Friday, October 31, 2003

Thank You Tun Dr Mahathir

For the 22 years
your have led us
guided us
protected us
be with us
we thank you

For your vision
that brought us all
to where we are today
the model of the world
a country we could all
be so proud of
we thank you

For all your patience
and your forgiveness
to accept us all
with no discrimination
and favouritism
we thank you

For all that you have done
that we might not understand
and have misunderstood you
but we now know
sooner we will come to know
your reasons for doing so
it is for us
all of us
we thank you,
Tun Dr Mahathir

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Musa Aman Must Make A Turn

Datuk Musa Aman became the latest Chief Minister of Sabah in March 2003 after Datuk Chong Kah Kiat’s term expired. He is filling in the Muslim Bumiputera quota in the rotation system for Sabah Chief Ministership.

Sabah politics has been very different from the rest of states in Malaysia. It is also not similar to its neighbouring state of Sarawak. The first party to rule the state after Sabah joined Malaysia was USNO which was lead by the late Tun Datu Mustapha. USNo stayed in power for 9 years before falling to BERJAYA which was lead by Datuk Harris Salleh.

Datuk Harris was too powerful at one time and arrogant offended many people. One of them was Datuk Pairin Kitinggan. He quit BERJAYA and contested as a independent candidates and defeated Datuk Harris’ man. Out of anger, Datuk Harris withdrew the district status of Tambunan which was represented by Datuk Pairin.

His action angered the locals especially the Kadazans. An election was called in 1985 and saw the downfall of Datuk Harris. He himself was defeated by a nobody in politics, Datuk Kadoh Agundong. Even though there were series of by elections and general state elections due to party hopping and camp switching but eventually PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah) formed the first Kadazan-Dusun lead government. BERJAYA fell after 9 years. Datuk Harris tried many times to make a political come back but failed.

PBS’s under Datuk Pairin went through many stages of challenges due to the sour relationship with Kuala Lumpur. Datuk Pairin tried to improve the tie by joining the BN but was accused of back stabbing when they pulled out of the coalition after the nomination day. Thus made the PBS the biggest political enemies of BN. Political frogs culture started and almost all the politicians then were at one time or another has switched party at least once. Top of them all was Datuk Pairin’s own brother Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitinggan. He has been in PBS, PBRS, AKAR, back in PBS and out to PBRS. He tried to join UMNO but was rejected. He might make more jumps later on.

PBS eventually fell after the magical number of 9 years due to big desertion of its state assemblymen and strong ‘fishing’ of political frogs from BN (Barisan Nasional) or to be exact UMNO. The UMNO fishermen was lead by Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the helped of Dato’ Kadir Sheik Fadzir and Dato’ Ibrahim Ali.

When BN ruled back Sabah with the support of political frogs, the Prime Minister suggested a rotation system for the post of Chief Minister. His intention was to have all the races especially the Muslim bumiputera, Non-Muslim bumiputera and the Chinese to have a equal chance to lead the state. Each CM would lead the government for two years. It was seems the best solution at that time.

Tun Sakaran Dandai was the first to be sworn in as the Chief Minster but he did not finish his term as he was made the state governor. Datuk Salleh Said Keruak then took over for a term of two years. The chair was a little too comfortable for Salleh. He refused to go when his time was out. He created many issues and wanted to call off the rotation system. He even had a group of supporters shaven bald to protest.

With strong pressure from Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Salleh reluctantly pass the chief ministership to Datuk Yong Teck Lee, the President of SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party). Yong’s road to Chief Minister’s chair was not actually smooth. Even though SAPP which was formed from former Chinese leaders of PBS helped to BN to win the election, Yong was entangled in a court case involving illegal demonstration. After some terms were fulfilled quietly, the charges were dropped.

Since Yong is a Chinese, there was no fuss about abolishing the rotation of Chief Minister. During Yong’s time, the power of Chief Minister was trimmed. Yong then peacefully handed his responsibilities to Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

Bernard Dompok was unlucky as he did not manage to complete his two year term. He lost in the state election he lead. Reluctant but no choice, Bernard has to leave and the CM post was taken over by Datuk Osu Sukam.

When Osu took over, the issue of abolishing the rotation system was blown up again. He even ganged up a group politicians to stop his successor, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat from taking over. His reason was that Datuk Chong, President of Liberal Democratic Party was only a minority leader. LDP only has two state representatives in the state. The other one being Datuk Wong Lien Tat from Sandakan. UMNO which has the majority number of representatives should, according to Osu, be given the chance to continue leading the state.

Of course Datuk Osu’s plan was not successful and because of his action he was frozen politically. His political future considered finished unless some miracle would happen.

Datuk Chong Kah Kiat gave a very impressive starting by announcing his plans to wipe off the three sins of Sabah namely timber thief, fish bombing and illegal immigrants. However, besides Ops Nyiah II which sent back thousands of Filipinos and Indonesians who entered the state illegally, the other two sins remain. Chong also got into a lot of trouble because of Kota Kinabalu car park and the re-appointment of mayor. He is currently badly hit by poison pen letters, purportedly distributed by SAPP.

Chong, like Yong, also handed over his duties to Datuk Musa Aman. According to the initial rotation system, Chong was supposed to be succeeded by a non-Muslim bumiputera. However, the system was altered to allow an UMNO to be the Chief Minister after every term of non-Muslim bumiputera or Chinese. The alteration was made mainly due to the call for abolishing of the system.

Before Datuk Musa even warm his chair, there were already cals for the rotation to be abolished. This is of course over politicking created by his followers and those seeking favours. Due to these strong politicking on the issues of rotations, the previous Chief Ministers failed to concentrate on their core business of administer the state. The have always been dragged or willingly get involved in the controversial.

Therefore, if Datuk Musa is sincere in wanting to bring about better future for Sabah, he must never get involved in this issue. He must instead pay his full attention in developing the state and rebuild the economy of Sabah, which he is there for.

