Information from reliable source saying that seats allocation for BN Sabah is as follow
State - 60
UMNO - 33
PBS - 13
UPKO - 6
SAPP - 4
LDP - 3
PBRS - 1
Parliament - 25
UMNO - 13
UPKO - 4
PBS - 3
SAPP - 2
LDP - 1
PBRS - 1
MCA - 1
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Conduct Background Check Of Potential Candidates
The Barisan Nasional (BN) headquarters should conduct a background check on potential candidates to ensure that they are not bankrupt, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
He said the BN headquarters could do so after getting the permission of the respective component party presidents. Since the potential candidates would only be known at the last minute, the background check could be done two days before nominations, he told reporters here Saturday. Dr Rais said he had asked the Director-General of Insolvency Department to give full cooperation to the BN headquarters since a bankrupt could not stand for election.
He said a person could not be declared a bankrupt if his case was still pending in court. Similarly, he said a person could be a bankrupt in the past but not anymore. "Until he has a document proving so, his status will remain doubtful. As such, he must get the release letter," he said. Dr Rais said a potential candidate who was under investigation for alleged corruption was not barred from contesting under the Election Offences Act 1954.
The minister has done his part in cautioning the party presidents. However he left out more to say on the actual background of a candidate. There are other factors too to be considered and given a clean bill before one is made a candidate.
1. Educational background, ability and experience
2. Career background, performance and commitments
3. Social background, contribution and sensitivity
4. Political background
5. Health background
It is very common for parties to call for support of the party instead of the individual candidate. This normally happens when the candidate put forward is not suitable, weak or was chosen without a good reason.
True, as a party, it could serve the people better. But it is the individual candidate who is going to serve his or her constituency. It has been proven that when an unsuitable candidate is chosen and even if he is elected the people could not hope much out of him. A party will be weak if they are represented by poor members.
Barisan Nasional, knowing well that it will surely win, should not push for incapable and incompetent candidates. It is undemocratic as the voters were left with no choice. Then BN spirit only works for BN component parties, not for the rakyat during general election.
The people are free to vote. Individual will come first before the party.
He said the BN headquarters could do so after getting the permission of the respective component party presidents. Since the potential candidates would only be known at the last minute, the background check could be done two days before nominations, he told reporters here Saturday. Dr Rais said he had asked the Director-General of Insolvency Department to give full cooperation to the BN headquarters since a bankrupt could not stand for election.
He said a person could not be declared a bankrupt if his case was still pending in court. Similarly, he said a person could be a bankrupt in the past but not anymore. "Until he has a document proving so, his status will remain doubtful. As such, he must get the release letter," he said. Dr Rais said a potential candidate who was under investigation for alleged corruption was not barred from contesting under the Election Offences Act 1954.
The minister has done his part in cautioning the party presidents. However he left out more to say on the actual background of a candidate. There are other factors too to be considered and given a clean bill before one is made a candidate.
1. Educational background, ability and experience
2. Career background, performance and commitments
3. Social background, contribution and sensitivity
4. Political background
5. Health background
It is very common for parties to call for support of the party instead of the individual candidate. This normally happens when the candidate put forward is not suitable, weak or was chosen without a good reason.
True, as a party, it could serve the people better. But it is the individual candidate who is going to serve his or her constituency. It has been proven that when an unsuitable candidate is chosen and even if he is elected the people could not hope much out of him. A party will be weak if they are represented by poor members.
Barisan Nasional, knowing well that it will surely win, should not push for incapable and incompetent candidates. It is undemocratic as the voters were left with no choice. Then BN spirit only works for BN component parties, not for the rakyat during general election.
The people are free to vote. Individual will come first before the party.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Naomi Chong - Brings More Shame Than Fame
Feeling lonely and uneasy with the election fast approaching, Senator Naomi Chong, LDP Wanita Head and sister of Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, finally open her mouth.
She described the rape case involving a 13-year-old mute pupil as a despicable act by a person entrusted to teach and look after these special children but who turned out to be a beast. “It is a case of the Malay proverb, Harap pagar, pagar makan padi” she said in a statement.
Naomi was never heard of her contributions. She is not capable either. However she was made the party's Wanita Head and later a senator. The only reason one could think of for her selection was being the sister of party President, Chong Kah Kiat.
She is always seen as an arrogant, bossy, proud and ridiculous woman. She forces her way through in her organisations. On many occasions, her brother's name was brought in to demand co-operation. She could not get along with her own wanita members, let alone the people in the state.
By making one or two statements, which were literally unsignificant, she thought she could pass up her political homework. Talk without actions is all she is capable of.
The two positions which Naomi holds now, LDP Wanita Head and a Senator, only prove beyond doubts that Chong Kah Kiah practices cronism and favouritism more than any other leaders.
We just wonder why do we, the Sabahans, need such rubbish in Sabah politics.
She described the rape case involving a 13-year-old mute pupil as a despicable act by a person entrusted to teach and look after these special children but who turned out to be a beast. “It is a case of the Malay proverb, Harap pagar, pagar makan padi” she said in a statement.
Naomi was never heard of her contributions. She is not capable either. However she was made the party's Wanita Head and later a senator. The only reason one could think of for her selection was being the sister of party President, Chong Kah Kiat.
She is always seen as an arrogant, bossy, proud and ridiculous woman. She forces her way through in her organisations. On many occasions, her brother's name was brought in to demand co-operation. She could not get along with her own wanita members, let alone the people in the state.
By making one or two statements, which were literally unsignificant, she thought she could pass up her political homework. Talk without actions is all she is capable of.
The two positions which Naomi holds now, LDP Wanita Head and a Senator, only prove beyond doubts that Chong Kah Kiah practices cronism and favouritism more than any other leaders.
We just wonder why do we, the Sabahans, need such rubbish in Sabah politics.
Fire! Tawau!! Again!!!
According to Bernama, some 100 squatter houses on a 12ha piece of land in Kampung Tanjung Batu Laut, Tawau were destroyed in a fire which started at about 8pm.
Tawau Municipal Council Deputy President Ismail Mayakob, who was at the scene, said as at 11pm, the Fire and Rescue Department was still trying to extinguish the flames.
He said the firemen were facing problems trying to fight the fire because of the huge area involved, the close proximity of the wooden houses and low water pressure.
Ismail said firemen were also hindered by residents who were running to and fro trying to rescue their belongings from the blaze.
The cause of the fire and casualties have yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, Bernama stringer Ismail Lamo reports that some residents were seen tearing down houses to prevent the fire from spreading.
Tawau Municipal Council Deputy President Ismail Mayakob, who was at the scene, said as at 11pm, the Fire and Rescue Department was still trying to extinguish the flames.
He said the firemen were facing problems trying to fight the fire because of the huge area involved, the close proximity of the wooden houses and low water pressure.
Ismail said firemen were also hindered by residents who were running to and fro trying to rescue their belongings from the blaze.
The cause of the fire and casualties have yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, Bernama stringer Ismail Lamo reports that some residents were seen tearing down houses to prevent the fire from spreading.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Fire! Fire! Fire! Tawau Never Learn Her Lesson
There are just too many cases of fire in Tawau. Fire does not involve illegal squatters but factory, shops and even exclusive club. One just wonders if people in Tawau ever learn their lesson.
Wake up folks in Tawau before it is too late.
110 made homeless in Tawau
Tawau. 17 February, 2004
Some 110 people lost their homes after fire destroyed 20 units of workers’ quarters and a neighbouring house, here, Sunday night. District Fire and Rescue Department Operations Chief, Johnny Oyong, said the blaze occurred at Mile 4 1/2, Jalan Apas.
Firemen managed to bring the flames under control at 11.10pm and put the fire out completely at 4.22am.
Man dies in Tawau blaze
11 November, 2003
A 50-year-old who lived alone in a wooden house was killed when his dwelling in Kampung Pukat, Tanjung Batu Laut, was gutted by fire Sunday night. However, firemen managed to save several other houses, which were situated close to each other in the village.
Houses in Tawau razed
18 October, 2003
Five wooden houses in Kampung Jawa, Jalan Sentosa, here were razed by fire on Friday.
It was learnt that the fire originated from the roof of one of the houses and spread quickly to the others.
Tawau coffeeshop destroyed by fire
09 October, 2003
A coffeeshop was partially destroyed by fire, believed to have been sparked by leaking cooking gas. The fire broke out at 8.45am inside the Chang Hang Coffee Shop, located at Mile 2, Jalan Sin Onn.
Tawau fire leaves 100 families homeless
03 October, 2003
About 100 families at a squatter settlement in Tawau Lama here were made homeless when fire flattened 50 houses on Thursday night.
Tawau Yacht Club goes up in flame
16 August, 2003
100 made homeless in Tawau fire
10 April, 2003
A block of eight ‘kongsi’ houses belonging to Public Works Department (PWD) workers and six squatter houses were destroyed in a fire here early Wednesday.
Over 100 people were left homeless by the fire, said to have started from one of the squatter houses shortly after 8am. However, no loss of life was reported.
Two factories destroyed in Tawau blaze
19 January, 2003
A late afternoon fire destroyed a building housing two factories causing an estimated RM1.3 million loss at the Sedco industrial area, Mile 3, Jalan Apas, here Saturday.
Two fire engines with more than 10 personnel from the District Fire and Rescue Services Department were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 3.30pm but they could only prevent the fire from spreading to nearby factories.
Wake up folks in Tawau before it is too late.
110 made homeless in Tawau
Tawau. 17 February, 2004
Some 110 people lost their homes after fire destroyed 20 units of workers’ quarters and a neighbouring house, here, Sunday night. District Fire and Rescue Department Operations Chief, Johnny Oyong, said the blaze occurred at Mile 4 1/2, Jalan Apas.
Firemen managed to bring the flames under control at 11.10pm and put the fire out completely at 4.22am.
Man dies in Tawau blaze
11 November, 2003
A 50-year-old who lived alone in a wooden house was killed when his dwelling in Kampung Pukat, Tanjung Batu Laut, was gutted by fire Sunday night. However, firemen managed to save several other houses, which were situated close to each other in the village.
Houses in Tawau razed
18 October, 2003
Five wooden houses in Kampung Jawa, Jalan Sentosa, here were razed by fire on Friday.
It was learnt that the fire originated from the roof of one of the houses and spread quickly to the others.
Tawau coffeeshop destroyed by fire
09 October, 2003
A coffeeshop was partially destroyed by fire, believed to have been sparked by leaking cooking gas. The fire broke out at 8.45am inside the Chang Hang Coffee Shop, located at Mile 2, Jalan Sin Onn.
Tawau fire leaves 100 families homeless
03 October, 2003
About 100 families at a squatter settlement in Tawau Lama here were made homeless when fire flattened 50 houses on Thursday night.
Tawau Yacht Club goes up in flame
16 August, 2003
100 made homeless in Tawau fire
10 April, 2003
A block of eight ‘kongsi’ houses belonging to Public Works Department (PWD) workers and six squatter houses were destroyed in a fire here early Wednesday.
Over 100 people were left homeless by the fire, said to have started from one of the squatter houses shortly after 8am. However, no loss of life was reported.
Two factories destroyed in Tawau blaze
19 January, 2003
A late afternoon fire destroyed a building housing two factories causing an estimated RM1.3 million loss at the Sedco industrial area, Mile 3, Jalan Apas, here Saturday.
Two fire engines with more than 10 personnel from the District Fire and Rescue Services Department were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 3.30pm but they could only prevent the fire from spreading to nearby factories.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Closed But Not Over
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the proposal to set up the Police Commission when opening a conference for senior police officers on Dec 29 last year.
The members of the commission was name on 4th February 2004. The commission will study and recommend measures to be taken to make the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) a credible peacekeeping and law enforcement force in the 21st century.
While the public welcome the commission which would help to bring back integerity for the police, some were still practising the old tricks. More confusions have been created when the police announce the murder of Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar, closed.
On 11 February 2004 Sabah Assistant Minister of Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar was found dead in room 208 of Hotel Shangrila at Bandaran Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu, .
Kota Kinabalu City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamad said Norjan, 52, a nominated assemblywoman and Papar Wanita Umno Chief, was found lying fully clad on the floor by her bedside at the hotel room at about 9am.
There were injuries on Norjan's neck and face but police were still investigating whether the injuries had caused her death. There were small stab wounds but the police was not certain how many stabs.
The police had ruled out robbery as there were no sign of her valuables missing and her hand bag was still intact. He said investigations showed that there was no forced entry into the hotel room which is on the second floor of the hotel.
Initial investigations also revealed that there were bloodstains on her bed as well as on her face but the overall condition of the room, which was registered under her name, was tidy.
The police said investigation would cover all aspects including jealousy as the motive.
Norjan checked in at the hotel at about 7.30pm Tuesday along with two woman-aides who took a room next door.
Less than 48 hours after the murder, the police said they have arrested the prime suspect, Shamsudin Bistami, a Bugis illegal immigrant going by the false identity of Azman Bakar @ Loying. He was arrested at a kampung house along Mile 2, off Jalan Apas in Tawau.
He was said to have admitted committing the crime by using an ice pick. Police also recovered some valuables, a wrist watch, RM1,450 and two mobile phones, of which one was believed belonged to Norjan, from the 27-year-old.
The police reclassified as robbery-cum-murder.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had, at 4.13am Wednesday, sent a pot of milk to Norjan’s room on her request. Some minutes later he again went to the room to return RM2 change and a pot of hot water.
Police believed it was at that time that Shamsudin attacked Norjan with a sharp metal weapon, similar to an ice pick, and stabbed her several times on her face. Police, however, have yet to find the murder weapon.
After going off duty at 7am, the suspect was believed to have gone to the hotel’s staff living quarters before proceeding to check into a hotel in the city at around 8am where he stayed till the next day.
From there, he went to Tuaran at around 5pm where he checked into another hotel, staying until noon Thursday, before paying a private taxi RM500 to take him to Tawau where he arrived at around 8.30pm the same day.
Police believed that Shamsudin was preparing to flee to Indonesia, using his relative’s home, as a halfway house.
The case might be considered closed by the police, but not for the public. They have the following questions to ask:
1. Why did Norjan checked in to a hotel which is only a few kilometers away from her house?
2. Why Norjan has to leave her aide in order to entertain a Pakistani man who was having problem with his identity card, at almost mid night, and in her room?
3. Why Police initially ruled out robbery and denied any lost of valuable but re-classified it within 24 hours?
4. Why did the Police first mentioned it was due to jealousy and revenge as the motive but denied it later on?
5. What were the hidden stories that made the police to conclude that they believe Norjan was not robbed but was murdered because of jealousy and revenge?
6. Why would a murderer take such a long time before fleeing for Indonesia?
7. If there were no lost of valuables from Norjan when her body was first discovered, how did the cash, handphone and other belongings found their way to the prime suspect?
8. Has the police police actually revealed the whole truth?
The Police Commission must as well take the murder case of Norjan as a start and study how the Sabah changed their findings overnight.
The members of the commission was name on 4th February 2004. The commission will study and recommend measures to be taken to make the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) a credible peacekeeping and law enforcement force in the 21st century.
While the public welcome the commission which would help to bring back integerity for the police, some were still practising the old tricks. More confusions have been created when the police announce the murder of Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar, closed.
On 11 February 2004 Sabah Assistant Minister of Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar was found dead in room 208 of Hotel Shangrila at Bandaran Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu, .
Kota Kinabalu City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamad said Norjan, 52, a nominated assemblywoman and Papar Wanita Umno Chief, was found lying fully clad on the floor by her bedside at the hotel room at about 9am.
There were injuries on Norjan's neck and face but police were still investigating whether the injuries had caused her death. There were small stab wounds but the police was not certain how many stabs.
The police had ruled out robbery as there were no sign of her valuables missing and her hand bag was still intact. He said investigations showed that there was no forced entry into the hotel room which is on the second floor of the hotel.
Initial investigations also revealed that there were bloodstains on her bed as well as on her face but the overall condition of the room, which was registered under her name, was tidy.
The police said investigation would cover all aspects including jealousy as the motive.
Norjan checked in at the hotel at about 7.30pm Tuesday along with two woman-aides who took a room next door.
Less than 48 hours after the murder, the police said they have arrested the prime suspect, Shamsudin Bistami, a Bugis illegal immigrant going by the false identity of Azman Bakar @ Loying. He was arrested at a kampung house along Mile 2, off Jalan Apas in Tawau.
He was said to have admitted committing the crime by using an ice pick. Police also recovered some valuables, a wrist watch, RM1,450 and two mobile phones, of which one was believed belonged to Norjan, from the 27-year-old.
The police reclassified as robbery-cum-murder.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had, at 4.13am Wednesday, sent a pot of milk to Norjan’s room on her request. Some minutes later he again went to the room to return RM2 change and a pot of hot water.
Police believed it was at that time that Shamsudin attacked Norjan with a sharp metal weapon, similar to an ice pick, and stabbed her several times on her face. Police, however, have yet to find the murder weapon.
After going off duty at 7am, the suspect was believed to have gone to the hotel’s staff living quarters before proceeding to check into a hotel in the city at around 8am where he stayed till the next day.
