Sabah.

Thus, for those in need of a wheelchair, please contact Sabah Cheshire Home Kota Kinabalu at 088438202, Sabah Cheshire Home Sandakan at 089631716 or Red Cresent Tawau at 0898831214. 

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GE13: EC says, Parliament’s term expires on April 29

PETALING JAYA: The last day of Parliament falls on April 29 and not April 28, which is a Sunday.

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof clarified that although Parliament would have completed its five-year term on April 28, as it is a Sunday, April 29 was the last day for the Barisan Nasional-led Federal Government.

“Sunday is considered a public holiday, so it cannot be the last working day for Parliament,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Abdul Aziz revealed he had consulted the commission's legal advisers on the matter.

It was earlier reported that if Parliament goes its full term, it would dissolve automatically on April 28.

“This has been calculated by our legal adviser who said April 29 is the last day of Parliament,” Abdul Aziz added.

“It must be stated clearly to avoid any confusion or dispute from any party or individuals.”

Abdul Aziz confirmed that Parliament would automatically dissolve at midnight of April 30.

“We hope everyone will adhere to the rules and regulations set by the commission following a dissolution,” he said.

“Our aim is to have a peaceful and smooth general election.”

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Lahad Datu: Bank Negara monitoring currency outflow to Sulu terrorists

photo credit:Kelantanpost

BACHOK: Bank Negara Malaysia is monitoring currency outflow via the Sabah border to curb funding for Sulu terrorists responsible for the intrusion in Lahad Datu.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said all banks operating in Sabah should promptly report to the central bank withdrawals on a big scale.

"Investigation can be done under the Money Laundering Act. Accounts of the withdrawers can be frozen if there is proof," he told reporters here Friday.

Monitoring could be done in more detail such as requiring the withdrawer to give the delivery address and reason for sending the money, he said commenting a statement by economist Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam that currency outflow is difficult to detect as it can be done in the black market via post, trade account or smuggling.

Awang Adek said the ministry could not prevent withdrawal of money on a small scale as it was in conflict with the country's international trading policy.

However, if the withdrawal involves a big sum with minimum of RM30,000, the bank may report it to Bank Negara Malaysia for further action.

"Bank Negara Malaysia will make a report to authorities including the police for the purpose of investigation," he added. - Bernama

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Sabah immigration director heads ESSCOM effective April 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Mohammad Mentek has been appointed director of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) effective April 1.

The appointment was announced today by Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa.

He said Mohammad, 48, had vast experience in the fields of human resource development and management, finance and security.

“I believe his qualification, experience, knowledge and credibility will enable him to helm ESSCOM well and ensure public order and security in the special security zone,” he said in a statement.

Mohammad holds a Master of Science (Statistics) degree and a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) degree from the University of Minnesota, United States.

He joined the civil service as an administrative and diplomatic officer on Dec 1, 1992. He was appointed Sabah Immigration director on Aug 14, 2010.

Mohammad has also served as director of the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) Sabah campus; Labuan Immigration director; under-secretary of the Research and Planning Division in the Home Ministry; Perak assistant financial officer and assistant secretary of the Personnel,
Services and Training Branch of the then Energy, Telecommunications and Posts Ministry.

The establishment of ESSCOM was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 7 following a terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu. ESSCOM covers the districts of Kudat, Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Lahad Datu. – Bernama

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2nd Sabah Oil and Gas conference and exhibition kicks in

The second Sabah Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition finally kicks in. While many people are unaware of this, I would like to share with you what this is all about. As far as we concerned, oil and gas sector in Sabah receives positive response from the public including prominent businessmen all around the world.

This had opened many eyes and I truly believe that this exhibition will show us more about potential downstream activities provided by them and initially providing many job opportunities for the locals. Without further ado, let me show you the date and venue for this wonderful event.

Date: Apr 16-17 2013
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom, Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort
Theme: Opportunities and Growth

Don't miss out! Further info, you may log on to www.sabahoilandgas.com.

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PJI Holdings lands RM207m property development project in Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR: PJI Holdings Bhd has secured two contracts for a commercial property project along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu valued at RM209.09mil.

PJI said on Wednesday that Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd had awarded its unit Kejuruteraan Trolka Sdn Bhd the commercial project which comprised of a shopping podium and a block of designer suites.

The first contract was a three-storey shopping podium and basement with parking facility valued at RM92.36mil. The second contract was one block of seven-storey designer suites and one block 13-storey hotel and infrastructures at RM114.72mil.

PJI said the contracts would contribute positively to the earnings and net assets per share of the company for the financial year ending June 30, 2013.

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Sabah Ministry contributes RM118,409 to Lahad Datu Heroes’ Fund

 


KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Human Resources and Information Technology Ministry today contributed RM118,409 to the Lahad Datu Heroes’ Fund.

Its minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai  said the contribution was from a collection launched by the ministry and its agencies, in appreciation of the efforts of security forces protecting and safeguarding national security, especially in Sabah.

“We fully appreciate the sacrifice made by the security forces in their line of duty to protect the sovereignty of the country,” he told reporters after presenting the contribution at a ceremony in the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters near here today.

Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Jauteh Dikun received the donation on behalf of the security forces.
Yee said, among the agencies which contributed were the state human resources development department, Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd, Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd, KKIP Sdn Bhd and Sabah Skills and Technology Centre.

He said the creation of a special security area, Eastern Sabah Security Command, in Sabah’s east coast was timely and appropriate to protect the interests of the local community. – Bernama

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