Let the people of Sabah judge for themselves on Musa’s performance. Politicians who have run out of issues to apple polishing the CM must be stopped and ignored. They only fooling themselves by bringing up the issues. Everyone is aware of their true colours and intentions.

If Datuk Musa wants a change, he should make a turn from the old tradition. He would then lead well and would be respected as a real leader.

Let the people judge and let the people see if Musa should stay or go. Let us decide if the rotation should stay or go when the time comes. Let us also see who the frogs are and who the fools are.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

The Goodman Is Always Wrong

We have a very unhealthy attitude that is blaming others for whatever reasons or excuses we could think of. We refuse to accept our mistake and refuse to admit our wrong doings.

Take for example if we were to be caught pants down doing something which we are not supposed to do, we would quickly and professionally blame it on our partners, if there is any, or our superiors for lack of guidance, or to our subordinates for the wrong advice given, or anything else that comes to our mind at that time. We give all kind of excuses to get protect our guilty and faults. No one, the blogger included, could deny that they have not blamed anyone before in their entire life just to safe their own face.

Journalists or media have always been the targets of blaming for wrong quotation or misleading facts. Even if the journalists could come up proof and recording they sometimes have to swallowed it all. Politicians, especially those who speak without thinking, would always put the blame on the reporters when what they said caused public outcry. That’s why, don’t expect too much from a controlled newspapers because what you read or what you see is not what actually happen. What you read is only what others want you to see and believe.

Readers before the IT era would almost believe everything what the newspapers reported. It is a totally different situation now days. Information, be it right or wrong, is easily available on the internet. So be careful the next time when you are trying to fool the people. You might get yourself fooled. If you are unlucky you might be caught sleeping during assembly and have your pictures or video posted in the internet.

Back to the topic of blaming others, Sabah football fans put the blame on the poor refereeing when Sabah lost to Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya during the last Malaysia Cup. The referee might have at a certain point made a mistake or two but he could not take the blame for the whole defeat. We can’t just give up the game if we find the refereeing is unfair.

Similarly, Sabahans put the blame on illegal immigrants when more and more social problems were reported. We blame them for robbing our employment opportunities. We blame them for dirtying our towns and spreading of diseases. We blame them for bringing in more social ills, prostitution, drug trafficking and crimes. The politicians on the other hand blame the foreigners for being phantom voters and resulted in their defeats in elections.

But who was the one who first allowed them into this state at the first place? We practised double standard and offering foreigner citizenship but made it difficult for locals? Don’t we forget that it was we, the Sabahans, who offered them jobs in the plantations, restaurants and construction industries. It was also we ourselves who were reluctant to work in aquaculture and agriculture sectors, which forced these sectors to look for cheaper labour forces. We created the opportunity for others in the expense of our own wealth, health and security.

It was also our own ‘ali baba’ mentality that we apply for various trading licenses and rent or sell them out to the foreigners to trade in markets and road sides. The politicians and the local government officers were the one who were involved in forging identity cards and birth certificates and made the newly imported foreigners as eligible voters during elections. For the sake of winning, some politicians could buy and sell anything, even their own country, to achieve their selfish dreams. When these foreigners with Malaysian identity cards or even Mycards, due to better offer, voted for someone else during elections, the dissatisfied losers lodged complaints. Aren’t all these are the results of our own selfishness?

We blame the government for not providing enough security for the state. The truth is we are hiring foreigners as our security guards. We spent millions in our investments but employ cheap foreign security guards. What happened in Borneo Paradise in Kunak is one good example. If we were to employ a cat to look after our fish the chances are our fish will be gone sooner or later.

Remember once a foreigner was found to be a town councillor of Tawau Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Tawau)?. He was there for years before he was found to be a foreigner. If he was involved in drafting by-laws concerning foreigners, or involved in enforcement unit going after illegal hawkers, do you think he would do a good job? Certainly not.

Who are we to blame? Blame it to ourselves.

We were talking about illegal logging, smuggling and corruption. We are angry when the guilty got their names cleaned and let free just because there was lack of evidence. Was it true that there was really lack of evident or it was because evident was purposely denied and ignored?

The present system provides no guarantee or adequate security for witness. Not many people would like to be a witness in cases involving smuggling, illegal logging, corruption, murder and drug trafficking. The reason being simple, they fear of their own safety and future more than they want to do justice to the country. The culprits are much too powerful so much so that they could determine the verdict. Heard of judges being threatened and killed? Or the witness family being threatened and harmed?

Remember many years ago when a group of Sabah footballers were banished because they were found guilty of match fixing? How could one fix the game without a bookie. But why no bookies were booked and charged? Why only victimised the players who have been threatened by the powerful people who made millions of Ringgit for every match? Simple, they could not tell the whole truth because too many prominent people were involved as bookies.

Many a times when something controversial was brought up, most people are more interested to know the identity of the person who brought the issue up instead of looking into what has been reviewed. This informer is investigated more than the culprits. If he is found to have had a bad record previously then that would be used to discredit him and weaken his credibility.

When a group of Singaporean mentioned about illegal logging activities in Maliu Basin they were bombarded for making public the issues without first quietly inform the authorities. The then Chief Minister was the once who got extremely furious on the matter. When the Singaporeans apologised, the case was closed. Strange. Aren’t we missing the main point here? The focus has been shifted. It was supposed to be the illegal logging which should be the focus but instead it was diverted. Similarly Daily Express was blamed for reviewing the illegal logging in Benta Wawasan. The general public of course are well aware of the true intention of why focus was diverted.

There are many more similar examples where we chose to nail down the informer and intentionally forget the big issue he or she brought up. Therefore we always read reports in newspapers that the ACA (Anti Corruption Agency) would not initiate any investigation before there is any former report being lodged. Who would come forward to lodge the report if he would be ridiculed and become the target of threats, humiliation and condemn?

I was just wondering, does a doctor need a patients to be brought to the hospital first before he could treat him and would not see any patients whom he happen to meet during accident or so?