From there, he went to Tuaran at around 5pm where he checked into another hotel, staying until noon Thursday, before paying a private taxi RM500 to take him to Tawau where he arrived at around 8.30pm the same day.
Police believed that Shamsudin was preparing to flee to Indonesia, using his relative’s home, as a halfway house.
The case might be considered closed by the police, but not for the public. They have the following questions to ask:
1. Why did Norjan checked in to a hotel which is only a few kilometers away from her house?
2. Why Norjan has to leave her aide in order to entertain a Pakistani man who was having problem with his identity card, at almost mid night, and in her room?
3. Why Police initially ruled out robbery and denied any lost of valuable but re-classified it within 24 hours?
4. Why did the Police first mentioned it was due to jealousy and revenge as the motive but denied it later on?
5. What were the hidden stories that made the police to conclude that they believe Norjan was not robbed but was murdered because of jealousy and revenge?
6. Why would a murderer take such a long time before fleeing for Indonesia?
7. If there were no lost of valuables from Norjan when her body was first discovered, how did the cash, handphone and other belongings found their way to the prime suspect?
8. Has the police police actually revealed the whole truth?
The Police Commission must as well take the murder case of Norjan as a start and study how the Sabah changed their findings overnight.
Chong Kah Kiat Vs Wong Phin Chung
Something is very interesting happening in Kudat. Election fever seems to be the hottest in Kudat, a seat currently held by LDP President, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat.
Kudat was previously a state seat. However, after the new delineation of parliamentary boundary, the state seat has became Tanjung Kapor. Kudat is now a parliamentary seat consists of Banggi, Tanjung Kapur and Pitas.
Chong Kah Kiat has been the target of numerous poison pen letter attacks, which LDP supporters believe was distributed by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) lead by Datuk Yong Teck Lee. Both Yong and Chong were former Chief Ministers of Sabah in the rotation system.
Chong was also by other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties namely UMNO. Some were not happy that Chong played an important role in bringing back PBS into BN which in one way or another reduce the chances of aspiring candidates in other component parties. Chong has been very quiet initially but finally broke his silence and defended himself. He also urged his party members to help protect his integrity.
Recently the Chinese Chamber of Commerce leader, Datuk Sari Tan started a signature campaign for Yong Teck Lee to seek the pardon of Yang Dipertua Agong. Yong was removed from both parliament and state assembly after been found guilty of election offences. The signature campaign claims that Sabah needs a real Chinese leader like to Yong to safeguard their interests. Chong, meanwhile, warned his party members not to take part in the signature campaign or face disciplinary actions.
The signature campaign, however, received good response from the Chinese community through out the state. Kudat Hakka leader and former polical enemy of Chong Kah Kiat, Datuk Whong Phin Chung also came out to support. Wong has been missing from the polical seen for quite a while after quiting PBS. Wong was once Yong's rival in PBS, fighting for the number one Chinese post in the party.
Wong's reason for coming out in support of the signature campaign was answered a few days later. He announced that he would contest in the coming election as an independant candidate against Chong.
Datuk Yong, had, during a gathering in Kudat told his party supporters to vote for their favourite candidate. Although he did not explain further but it is not easy to understand as not supporting Chong Kah Kiat. Now that Datuk Wong has made his stand, Yong's statement could mean asking his party members to support Datuk Wong Phin Chung.
After being cornered, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat has no choice but to make his comment on Wong's intention. Chong said he welcome Wong to contest in Tanjung Kapor, siting this is a democratic country, anyone could become a candidate.
Should the Chong-Wong battle become a reality, it would be very interesting. Facing each other in election for both men is not new. They have met in 1985, 1986 and 1990 but for all three elections, Chong lost to Wong.
Wong was only defeated in 1994 when Chong gave way to Datuk Kong Hon Ming. However, Kong, who won the first ever LDP state seat, betrayed Chong and Challenged Chong for the party president post. Kong lost and later quit the party. Kong has since then became a bashing dog in LDP party congress every year.
During the 1999 election, Chong stood as a candidate in Kudat against Kong and won. His victory came mainly from the non-Chinese voters. Chong was even quoted as saying he could win without the support of Chinese. Such words have offended the Chinese, and they still remember.
Should Chong and Wong meet again in the coming state election, Chong is expected to fight an uphill battle. First, Chong has never defeated Wong for the last three encounters. Second, Kong Hon Ming, might also stand as an independent to seek revenge from Chong if he is not nominated by the BN. Kong is now with PBS. And fourthly, Chong is not well like by the Chinese. The numerous scandals, Kota Kinabalu Car Park, Tambalang race course, Chinese School Land Application and many more surrounding Chong could also spell trouble for Chong.
1985
Chong Kah Kiat (BERJAYA– BN) - 2,366
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 3,364
1986
Chong Kah Kiat (BERJAYA - BN) - 3,489
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 4,380
1990
Chong Kah Kiat (LDP) - 4,043
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 4,667
1994
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 5,197
Kong Hong Ming (LDP – BN) - 5,476
1999
Chong Kah Kiat (LDP – BN) - 6,935
Kong Hong Ming (PBS) - 5,447
Kudat was previously a state seat. However, after the new delineation of parliamentary boundary, the state seat has became Tanjung Kapor. Kudat is now a parliamentary seat consists of Banggi, Tanjung Kapur and Pitas.
Chong Kah Kiat has been the target of numerous poison pen letter attacks, which LDP supporters believe was distributed by SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) lead by Datuk Yong Teck Lee. Both Yong and Chong were former Chief Ministers of Sabah in the rotation system.
Chong was also by other Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties namely UMNO. Some were not happy that Chong played an important role in bringing back PBS into BN which in one way or another reduce the chances of aspiring candidates in other component parties. Chong has been very quiet initially but finally broke his silence and defended himself. He also urged his party members to help protect his integrity.
Recently the Chinese Chamber of Commerce leader, Datuk Sari Tan started a signature campaign for Yong Teck Lee to seek the pardon of Yang Dipertua Agong. Yong was removed from both parliament and state assembly after been found guilty of election offences. The signature campaign claims that Sabah needs a real Chinese leader like to Yong to safeguard their interests. Chong, meanwhile, warned his party members not to take part in the signature campaign or face disciplinary actions.
The signature campaign, however, received good response from the Chinese community through out the state. Kudat Hakka leader and former polical enemy of Chong Kah Kiat, Datuk Whong Phin Chung also came out to support. Wong has been missing from the polical seen for quite a while after quiting PBS. Wong was once Yong's rival in PBS, fighting for the number one Chinese post in the party.
Wong's reason for coming out in support of the signature campaign was answered a few days later. He announced that he would contest in the coming election as an independant candidate against Chong.
Datuk Yong, had, during a gathering in Kudat told his party supporters to vote for their favourite candidate. Although he did not explain further but it is not easy to understand as not supporting Chong Kah Kiat. Now that Datuk Wong has made his stand, Yong's statement could mean asking his party members to support Datuk Wong Phin Chung.
After being cornered, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat has no choice but to make his comment on Wong's intention. Chong said he welcome Wong to contest in Tanjung Kapor, siting this is a democratic country, anyone could become a candidate.
Should the Chong-Wong battle become a reality, it would be very interesting. Facing each other in election for both men is not new. They have met in 1985, 1986 and 1990 but for all three elections, Chong lost to Wong.
Wong was only defeated in 1994 when Chong gave way to Datuk Kong Hon Ming. However, Kong, who won the first ever LDP state seat, betrayed Chong and Challenged Chong for the party president post. Kong lost and later quit the party. Kong has since then became a bashing dog in LDP party congress every year.
During the 1999 election, Chong stood as a candidate in Kudat against Kong and won. His victory came mainly from the non-Chinese voters. Chong was even quoted as saying he could win without the support of Chinese. Such words have offended the Chinese, and they still remember.
Should Chong and Wong meet again in the coming state election, Chong is expected to fight an uphill battle. First, Chong has never defeated Wong for the last three encounters. Second, Kong Hon Ming, might also stand as an independent to seek revenge from Chong if he is not nominated by the BN. Kong is now with PBS. And fourthly, Chong is not well like by the Chinese. The numerous scandals, Kota Kinabalu Car Park, Tambalang race course, Chinese School Land Application and many more surrounding Chong could also spell trouble for Chong.
1985
Chong Kah Kiat (BERJAYA– BN) - 2,366
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 3,364
1986
Chong Kah Kiat (BERJAYA - BN) - 3,489
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 4,380
1990
Chong Kah Kiat (LDP) - 4,043
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 4,667
1994
Wong Phin Chung (PBS) - 5,197
Kong Hong Ming (LDP – BN) - 5,476
1999
Chong Kah Kiat (LDP – BN) - 6,935
Kong Hong Ming (PBS) - 5,447
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Real Man Fake Identy
According the the police the murder case of Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Assistant Minister Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar, in Room 208, Shangrila Hotel Kota Kinabalu, at Bandaran Berjaya, on 11-2-2004 has been solved.
The prime suspect, Shamsudin Bistami, a Bugis illegal immigrant going by the false identity of Azman Bakar @ Loying, was arrested at a kampung house along Mile 2, off Jalan Apas in Tawau, the following night.
He is an ex-convict, having served a four-year jail term here after being found guilty in 1999 for second-degree murder Section 304 of the Penal Code. He was deported to Indonesia after serving sentence, but managed to secure a Malaysian Identity Card and returned to Sabah last year, working as a waiter at the hotel’s coffee house for eight months prior to the incident.
He was said to have admitted committing the crime by using an ice pick. Police also recovered some valuables, a wrist watch, RM1,450 and two mobile phones, of which one was believed belonged to Norjan, from the 27-year-old.
The police reclassified as robbery-cum-murder.
The Tawau Magistrate’s Court granted a police application to remand the suspect until Feb 19. He has been flown to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau for follow-up action. Shamsudin was picked up at a relative’s house in Tawau by a police party led by State CID chief SAC II Mohd Bakri Zinin, at about 11.30pm 12-2-2004 night.
They also found an IC in his possession, bearing the name Azman Bakar @ Loying, which was later confirmed to be fake.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had, at 4.13am Wednesday, sent a pot of milk to Norjan’s room on her request. Some minutes later he again went to the room to return RM2 change and a pot of hot water.
Police believed it was at that time that Shamsudin attacked Norjan with a sharp metal weapon, similar to an ice pick, and stabbed her several times on her face. Police, however, have yet to find the murder weapon.
Norjan’s body was found lying on the floor at a room in the hotel on the second floor with stab wounds on her face and neck at 9am.
After going off duty at 7am, the suspect was believed to have gone to the hotel’s staff living quarters before proceeding to check into a hotel in the city at around 8am where he stayed till the next day.
From there, he went to Tuaran at around 5pm where he checked into another hotel, staying until noon Thursday, before paying a private taxi RM500 to take him to Tawau where he arrived at around 8.30pm the same day.
Police believed that Shamsudin was preparing to flee to Indonesia, using his relative’s home, as a halfway house.
Police had on Thursday arrested three other suspects, a 27-year-old Pakistani businessman and two of Norjan’s aides to facilitate investigations into the murder.
Ilyas thanked the public for providing them with information leading to the suspect’s arrest, and commended the Special Task Force under Bakri, Kota Kinabalu district Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamed and Tawau district police chief ACP Kuik Harris for a job well done.
While we congratulate the police and the responsible public to help solve the case fast, our attention is once again drawn to the security in the state. Imagine how easy an ex-convict could still find his way into this country assuming a new (fake) identity. This is not the only case that we came to know. There are many more cases which are either not known or protected by people with personal interests.
If we only concentrate on improving a system, upgrade it with the latest technology, without replacing the people who actually implement the system, even the high-tech MyKad is heading for failure. The removal of 50,000 phantom voters from the Sabah electoral roll has not totally cleaned it up. Illegals are still very much around us in our everyday life.
If we still keep the bunch of corrupted, irresponsible and selfish politicians in the coming election, nothing will improve no matter how hard our Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is trying.
Change the soup, and replace the bowl!
The prime suspect, Shamsudin Bistami, a Bugis illegal immigrant going by the false identity of Azman Bakar @ Loying, was arrested at a kampung house along Mile 2, off Jalan Apas in Tawau, the following night.
He is an ex-convict, having served a four-year jail term here after being found guilty in 1999 for second-degree murder Section 304 of the Penal Code. He was deported to Indonesia after serving sentence, but managed to secure a Malaysian Identity Card and returned to Sabah last year, working as a waiter at the hotel’s coffee house for eight months prior to the incident.
He was said to have admitted committing the crime by using an ice pick. Police also recovered some valuables, a wrist watch, RM1,450 and two mobile phones, of which one was believed belonged to Norjan, from the 27-year-old.
The police reclassified as robbery-cum-murder.
The Tawau Magistrate’s Court granted a police application to remand the suspect until Feb 19. He has been flown to Kota Kinabalu from Tawau for follow-up action. Shamsudin was picked up at a relative’s house in Tawau by a police party led by State CID chief SAC II Mohd Bakri Zinin, at about 11.30pm 12-2-2004 night.
They also found an IC in his possession, bearing the name Azman Bakar @ Loying, which was later confirmed to be fake.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had, at 4.13am Wednesday, sent a pot of milk to Norjan’s room on her request. Some minutes later he again went to the room to return RM2 change and a pot of hot water.
Police believed it was at that time that Shamsudin attacked Norjan with a sharp metal weapon, similar to an ice pick, and stabbed her several times on her face. Police, however, have yet to find the murder weapon.
Norjan’s body was found lying on the floor at a room in the hotel on the second floor with stab wounds on her face and neck at 9am.
After going off duty at 7am, the suspect was believed to have gone to the hotel’s staff living quarters before proceeding to check into a hotel in the city at around 8am where he stayed till the next day.
From there, he went to Tuaran at around 5pm where he checked into another hotel, staying until noon Thursday, before paying a private taxi RM500 to take him to Tawau where he arrived at around 8.30pm the same day.
Police believed that Shamsudin was preparing to flee to Indonesia, using his relative’s home, as a halfway house.
Police had on Thursday arrested three other suspects, a 27-year-old Pakistani businessman and two of Norjan’s aides to facilitate investigations into the murder.
Ilyas thanked the public for providing them with information leading to the suspect’s arrest, and commended the Special Task Force under Bakri, Kota Kinabalu district Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamed and Tawau district police chief ACP Kuik Harris for a job well done.
While we congratulate the police and the responsible public to help solve the case fast, our attention is once again drawn to the security in the state. Imagine how easy an ex-convict could still find his way into this country assuming a new (fake) identity. This is not the only case that we came to know. There are many more cases which are either not known or protected by people with personal interests.
If we only concentrate on improving a system, upgrade it with the latest technology, without replacing the people who actually implement the system, even the high-tech MyKad is heading for failure. The removal of 50,000 phantom voters from the Sabah electoral roll has not totally cleaned it up. Illegals are still very much around us in our everyday life.
If we still keep the bunch of corrupted, irresponsible and selfish politicians in the coming election, nothing will improve no matter how hard our Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is trying.
Change the soup, and replace the bowl!
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Pre-Election Clean-UP?
Land and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) on 12-2-2004 (Thursday) morning. He was seen arriving at the ACA headquarters at 8.55am and was then taken by officers into the building. He was arrested 10min later.
It was learnt that he was arrested over some shares in a company. He is expected to be charged later the same day.
Meanwhile former Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) general manager Datuk Wasli Mohd Said was charged in the Sessions Court at 11.15am on the same on five counts of corruption, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
One of the charges involved an allegation of giving RM3.6mil worth of company shares to Land and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam, who has been detained by the Anti-Corruption Agency earlier in Kuala Lumpur.
Other charges were on allegations of giving or accepting cash.
Wasli was still in court at 11.50am as bail has been set at RM1million by judge Datuk Nurcharya Arshad.
It was learnt that he was arrested over some shares in a company. He is expected to be charged later the same day.
Meanwhile former Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) general manager Datuk Wasli Mohd Said was charged in the Sessions Court at 11.15am on the same on five counts of corruption, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
One of the charges involved an allegation of giving RM3.6mil worth of company shares to Land and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam, who has been detained by the Anti-Corruption Agency earlier in Kuala Lumpur.
Other charges were on allegations of giving or accepting cash.
Wasli was still in court at 11.50am as bail has been set at RM1million by judge Datuk Nurcharya Arshad.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
A bubbling brew in Sabah
By Jaswinder Kaur
The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad.
When Parti Bersatu Sabah rejoined the Barisan Nasional last year, some thought that Sabah’s legendary political battles would be gone for good. But while the BN is set to win easily, old grudges are re-emerging, writes JASWINDER KAUR. SINCE its formation in 1985, Parti Bersatu Sabah has continued to be the spark that ignites political intrigues and battles.
Sabah politics has never been unexciting. Since the State joined the Federation to form Malaysia in 1963, one dominant party after another has captured the headlines, either for derring do, display of power and wealth, or for the colourful nature of the personalities involved.
First it was "the father of Sabah", Tun Datu Mustapha Harun, who formed the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) and ruled the State alternately as Governor and Chief Minister for nine years until his own protege, Datuk Harris Salleh, and his nemesis, Tun Fuad Stephens, teamed up to oust him in 1976.