If such blaming attitude was to continue, we will have the same scenario repeating one after another. The society would keep worshiping the wrong hero when thieves and gangsters are rewarded and accorded datukship. The strong and powerful will always rule either by force or money. The poor will always stay poor.

The Goodman will always be wrong and the badman will always be right.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

What's Wrong With Chong Kah Kiat?

The poison pen letters seem to resurface again in Sabah after a few years. It is understandable since the general election is coming soon. This is the time for aspiring politicians to lobby for seats and for the potential candidates to kill off their possible rivals in whatever ways they could think of.

Among the Chinese community, the former Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat is the target. He is under intense attacked by many groups of people. Some of his so call loyal followers have come out in support of him by giving various press statements hoping the fight off the smear campaign. But these are just puppets who have been instructed to do so.

It is not difficult to understand why Chong Kah Kiat is the target of all poison pen letters. It has a lot to do with his personality and what he has done both to his followers and his political rivals.

Chong is undeniable a very proud person who doesn't mix around with people easily especially those who are not considered as his inner circle friends. He is suspicious about anybody who get close to him. He doesn't even look at the person who shakes his hand. He is not playing cool but he is lack of public relations lessons. This has a lot to do with what he has gone through in his political career.

Chong has never won a single election at the earlier stage when he formed Liberal Democratic Party. People in Kudat where his home town is, preferred other candidates than him. He claimed to be the leader for people in Kudat but people in Kudat think otherwise. He thinks he was betrayed and deceived many times by his own close allies. The facts is he was dumped. This explains why he is always suspicious towards anybody who gets near him.

His political career only changed when he was made a senator and a federal minister. It was an gratitude from the Prime Minister to help him fight his party presidency battle with Datuk Kong Hon Ming. But his vitory against Kong was not easy. He spent a lot of money buying votes from delegates, pampered them with delicious meals and luxury hotels.

To avoid further back stabbing and betrayal from his follower, he practices cronism and favouritism. He made his sister, Naomi Chong, the women head of the party and his brother-in-law, Lee Chuan Wan, one of the vice presidents. His other sister Jenny Chong is one of the central committee member.

He determined all the line up of central committee members. Though it was seen as if the central committee members were elected but their positions were predetermined through a 'menu' distributed to the delegates hours before party elections. Non Yes-man in the party will not get elected because they are never in his 'menu'. That's why during any of the central committee meeting, no one else talk except the president. It was a briefing everytime and never a meeting.

When the rotation of Chief Minster in Sabah was introduced by PM to cool down the intense politicking and power struggle among the various ethnic groups in Sabah, Chong arrogantly said that Chinese is not suitable to be made a Chief Minister. He was trying to undermine the then Chinese CM from his rival party Datuk Yong Teck Lee.

Datuk Chong has openly announced Datuk Yong as his enemy. He blamed Yong for ditching one of his strong and capable Vice President Henry Lee. Henry Lee was then leading a very strong team of quality members in Tawau and has been well accepted by the local people due to his community work. Henry was too strong that Chong feared that he might be overthrown. He therefore trying to clip Henry's wings and ignore him.

Yong meanwhile recognises Henry's capabilities and invited him to join Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) which he leads. Though reluctant but Henry eventually left LDP due to frustration and cold shouder from his president. He later joined SAPP with all his strong supporters. There was a big reception for Henry where all the big guns in SAPP attended the function to welcome Henry. The news was well publicised in all local dailies.

Chong was humiliated by his own action but refused to admit. He claimed that Yong was the invisible hand behind to voo Henry to SAPP. Yong and SAPP of course denied it. The misunderstanding, or rather demonstrated misunderstanding, betwee Yong and Chong deepened. From then one Chong would boycot all functions attended by Yong.

When Chong's turn came to be the CM, he accepted it without saying a word of his previous opinion that Chinese is not suitable to be Sabah CM. Instead of bringing development to the people, he started his political revenge. He announced his strategies to go all out for the 3 sins namely timber thieves, fish bombing and illegal immigrants. It looked promising at the beginning.

He set up a special unit to investigate the illegal logging activities in the state. These unit was efficient initially as there were many cases been brought to the knowledge of the people. Local dailies also helped to expose many such illegal activities. Daily Epress, one of the local dailies even ran a special report on one timber thief being supported by top level politicians.

True colour of Chong eventually surfaced. None of those exposed were booked or brought to court. They were all let off saying that no illegal logging were involved. Chong denied every single illegal logging reported. What's the truth? The truth is, the special unit set up by the CM was Chong's strategies in receiving pay off from the guilties where normally would have gone to the forestry department. In order to get a share of the loot, a special unit which has power above the forestry department was set up.

Therefore the unit was only efficient at investigation level and that's it. These unit of course scored big success when timber thieves in the state who were threatened made generous donations to Chong personally as well as to his party function. Some even joined his party. One such person is Datuk Elbert Lim. He was even made a youth chief for one of the party divisions. Elbert's application to join the party was objected by some of the party members but the president insisted of accepting him. To the public, it was a big slap on the face for Chong when he failed to stop the activities of timber thieves which he vowed but in the contrary accepted a timber thief into his party.

The Ops Nyiah II which sent back illegal immigrants in the state was actually a nation wide exercise and was not Chong's idea. So Chong could claim no credits on that. His other plan to fight fish bombing also failed. This was due to his ignorant. Instead of controlling the supply of explosive for fish bombing and catching fish mongers who buy bombed fish, Chong chosed to send out marine police to patrol on sea. When the supply and demand are not cut off, how could he stop the fish bombing in open sea? Therefore fish bombing activities is still rampant and more corals are destroyed.

Chong also revoked the lopsided agreements on car rental by local councils. On this he has received praises from the public. However he once again stepped on the toes of Yong's followers as the car rental companies were operated by Yong's people.

Chong instead of reducing the number of 4D pundits has added more into the state claiming that more is better for curbing illegal gambling. The truth is, he was giving opportunity for his own followers to own the 4D outlets which is considered as a lucrative business.

To further improve his personal revenue, Chong signed off car parks contract in Kota Kinabalu to his followers namely Datuk Yong Cheong Fah, YC Lau and Leong Kam Ming. The trio formed a company called ikhtisas Wawasan Sdn. Bhd. He teamed up with the Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani to make his plan successful. Carpark contract is nothing but by pushing up the parking rate skyhigh to make an instant fortune from the poor cityfolks is terrible. He promised to solve the problem during the Likas by-election but kept quiet after the by-election. He was all for his personal interest. That also explains why the Mayor's term was quickly renewed before Chong's term as CM expired.

The ugly side of Chong could go on and on. He just added another chapter in his act of cronism when his sister Naomi was elected a senator.

No further explanation is needed to prove but with facts lying down in the eyes of public, we the public judge better. So, to Datuk Chong, you asked for it and you deserve it.



Monday, October 27, 2003

Who Should Lead Tawau?

With the next general election fast approaching, politicians, old and new, are gearing up to lobby for the chance to represent the Barisan Nasional (BN). Top level leaderships always stressed that only responsible, reliable and hardworking state assemblymen / members of parliament will be retain. However, time and again, these assurance seems to be mere talking and empty promises. We were given too many unsuitable candidates to choose from, or rather, no choice to make at all during the past elections.

Take for example Tawau. The Tawau Parliamentary consists of Sri Tanjung, Merotai and Kalabakan state constituencies. Tawau is represented by Shim Paw Fatt while Samson Chin, Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe and Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh represent Sri Tanjung, Merotai and Kalabakan respectively.

Shim Paw Fatt is a lawyer by profession. A quiet man who doesn't care too much about public relations. Most of his public relationships with either the government departments or the society are done by his assistants. Here is where the problem arises when his assistants went over the limit by assuming Shim's position and acted as if they are the member of parliament.

One of such incidents was when one of his assistants arrogantly instructed the Tawau Branch National Registration Director (Pengarah Jabatan Pendaftaran) to wait for Shim on one Friday morning. He was reminded to make sure that he is there waiting since Shim is very busy and does not want to wait for this Director. The appointment was fixed by his assistant at 11.00am.

The director felt deeply insulted and humiliate by the way an appointment was arranged. Furthermore, being a Friday morning where the muslims are going for prayers at 11.30am, there is nothing much to discuss in such a short time. The appointment however did not materialise because the director did not bother Shim's assistant. Shim's assistant went round to say that the director was incooperative but unless we know the real situation, we would have believed him. This is only once such out of so many examples where Shim's assistants spoilt all the good name and the good opportunities to solve the people's problem, and to understand the real situation of government department functions.

Shim himself, however, although being a senior lawyer in Tawau, did not do much for the people of Tawau. He has nothing to be proud of after being an MP since 1999. He was only concentrating on petty issues involving rubbish, clogged drains, central market and other minor issues which could be easily solved by any ordinary people.

Being a Member of Parliament of Tawau Shim, (or Simpang Empat as he is known among his frustrated followers since he doesn't know what to do, always at the crossroad) has failed to come out with a long term plan to improve the lifelyhood of the people in Tawau. There wasn't any real development plan ever been drafted or proposed. That's why after almost 5 years being the MP, Shim is still busy visiting clogged drains and smelly rubbish sites.

Sri Tanjung State Assemblyman, Samson Chin is also a lawyer. He is worse compared to Shim. Samson did not even have clogged drains or smelling rubbish sites to visit. Being a Party Bersatu Sabah (PBS) state assemblyman, he has received his 'gaji buta' for so many years until PBS formerly rejoined BN.

Hoping that situation would improve after PBS rejoined BN was a big let down. Samson Chin took an opportunity to throw a birthday party for his mother by inviting more than a thousand people from Tawau. Everyone was expecting the dinner was free since that was the first time ever this stingy politician ever given a party.

Samson once again disappointed the people by asking for ang paw. He also used that function to praise his PBS leaders who turned up in full force. Invited guests were forced to listen to his boring lecture after reluctantly forking out the ang paw. What was his real motives in arranging for such dinner is yet to be known.

Samson Chin who gave zero activities record for being the DAP member of parliament for Tawau is about to pass up yet another zero record for his tenure as the Sri Tanjung state assemblyman. He is too comfortable receving his 'gaji buta'. His reason was simple, since he was in the opposition, there was nothing he could do because there was no fund, no allocation and no assistant from the federal government. Therefore, no action, no effort, no activities, no changes. Now that he has joined BN, he still could not change his attitude. There is no difference in having a YB or not having one.

Datuk Ghapur and Dr Patawari are known political rivals. Most of their time was spent to strengthen their own influence in their constituencies. More time is spent on political issues rather than carrying duties as state assemblymen. Not much effort has been given for the welfare and benefits of the people. With the new delineation of boundaries, Ghapur is expected to be moved away from Kalabakan which is now a Parliamentary seat.

Dr Patawari who is a state assistant minister is relying on his assistant, Mohamad Manuke, to carry out his duties in Merotai while he concentrates on his work in the state capital. Mohamad Manuke is one big crocodile who takes every opportunity to squeeze and manipulate everything.

Ghapur who seems not being in the good book of the Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman is fighting a losing battle to maintain his position. Being an Arab parentage, he makes use of his deputy, Samsul Alang to help gaining support of the Bugis who form the majority Malay in Tawau. Unfortunately, instead of helping the people of Tawau especially the muslims and bumiputeras, Samsul is now operating buses transpoting passengers to and fro Tawau Airport, affecting many taxi drivers. He also grabs all the business opportunities allocated for the bumiputeras.