Fuad died in an air crash months later, and Harris took the mantle to lead Berjaya, which ruled the State, again for nine years, until the PBS, led by Harris' own protege, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, toppled it in 1985.
"The nine-year curse" also fell on PBS, when it was ousted by Umno and a coalition of State parties — all former allies of Pairin — in 1994. Now in its 10th year in power, the Umno-led coalition is the first to outlast the nine-year jinx. Given its strong support, plus the inclusion of the PBS in its ranks, there is no doubt that it will retain power easily in State elections, which must be called by April 12.
Unlike Usno and Berjaya, which have almost ceased to exist, PBS has survived, winning 17 of the 48 seats contested in the last State elections in 1999.
What, then, is the problem? Nothing much, except for the same rivalries, family feuds and egos of recent history. As the smell of elections gets stronger, the war of words between the PBS and another BN component, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has gained steam.
The leaders of the two parties, Pairin and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, were founders of the PBS and close friends until they parted ways in 1994. Today, they are fighting over seat allocations and separate claims of representing the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. They are questioning each other's credibility and old quarrels have re-surfaced.
Upko wants to be considered for the Kadazandusun and Murut majority areas, while PBS is eyeing more than the 17 constituencies it won in the last State election. When the PBS contested as an Opposition party in 1999, 13 of the seats it won were in predominantly Kadazandusun and Murut areas.
Upko won only the Ranau and Kuala Penyu constituencies of the 12 it contested for the BN. Dompok was one of the casualties when he lost in Moyog to the PBS' Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun (who has since joined Upko).
"We were on the defensive at that time and this was fully capitalised on by the Opposition, especially PBS. However, people only talk about the State election. They tend to forget the parliamentary election held in November the same year," Dompok said.
"Upko won three of the four seats contested, while PBS only managed to get two seats in Kadazandusun-Murut areas and one in a Chinese constituency. The improvement in the results of the federal election shows that the people appreciate what the Government has done." In that election, BN won 17 of the 20 seats contested, with PBS taking the remaining three. Dompok won the Kinabalu parliamentary seat.
Now that the PBS is on the same side, Dompok does not foresee problems with the parties working together to secure victory for the BN once seats were assigned.
"Once the BN takes a decision, the whole election machinery will start working. The squabbling, which is more of an open debate in the newspapers, is part of the PBS acclimatising to the BN. It will cool down," Dompok said.
Pairin said his party hoped to get a fair share of seats. But it would work with its colleagues in the BN regardless of the decision by the leadership.
However, he said there had been trouble from within the BN when PBS was assisting the coalition to win the Gaya byelection in October 2002. "Despite elements of sabotage in the by-election, we played a positive role. Our re-entry has been positive for the BN." Pairin said the issues pursued by the PBS, even while in Opposition, such as the large presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah, had been noticed by the Government and steps taken to address them.
For the third and smallest player in the Kadazandusun-Murut triangle, the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), sticking with the BN through thick and thin has led it to political maturity.
"Of course, more needs to be done. But taking into consideration that PBRS is a small party, we have contributed to political stability in the last decade. We have submitted our request to be considered for seats. I do not foresee any squabble once the seats are allocated," its president, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, said.
The fact that the party does not have any elected representatives has not deterred Kurup and other leaders.
"Some told me that I was committing political suicide (by standing for the BN) and it's true because I lost in the 1999 State election. Then there was the issue of assemblymen coming and going," he said.
Six assemblymen from PBS, including Pairin's brother Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, left to join PBRS after the election. Kitingan was subsequently sacked after a power tussle with Kurup, while the other five returned to PBS when it rejoined BN.
Seat allocations aside, the three leaders have their own opinions on the future of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities and whether there should be a single party to represent them, as they make up only about a third of Sabah's 2.4 million population.
While Dompok and Kurup feel it would be good for the two groups to be represented by one party, Pairin was more cautious.
"I think we should go forward for greater unity instead of debating on this issue. PBS enjoys good support from the Kadazandusun and Murut because their interests are considered along with that of other races," Pairin said.
Dompok and Kurup, who had conducted merger talks which have since been put on hold, envisage one party for the Kadazandusun.
"We need to first create a relationship that will allow us to discuss things in an informal manner. It is good to have one party but there must be sincerity," was Kurup's reply.
Dompok's view was that one party for both in the BN would make it possible for the Kadazandusun and Murut, who are a minority in Malaysia, to be effectively represented in the Government.
The impending State and parliamentary elections will be the ultimate platform for the three parties to test their strengths, particularly in the two communities, which still require attention in priority areas such as education and economic opportunities.
The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad.
When Parti Bersatu Sabah rejoined the Barisan Nasional last year, some thought that Sabah’s legendary political battles would be gone for good. But while the BN is set to win easily, old grudges are re-emerging, writes JASWINDER KAUR. SINCE its formation in 1985, Parti Bersatu Sabah has continued to be the spark that ignites political intrigues and battles.
Sabah politics has never been unexciting. Since the State joined the Federation to form Malaysia in 1963, one dominant party after another has captured the headlines, either for derring do, display of power and wealth, or for the colourful nature of the personalities involved.
First it was "the father of Sabah", Tun Datu Mustapha Harun, who formed the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) and ruled the State alternately as Governor and Chief Minister for nine years until his own protege, Datuk Harris Salleh, and his nemesis, Tun Fuad Stephens, teamed up to oust him in 1976.
Fuad died in an air crash months later, and Harris took the mantle to lead Berjaya, which ruled the State, again for nine years, until the PBS, led by Harris' own protege, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, toppled it in 1985.
"The nine-year curse" also fell on PBS, when it was ousted by Umno and a coalition of State parties — all former allies of Pairin — in 1994. Now in its 10th year in power, the Umno-led coalition is the first to outlast the nine-year jinx. Given its strong support, plus the inclusion of the PBS in its ranks, there is no doubt that it will retain power easily in State elections, which must be called by April 12.
Unlike Usno and Berjaya, which have almost ceased to exist, PBS has survived, winning 17 of the 48 seats contested in the last State elections in 1999.
What, then, is the problem? Nothing much, except for the same rivalries, family feuds and egos of recent history. As the smell of elections gets stronger, the war of words between the PBS and another BN component, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has gained steam.
The leaders of the two parties, Pairin and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, were founders of the PBS and close friends until they parted ways in 1994. Today, they are fighting over seat allocations and separate claims of representing the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. They are questioning each other's credibility and old quarrels have re-surfaced.
Upko wants to be considered for the Kadazandusun and Murut majority areas, while PBS is eyeing more than the 17 constituencies it won in the last State election. When the PBS contested as an Opposition party in 1999, 13 of the seats it won were in predominantly Kadazandusun and Murut areas.
Upko won only the Ranau and Kuala Penyu constituencies of the 12 it contested for the BN. Dompok was one of the casualties when he lost in Moyog to the PBS' Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun (who has since joined Upko).
"We were on the defensive at that time and this was fully capitalised on by the Opposition, especially PBS. However, people only talk about the State election. They tend to forget the parliamentary election held in November the same year," Dompok said.
"Upko won three of the four seats contested, while PBS only managed to get two seats in Kadazandusun-Murut areas and one in a Chinese constituency. The improvement in the results of the federal election shows that the people appreciate what the Government has done." In that election, BN won 17 of the 20 seats contested, with PBS taking the remaining three. Dompok won the Kinabalu parliamentary seat.
Now that the PBS is on the same side, Dompok does not foresee problems with the parties working together to secure victory for the BN once seats were assigned.
"Once the BN takes a decision, the whole election machinery will start working. The squabbling, which is more of an open debate in the newspapers, is part of the PBS acclimatising to the BN. It will cool down," Dompok said.
Pairin said his party hoped to get a fair share of seats. But it would work with its colleagues in the BN regardless of the decision by the leadership.
However, he said there had been trouble from within the BN when PBS was assisting the coalition to win the Gaya byelection in October 2002. "Despite elements of sabotage in the by-election, we played a positive role. Our re-entry has been positive for the BN." Pairin said the issues pursued by the PBS, even while in Opposition, such as the large presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah, had been noticed by the Government and steps taken to address them.
For the third and smallest player in the Kadazandusun-Murut triangle, the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), sticking with the BN through thick and thin has led it to political maturity.
"Of course, more needs to be done. But taking into consideration that PBRS is a small party, we have contributed to political stability in the last decade. We have submitted our request to be considered for seats. I do not foresee any squabble once the seats are allocated," its president, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, said.
The fact that the party does not have any elected representatives has not deterred Kurup and other leaders.
"Some told me that I was committing political suicide (by standing for the BN) and it's true because I lost in the 1999 State election. Then there was the issue of assemblymen coming and going," he said.
Six assemblymen from PBS, including Pairin's brother Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, left to join PBRS after the election. Kitingan was subsequently sacked after a power tussle with Kurup, while the other five returned to PBS when it rejoined BN.
Seat allocations aside, the three leaders have their own opinions on the future of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities and whether there should be a single party to represent them, as they make up only about a third of Sabah's 2.4 million population.
While Dompok and Kurup feel it would be good for the two groups to be represented by one party, Pairin was more cautious.
"I think we should go forward for greater unity instead of debating on this issue. PBS enjoys good support from the Kadazandusun and Murut because their interests are considered along with that of other races," Pairin said.
Dompok and Kurup, who had conducted merger talks which have since been put on hold, envisage one party for the Kadazandusun.
"We need to first create a relationship that will allow us to discuss things in an informal manner. It is good to have one party but there must be sincerity," was Kurup's reply.
Dompok's view was that one party for both in the BN would make it possible for the Kadazandusun and Murut, who are a minority in Malaysia, to be effectively represented in the Government.
The impending State and parliamentary elections will be the ultimate platform for the three parties to test their strengths, particularly in the two communities, which still require attention in priority areas such as education and economic opportunities.
Datuk Norjan Khan Found Dead In Hotel Room
Sabah Assistant Minister of Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar was found dead in a hotel room at Bandaran Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu, on 11 February 2004.
Kota Kinabalu City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamad said Norjan, 52, a nominated assemblywoman and Papar Wanita Umno Chief, was found lying fully clad on the floor by her bedside at the hotel room at about 9am.
He said there were injuries on Norjan's neck and face but police were still investigating whether the injuries had caused her death.
"We saw small stab wounds but are not certain how many stabs," he told reporters at the scene this afternoon.
He said police had ruled out robbery as there were no sign of her valuables missing and her hand bag was still intact.
He said investigations showed that there was no forced entry into the hotel room which is on the second floor of the hotel.
Hamdan said her body had been taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here for a post-mortem.
"We are waiting for the post-mortem to determine the cause of her death," he said.
Initial investigations also revealed that there were bloodstains on her bed as well as on her face but the overall condition of the room, which was registered under her name, was tidy.
There were also no reports of a commotion or shouting prior to the recovery of the body, he said.
To another question on the scope of the police investigation, he said that it would cover all aspects including jealousy as the motive.
Norjan checked in at the hotel at about 7.30pm Tuesday along with a woman-aide who took a room next door.
The aide phoned Norjan at about 9am Wednesday but the call went unanswered.
The hotel management was informed of the unanswered call and upon checking, they found Norjan's body lying on the floor.
The management then called the police.
Norjan, who had been active in politics since the time of Usno (United Sabah National Organisation) leaves a husband Nazri Jaafar, three sons and a daughter aged between 27 and 33.
Daily Express
12 February, 2004
Norjan found murdered
Kota Kinabalu: Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Assistant Minister Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a hotel room in Bandaran Berjaya, here, Wednesday.
Norjan, 52, was found on the floor by the blood-stained bed at about 9am, when the hotel management opened her room following a request by her aides.
Police arrested a 27-year-old male suspect in the vicinity of Bandaran Berjaya, at 1pm the same day, to facilitate investigations. They ruled out robbery as the motive because Norjan’s handbag was still intact when found inside the room which was described as “tidy”.
They said there was also no sign of struggle nor forced entry and that no weapon was found inside the room. Norjan, who is a Nominated Assemblyman and an Umno Wanita Executive Committee member, had checked in, together with two aides, Rosmah Mohamad, 45, and Rosdah Yahya, 53, at about 7.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Rosmah and Rosdah, both staying in a separate room just three doors away, told police they had been trying to reach Norjan since 7am, but to no avail. They then decided to alert the hotel management.
Cabinet ministers and Sabah Umno leaders rushed to the hotel to check the authenticity of the shocking news.
Among them were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin, Rural Development and Entrepreneurial Minister Datuk Nasir Sakaran, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe and Sabah Umno Wanita chief Senator Datuk Dayang Mahani Tun Raffae.
Norjan’s body was brought down from the second floor room at 12.30pm by police. Lajim and Nasir were among those carrying the stretcher bearing a body bag through the back staircase to a waiting police jeep.
The body was brought to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a post mortem.
City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohammad, when met at the scene, said a team of police rushed to scene after being alerted at about 9am and immediately cordoned off the crime scene.
He said initial investigations showed visible injuries to her face and neck but police could not immediately ascertain whether these caused death. He also denied reports that she was found in her undergarments.
According to him, small stab wounds were visible on Norjan’s face and the left side of her neck.
Asked on the estimated time of death, Hamdan said this could only be ascertained after the post mortem. He denied claims that guests in other rooms had heard a commotion or shouting prior to the incident.
Hamdan said police would not leave any stone unturned in their investigations, which would be done from all angles.
Norjan was the Papar Umno division Wanita chief and she had been active in politics since United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) time under Tun Mustapha.
She was also the first Sabah Umno Wanita chief when Umno spread its wings to Sabah in 1991, which saw Usno being usurped into Umno. She is survived by her second husband Nazri Jaafar, 45, three sons and a daughter.
All her children - Mohd Fadzir, 33, Fauziah Noor, 32, Mohd Amrizan, 27 and Abdul Aliff, 30 - were from her previous marriage to the late Mohd Ali Tassan.
Norjan will be buried at the Kampung Pengalat Besar Muslim cemetery in Papar and those wishing to pay their last respect could do so from 9am to 11am, at her Papar residence, today (Thursday).
Kota Kinabalu City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohamad said Norjan, 52, a nominated assemblywoman and Papar Wanita Umno Chief, was found lying fully clad on the floor by her bedside at the hotel room at about 9am.
He said there were injuries on Norjan's neck and face but police were still investigating whether the injuries had caused her death.
"We saw small stab wounds but are not certain how many stabs," he told reporters at the scene this afternoon.
He said police had ruled out robbery as there were no sign of her valuables missing and her hand bag was still intact.
He said investigations showed that there was no forced entry into the hotel room which is on the second floor of the hotel.
Hamdan said her body had been taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here for a post-mortem.
"We are waiting for the post-mortem to determine the cause of her death," he said.
Initial investigations also revealed that there were bloodstains on her bed as well as on her face but the overall condition of the room, which was registered under her name, was tidy.
There were also no reports of a commotion or shouting prior to the recovery of the body, he said.
To another question on the scope of the police investigation, he said that it would cover all aspects including jealousy as the motive.
Norjan checked in at the hotel at about 7.30pm Tuesday along with a woman-aide who took a room next door.
The aide phoned Norjan at about 9am Wednesday but the call went unanswered.
The hotel management was informed of the unanswered call and upon checking, they found Norjan's body lying on the floor.
The management then called the police.
Norjan, who had been active in politics since the time of Usno (United Sabah National Organisation) leaves a husband Nazri Jaafar, three sons and a daughter aged between 27 and 33.
Daily Express
12 February, 2004
Norjan found murdered
Kota Kinabalu: Rural and Entrepreneurial Development Assistant Minister Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a hotel room in Bandaran Berjaya, here, Wednesday.
Norjan, 52, was found on the floor by the blood-stained bed at about 9am, when the hotel management opened her room following a request by her aides.
Police arrested a 27-year-old male suspect in the vicinity of Bandaran Berjaya, at 1pm the same day, to facilitate investigations. They ruled out robbery as the motive because Norjan’s handbag was still intact when found inside the room which was described as “tidy”.
They said there was also no sign of struggle nor forced entry and that no weapon was found inside the room. Norjan, who is a Nominated Assemblyman and an Umno Wanita Executive Committee member, had checked in, together with two aides, Rosmah Mohamad, 45, and Rosdah Yahya, 53, at about 7.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Rosmah and Rosdah, both staying in a separate room just three doors away, told police they had been trying to reach Norjan since 7am, but to no avail. They then decided to alert the hotel management.
Cabinet ministers and Sabah Umno leaders rushed to the hotel to check the authenticity of the shocking news.
Among them were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin, Rural Development and Entrepreneurial Minister Datuk Nasir Sakaran, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Dr Patawari Patawe and Sabah Umno Wanita chief Senator Datuk Dayang Mahani Tun Raffae.
Norjan’s body was brought down from the second floor room at 12.30pm by police. Lajim and Nasir were among those carrying the stretcher bearing a body bag through the back staircase to a waiting police jeep.
The body was brought to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a post mortem.