Another interesting personality to watch is Chua Soon Bui who was the former MP for Tawau before Shim Paw Fatt took over. She is still hoping to make a come back in active political scene. Being the first ever lady MP from Tawau, it was a big hu ha for a lot of people. It was supposed to be a proud moment for the women who believe in equal opportunity for both sexes. However, Chua disappointed them and embarrassed them. Chua has a strong addiction for publicity. She was too much involved in arranging for her publicity that she forgot that she was an MP and not a fashion model.

Chua, during her parliamentary sessions, always has head turns when she made speeches in the Parliament because of her over-dressing and over-body language. She was also emotionally involved with an MCA MP who sits beside her in the Parliament. That explains why she was always missing immediately after any parliamentary meetings.

Chua has a special liking of seeing herself photographed and published in papers. She would grab any opportunity to be in the lime light. People in Tawau are fed-up with her face appearing in newspapers everyday doing nothing important besides attending wedding, open house, school sports day and visiting new born babies in hospital.

How could she made herself appear in newspapers when she attend no important functions? How could the local dailies spam the public with rubbish news? The answer is simple, pay the reporters or write her own news then bribe the editors. She is so much addicted to fame that she insists people on addressing her as YB even though she has been replaced 4 years ago.

These are among the aspiring YBs for the coming election. If the people of Tawau still want the same brand of politicians, doing petty matters for them and allow Tawau to be left behind compared to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan in terms of development, then go ahead and pray that these people are returned and become YBs again. Otherwise, look beyond and look for someone new, not reconditioned politicians, to lead Tawau. Tawau could not take another 5 years to test out another politician with no vision and no passion for his people.

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Tawau Otentik Quarry - Only Tragedy Will It Stop

Kampung folks in Tanjung Batu, Tawau have been living in fear for years. Their pleas have never been taken into consideration. Numerous accidents at the quarry which resulted in death of innocent lives from the Otentik Quarry, but no order has ever been issued to stop the quarry from operating.

Otentik Quarry, which operates on a piece of forest reserve of the Kukusan Forest Reserve, is located at the centre of a very populated area of Tanjung Batu in Tawau. There are more than 200 families living at the foot of the mountain or nearby. The distance between the residential area and the quarry is less than 500 metres. The quarry is only a few kilometers away from Tawau town.

Besides having to tolerate with the danger of flying rocks from blasting, the people of Tanjung Batu also have to bear with the high density of dust and noise pollution. The operator went against all laws, disregards the impacts it brought to environment and worst, the danger they created to human lives living nearby.

Fearing for their safety, health and security, the residents have made many complaints to many authorities, local, state and even to the federal levels. A committee was also form to fight for their rights. Sadly, no one listens and no one takes any actions. Politicians approached only gave empty promises, which they are expert in.

To add salt to injury, in May 2003, the status of the 66-hectare Kukusan Forest Reserve has been re-classified from a Class I Protection Forest to a Class II Commercial Forest to enable revenue diversification through non-forest and multi-use forest development.

Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Lajim Ukin who tabled the Forests (Constitution of Forest Reserves and Amendment) (Amendment) Enactment 2003 said the State Government had to re-evaluate the reserve’s status from the geological, flora, fauna and bio-diversity aspects.

“Furthermore, the reserve has become a secondary forest reserve with low density of timber and in some places has been encroached upon by illegal squatter structures and planted with cash crops,” he said.

The changes will also enable the State Government to streamline the regulation of quarry activities for which a licence was issued in 1967.

“The licence and permission to quarry in the area was renewed every five years until 1997,” he said, adding that complications arose when the area was classified as Class I Protected Forest Reserve in 1984.

Therefore, the reclassification into a Commercial Forest and continuation of the quarry activities would benefit the Government as the licence fee gives the State Government RM84,000 as well as job opportunities to the locals.
Apart from that, it would provide for better control and update of the forest administration in terms of legislation and management.

However the minister failed to review the why the timber in a forest reserve would disappear? It is not difficult for him to inform the house of representatives that the quarry operator has illegally chopped and sold the logs to make way for their quarry activities. How could it be called a forest reserve when people could fell timber in broad day light?

The minister also did no review that tons of money have been sent to the Forestry Department and certain ministers in order for the quarry license to be renewed every year. Why not name these people who have benefited more than RM84,000, and not the state government?

He did not mention at all the hardship of the local people, not illegal squatters (since the Ops Nyiah has sent all the foreigners home), who have suffered for so many years because of the existent of the quarry. For RM84,000, the state government chose to sacrifice the welfare of the poor kampong folks.

You might ask why the state government is so insensitive? No, the Government, or rather the interested lots in the government, are actually sensitive, but they are sensitive towards their own interests and benefits.

By amending the law the interested lot ensure their ‘income’ is intact. The quarry is owned by a very wealthy businessman who had helped many politicians during their election campaigns. The quarry also gives free or at a discounted price for supply of stones to the ‘wakil rakyat’ for their rural road projects. These YBs then claimed from the government for full cost.

So it is not difficult to reason out why the so call ‘wakil rakyat’ never took care of the people’s welfare. They themselves are too busy taking care of their own pockets by denying the rights of the people whom they have deceived into voting for them during the general election. Not only that, to further safeguard their interests, they even pressured the various government agencies like the Department of Environment (DOE) and Environment Conservation Department (ECD) from taking any serious action. As such these government agencies are only capable of going after the small fish and letting the big fish at loose.

Such is the situation of how rotten and how corrupted those authorities who were supposed to safeguard the people’s interests and rights but instead help to making illegal fortune for those unscrupulous politicians. These are the people who have actually robbed the people of Sabah their rights, pride and dignity.

Friday, October 24, 2003

Lembaga Koko Malaysia Membunuh Bayi Kandungannya Sendiri

Tidak sampai dua mingggu daripada tarikh sebenar Fiesta Koko Malaysia yang julung-julung kali diadakan, satu satu penganjur utama, Lembaga Koko Malaysia (LKM), mengumumkan penarikan diri daripada acara tersebut. Sedangkan LKM adalah badan yang bertanggungjawab untuk mengkaji, menyelidik, mempromosi dan mengembangkan pasaran koko Malaysia ke serluruh dunia.