City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Mohammad, when met at the scene, said a team of police rushed to scene after being alerted at about 9am and immediately cordoned off the crime scene.
He said initial investigations showed visible injuries to her face and neck but police could not immediately ascertain whether these caused death. He also denied reports that she was found in her undergarments.
According to him, small stab wounds were visible on Norjan’s face and the left side of her neck.
Asked on the estimated time of death, Hamdan said this could only be ascertained after the post mortem. He denied claims that guests in other rooms had heard a commotion or shouting prior to the incident.
Hamdan said police would not leave any stone unturned in their investigations, which would be done from all angles.
Norjan was the Papar Umno division Wanita chief and she had been active in politics since United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) time under Tun Mustapha.
She was also the first Sabah Umno Wanita chief when Umno spread its wings to Sabah in 1991, which saw Usno being usurped into Umno. She is survived by her second husband Nazri Jaafar, 45, three sons and a daughter.
All her children - Mohd Fadzir, 33, Fauziah Noor, 32, Mohd Amrizan, 27 and Abdul Aliff, 30 - were from her previous marriage to the late Mohd Ali Tassan.
Norjan will be buried at the Kampung Pengalat Besar Muslim cemetery in Papar and those wishing to pay their last respect could do so from 9am to 11am, at her Papar residence, today (Thursday).
Saturday, February 07, 2004
In Search Of The Ultimate Warrior
The signature campaign to seek the Agong's pardon for Datuk Yong Teck Lee is gaining momentum. Letters have been distributed through out the state to offices of government and private sectors. Reports showing that the support is overwhelming. Local leaders have also come out in support of the move.
If SAPP makes full use of the support for the signature campaign, it will have all the advantages. First, there is at least hope for Yong to contest in the coming election. It is definitely a big boost for the party. Members in the party have been demoralised since Yong was disqualified both as member of parliament and state assemblyman. Yong, however, did not give up but paid full concentration in strengthening the party.
Secondly, the support for Yong will be seen as a stronger bargaining power for SAPP to lobby for more Chinese seats in the coming state election. The Chinese community is splitted due to the open 'fight' between SAPP and LDP. Poison pen letters and various accusations have been made by both parties.
The Chinese has been searching for the ultimate Chinese leader for Sabah. Yong is seen as a better choice. This is partly due to the more aggresive approach of Yong and also the recent scandals which link and undermine Chong Kah Kiat, who was supposed to be the alternative Chinese leader.
While Yong and his party is gaining more support, it is too bad that LDP is still counting on history and idealism. Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, the President of LDP, is still proud that LDP is the oldest Barisan Nasional component party. He is proud that LDP is the only party who has the members attending the party's annual congress in full uniform. He still talk about LDP been branded as 'mosquito party' whereas others have long forgotten.
Chong's history and idealism could bring LDP no where. Members of the public are starting to question his ability, his vision and his sincerity in helping the rakyat. He has been counting on the number of Datuks the party could recruit but his most recently recruited Datuk, Liew Yun Fah, seems to bring him more shame than fame. Angry parties who were betrayed, manipulated and cheated by Liew are now starting to expose the true character of Liew. His gangster style of public appearance has resulted in more local leaders distancing themselves from Liew.
There is already talks that if LDP fails to secure more seats other than the existing two( Kudat - Datuk Chong Kah Kiat and Karamunting - Datuk Wong Lien Tat), the party will eventually dissolve and merge into MCA or Gerakan. That also explains why Chong is not really keen to improve the party. He is more interested in safeguarding himself and his relatives.
If SAPP makes full use of the support for the signature campaign, it will have all the advantages. First, there is at least hope for Yong to contest in the coming election. It is definitely a big boost for the party. Members in the party have been demoralised since Yong was disqualified both as member of parliament and state assemblyman. Yong, however, did not give up but paid full concentration in strengthening the party.
Secondly, the support for Yong will be seen as a stronger bargaining power for SAPP to lobby for more Chinese seats in the coming state election. The Chinese community is splitted due to the open 'fight' between SAPP and LDP. Poison pen letters and various accusations have been made by both parties.
The Chinese has been searching for the ultimate Chinese leader for Sabah. Yong is seen as a better choice. This is partly due to the more aggresive approach of Yong and also the recent scandals which link and undermine Chong Kah Kiat, who was supposed to be the alternative Chinese leader.
While Yong and his party is gaining more support, it is too bad that LDP is still counting on history and idealism. Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, the President of LDP, is still proud that LDP is the oldest Barisan Nasional component party. He is proud that LDP is the only party who has the members attending the party's annual congress in full uniform. He still talk about LDP been branded as 'mosquito party' whereas others have long forgotten.
Chong's history and idealism could bring LDP no where. Members of the public are starting to question his ability, his vision and his sincerity in helping the rakyat. He has been counting on the number of Datuks the party could recruit but his most recently recruited Datuk, Liew Yun Fah, seems to bring him more shame than fame. Angry parties who were betrayed, manipulated and cheated by Liew are now starting to expose the true character of Liew. His gangster style of public appearance has resulted in more local leaders distancing themselves from Liew.
There is already talks that if LDP fails to secure more seats other than the existing two( Kudat - Datuk Chong Kah Kiat and Karamunting - Datuk Wong Lien Tat), the party will eventually dissolve and merge into MCA or Gerakan. That also explains why Chong is not really keen to improve the party. He is more interested in safeguarding himself and his relatives.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Diriwan, Tambalang & Chong Kah Kiat
05 July, 2001
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat said a decision must be made pertaining to the status and position of Diriwan Corporation, which has been paying rental to the State Government without fail for the Tambalang Race Course in Tuaran, despite its non-usage.
Chong said the State Government would have to make the decision as "we cannot just sit down and collect money, and not deciding. "A decision, whether popular or not, would have to be made and we just cannot pretend as if it doesn't happen," he said.
"Diriwan has been paying rental to the State Government but today it is not in operation, abandoned and left idle. And yet they still keep paying…what is their position?" he asked.
Chong said the question was whether they would be allowed to have an outlet and - if not what would happen to the rental collected.
"How can we be a responsible government if we just keep on collecting and then don't want to make a decision?"
Chong said many objections were received as well, but "how do we rationalise? We will hear and study when receiving the report, which we must do very very carefully and openly."
He also assured that whatever results (of the review) the State Government would be transparent and there would be no private deal.
Diriwan Corporation used to be among the gaming outlets in the State, but had to close shop when the State Government decided not to approve additional gaming licences in the Sabah.
Diriwan was embroiled in controversial and awkward circumstances when the Federal Finance Ministry approved the permit for its parent company Olympia Industries Bhd to continue operating the Lottery 88 in Sabah but the State Government refused to allow it a trading licences for the premises of its outlets.
Many quarters saw the State Government's 1997 decision as unfair and akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul.
They felt that any serious attempt to rid gambling in the State cannot be through denying operator while enabling another to enjoy a virtual monopoly of the business, though via reduced number of outlets.
21 September, 2001
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat Thursday declined to comment on reports that Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olympia Industries Berhad which used to operate the Lottery 88, will make a comeback in Sabah next month.
He said the State Cabinet would deliberate on the matter and make a decision on whether to issue a trading licence to the company to enable it to operate gaming outlets in the State again.
"A decision would probably be made by next week. We'll talk about it once it is decided, just wait…hopefully by next week," he said.
Chong responded similarly when asked if the State Cabinet would take into account a statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1999 supporting the decision by the State Government not to increase the number of gaming outlets.
He also declined to comment on speculations that Everise Ventures Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Repco Holdings Berhad, would reduce its Sandakan Turf Club (STC) four-digit outlets in Sabah.
"Once the State Government has made the decision, we will announce it and this is very clear," he said.
It was reported on Thursday that Olympia Industries has received a letter from the Federal Finance Ministry approving the renewal of licence to Diriwan to conduct gaming operations in Sabah, beginning Oct 1.
However, the report said Diriwan is waiting for approval from the State Government for the trading licence, which is necessary for the resumption of its gaming operations.
Diriwan used to operate some 200 gaming outlets statewide through its subsidiary, Lotteries Corporation, before its trading licence was revoked in 1996 after being found violating Section 5 of the Pool Betting Act 1976 for operating an illegal lottery.
Controversies emerged a year later when the State Government under the then Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee upheld the decision not to give back Diriwan the trading licence despite having its licence reportedly renewed by the Federal Finance Ministry.
Yong was also reported as stressing that while the issuance of a gaming licence is the prerogative of the Federal Finance Ministry, the operations in Sabah such as relating to trading licence and building policies fall under the purview of the State.
Currently, there are two gaming companies operating in Sabah, namely STC and Sports Toto, while Magnum is operating in Labuan. Draw days are Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
Altogether, there are 50 STC and 33 Sports Toto outlets in the State.
20 September, 2001
Olympia Industries Berhad said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB), has received a letter from the Ministry of Finance approving the renewal of gaming licence to DCSB to conduct gaming operations beginning October 1, 2001, in Sabah.
DCSB is, however, awaiting approval from the Sabah State Government for the trading licence which is necessary for the resumption of its gaming operations in Sabah.
22 September, 2001
The Sabah Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH) will support move by the State Government to allow Diriwan Corporation to resume its gaming operations in Sabah. SCAH President Datuk Sari Tan said SCAH is ready to support whatever decision taken by the State Government on the matter.
"I think the State Government wants everybody to be equally treated and let's not forget that Diriwan has been paying rental for the Tambalang race course." It is understood that the State Government has accepted some RM42 million from Diriwan in yearly payments despite denying it the right to operate.
Tan said, adding that the relocation of the race course from Tanjung Aru to Tuaran will help improve economic activity in that district.
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat had indicated the Cabinet will decide next week whether to allow Diriwan, a subsidiary company of Olympia Industry to resume its "lotteries 88" operations in the State.
The company had earlier announced that Diriwan had received a letter from the Finance Ministry approving a renewal of the gaming licence Oct 1.
26 September, 2001
The MCA division in Labuan said it failed to understand the fuss over allowing Diriwan to operate gaming business in Sabah when the reports state that there is not going to be any extra outlet.
Its Chairman Roger Chua said there was nothing wrong in the BN-led Sabah Government allowing Diriwan, a subsidiary of Olympia Industry, resume its "Lotteries 88" operations.
"The State Government should however, ensure that existing operators reduce their outlets to make way for Lotteries 88 so that there would be no increase in the number of outlets in the State," he said.
When Lotteries 88 was in operation in Sabah, Labuan also had an outlet.
Roger noted that there seemed to be some "public confusion" deliberately being created by certain politicians suggesting that the Diriwan outlets would mean gambling was being encouraged.
He said any sincere attempt to curb gambling in the State can only be via total elimination of such activities and not favouritism on who should be allowed to operate.
"Otherwise it will be State hypocrisy," he said.
He said it also actually benefitted the regular punters because now they have an alternative instead of previously being forced to choose between Sports Toto or Sandakan Turf Club.
He also pointed out that it would be morally sinful for Sabah not to allow the Lotteries 88 outlets because the State Government had been gleefully collecting some RM42 million from them over the years.
"Such unethical business practice will deter other investors from talking business with the State Government."
Talk of Diriwin being allowed to operate in Sabah saw Olympia shares steadily climbing to 37 sen Tuesday compared to less than 20 sen months ago.
Meanwhile, ex-CM Datuk Yong Teck Lee expressed concern over the new gaming outlets and 4-D draws next month. He said the policy of the State Barisan Nasional (BN) Government since 1994 had been to reduce gaming in the State.
Due to the policy, a decision was made then to cut the gaming outlets of all the three gaming companies in Sabah and also to reduce the draw days and number of draws per week of all the companies, he said in a statement.
Yong, who is Sabah People's Progressive Party (SAPP) President, said the decision was made in consultation with all BN component leaders in the State.
27 September, 2001
Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB) received a new lease of life when the State Cabinet concurred with the Federal Finance Ministry's decision to approve a trading licence to enable its digit forecasting agencies to make a comeback in Sabah.
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat made the announcement after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise here, clearing a week of debate and speculation fuelled by DCSB's parent company Olympia Industries Berhad's statement that the Federal Finance Ministry had approved their gaming licence for Sabah.
"The State Government agreed with the Federal Finance Ministry's decision to allow Diriwan to operate. The decision of the State Government is to respect what was decided by the Federal Government," he said.
The Federal Government has officially informed that it has granted 40 outlets for DCSB and reduced Repco-run Sandakan Turf Club (STC) outlets to 40 from 50 but none on Sports Toto, which currently has 33 outlets in Sabah, he said.
"But, as of today, we have not receive any information from Federal Government with regard to the existing 33 operated by Sports Toto, although we had heard that there is also a reduction," he said.
It was unclear whether DCSB would be able to commence operations on Oct. 1 but the Federal Government issued the licence to take effect on Oct 1. Also not known is the number of draws in one draw date – Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – which it is regulating.
Nonetheless, whatever it is, the State Government would respect the decision because it is under the federal jurisdiction and to ensure equal opportunities for the operators.
Diriwan Corp, a unit of Olympia Industries Berhad, ceased its operations in January 1996.
At that time it had been operating "Lotteries 88" at 100 outlets in the State since 1988. Its bid to resume business had been blocked by successive Chief Ministers.
Chong made clear that it was not within the powers of the Chief Minister as well as the State to prohibit anyone wanting to operate legitimate gaming business.
He also said the approval was in anticipation that DCSB will maintain and manage the Tambalang race course properly by making full use of the facilities and perhaps hold international horse races or those related to equine activities.
"We hope this (Tambalang race course) will, hopefully, provide a good avenue for visitors to Sabah," said Chong who is also State Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology Minister.
Another condition was that DCSB had to update their RM250,000 monthly rental payment to the State Government which they had stopped some time last year.
According to Chong, so far the State Government has collected some RM41.9 million as rental fees from DCSB, although the firm had ceased operations in the State five years ago.
30 September, 2001
CHONG said the air has been cleared for the Sabah Umno Youth wing who earlier expressed objections to the resumption of gaming firm Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd's (DCSB) operations here.
"Everybody is against gambling but once the decision has been made…but I have been told that they now have a better understanding," he said.
He said they now understood that it was not a decision made by the State Government alone as it has been approved by the Federal Government as well.
07 October, 2001
No trading licence has been approved yet in the state capital to Diriwan Corporation which was allowed to run 40 4-D outlets following a Cabinet decision to allow it to resume its operation beginning Oct 1.
Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid said City Hall has not received any application for a trading licence to run 4-D outlets.
He said City Hall would study and recommend to the State Government on the number of 4-D outlets that should be allowed in the city.
03 November, 2001
The Federal Government has no choice but to reinstate the gaming licences of four-digit betting operators that had been revoked earlier in order to curb illegal gambling in the country.
The Finance Ministry, in a reply to Datuk Yong Teck Lee (Gaya-BN) in Parliament earlier this week, however stressed that this would not mean that the Government would revive all cancelled gaming licences indiscriminately.
"Renewal of gaming licences could only be allowed after a thorough study has been conducted on the issue," it said.
24 May, 2002
Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd has been paying a monthly rental of RM250,000 to the State Government from the beginning of this year, the State Assembly was told Thursday. Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the company had also agreed to pay its rental arrears amounting to RM4.25 million by instalments.
"In view of this, the State Attorney-General has been asked to draft an additional agreement pertaining to Diriwan's monthly instalment payments," he said in reply to a question by Likas Assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee (SAPP-BN).
Diriwan was allowed to resume its operations in December last year with the condition that it settles all the rental arrears.
On the proposed upgrading of the Tambalang racecourse in Tuaran, Hajiji said the Local Government and Housing Ministry had held two meetings with Diriwan and was told that the company would submit a proposal to the Public Works Department soon.
"Diriwan has also been requested to submit a proposal on the long-term development plan of the racecourse to the Finance Ministry, including the concept that should cover the tourism element as suggested by Malaysia Totalisator Board," he added.
According to him, the upgrading project is expected to be completed by year-end.
To a supplementary question by Api-Api Assemblyman Dr Yee Moh Chai (PBS-BN, Hajiji said the Government presently does not have any policy to allocate some of the rentals from gaming corporations for social and welfare purposes.
"However, my Ministry will study the proposal and give due consideration," he added.
12 August, 2002
Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) Deputy Chairman David Chong Ket Sui said the club has no jurisdiction over the abandoned Tambalang racecourse in Tuaran. "It is for this reason I wish to clarify that the onus is on Diriwan Corporation which operates the 88 lottery games in Sabah, in accordance with the permit issued by the State Government," he added.
According to him, RSTC had been receiving numerous complaints for its inability to renovate the race course, now overgrown with tall grass and trees.
Local residents there, who aspire to improve their socio-economic status through horse racing, should direct their complaints to the relevant authorities for appropriate action, he said.
He pointed out that Diriwan had been operating lottery games in Sabah for almost a year now but no effort had been made so far to renovate the Tambalang race course that has been described as a "white elephant".
The Tambalang race course was built of international standard by the Berjaya State Government in the early 1980s at a cost of some RM40 million.
Consequently, pony racing was transferred from the Tanjung Aru course which was then described as too small for the much bigger imported horses.