LKM meninggalkan dua rakan penganjur bersama, Majlis Perbandaran Tawau dan Teck Guan Group yang telah sama-sama menganjurkan acara tahunan tersebut sejak 8 tahun yang lalu. Ia bermula dengan Pesta Koko Tawau yang kemudiannya dinaikkan taraf ke Pesta Koko Sabah pada tahun lepas (2002) dan tahun ini diberi pengiktirafan menganjurkan Fiesta Koko Malaysia.

Namun, Ketua Pengarah Lembaga Koko Malaysia, Dr Azhar Ismail mengumumkan mereka telah membuat keputusan untuk menarik diri daripada terus menganjurkan acara tersebut kerana permintaan LKM supaya acara tersebut ditunda untuk menghormati bulan Ramadan ditolak oleh dua penganjur bersama yang lain.

Tindakan LKM adalah sama seperti menikan kedua rakan perjuangannya dari belakang. Ia juga menunjukkan rasa tidak tanggungjawab LKM dalam mengendalikan satu acara bertaraf kebangsaan. Ia juga sekaligus menampakkan kebudak-budakan LKM yang merajuk apabila permintaan mereka ditolak.

Akan tetapi, alasan LKM untuk menarik diri sekadar kerana untuk menghormati bulan adalah tidak munasabah. Lembaga Koko Malaysia sebagai salah satu penganjur cukup arif bahawa penentapan tarikh Fiesta Koko Malaysia pada tahun ini jatuh dalam bulan Ramadan. Tarikh tersebut telah ditetapkan pada tahun lepas dan telah dilapor dan dihebahkan melalui iklan pelbagai media sekian lama. Mustahil seorang Ketua Pengarah yang juga seorang Islam begitu alpa untuk menyedarinya pada saat terakhir sebelum acara tersebut dilangsung.

Yang anehnya juga, pada setiap tahun penglibatan LKM dalam penganjuran Pesta Koko ini adalah pada peringkat minimum sahaja. Kebanyakan masa mereka sekadar menghantar wakil untuk menghadiri mesyuarat dan tidak menyumbangkan apa-apa yang signifikan. Malah mereka juga begitu bijak mengelakkan tanggungjawab. Akan tetapi mereka tetap diberi penghormatan sebagai salah penganjur dan Ketua Pengarahnya diberi peluang berucap.

Oleh yang demikian penarikannya daripada barisan penganjur tidak memberikan kesan yang mendalam sebaliknya membuka mata masyarakat umum terhadap sikap mementingkan diri dan rasa tidak tanggungjawa LKM.

Adalah juga satu perkara yang menarik kerana tetamu kehormat pada majlis perasmian Fiesta Koko Malaysia pada tahun ini adalah Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Ahmadshah Abdullah tidak pula menolak jemputan jawatankuasa penganjur. Majlis Perbandaran Tawau (MPT) yang diketuai oleh Datuk Harith Hj M. Yahya tidak pernah mengurangkan sumbangan beliau ke arah kejayaan Fiesta Koko Malaysia yang diadakan di Tawau, Sabah.

Malah Presiden MPT mempersoalkan apakah Dr Azhar mengambil ikhtibar daripada pesanan Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad supaya umat Islam meningkatkan produktiviti pada bulan Ramadan supaya puasa kita lebih diberkati.


Jika Lembaga Koko Malaysia sebagai badan yang diberi amanat untuk memajukan industri koko Malaysia sanggup memboikot dan sabotaj terhadap Fista Koko Malaysia, tidak ada gunakan badan tersebut terus dipimpin oleh golongan yang berkepentingan diri, berpemikiran sempit dan bongkak. Sudah tiba masanya mereka ini diganti dan dipindahkan.

Thursday, October 23, 2003

How to Become a Datuk in Sabah

The state assembly agreed to increase the number of Datuks from 850 to 950 giving the new Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman, another opportunity to reward his supporters.

It is a known secret that Datukship in Sabah could be easily lobbied or bought through various channels and means. One could get the Chieft Minster to recommend for a datukship after offering certans favours. One could also get close to the Tuan Yang Terutama, state Governor, or his immediate families to be made a Datuk.

Take for instant those who have been awarded datukships, no one knows what these new datuks have contributed to the society. Lee Chuan Wan is the brother-in-law to the former Chief Minister. He has done nothing to the people of Sabah. He could not even contribute to his local community in Kota Kinabalu. Even his political position in Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as a vice president was pre-arranged by the brother-in-law who is also the party President, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat. Hours before last year's party election, delegates were given a 'menu' telling them who to vote and who not to. His name was on the top list.

So if you are a relative of those people in power, you will have a better chance to be called Datuk.

Liew Yun Fah (who name is far longer if all his 'bought over' titles were to be mentioned) has also done nothing to the community of Tawau. Being a businessman dealing with illegal logging. He has business interest with the sons of the then TYT. He also shamelessly, breaking all protocol to 'accompany' the TYT whenever he is in Tawau. He was said to have paid RM500,000 for his datukship. He has also previously paid for his doctor and Mejar titles. People in Tawau knows he is a crook and gangster. He does not even know the basic rule of communication, RESPECT. He has a brother-in-law whose name is equally long, Datuk Lajim. He is now aiming for Justice of Peace (JP) that's why he is following the new TYT.

The second rule, be thick skin, get your name longer to be different.

Thien Kok Poh is an Indonesian who hailed from Tarakan, East Kalimantan. His families are still staying in Tarakan. He is yet another timber businessman who earns his fortune by stealing timber in restricted areas including those in Indonesia. He too has done nothing for anybody except for his own pocket. He is also a big playboy who sleeps around with practically any pretty ladies in town. He was also one of those who rushed to do his blood test when one of his sleeping partners died of HIV. He also bought his datukship through the relationship of palace people. How he got his Malaysian citizenship is still a big question but yet he was awarded datukship.