When the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) took over after 1985, pony racing was returned to Tanjung Aru and the Tambalang complex has since been abandoned.
31 January, 2004
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin dismissed claims that the State-owned Tambalang Racecourse in Tuaran had been sold as it is still being leased out to gaming company Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd for RM250,000 a month.
“No, we did not sell. We are just leasing it out to Diriwan. The land still belongs to the District Office,” he said Friday.
Nonetheless, he warned Diriwan that the State Government would have to take action, as stipulated in the contract agreement, apart from under provision of relevant laws, if it continues to leave the racecourse idle.
Lajim said Diriwan had been offering excuses for not keeping its end of the bargain. Among these excuses was that their four-digit business was not profiting, besides from feeling the brunt of the economic downturn.
Lajim said Diriwan was supposed to start work to develop the racecourse six months after commencing operation but it stopped halfway due to the recession.
But, he said the firm was allowed to continue operating because the State Government had given due consideration to their appeal.
He was asked to comment on statements by several quarters like Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) Deputy President Datuk David Chong, Umno Tuaran Youth and Upko Kiulu Youth that the racecourse as sold for RM10 million before Datuk Seri Musa Aman took office as Chief Minister.
Lajim who is also Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, said Diriwan’s 10 plus five-year contract with the State Government was still intact.
He assured the people living around the 147-acre racecourse in Tambalang that the State Government would protect their rights.
“We also agreed that we will alienate any portion of the area for local community usage. But, so far there is no appeal from them for the State Government to do so,” he said.
In fact, their Assemblyman Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor had requested for State Government assistance to develop the area into a major tourist attraction, he said.
Diriwan was renting the racecourse on the hope that it would be able to turn it into an international class course and, in return, be allowed to run the four-digit gaming outlets known as Sabah 88 in the State.
LAJIM said Diriwan had been a “good tenant” by paying the RM250,000 monthly rent without fail. He also said the proposed joint-venture between RSTC and Diriwan met a stumbling block.
Lajim said Musa, following receiving a courtesy call by the RSTC group last year, had directed him to look into the matter as the State Government felt it was a waste to let the racecourse idle.
“We believe that it would be good if RSTC and Diriwan can enter a joint-venture to develop Tambalang racecourse. But, Diriwan wanted to charge rental fees…so it is still under negotiation,” he said.
Lajim then discussed with Musa for the issue to be placed under the Local Government and Housing Ministry (MLGH), which was the appropriate authority to handle it.
“As for me, I am only in charge of City Hall. So this problem is best handled by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. So far there is no report yet from the Minister Datuk Salleh Tun Said on it,” he said.
“I believe they are currently drawing up the plan on how best Diriwan and RSTC can co-operate so that (activities at) the old racecourse (owned by RSTC in Tanjung Aru) can be relocated to Tuaran,” he said.
Lajim said the racecourse was initially constructed during the Berjaya time with the view to relocate the RSTC activities from Tanjung Aru to Tuaran but only operated there for a few years.
“The RSTC management at that time cited they had to shift back to their original venue because they could not afford the rent paid to the Government and were not convinced that people will come to Tuaran,” he said. This was also repeated during the Parti Bersatu Sabah government time, said Lajim, while pointing out that RSTC was partly to be blamed for the failure of the Tambalang racecourse to grow as planned.
“It showed weaknesses on the part of the RSTC management. They should have consulted the Government but they chose to make their own decision to move back to Tanjung Aru. Perhaps the State Government could have given them some incentive if they stayed on,” he said.
Now with the presence of several resorts and golf courses nearby Tambalang has potential to be developed, he said. On the proposal by David Chong for a “land swap” whereby the RSTC is willing to swap its present land to the government for the extension of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport for Tambalang racecourse land, Lajim said “it was only mere talk in the newspapers”.
“There’s nothing concrete received by the State Government (from RSTC). Even if it is affected by the airport upgrading work, RSTC would have to deal with the Federal Government, which is implementing the project for compensation among others,” he stressed.
Lajim said RSTC had also applied to get a land in Kinarut to relocate their activities but the State Government did not approve since it was on a reserve land.
THE State Government is considering an application for RM2.5 million by the City Hall to buy garbage collection equipment, in addition to its present fleet of 15 garbage refuse trucks.
Lajim believed City Hall would be able to carry out their duties efficiently if the money was approved. On the overall garbage collection situation after City Hall took over from Pacific Garbage Management Services (PGMS), Lajim said it had improved greatly.
“In fact, everyday I read the papers especially the Hotline column in the Daily Express and note that complaints were not that great anymore. There were still some but we will continue to make the effort for it to be better,” he said.
Lajim said Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid had been instructed to see to it that City Hall work hard to ensure that isolated places in rating areas and those needing urgent attention would not be neglected.
He was also confident that the zoning system to complement the garbage collection system done by City Hall would be able to help and give a positive impact to the people.
LAJIM added that the collection of parking charges in the city had been suspended indefinitely because based on the report by the car park management firm, the operations cost was more than revenue With the new parking rate and charges announced by CM Musa on Wednesday, Lajim hoped that “the city dwellers and especially the Chinese community would be able to accept it with an open heart as well as appreciate what the Government is doing”.
“This also clearly showed that the State Government is very sensitive to the problem of the people.”
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat said a decision must be made pertaining to the status and position of Diriwan Corporation, which has been paying rental to the State Government without fail for the Tambalang Race Course in Tuaran, despite its non-usage.
Chong said the State Government would have to make the decision as "we cannot just sit down and collect money, and not deciding. "A decision, whether popular or not, would have to be made and we just cannot pretend as if it doesn't happen," he said.
"Diriwan has been paying rental to the State Government but today it is not in operation, abandoned and left idle. And yet they still keep paying…what is their position?" he asked.
Chong said the question was whether they would be allowed to have an outlet and - if not what would happen to the rental collected.
"How can we be a responsible government if we just keep on collecting and then don't want to make a decision?"
Chong said many objections were received as well, but "how do we rationalise? We will hear and study when receiving the report, which we must do very very carefully and openly."
He also assured that whatever results (of the review) the State Government would be transparent and there would be no private deal.
Diriwan Corporation used to be among the gaming outlets in the State, but had to close shop when the State Government decided not to approve additional gaming licences in the Sabah.
Diriwan was embroiled in controversial and awkward circumstances when the Federal Finance Ministry approved the permit for its parent company Olympia Industries Bhd to continue operating the Lottery 88 in Sabah but the State Government refused to allow it a trading licences for the premises of its outlets.
Many quarters saw the State Government's 1997 decision as unfair and akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul.
They felt that any serious attempt to rid gambling in the State cannot be through denying operator while enabling another to enjoy a virtual monopoly of the business, though via reduced number of outlets.
21 September, 2001
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat Thursday declined to comment on reports that Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olympia Industries Berhad which used to operate the Lottery 88, will make a comeback in Sabah next month.
He said the State Cabinet would deliberate on the matter and make a decision on whether to issue a trading licence to the company to enable it to operate gaming outlets in the State again.
"A decision would probably be made by next week. We'll talk about it once it is decided, just wait…hopefully by next week," he said.
Chong responded similarly when asked if the State Cabinet would take into account a statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1999 supporting the decision by the State Government not to increase the number of gaming outlets.
He also declined to comment on speculations that Everise Ventures Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Repco Holdings Berhad, would reduce its Sandakan Turf Club (STC) four-digit outlets in Sabah.
"Once the State Government has made the decision, we will announce it and this is very clear," he said.
It was reported on Thursday that Olympia Industries has received a letter from the Federal Finance Ministry approving the renewal of licence to Diriwan to conduct gaming operations in Sabah, beginning Oct 1.
However, the report said Diriwan is waiting for approval from the State Government for the trading licence, which is necessary for the resumption of its gaming operations.
Diriwan used to operate some 200 gaming outlets statewide through its subsidiary, Lotteries Corporation, before its trading licence was revoked in 1996 after being found violating Section 5 of the Pool Betting Act 1976 for operating an illegal lottery.
Controversies emerged a year later when the State Government under the then Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee upheld the decision not to give back Diriwan the trading licence despite having its licence reportedly renewed by the Federal Finance Ministry.
Yong was also reported as stressing that while the issuance of a gaming licence is the prerogative of the Federal Finance Ministry, the operations in Sabah such as relating to trading licence and building policies fall under the purview of the State.
Currently, there are two gaming companies operating in Sabah, namely STC and Sports Toto, while Magnum is operating in Labuan. Draw days are Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
Altogether, there are 50 STC and 33 Sports Toto outlets in the State.
20 September, 2001
Olympia Industries Berhad said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB), has received a letter from the Ministry of Finance approving the renewal of gaming licence to DCSB to conduct gaming operations beginning October 1, 2001, in Sabah.
DCSB is, however, awaiting approval from the Sabah State Government for the trading licence which is necessary for the resumption of its gaming operations in Sabah.
22 September, 2001
The Sabah Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH) will support move by the State Government to allow Diriwan Corporation to resume its gaming operations in Sabah. SCAH President Datuk Sari Tan said SCAH is ready to support whatever decision taken by the State Government on the matter.
"I think the State Government wants everybody to be equally treated and let's not forget that Diriwan has been paying rental for the Tambalang race course." It is understood that the State Government has accepted some RM42 million from Diriwan in yearly payments despite denying it the right to operate.
Tan said, adding that the relocation of the race course from Tanjung Aru to Tuaran will help improve economic activity in that district.
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat had indicated the Cabinet will decide next week whether to allow Diriwan, a subsidiary company of Olympia Industry to resume its "lotteries 88" operations in the State.
The company had earlier announced that Diriwan had received a letter from the Finance Ministry approving a renewal of the gaming licence Oct 1.
26 September, 2001
The MCA division in Labuan said it failed to understand the fuss over allowing Diriwan to operate gaming business in Sabah when the reports state that there is not going to be any extra outlet.
Its Chairman Roger Chua said there was nothing wrong in the BN-led Sabah Government allowing Diriwan, a subsidiary of Olympia Industry, resume its "Lotteries 88" operations.
"The State Government should however, ensure that existing operators reduce their outlets to make way for Lotteries 88 so that there would be no increase in the number of outlets in the State," he said.
When Lotteries 88 was in operation in Sabah, Labuan also had an outlet.
Roger noted that there seemed to be some "public confusion" deliberately being created by certain politicians suggesting that the Diriwan outlets would mean gambling was being encouraged.
He said any sincere attempt to curb gambling in the State can only be via total elimination of such activities and not favouritism on who should be allowed to operate.
"Otherwise it will be State hypocrisy," he said.
He said it also actually benefitted the regular punters because now they have an alternative instead of previously being forced to choose between Sports Toto or Sandakan Turf Club.
He also pointed out that it would be morally sinful for Sabah not to allow the Lotteries 88 outlets because the State Government had been gleefully collecting some RM42 million from them over the years.
"Such unethical business practice will deter other investors from talking business with the State Government."
Talk of Diriwin being allowed to operate in Sabah saw Olympia shares steadily climbing to 37 sen Tuesday compared to less than 20 sen months ago.
Meanwhile, ex-CM Datuk Yong Teck Lee expressed concern over the new gaming outlets and 4-D draws next month. He said the policy of the State Barisan Nasional (BN) Government since 1994 had been to reduce gaming in the State.
Due to the policy, a decision was made then to cut the gaming outlets of all the three gaming companies in Sabah and also to reduce the draw days and number of draws per week of all the companies, he said in a statement.
Yong, who is Sabah People's Progressive Party (SAPP) President, said the decision was made in consultation with all BN component leaders in the State.
27 September, 2001
Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd (DCSB) received a new lease of life when the State Cabinet concurred with the Federal Finance Ministry's decision to approve a trading licence to enable its digit forecasting agencies to make a comeback in Sabah.
Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat made the announcement after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise here, clearing a week of debate and speculation fuelled by DCSB's parent company Olympia Industries Berhad's statement that the Federal Finance Ministry had approved their gaming licence for Sabah.
"The State Government agreed with the Federal Finance Ministry's decision to allow Diriwan to operate. The decision of the State Government is to respect what was decided by the Federal Government," he said.
The Federal Government has officially informed that it has granted 40 outlets for DCSB and reduced Repco-run Sandakan Turf Club (STC) outlets to 40 from 50 but none on Sports Toto, which currently has 33 outlets in Sabah, he said.
"But, as of today, we have not receive any information from Federal Government with regard to the existing 33 operated by Sports Toto, although we had heard that there is also a reduction," he said.
It was unclear whether DCSB would be able to commence operations on Oct. 1 but the Federal Government issued the licence to take effect on Oct 1. Also not known is the number of draws in one draw date – Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays – which it is regulating.
Nonetheless, whatever it is, the State Government would respect the decision because it is under the federal jurisdiction and to ensure equal opportunities for the operators.
Diriwan Corp, a unit of Olympia Industries Berhad, ceased its operations in January 1996.
At that time it had been operating "Lotteries 88" at 100 outlets in the State since 1988. Its bid to resume business had been blocked by successive Chief Ministers.
Chong made clear that it was not within the powers of the Chief Minister as well as the State to prohibit anyone wanting to operate legitimate gaming business.
He also said the approval was in anticipation that DCSB will maintain and manage the Tambalang race course properly by making full use of the facilities and perhaps hold international horse races or those related to equine activities.
"We hope this (Tambalang race course) will, hopefully, provide a good avenue for visitors to Sabah," said Chong who is also State Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology Minister.
Another condition was that DCSB had to update their RM250,000 monthly rental payment to the State Government which they had stopped some time last year.
According to Chong, so far the State Government has collected some RM41.9 million as rental fees from DCSB, although the firm had ceased operations in the State five years ago.
30 September, 2001
CHONG said the air has been cleared for the Sabah Umno Youth wing who earlier expressed objections to the resumption of gaming firm Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd's (DCSB) operations here.
"Everybody is against gambling but once the decision has been made…but I have been told that they now have a better understanding," he said.
He said they now understood that it was not a decision made by the State Government alone as it has been approved by the Federal Government as well.
07 October, 2001
No trading licence has been approved yet in the state capital to Diriwan Corporation which was allowed to run 40 4-D outlets following a Cabinet decision to allow it to resume its operation beginning Oct 1.
Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid said City Hall has not received any application for a trading licence to run 4-D outlets.
He said City Hall would study and recommend to the State Government on the number of 4-D outlets that should be allowed in the city.
03 November, 2001
The Federal Government has no choice but to reinstate the gaming licences of four-digit betting operators that had been revoked earlier in order to curb illegal gambling in the country.
The Finance Ministry, in a reply to Datuk Yong Teck Lee (Gaya-BN) in Parliament earlier this week, however stressed that this would not mean that the Government would revive all cancelled gaming licences indiscriminately.
"Renewal of gaming licences could only be allowed after a thorough study has been conducted on the issue," it said.
24 May, 2002
Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd has been paying a monthly rental of RM250,000 to the State Government from the beginning of this year, the State Assembly was told Thursday. Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said the company had also agreed to pay its rental arrears amounting to RM4.25 million by instalments.
"In view of this, the State Attorney-General has been asked to draft an additional agreement pertaining to Diriwan's monthly instalment payments," he said in reply to a question by Likas Assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee (SAPP-BN).
Diriwan was allowed to resume its operations in December last year with the condition that it settles all the rental arrears.
On the proposed upgrading of the Tambalang racecourse in Tuaran, Hajiji said the Local Government and Housing Ministry had held two meetings with Diriwan and was told that the company would submit a proposal to the Public Works Department soon.
"Diriwan has also been requested to submit a proposal on the long-term development plan of the racecourse to the Finance Ministry, including the concept that should cover the tourism element as suggested by Malaysia Totalisator Board," he added.
According to him, the upgrading project is expected to be completed by year-end.
To a supplementary question by Api-Api Assemblyman Dr Yee Moh Chai (PBS-BN, Hajiji said the Government presently does not have any policy to allocate some of the rentals from gaming corporations for social and welfare purposes.
"However, my Ministry will study the proposal and give due consideration," he added.
12 August, 2002
Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) Deputy Chairman David Chong Ket Sui said the club has no jurisdiction over the abandoned Tambalang racecourse in Tuaran. "It is for this reason I wish to clarify that the onus is on Diriwan Corporation which operates the 88 lottery games in Sabah, in accordance with the permit issued by the State Government," he added.
According to him, RSTC had been receiving numerous complaints for its inability to renovate the race course, now overgrown with tall grass and trees.
Local residents there, who aspire to improve their socio-economic status through horse racing, should direct their complaints to the relevant authorities for appropriate action, he said.
He pointed out that Diriwan had been operating lottery games in Sabah for almost a year now but no effort had been made so far to renovate the Tambalang race course that has been described as a "white elephant".
The Tambalang race course was built of international standard by the Berjaya State Government in the early 1980s at a cost of some RM40 million.
Consequently, pony racing was transferred from the Tanjung Aru course which was then described as too small for the much bigger imported horses.
When the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) took over after 1985, pony racing was returned to Tanjung Aru and the Tambalang complex has since been abandoned.