Doesn't matter where you come from as long as you know how to manipulate your money to your advantage, you will be called a datuk.

YC Lau, who is in the centre of controversial between LDP and SAPP was awarded the datukship this year. It is clearly a reward from the former CM as a gratitude for carrying his balls. People in Kota Kinabalu knows well that he is one of those big thieves who teamed up with the KK Mayor to rob the people through the sky high parking fee.

Next tip, doesn't matter if you rob others but be sure to call others thieves and carry your boss' balls well.

There is another young datuk who is a well know timber thief which Datuk Chong vowed to get rid off. Did Datuk Chong success in doing so? No. Why? Simple, this timber thief, Elbert Lim, joined his party, LDP and became the division youth chief, made generous donation to the party and to the president personally. So he was cleared of any act of stealing timber in Benta Wawasan.

Doesn't matter what the public think about you as long as the leader 'knows' who you are.

Datuk? What datuk? Need the list to continue? No one will ever respect this 'money datuks'. In fact the people are embarrassed to have such people awarded the title of datuk. If Datuk Clearance Bongkos Malakun is sincere in preserving the status of Datuks, stop increasing the number of datuks but instead get rid of those money datuks.

The moral of the story, if you want to be embarrassed, laughed and ridiculed, buy yourself a datukship in Sabah.

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Malaysia Cocoa Board Killing its Own Baby

Just barely two weeks away from the first ever Malaysia Cocoa Fest, the body which is responsible to promote cocoa, Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), shocked everyone by pulling out from the team of organisers.

The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years. MCB was the one who initiated the Tawau Cocoa Fest, then Sabah Cocoa Fest and now Malaysia Cocoa Fest.

MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.

After listening to the excuse given by Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail, no one in their right mind would accept his childish and irresponsible excuse. It is similar to stepping the event from the back.

The dates were decided on long ago after the last cocoa fest which was held last year. It has also been publicised and promoted all over the nation and the whole world. Being a Muslim himself, Dr Azhar should have known it long enough that the dates fall on the holy month of Ramadan.

If he were to request for a different dates, why make it at the last minutes and not before everything was decided and started working on it? Why the last minute? It not for the reason of back stabbing and sabotage, why other motive could one think of?

If Dr Azhar remembers what our beloved Prime Minister has said before when he was asked about the complaint of Muslims about non-muslim eating at public places during fasting month. The PM said, Muslim should not blame others for not being able to perform their responsibilities during fasting month. One cannot just ban others from eating just because we are fasting. If our faith is not truely tested then the fasting itself carries less meaning.

For whatever reasons or excuses that the MCB may come out with, they could not stop the public from assuming that the MCB is irresponsible, selfish and arrogant.

Nevertheless, without MCB the event will be even more successful. The reason is that MCB has been very incooperative all these years. They involvement in the organisation of the event has been very minimum. Some of the top level officials were only know how to talk and complain without knowing what they are talking and complaining.

I think the government should review all the dead wood in MCB and get them retired earlier before the rod the whole board.

Malaysia Cocoa Fest: MCB withdraws

Daily Express

Tawau: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has pulled out from the organising committee of the Malaysian Cocoa Festival to be held here from Nov 7 to 11.

The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years.

MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.

“The board suggested a new date for the Malaysian Cocoa Festival as the present one falls during the month of Ramadan. But unfortunately, our appeal was not granted.

“So for this year, MCB will not be part of the organising committee of the festival,” he said when met at a workshop on ways to protect cocoa crops, here.

Plea on Datukships

Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu: DEPUTY Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin said the various State BN components should refrain from nominating too many candidates to receive the Datukship title.

“Even in Kuala Lumpur, not all of the (peninsula-based) BN component parties get their share of the Datukship title every year,” he said at the Assembly, Monday.

“So, I am asking that leaders of the (various State) BN component parties not to request the government for the distribution of the Datukship every year.

“If we can do this in Sabah, the conferment of the title would be reduced,” he said.

He said this in response to Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun’s (Upko-Moyog) proposal that the Datukship be limited to between 20 and 30 a year.

The Assembly on Monday agreed to increase the number of Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu (Second Grade), which carries the title “Datuk” from the present 850 to 950.

An amendment to provide for 100 more such awards was made to subsection (2) of section 4 of the State Honours Enactment 1963.

Lajim, who is also Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, said the increase was necessitated by the growing number of eligible persons to be conferred with the Order every year.

“To show appreciation and acknowledgement to those who have given excellent services, it is only appropriate for the State Government to confer them with honours and medals.

“But the government is confident that with the conferment of the title, it would encourage them to continue contributing their services to the State and nation,” said Lajim.

Malakun, however, said if too many Datukships were conferred, it would eventually lose its social value.

“My suggestion is that only those really eligible be conferred,” he said, adding even foreign doctors had conferred through their connection with VIPs.

“I fully support the Enactment but the Government should exercise restraint from exhausting the quota in a short time,” he said.

He also proposed that a super first class Datukship entitled ‘Datuk Seri Perdana Kinabalu (DSPK)’ be created for the Chief Minister, ex-Chief Ministers, top Federal leaders including Heads of Government and foreign heads of government.

Apart from that, he said a Third Grade Datuk - Datuk Gemilang Kerajaan Sabah should be created particularly for those in the sports sector, entertainment industry and business sector.

Lajim, meanwhile, said the Government had no intention to add more titles to the existing ones. “The present Datukships are sufficient to be conferred to the eligible recipients.”

On Malakun’s proposal to set up the Sabah Datuk Association, Lajim said the Government was not committed to the idea.

He said it would be up to those eager to form the association if they thought it would bring benefit to all the present Datuks.

Sunday, October 12, 2003

Sabah Security

People in Sabah are once again shocked when aremed men robbed Borneo Paradise Eco Farm and Resort on 5th October 2003. Ten armed pirates stormed the riverside resort on Sunday night and forced six foreign workers on to a boat and fled into the darkness. A manhunt for both the pirates and hostages is still on.

To some people what happened last Sunday does not come as a surprise. First, Sabah water is wide to be guarded by any security forces. People can come in at any time from any of the long stretch of sea shore from Tawau to Menumbuk. There shall never be enough policemen or army to be on guard.

Second, security forces put on the Islands of Sabah are mostly 'holiday'. These people were stationed there after the two kidnap cases involving muslim terrorists from Southern Philippines. The Defence Ministery and Dato' Najib Tun Razak were under strong criticism from the public.

True that the Minister made numerous promises and assurance that Sabah waters are safe. Everyone knows that it was for his political survival. If one were to visit any of the island it is not difficult to find out that these people are just enjoying their holiday on the beautiful island. They are more insterested in disturbing girls then to study the security of the surrounding area.

There are also the Marine Police on duty along the costal line. But they are equally useless. It is an open secret that these Marine Police are only capable of threatening the Malaysian fishermen and shipping companies where their ships and barges travel along Sabah coasts. They are the real sea pirates who are highly corrupted. They also team up with Sabah Port Authorities and custom to rob off the hard earn money of the poor fishermen.

We are certain that Borneo Paradise will not be the last target. Balung Fishing Resort could be the next target. If the security forces are just paying lips service then even people on land are to worry of their safety. Sabah will just turn back into the 80s where day light robberies were so rampant.

If anyone is serious of solving these problems, the first step to do is to sack all the corrupted lots. Or else you can go on talking for hours and making tonnes of promises but nothing will be done.

Friday, October 03, 2003

Anti-Rotation Campaign

It was reported that an action group in Kota Kinabalu, Badan Bertindak Belia Pencinta Nusa Malaysia (Cintanusa), on Thursday launched a campaign calling for an end to the rotation system of the Sabah Chief Minister's post.

Wearing a white arm band, bearing the words "No To Rotation", Cintanusa chairman Zulkarnain Mahdar told a news conference here that they had already identified action plans to achieve their objective -- to have the system scrapped after the next Sabah State elections.

He said they would submit a memorandum to the State and national Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership, conduct a referendum among the people and establish a lobby group "to pressure the State BN to sit and discuss the issue."

If all measures failed, Zulkarnain said, members of the group "may have to consider" contesting the upcoming Sabah State elections as a last resort to express their displeasure about the system.

"Now that the political situation in the State has stabilised, the system has achieved its purpose and should now be scrapped," he said.

Zulkarnain said the system barely gave enough time for a Chief Minister to implement his plans and that each time a new Chief Minister was appointed, a new set of priorities would come about.

The system was implemented in Sabah when the BN took over the State Government in 1994 to give leaders of the three major communities in the State -- the Muslim Bumiputera, the Chinese and the non-Muslim Bumiputera -- an opportunity to head the State Government for a two-year term each.

The system underwent slight modifications in 2001 with a leader from Umno taking over the post each time the term of either the Chinese or non-Muslim Bumiputera ended.

Zulkarnain claimed that they had been campaigning for the scrapping of the system since 2001 but had only been partially successful "because it has only seen a slight modification but the system remains in effect".


This is yet another time wasting politicking in Sabah. Sabah governments under so many Chief Ministers failed to bring notable progress and development to the state was due to the fact that there was too much time spent on rubbish politicking.

When the person in power fogets his core business and let himself (or willingly allowed) to be dragged into the rotation issue then he will never have the time to attend to more serious business concerning the people at large. He, the CM has to remember that he is answerable to his people and not just a few politicians seeking for cheap political mileage.

If any CM could make a difference then Datuk Musa Aman should be the one. Let see how he is going to react to this.

Thursday, October 02, 2003

MPT - The Troubled Tawau Municipal Council

The MPT (Majlis Perbandaran Tawau) or Tawau Municipal Council President, Datuk Harith was heated up once again during the recent council meeting.

He was disappointed with the irresponsible attitude of his enforcement officers. One open air karaoke was operated on top of a chicken rice restaurant till the wee hours but no action taken. Illegals found to be hawkers in the General Market were caught by the Council Secretary and later handed over to the enforcement officers to be brought to the immigration for deportation. But there were released because the immigration claimed that no police reports were made prior to handling over of the illegals to them.

There were many examples of the poor service provided by the MPT enforcement officers and the lack of co-operation among government agencies. It has been happening for many-many years. In fact too long for anyone to remember as it has become part of the MPT culture which everyone is so familiar of.

Therefore it is not surprising to find the President showing his temper. The previous president, Datuk Hamzah Amir just kept quiet until he was quietly replaced.

Anyone could shout, cry or even scream but there will never be any changes in MPT unless those bunch of lazy, irresponsible and blood sucking staffs are sacked and replaced.

When the President failed to carry out his duty he is transferred. But when the staff are incapable, no one was transferred. Even the President could not transfer them away. All he could say was, if you are not capable just pack and go. But who will given the fact that they can sit and receive their monthly salary.

Corruption is obvious among the staff. Big croc would bite off a big piece from the contractor. A small clerk would ask for monetary favour when contractors see them for their payment collection.

There are also engineers who teamed up with contractor to monopolise the MPT projects. Just check out who is the owners and their connection to MPT engineer for the renovation of MPT building after the fire. And who erected the useless spot lights along Jalan Kuhara.

Look at the grass along the roads and it won't take long for you to realise that they are only being cut once or twice a year. But alas, how many times the claims were made?

Rubbish collection has been privatised. But who is satisfied with it? Don't expect 100%, not even 30% are happy with the service. Every time the rubbish truck arrives, it only dirty the road instead of cleaning up the rubbish.

The list will go on and on. The reports will keep pouring in the news papers. Everyone is just waiting for a real action to be taken.

So, it is about time to stop the scolding and shouting, Datuk President. Get the culprits out from MPT for good. Then you will see your team improve and the people will surely back you up. Or else, just be like Datuk Hamzah, keep quiet and wait till you are quietly transferred.