31 January, 2004
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin dismissed claims that the State-owned Tambalang Racecourse in Tuaran had been sold as it is still being leased out to gaming company Diriwan Corporation Sdn Bhd for RM250,000 a month.
“No, we did not sell. We are just leasing it out to Diriwan. The land still belongs to the District Office,” he said Friday.
Nonetheless, he warned Diriwan that the State Government would have to take action, as stipulated in the contract agreement, apart from under provision of relevant laws, if it continues to leave the racecourse idle.
Lajim said Diriwan had been offering excuses for not keeping its end of the bargain. Among these excuses was that their four-digit business was not profiting, besides from feeling the brunt of the economic downturn.
Lajim said Diriwan was supposed to start work to develop the racecourse six months after commencing operation but it stopped halfway due to the recession.
But, he said the firm was allowed to continue operating because the State Government had given due consideration to their appeal.
He was asked to comment on statements by several quarters like Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) Deputy President Datuk David Chong, Umno Tuaran Youth and Upko Kiulu Youth that the racecourse as sold for RM10 million before Datuk Seri Musa Aman took office as Chief Minister.
Lajim who is also Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, said Diriwan’s 10 plus five-year contract with the State Government was still intact.
He assured the people living around the 147-acre racecourse in Tambalang that the State Government would protect their rights.
“We also agreed that we will alienate any portion of the area for local community usage. But, so far there is no appeal from them for the State Government to do so,” he said.
In fact, their Assemblyman Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor had requested for State Government assistance to develop the area into a major tourist attraction, he said.
Diriwan was renting the racecourse on the hope that it would be able to turn it into an international class course and, in return, be allowed to run the four-digit gaming outlets known as Sabah 88 in the State.
LAJIM said Diriwan had been a “good tenant” by paying the RM250,000 monthly rent without fail. He also said the proposed joint-venture between RSTC and Diriwan met a stumbling block.
Lajim said Musa, following receiving a courtesy call by the RSTC group last year, had directed him to look into the matter as the State Government felt it was a waste to let the racecourse idle.
“We believe that it would be good if RSTC and Diriwan can enter a joint-venture to develop Tambalang racecourse. But, Diriwan wanted to charge rental fees…so it is still under negotiation,” he said.
Lajim then discussed with Musa for the issue to be placed under the Local Government and Housing Ministry (MLGH), which was the appropriate authority to handle it.
“As for me, I am only in charge of City Hall. So this problem is best handled by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. So far there is no report yet from the Minister Datuk Salleh Tun Said on it,” he said.
“I believe they are currently drawing up the plan on how best Diriwan and RSTC can co-operate so that (activities at) the old racecourse (owned by RSTC in Tanjung Aru) can be relocated to Tuaran,” he said.
Lajim said the racecourse was initially constructed during the Berjaya time with the view to relocate the RSTC activities from Tanjung Aru to Tuaran but only operated there for a few years.
“The RSTC management at that time cited they had to shift back to their original venue because they could not afford the rent paid to the Government and were not convinced that people will come to Tuaran,” he said. This was also repeated during the Parti Bersatu Sabah government time, said Lajim, while pointing out that RSTC was partly to be blamed for the failure of the Tambalang racecourse to grow as planned.
“It showed weaknesses on the part of the RSTC management. They should have consulted the Government but they chose to make their own decision to move back to Tanjung Aru. Perhaps the State Government could have given them some incentive if they stayed on,” he said.
Now with the presence of several resorts and golf courses nearby Tambalang has potential to be developed, he said. On the proposal by David Chong for a “land swap” whereby the RSTC is willing to swap its present land to the government for the extension of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport for Tambalang racecourse land, Lajim said “it was only mere talk in the newspapers”.
“There’s nothing concrete received by the State Government (from RSTC). Even if it is affected by the airport upgrading work, RSTC would have to deal with the Federal Government, which is implementing the project for compensation among others,” he stressed.
Lajim said RSTC had also applied to get a land in Kinarut to relocate their activities but the State Government did not approve since it was on a reserve land.
THE State Government is considering an application for RM2.5 million by the City Hall to buy garbage collection equipment, in addition to its present fleet of 15 garbage refuse trucks.
Lajim believed City Hall would be able to carry out their duties efficiently if the money was approved. On the overall garbage collection situation after City Hall took over from Pacific Garbage Management Services (PGMS), Lajim said it had improved greatly.
“In fact, everyday I read the papers especially the Hotline column in the Daily Express and note that complaints were not that great anymore. There were still some but we will continue to make the effort for it to be better,” he said.
Lajim said Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid had been instructed to see to it that City Hall work hard to ensure that isolated places in rating areas and those needing urgent attention would not be neglected.
He was also confident that the zoning system to complement the garbage collection system done by City Hall would be able to help and give a positive impact to the people.
LAJIM added that the collection of parking charges in the city had been suspended indefinitely because based on the report by the car park management firm, the operations cost was more than revenue With the new parking rate and charges announced by CM Musa on Wednesday, Lajim hoped that “the city dwellers and especially the Chinese community would be able to accept it with an open heart as well as appreciate what the Government is doing”.
“This also clearly showed that the State Government is very sensitive to the problem of the people.”
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Yong Teck Lee: Support Your Favourite Candidate!!!
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Datuk Yong Teck Lee was reported as saying "People in Kudat should support their favourite candidate during the coming election". He said that during his visit to Kudat recently.
He also said that he believes the people in Kudat are matured enough to make the right choice. Should they feel confused they could always seek advice from the Kudat party leaders to know who to vote for.
Read his lips, Yong said "support your favourite candidate" instead of whoever chosen by the Barisan Nasional leadership, like what other BN component party leaders tell their supporters.
Knowing well the rivalry between Datuk Yong Teck Lee and Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, is Yong trying to tell his supporters not to vote for Chong?
He also said that he believes the people in Kudat are matured enough to make the right choice. Should they feel confused they could always seek advice from the Kudat party leaders to know who to vote for.
Read his lips, Yong said "support your favourite candidate" instead of whoever chosen by the Barisan Nasional leadership, like what other BN component party leaders tell their supporters.
Knowing well the rivalry between Datuk Yong Teck Lee and Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, is Yong trying to tell his supporters not to vote for Chong?
Boss Keluar Minum
"Boss Keluar Minum" is a very popular phrase in many government departments. It could be an excuse for unfinished job or it could be true that the boss or officer in charge has gone out for morning or afternoon tea. However the tea time seems to take forever.
It has become a habbit for some government servants to be late in the office because they were loitering (lepak) in the in-house canteen or the coffee shops nearby. Nothing serious discussed in the coffee shops other than gossiping. They even shamelessly display their name tags as if these tags give them the right to waste time.
Although punch card system has long been implemented in government offices, but there were no monitoring system to check if employees really punch in and out on the correct time. There were no enforcement to take action against those who are found coming late or leaving the office early.
There are at least four times a day, government servants could waste the tax payers' time. Once in the morning where these people sit through their breakfast time to almost time for morning tea. They lazyly drag their over sized body to their place of work, flipping through the news papers, slowly arranging their desk, making jokes with their colleagues, switch on their computers, walk to the rest room to fix themselve a cup of coffee, sit down and finally look up at the long que ...... All these happen in the full view of the waiting public.
By the time works started to get smoother it is already time for morning tea. So gracefully they put on the 'next counter please' or the rude 'kaunter tutup' sign and leave for their tea in group. They don't even bother to clear the que first as if it is a taboo to do so. Time to leave is always very punctual, but never the other way round.
Tea time continues to lunch break moving on to afternoon tea. Some would leave for prayers. Out of eight hour's work a day, not less than three hours are wasted. Take a look at JKR, Education Deparments, and more.
These are the breeding grounds for bribery and corruption. If you want fast and good service, you pay. You will know when to pay when they tell you "Boss Keluar Minum" or "Saya belum minum". But they have forgotton that they have been well paid by the government (from the tax payers) coupled with allowances, insentives and bonuses. They get increment every year without fail. Yet they still play tricks to get paid more!
Who to blame? The boss. First, the bosses are ususally late for work to see what's happening in the departments. They thought to be late is a sign of authority. That's why the VIPs are always late.
Second, the bosses always leave early, as early as 3 in the afternoon for golf. Visit any golf course in Sabah, you will surely find many government department heads golfing around during office hours.
Third, the bosses are hardly in the office. They have to attend seminars, meetings, briefings, discussions and whatever terms you could think of. How true are they, no one knows except the bosses themselves.
Fourthly, the bosses, who got promoted to such positions through cronism and favouritism, do not really know what is happening around them. They dare not offend his staff.
Next, the bosses themselves were breeded from the same culture. So he or she have to keep the tradition.
And these are the bosses, the heads, the so call think-tank, who have time and again formulated a lot of the ad-hoc and ridiculous rules and regulations which further burden and depress the people.
Are we going to allow the "Boss Keluar Minum" culture to stay or "Mari Kita Minum Sama-sama"?
It has become a habbit for some government servants to be late in the office because they were loitering (lepak) in the in-house canteen or the coffee shops nearby. Nothing serious discussed in the coffee shops other than gossiping. They even shamelessly display their name tags as if these tags give them the right to waste time.
Although punch card system has long been implemented in government offices, but there were no monitoring system to check if employees really punch in and out on the correct time. There were no enforcement to take action against those who are found coming late or leaving the office early.
There are at least four times a day, government servants could waste the tax payers' time. Once in the morning where these people sit through their breakfast time to almost time for morning tea. They lazyly drag their over sized body to their place of work, flipping through the news papers, slowly arranging their desk, making jokes with their colleagues, switch on their computers, walk to the rest room to fix themselve a cup of coffee, sit down and finally look up at the long que ...... All these happen in the full view of the waiting public.
By the time works started to get smoother it is already time for morning tea. So gracefully they put on the 'next counter please' or the rude 'kaunter tutup' sign and leave for their tea in group. They don't even bother to clear the que first as if it is a taboo to do so. Time to leave is always very punctual, but never the other way round.
Tea time continues to lunch break moving on to afternoon tea. Some would leave for prayers. Out of eight hour's work a day, not less than three hours are wasted. Take a look at JKR, Education Deparments, and more.
These are the breeding grounds for bribery and corruption. If you want fast and good service, you pay. You will know when to pay when they tell you "Boss Keluar Minum" or "Saya belum minum". But they have forgotton that they have been well paid by the government (from the tax payers) coupled with allowances, insentives and bonuses. They get increment every year without fail. Yet they still play tricks to get paid more!
Who to blame? The boss. First, the bosses are ususally late for work to see what's happening in the departments. They thought to be late is a sign of authority. That's why the VIPs are always late.
Second, the bosses always leave early, as early as 3 in the afternoon for golf. Visit any golf course in Sabah, you will surely find many government department heads golfing around during office hours.
Third, the bosses are hardly in the office. They have to attend seminars, meetings, briefings, discussions and whatever terms you could think of. How true are they, no one knows except the bosses themselves.
Fourthly, the bosses, who got promoted to such positions through cronism and favouritism, do not really know what is happening around them. They dare not offend his staff.
Next, the bosses themselves were breeded from the same culture. So he or she have to keep the tradition.
And these are the bosses, the heads, the so call think-tank, who have time and again formulated a lot of the ad-hoc and ridiculous rules and regulations which further burden and depress the people.
Are we going to allow the "Boss Keluar Minum" culture to stay or "Mari Kita Minum Sama-sama"?
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
MCA Makes Its Claim
Sabah MCA Liaison Chief Datuk Edward Khoo has finally made the party's claim public on the right to contest in the Api-Api State constituency and four other new State and parliamentary seats in the coming general election.
The new State seats are Apas, Luyang and Kepayan while the new parliamentary seat is Batu Sapi.
He said, “We have no choice but to make ourselves clear openly although it is not our traditional practice because other Barisan Nasional (BN) Chinese-based parties have been doing so in such a manner. MCA has been serving Sabah for more than 10 years and we feel it is time for our leaders to stand as candidates in the coming Sabah State and national elections.”
Khoo also said although the Api-Api seat is currently being held by PBS, the fact is that the BN candidate in the constituency came from MCA in the 1999 State election. Datuk Chau Tet On is currently Tanjung Aru BN chairman and has been serving the people here. He said MCA has the right candidates to go for the seats it is requesting.
Chau represented the BN in Api-Api seat in the 1999 State election but lost to Dr Yee Moh Chai of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) which was then in the opposition. PBS was readmitted into the BN early 2002.
It was learnt that Sabah MCA Wanita Chief Datuk Agnes Shim and Youth Secretary Michael Loi are potential candidates for Api-Api, apart from Chau. Tan Kim Beng, who has been lobbying hard, was not mentioned.
But Khoo said the MCA would not reveal the names of its potential candidates before nomination day.
Also present at the function was MCA national Vice President Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn. When asked, Dr Fong said the Sabah MCA’s claim was reasonable and he would assist in making necessary recommendations to the party leadership.
The new State seats are Apas, Luyang and Kepayan while the new parliamentary seat is Batu Sapi.
He said, “We have no choice but to make ourselves clear openly although it is not our traditional practice because other Barisan Nasional (BN) Chinese-based parties have been doing so in such a manner. MCA has been serving Sabah for more than 10 years and we feel it is time for our leaders to stand as candidates in the coming Sabah State and national elections.”
Khoo also said although the Api-Api seat is currently being held by PBS, the fact is that the BN candidate in the constituency came from MCA in the 1999 State election. Datuk Chau Tet On is currently Tanjung Aru BN chairman and has been serving the people here. He said MCA has the right candidates to go for the seats it is requesting.
Chau represented the BN in Api-Api seat in the 1999 State election but lost to Dr Yee Moh Chai of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) which was then in the opposition. PBS was readmitted into the BN early 2002.
It was learnt that Sabah MCA Wanita Chief Datuk Agnes Shim and Youth Secretary Michael Loi are potential candidates for Api-Api, apart from Chau. Tan Kim Beng, who has been lobbying hard, was not mentioned.
But Khoo said the MCA would not reveal the names of its potential candidates before nomination day.
Also present at the function was MCA national Vice President Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn. When asked, Dr Fong said the Sabah MCA’s claim was reasonable and he would assist in making necessary recommendations to the party leadership.
Rape! Rape! Rape!
While the government, the police, the NGOs are still arguing on what’s the best punishment for rapist, rape cases keep piling up. When they are not the victims, they only know how to talk without realising the importance of time. Time safe lives.
Take a look at the rape cases in Sabah. News courtesy of Daily Express.
16 February, 2001
Victim: 16
Kota Kinabalu: A 16-year-old student still unconscious at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Intensive Care Unit has been confirmed to have been raped, it was reliably learnt.
The victim from Keningau and a student of SMK Bingkor, sustained serious injuries after falling from the second floor of the Inanam Commercial Centre building Tuesday afternoon.
She was believed to have tried to escape from three males. It was earlier reported that she was from Penampang but it is possible that she had been residing there.
Police have yet make any arrest but are still investigating.
The victim was said to have gone upstairs with the males to what was believed to be a drug den. She was found clad in a sarong and was rushed to the hospital by several coffee shop patrons when they went to investigate a loud thud.
05 April, 2001
Victim: 19
Kota Kinabalu: A 19-year-old local alleged she was raped by an unidentified man who claimed to be looking for her "husband" over a debt at her uncle's quarters at Kolombong, near here, Tuesday afternoon.
The stranger was also alleged to have threatened the victim with a spanner, before fleeing with a wallet containing an undisclosed amount of money from the house.
Confirming the case Wednesday, District Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohd said the victim, who was staying with her relative, was sleeping alone during the 3pm incident.
"She woke up upon hearing someone knocking at the door and went to open it, thinking it could be her uncle or auntie," said Hamdan.
However, she was confronted by an unidentified man who claimed he was looking for her husband regarding a debt.
When the victim told the stranger she was not married, he rushed in, grabbed her neck and forced her into a room before raping her.
"The victim claimed the stranger even threatened her with a spanner," he said.
Hamdan said the suspect managed to grab a wallet containing an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing. A relative accompanied her to lodge a police report at 9.30pm.
20 May, 2001
Victim: 25
Sandakan: A 25-year-old primary school teacher was rushed to hospital after being raped and shot along Jalan Yun Chun, off Jalan Sibuga, Saturday. Her condition was reported to be serious.
It was learnt that the victim, who resides in Taman Mawar, was heading in her car towards Jalan Yun Chun (next to Jalan Ulu Sibuga) for tuition when stopped by two men, one of whom was armed with a pistol, at about 1pm.
The victim was dragged towards some bushes where she was raped twice, it was learnt. The rapists also looted RM70 from the victim before shooting her in the stomach.
The victim still managed to walk out of the bushes before being rushed to the Duchess of Kent hospital by a passer-by.
A police party led by SIO ASP Dennis Leong rushed to the scene upon being alerted. Also at the scene was OCPD ACP Hashim Mohd Yusof.
Investigations are under way, including whether the suspected assailants were foreigners.
13 June, 2001
Victim: 22
Kota Kinabalu: A 22-year-old college student was gang-raped by three foreigners who threatened her with a parang after breaking into her bungalow here early Tuesday. She was sleeping alone in the living room then.
An alert neighbour warned police at 4.45am, resulting in the arrest of two of the Filipino suspects, aged 22 and 30, while they were walking along the road near the victim's house at 5am, about two hours after the incident.
Police also recovered the victim's Identity Card (IC) and a parang from a bag from one of the suspects. They also led to the recovery of two electrical items placed among some bushes which they had stolen from the victim's house.
Confirming this here, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said police are looking for the third culprit, 35.
"There was a slight cut in the victim's neck believed caused by the parang," he said.
Investigations showed the suspects gained entry through the kitchen by forcing open the iron grille and sliding window. They went inside the back compound after cutting the fences using pliers.
The victim, who was alone because her parents were out-station, returned home from college at 7pm on Monday.
After taking her bath and dinner, she sat on a sofa in the living room and watched television until she fell asleep.
At 3am she was shocked to find a man standing in front of her and pointing a parang to her neck. The others used a towel to gag her mouth and tied her hands with a scarf.
"The men then took turns to rape her on the sofa before fleeing with a video player and a hi-fi system," said Hamdan.
The girl screamed for help after the suspects left and this awakened her neighbour. Three mobile police units cordoned off the area upon being alerted and found the suspects, both construction workers, with the items.
"The suspects hid some of the stolen goods to pick them up later," said Hamdan.
The two suspects are also believed to be involved in other housebreaking cases in the area.
Police believe the suspects actually intended to steal but turned their attention on the victim upon finding her alone.
"There was a slight cut in the victim's neck believed caused by the parang," he said.
07 July, 2001
Victim: 17
Sandakan: A 17-year-old local has been remanded five days to facilitate investigations into the rape-cum-murder of a five-year-old schoolgirl at Kampung Sibuga Besar, some 10km from here, on Thursday.
District police chief ACP Hashim Mohd Yusof said the suspect was apprehended by villagers alerted by news of the missing girl who failed to return home, usually between 4pm and 6pm, after finishing her Koran classes at a nearby surau.
Several people claimed to have seen the suspect bringing the girl into a swamp area not far from the kampung, he added.
The naked and muddied body of Siti Nadirah Buda was found hidden among some pieces of wood in the bush by police who were alerted by a missing person report lodged at about 8.30pm the same day.
The deceased's clothings were recovered under a tree, some 50 metres from where the body was found. She was believed to have been raped before she was killed.
According to Hashim, the girl's father mounted a search party with the help of several villagers when his daughter failed to return home at the usual time after attending Koran classes.
Others who saw the suspect and the girl together earlier alerted the search party.
They apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police, after which he led them to the scene where the victim's body was hidden.
Hashim said the deceased had been sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital for a post mortem.
In another development, 138 Indonesians, including children were rounded up during a police operation codenamed "Ops Bersih" at a Telupid plantation, on Wednesday.
The foreigners, aged five to 40 years, were found without any valid identification. They were fast alseep when a police party swooped in on them at 3am.
Ramli said they would be sent to the Sandakan temporary detention centre for deportation.
27 July, 2001
Victim: 14
Kota Kinabalu: Police here are looking for a 29-year-old soldier from Kota Belud to assist investigations into the alleged rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl thrice this month.
Confirming this here Thursday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said it was based on a report lodged by the victim, who was accompanied by her unsatisfied parents, Wednesday.
In her report, the victim told police the suspect is her boyfriend of two months.
"She said the first incident happened on July 10 when she followed him to check into a lodging house here, while the second and last happened in Tanjung Aru on July 14 and last Friday," said Hamdan.
He said the victim's parents suspected something amiss and forced her to tell them the basis of her relationship with the suspect, before accompanying her to lodge a report.
Hamdan advised young girls, especially schoolgirls, to be extra careful about people they became acquainted with in a short period to avoid becoming prey to rapists.
21 September, 2001
Victim: 15
Penampang: What was supposed to be a pleasant reunion for a 15-year-old local girl, from Tenghilan, with her former employer turned out to be her worst experience when she was allegedly raped in a hotel along Jalan Penampang on Monday.
Fortunately the victim's younger sister, who accompanied her to have lunch with the Pakistani suspect, managed to escape and lock herself inside a bathroom in the 2pm incident.
The victim managed to join her sister in the bathroom as the suspect was resting after the alleged incident, and they both escaped through a window.
The victim then lodged a police report the following morning.
Confirming the case Thursday, District Police Chief DSP Joseph Jolis Jikiun said no arrest was made so far.
He urged those who have information on the suspect's whereabouts to contact the district police headquarters at 088-712222.
He said the suspect, in his 40s, previously owned a sundry shop in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.
Relating her ordeal, the victim told police she and her sister were inside Khidmat Supermarket in the city at around noon on Monday when they met the suspect.
The sisters had just arrived in the State Capital from Tenghilan.
After a while, the suspect invited both of them to have lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, the suspect invited the victim and her sister to a room upstairs.
While inside, the victim said the suspect immediately locked the door and attempted to grab both but the younger sister managed to escape into the bathroom.
The victim claimed she was then raped.
30 October, 2001
Victim: 20
Kota Kinabalu: A 20-year-old mentally disabled woman was gang-raped thrice by two local men who worked at her grandmother's house along Jalan Tuaran here, since the middle of this month.
However, their secret lasted only for 12 days after the victim told her 49-year-old mother about the incident that allegedly took place at the bedroom and bathroom of the house on Oct 16 and last Friday.
Shocked over this, the mother immediately lodged a police report on Saturday.
City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said Monday police picked up the suspects, aged 26 and 40, the same day after the report was lodged. They were detained for further investigations.
Hamdan said the mother told police in her report that the incidents happened while her daughter was under the care of her grandmother.
She said she always sent her daughter to the grandmother's house when she went to work.
Hamdan also said police also arrested a 22-year-old local man on Saturday after 340 plastic tubes believed to contain codeine-laced cough syrup were found inside his car when it was stopped for inspection at a roadblock along the coastal highway at 8.30pm.
The suspect is being detained for further investigations while the suspected drug has been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
18 January, 2002
Victim: 11
Kudat: A 42-year-old farmer who has been allegedly raping his daughter, 11, at home since 1998 has been arrested and police are looking for his younger brother – the uncle – for the same offence.
Disclosing this here Thursday, District Police Chief DSP Abdul Majid Mahmud said the suspect was arrested soon after the girl lodged a report accompanied by her aunt at 10am Thursday.
The aunt is the younger sister of the suspects. The victim could not lodge a report earlier because she was threatened by both suspects.
Police declined to reveal the village to protect the identity of the victim who is still in school.
She has been placed under the care of her aunt.
In her report, the girl claimed she was raped by both whenever her mother went out. The father is detained under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code for investigations.
In a separate case, a civil servant from Kg Paku, Matunggong, lodged a report after finding his shotgun missing from his house while he and his family were away in Kota Kinabalu.
The victim claimed that he discovered his house had been burgled when they returned late Wednesday night and found the shotgun and some jewellery missing.
Abdul Majid urged those having information on the incident to alert the nearest police station.
28 April, 2002
Victim: 36
Kota Kinabalu: A 36-year-year Indonesian woman was allegedly raped by a Timorese on the second floor of a building under construction at Kuala Menggatal, near here, on Thursday night.
Confirming the incident Saturday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad said the woman was found unconscious inside the building by a security guard at about 7.50.
He said the woman suffered several wounds on her head, believed caused by hard objects.
According to Hamdan, a doctor at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who examined the woman confirmed the victim had been raped.
The victim later told police that she did not know the assailant who was seen twice in the area.
Hamdan, however, did not reveal how and why the woman was in the building.
Meanwhile, Hamdan also said 27 Timorese men were up during an operation at the construction site at around 4am Saturday, but police have yet to ascertain if any of them was the rapist.
01 October, 2002
Victim: 9
Tawau: Police have detained a 14-year-old Indonesian boy for the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl in front of her younger brother in an undergrowth near the town area here last weekend.
District Police Chief, ACP Quik Harris OKK Anik, said the suspect had been remanded for three days to facilitate investigations.
According to him, initial investigation revealed the suspect met the victim, who at that time was accompanying her 8-year-old brother to attend a religious class in the town area, at 6.30pm on Saturday.
He then invited the victim and her brother to accompany him to a nearby area to collect a badminton racquet.
Being acquainted with the boy, the victim did not suspect anything and complied with his request.
Upon reaching the bushes some 25 meters away from the main road, the victim complained she was tired and could not walk any further.
The suspect carried the victim to a secluded spot where he raped her in front of the brother.
He then asked her for some money and warned her against relating the incident to anyone before running off.
She only related her ordeal the following day to her parents who demanded to know what had happened after noticing her change behaviour.
Following a report lodged by the victim’s parents, police picked up the suspect in the town area at about 9.45pm the same day.
10 November, 2002
Victim: 13
Beluran: A 13-year-old local girl was sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan on Saturday for medical examination after being allegedly raped by her father.
The victim, who is said to be pregnant, lodged a police report on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old local was made poorer by RM10,000 after his house in Taman Mawar, Sandakan, was broken into on Friday.
Chin Sui Foh, who had withdrawn the money from a bank, had planned to go on a holiday with his children.
23 November, 2002
Victim: 17
Kota Kinabalu: The mystery serial molester in a white Proton Iswara has struck again, but this time he managed to rape a 17-year-old girl taking her SPM examination, Thursday morning.
The man, in his 30s, allegedly committed the offence near the newly completed Sulaman highway, off the Tuaran Road by-pass.
The victim was said to be walking to her school a short distance away around 7.50am when she was approached by the suspect who offered her a lift in his Proton Iswara car.
The unsuspecting victim accepted the ride, only to be taken towards another direction after the driver made a U-turn.
The man assured her that he had to pick up his younger sister first to be sent to school as well.
Disclosing this here Friday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad said the suspect then stopped the car in a specified area and demanded sex from the victim.
The frightened girl gave in to his demand after he threatened her with bodily harm, after which he sent her back to the school.
On arrival, the victim immediately related her ordeal to her teachers who, together with her parents, lodged a police report later the same day.
Based on the victim’s description, the suspect was in his 30s but police had yet to ascertain whether he was the same perpetrator in two earlier offences, Hamdan said.
On Monday, a 10-year-old schoolgirl was molested by a stranger inside a white Proton Iswara at the Tanjung Aru beach, after she accepted his offer for a joy ride at 6.15pm when she got separated with her brother in a crowded open market.
On October 26, a 16-year-old waitress from Putatan was on her way home alone, close to midnight, when she accepted a lift from a man in a white Proton Iswara, but was instead brought to the Donggongon township where she was molested inside the car.
02 January, 2003
Victim: 22
Kota Kinabalu: A 22-year-old shop assistant at a cyber cafe was raped inside a car at an isolated area near SMK Kolombong shortly after she had accepted a lift from a stranger.
City police chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, on Thursday said the girl, residing at one of the kampungs in Inanam, was waiting for a bus when she was approached by the man who was driving a dark blue Proton Saga on New Year’s eve.
“The man, in his 30’s, who had short hair and a well built body, offered the victim a ride,” he said.
Instead of sending her to her workplace, the man took her to Kolombong on the excuse of wanting to chit-chat but forced her into having sex with him on getting there.
He later sent the girl to her workplace. The girl lodged a report with city police on Wednesday.
No one has been arrested but investigations are continuing.
Hamdan, meanwhile, again advised women against accepting lifts from strangers. They should also avoid going out alone at night, he added.
14 January, 2003
Victim: 12
Kota Kinabalu: A 12-year-old schoolgirl claimed she was raped by her father’s friend at her unnumbered house in Sri Tanjung here last Friday.
She told police she was alone at home when the incident took place at about 1.30pm. Both her parents were away in Tawau.
She claimed the man, in his 20s, took her into a small room and raped her and left about five minutes later.
The girl later revealed the incident to her uncle who accompanied her to lodge a report at the police station here.
City police chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said no arrest had been made thus far but that police were looking for the suspect.
05 February, 2003
Victim: 8
Papar: An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 50-year-old Indonesian man at her parents’ house in Bongawan about 1am Tuesday.
District Crime Chief ASP Shivanandan V on Tuesday confirmed that a report was lodged by the grandfather of the girl at 9.45am the same day.
According to the report, the man had been living with the family, as they had pitied him for not having a place to stay.
However, he allegedly raped the girl who was sleeping next to him in the house in which there are no partitions. He had already fled by the time members of the family realised what had happened.
But police managed to nab the man at 4.10pm the same day at Kg Nyaris-Nyaris in Bongawan.
Meanwhile, an 18-year-old Indonesian was detained during an anti-crime operation here by three police personnel led by Chief Inspector Mohd Fauzi Sahat.
The suspect, who works as a coffeeshop assistant in town, was found with three identity cards of dubious origin. He has been remanded for a week to facilitate investigations.
25 February, 2003
Victim: 31
Tawau: A 31-year-old local woman who accepted a lift home from five men outside a discotheque here early Sunday wound up being gang-raped instead.
She told police they took turns to rape her in some bushes along Jalan St Patrick, about 20 metres away from the night entertainment outlet, about 1am.
Thereafter, they went back to their vehicle and drove away, leaving her alone in the bushes.
She walked back towards the discotheque and sought help from several people standing outside the premises. They brought her to the police station here.
District Police Chief, ACP Kuik Harris OKK Anik, said no arrest has been made thus far.
He said the woman told police she and her two female companions had been earlier having some drinks in the discotheque and that she decided to go home sometime later on feeling intoxicated.
Outside the discotheque, she met the five men who offered her a ride home on their vehicle.
She accepted the offer but a short distance away she asked them to pull over as she felt nauseous and wanted to throw up.
She said when she alighted from the vehicle, all the five followed and forced her into the bushes where they raped her.
11 April, 2003
Victim: 15
Kota Kinabalu: A 15-year-old secondary schoolgirl lodged a police report on Wednesday claiming she had been raped by an “army officer” at a downtown hotel here.
City Police Chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said the incident allegedly happened in a room of the hotel at about 3.45pm on April 4, after the victim accepted the man’s invitation to lunch.
He said the victim became acquainted with the suspect the previous day when she and her sister were at a shopping complex here.
On the same day, the victim and the man went to the Tanjung Aru Beach for a walk until midnight.
Earlier, the suspect had introduced himself as an “army officer currently on leave” and was staying in a hotel.
On April 4, the suspect went to the third former’s school to fetch her for lunch before inviting her to his hotel room.
“Don’t be easily deceived by anybody unknown to you, who may claim that they know your family and offer to send you home,” said Hamdan.
“Based on past records, the modus operandi of most rapists is similar. They will offer to send their victims home but instead take them to other places where they (the victims) are raped,” he added.
At the same time, Hamdan also advised rape victims to immediately lodge a police report so that immediate investigations can be carried out.
21 June, 2003
Victim: 21, 12
Kota Kinabalu: A 21-year-old woman and an underage girl have lodged separate police reports claiming they were raped.
City Police Chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said the first report was by the woman about 5pm on Wednesday alleging she was raped by a man after a drink at a cyber cafÈ, in Likas, here on June 9.
According to her, she was approached by the man who, together with his girlfriend, invited her for a drink at the cyber cafÈ that evening.
The 23-year-old male suspect drank liquor while she had an orange drink.
Around 8pm, she felt dizzy and asked the suspect to get her a taxi to go home. She claimed she was fully conscious when escorted out of the cyber cafÈ by the man.
However, she was already at home when she woke up the next morning and felt pain in her private parts.
Her adoptive mother advised her to lodge a police report after being told of the incident.
In the other police report, a 12-year-old girl claimed she was raped in a room at Kg Air here between 1am and 2am, Thursday.
The victim, a night market sales assistant, claimed to have followed a female friend to her room in the area prior to the incident.
Once in the room, she claimed a man known to her friend came in and raped her.
Police have detained a 19-year-old male suspect for questioning, following the incident.
25 July, 2003
Victim: 12, 16
Tawau: Police have detained a 49-year-old Bugis plantation worker here for allegedly raping his two daughters on several occasions over the past six years.
The suspect allegedly committed the act since the victims were aged 10 and six years at the workers’ quarters in an estate in Brumas, near here.
The victims’ mother, who is also a labourer, was out working during the incidents.
Now aged 16 and 12, they did not relate their ordeal to anyone until early Wednesday when the suspect tried to force his lust on the elder girl.
She, however, managed to escape and related her ordeal to an uncle living nearby.
The concerned uncle brought the girl back to her house and confronted the suspect, during which time both girls claimed to having been raped by their father, before bringing them to the police station to lodge a report.
The suspect was consequently arrested at the police station and the sisters were sent for medical examination at the district hospital.
Confirming this Thursday, acting District Police Chief Supt Mohamed Deraman said initial investigations showed the suspect took the opportunity to rape the victims each time their mother went out to work early in the morning, over the past six years.
He might have raped them separately on different occasions because the elder girl never knew that their father also raped her younger sister, he added.
“When the suspect attempted to rape the elder victim at around 4am Wednesday, after her mother went out to work, she resisted and rushed to her uncle’s house nearby,” said Mohamed.
The suspect is currently detained under Section 376(A) of the Penal Code.
03 October, 2003
Victim: 5
Tawau: An Indonesian woman lodged a police report here Wednesday claiming her five-year-old daughter was raped by their 14-year-old tenant, also an Indonesian, who stayed on the ground floor of their double-storey house.
Acting District Police Chief, Supt Mohamed Deraman, said the 22-year-old complainant made the report at noon after her daughter complained of pain in her private parts. He said on being queried by her mother, the girl related what had transpired at their house several times last month.
The suspect, who is still schooling, was arrested nine hours after the report was lodged and is being detained to facilitate further investigations, said Mohamed.
19 December, 2003
Victim: 15
Tawau: A 15-year-old local girl was raped and stabbed on the neck by a Filipino, who had earlier threatened her with a knife while on board a bus at a bus station in town, here on Monday.
It was learnt that the victim boarded the bus to go home at about 3pm that day. She was sent to the bus station by a male friend whom she met with at Taman Bintang along Mile 3, Jalan Apas, at noon.
As she was sitting, the Filipino who was seated at the back suddenly pointed a knife at her and grabbed her handphone.
The Filipino then questioned the victim why she had befriended his brother (referring to the man who she had met and who sent her to the bus station), and she asked what was wrong with that.
The Filipino then told her that he wanted to take her to see their mother and she agreed to go with him.
Both of them alighted at Mile 5 off Jalan Apas and he took her about a mile away from the roadside where he raped her. He left after stabbing the victim on her neck.
The victim then walked to a nearby village where a villager helped her get on a vehicle to go to the nearest public telephone booth at Mile 1_ of the same road.
The victim called up her mother and related what had happened to her.
Her mother then picked her up and brought her to lodge a report at the police station as well as to undergo a medical examination at the district hospital.
Acting District Police Chief, DSP Rusdi Ramli, who confirmed this Thursday said police picked up a 24-year-old Filipino at Mile 3, Jalan Apas, on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the arrest was made based on the result of investigations into a report lodged by a 40-year-old local woman at 8pm on Monday.
The suspect is currently remanded to facilitate further investigations into the case, classified under Section 376 of the Penal Code.
In the report, he said the woman had told police that her daughter (the victim) left home at about noon on Monday to meet a male friend at Taman Bintang.
Investigations are continuing.
03 January, 2004
Victim: 17
Sandakan: A 17-year-old girl’s decision to usher in the New Year with a group of friends turned awry when she was gang-raped by six men.
It was learnt that the victim was lured by a friend to a secluded spot near the community centre where the others were waiting, who took turns to rape her at 9pm on Wednesday.
A report was lodged by the victim’s parents, after which she was sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital for a medical examination.
Police are still investigating.
14 January, 2004
Victim: 15
Beaufort: A fisherman was arrested on suspicion of raping his teenage daughter at their home in Menumbok, near here, on Sunday.
Acting District Police Chief, ASP Mohamed Taib, said the man allegedly raped his 15-year-old daughter after he returned from sea, also on Sunday, at about 3.30pm.
At the time of the suspected crime, nobody was home except for the girl’s younger sister, who their father had asked to go out to buy some sweets for herself, before committing the alleged crime, Mohamed said.
All other family members, including the victim’s mother, were out working. The girl, like her siblings, did not go to school but instead helped their father earn a living for the family.
The girl went to the police station the same day to lodge a report after the alleged incident, he said, adding the suspect has been remanded for 14 days.
Meanwhile, police here arrested a jobless local and seized 28 small packets containing crystalline substances believed to be Syabu, hidden in a tooth pick dispenser.
The arrest was made downtown on Saturday at 1pm following a public tip-off.
The 23-year-old suspect, realising that police were on his tail, tried to run, during which he was seen throwing something that looked like a small bottle.
However, police managed to apprehend him and recover the bottle, which turned up be a toothpick dispenser that contained the substances.
Police are still awaiting a report on the actual weight of the suspected Syabu.
Mohamed thanked the public for their cooperation leading to the arrest, and hoped more would play their part in crime prevention.
29 January, 2004
Victim: 16
Ranau: A 62-year-old farmer was arrested on suspicion of raping his teenage neighbour for more than a year.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect would give the girl some money to keep her quiet after committing the crime in his home, said Acting District Police Chief, ASP Mohd Izaan Abdullah.
The Form Four student, who lives in Lohan here, was allegedly raped since the middle of 2002 until the end of last year.
Izaan said the girl’s sister suspected something amiss when she saw her leaving the suspect’s house at night.
When asked, she recounted her experience, and about a month later, after their father was released from prison, the parents lodged a report on Tuesday at 4pm.
Police immediately looked for the farmer and detained him in the town area, he said.
Investigations also showed that the suspect had lured the girl to his house at night, when his children were sleeping, and raped her.
The man has been remanded for investigations, Izaan added.
Take a look at the rape cases in Sabah. News courtesy of Daily Express.
16 February, 2001
Victim: 16
Kota Kinabalu: A 16-year-old student still unconscious at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Intensive Care Unit has been confirmed to have been raped, it was reliably learnt.
The victim from Keningau and a student of SMK Bingkor, sustained serious injuries after falling from the second floor of the Inanam Commercial Centre building Tuesday afternoon.
She was believed to have tried to escape from three males. It was earlier reported that she was from Penampang but it is possible that she had been residing there.
Police have yet make any arrest but are still investigating.
The victim was said to have gone upstairs with the males to what was believed to be a drug den. She was found clad in a sarong and was rushed to the hospital by several coffee shop patrons when they went to investigate a loud thud.
05 April, 2001
Victim: 19
Kota Kinabalu: A 19-year-old local alleged she was raped by an unidentified man who claimed to be looking for her "husband" over a debt at her uncle's quarters at Kolombong, near here, Tuesday afternoon.
The stranger was also alleged to have threatened the victim with a spanner, before fleeing with a wallet containing an undisclosed amount of money from the house.
Confirming the case Wednesday, District Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohd said the victim, who was staying with her relative, was sleeping alone during the 3pm incident.
"She woke up upon hearing someone knocking at the door and went to open it, thinking it could be her uncle or auntie," said Hamdan.
However, she was confronted by an unidentified man who claimed he was looking for her husband regarding a debt.
When the victim told the stranger she was not married, he rushed in, grabbed her neck and forced her into a room before raping her.
"The victim claimed the stranger even threatened her with a spanner," he said.
Hamdan said the suspect managed to grab a wallet containing an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing. A relative accompanied her to lodge a police report at 9.30pm.
20 May, 2001
Victim: 25
Sandakan: A 25-year-old primary school teacher was rushed to hospital after being raped and shot along Jalan Yun Chun, off Jalan Sibuga, Saturday. Her condition was reported to be serious.
It was learnt that the victim, who resides in Taman Mawar, was heading in her car towards Jalan Yun Chun (next to Jalan Ulu Sibuga) for tuition when stopped by two men, one of whom was armed with a pistol, at about 1pm.
The victim was dragged towards some bushes where she was raped twice, it was learnt. The rapists also looted RM70 from the victim before shooting her in the stomach.
The victim still managed to walk out of the bushes before being rushed to the Duchess of Kent hospital by a passer-by.
A police party led by SIO ASP Dennis Leong rushed to the scene upon being alerted. Also at the scene was OCPD ACP Hashim Mohd Yusof.
Investigations are under way, including whether the suspected assailants were foreigners.
13 June, 2001
Victim: 22
Kota Kinabalu: A 22-year-old college student was gang-raped by three foreigners who threatened her with a parang after breaking into her bungalow here early Tuesday. She was sleeping alone in the living room then.
An alert neighbour warned police at 4.45am, resulting in the arrest of two of the Filipino suspects, aged 22 and 30, while they were walking along the road near the victim's house at 5am, about two hours after the incident.
Police also recovered the victim's Identity Card (IC) and a parang from a bag from one of the suspects. They also led to the recovery of two electrical items placed among some bushes which they had stolen from the victim's house.
Confirming this here, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said police are looking for the third culprit, 35.
"There was a slight cut in the victim's neck believed caused by the parang," he said.
Investigations showed the suspects gained entry through the kitchen by forcing open the iron grille and sliding window. They went inside the back compound after cutting the fences using pliers.
The victim, who was alone because her parents were out-station, returned home from college at 7pm on Monday.
After taking her bath and dinner, she sat on a sofa in the living room and watched television until she fell asleep.
At 3am she was shocked to find a man standing in front of her and pointing a parang to her neck. The others used a towel to gag her mouth and tied her hands with a scarf.
"The men then took turns to rape her on the sofa before fleeing with a video player and a hi-fi system," said Hamdan.
The girl screamed for help after the suspects left and this awakened her neighbour. Three mobile police units cordoned off the area upon being alerted and found the suspects, both construction workers, with the items.
"The suspects hid some of the stolen goods to pick them up later," said Hamdan.
The two suspects are also believed to be involved in other housebreaking cases in the area.
Police believe the suspects actually intended to steal but turned their attention on the victim upon finding her alone.
"There was a slight cut in the victim's neck believed caused by the parang," he said.
07 July, 2001
Victim: 17
Sandakan: A 17-year-old local has been remanded five days to facilitate investigations into the rape-cum-murder of a five-year-old schoolgirl at Kampung Sibuga Besar, some 10km from here, on Thursday.
District police chief ACP Hashim Mohd Yusof said the suspect was apprehended by villagers alerted by news of the missing girl who failed to return home, usually between 4pm and 6pm, after finishing her Koran classes at a nearby surau.
Several people claimed to have seen the suspect bringing the girl into a swamp area not far from the kampung, he added.
The naked and muddied body of Siti Nadirah Buda was found hidden among some pieces of wood in the bush by police who were alerted by a missing person report lodged at about 8.30pm the same day.
The deceased's clothings were recovered under a tree, some 50 metres from where the body was found. She was believed to have been raped before she was killed.
According to Hashim, the girl's father mounted a search party with the help of several villagers when his daughter failed to return home at the usual time after attending Koran classes.
Others who saw the suspect and the girl together earlier alerted the search party.
They apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police, after which he led them to the scene where the victim's body was hidden.
Hashim said the deceased had been sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital for a post mortem.
In another development, 138 Indonesians, including children were rounded up during a police operation codenamed "Ops Bersih" at a Telupid plantation, on Wednesday.
The foreigners, aged five to 40 years, were found without any valid identification. They were fast alseep when a police party swooped in on them at 3am.
Ramli said they would be sent to the Sandakan temporary detention centre for deportation.
27 July, 2001
Victim: 14
Kota Kinabalu: Police here are looking for a 29-year-old soldier from Kota Belud to assist investigations into the alleged rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl thrice this month.
Confirming this here Thursday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said it was based on a report lodged by the victim, who was accompanied by her unsatisfied parents, Wednesday.
In her report, the victim told police the suspect is her boyfriend of two months.
"She said the first incident happened on July 10 when she followed him to check into a lodging house here, while the second and last happened in Tanjung Aru on July 14 and last Friday," said Hamdan.
He said the victim's parents suspected something amiss and forced her to tell them the basis of her relationship with the suspect, before accompanying her to lodge a report.
Hamdan advised young girls, especially schoolgirls, to be extra careful about people they became acquainted with in a short period to avoid becoming prey to rapists.
21 September, 2001
Victim: 15
Penampang: What was supposed to be a pleasant reunion for a 15-year-old local girl, from Tenghilan, with her former employer turned out to be her worst experience when she was allegedly raped in a hotel along Jalan Penampang on Monday.
Fortunately the victim's younger sister, who accompanied her to have lunch with the Pakistani suspect, managed to escape and lock herself inside a bathroom in the 2pm incident.
The victim managed to join her sister in the bathroom as the suspect was resting after the alleged incident, and they both escaped through a window.
The victim then lodged a police report the following morning.
Confirming the case Thursday, District Police Chief DSP Joseph Jolis Jikiun said no arrest was made so far.
He urged those who have information on the suspect's whereabouts to contact the district police headquarters at 088-712222.
He said the suspect, in his 40s, previously owned a sundry shop in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.
Relating her ordeal, the victim told police she and her sister were inside Khidmat Supermarket in the city at around noon on Monday when they met the suspect.
The sisters had just arrived in the State Capital from Tenghilan.
After a while, the suspect invited both of them to have lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, the suspect invited the victim and her sister to a room upstairs.
While inside, the victim said the suspect immediately locked the door and attempted to grab both but the younger sister managed to escape into the bathroom.
The victim claimed she was then raped.
30 October, 2001
Victim: 20
Kota Kinabalu: A 20-year-old mentally disabled woman was gang-raped thrice by two local men who worked at her grandmother's house along Jalan Tuaran here, since the middle of this month.
However, their secret lasted only for 12 days after the victim told her 49-year-old mother about the incident that allegedly took place at the bedroom and bathroom of the house on Oct 16 and last Friday.
Shocked over this, the mother immediately lodged a police report on Saturday.
City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Hj Mohamad said Monday police picked up the suspects, aged 26 and 40, the same day after the report was lodged. They were detained for further investigations.
Hamdan said the mother told police in her report that the incidents happened while her daughter was under the care of her grandmother.
She said she always sent her daughter to the grandmother's house when she went to work.
Hamdan also said police also arrested a 22-year-old local man on Saturday after 340 plastic tubes believed to contain codeine-laced cough syrup were found inside his car when it was stopped for inspection at a roadblock along the coastal highway at 8.30pm.
The suspect is being detained for further investigations while the suspected drug has been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis.
18 January, 2002
Victim: 11
Kudat: A 42-year-old farmer who has been allegedly raping his daughter, 11, at home since 1998 has been arrested and police are looking for his younger brother – the uncle – for the same offence.
Disclosing this here Thursday, District Police Chief DSP Abdul Majid Mahmud said the suspect was arrested soon after the girl lodged a report accompanied by her aunt at 10am Thursday.
The aunt is the younger sister of the suspects. The victim could not lodge a report earlier because she was threatened by both suspects.
Police declined to reveal the village to protect the identity of the victim who is still in school.
She has been placed under the care of her aunt.
In her report, the girl claimed she was raped by both whenever her mother went out. The father is detained under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code for investigations.
In a separate case, a civil servant from Kg Paku, Matunggong, lodged a report after finding his shotgun missing from his house while he and his family were away in Kota Kinabalu.
The victim claimed that he discovered his house had been burgled when they returned late Wednesday night and found the shotgun and some jewellery missing.
Abdul Majid urged those having information on the incident to alert the nearest police station.
28 April, 2002
Victim: 36
Kota Kinabalu: A 36-year-year Indonesian woman was allegedly raped by a Timorese on the second floor of a building under construction at Kuala Menggatal, near here, on Thursday night.
Confirming the incident Saturday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad said the woman was found unconscious inside the building by a security guard at about 7.50.
He said the woman suffered several wounds on her head, believed caused by hard objects.
According to Hamdan, a doctor at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who examined the woman confirmed the victim had been raped.
The victim later told police that she did not know the assailant who was seen twice in the area.
Hamdan, however, did not reveal how and why the woman was in the building.
Meanwhile, Hamdan also said 27 Timorese men were up during an operation at the construction site at around 4am Saturday, but police have yet to ascertain if any of them was the rapist.
01 October, 2002
Victim: 9
Tawau: Police have detained a 14-year-old Indonesian boy for the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl in front of her younger brother in an undergrowth near the town area here last weekend.
District Police Chief, ACP Quik Harris OKK Anik, said the suspect had been remanded for three days to facilitate investigations.
According to him, initial investigation revealed the suspect met the victim, who at that time was accompanying her 8-year-old brother to attend a religious class in the town area, at 6.30pm on Saturday.
He then invited the victim and her brother to accompany him to a nearby area to collect a badminton racquet.
Being acquainted with the boy, the victim did not suspect anything and complied with his request.
Upon reaching the bushes some 25 meters away from the main road, the victim complained she was tired and could not walk any further.
The suspect carried the victim to a secluded spot where he raped her in front of the brother.
He then asked her for some money and warned her against relating the incident to anyone before running off.
She only related her ordeal the following day to her parents who demanded to know what had happened after noticing her change behaviour.
Following a report lodged by the victim’s parents, police picked up the suspect in the town area at about 9.45pm the same day.
10 November, 2002
Victim: 13
Beluran: A 13-year-old local girl was sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan on Saturday for medical examination after being allegedly raped by her father.
The victim, who is said to be pregnant, lodged a police report on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old local was made poorer by RM10,000 after his house in Taman Mawar, Sandakan, was broken into on Friday.
Chin Sui Foh, who had withdrawn the money from a bank, had planned to go on a holiday with his children.
23 November, 2002
Victim: 17
Kota Kinabalu: The mystery serial molester in a white Proton Iswara has struck again, but this time he managed to rape a 17-year-old girl taking her SPM examination, Thursday morning.
The man, in his 30s, allegedly committed the offence near the newly completed Sulaman highway, off the Tuaran Road by-pass.
The victim was said to be walking to her school a short distance away around 7.50am when she was approached by the suspect who offered her a lift in his Proton Iswara car.
The unsuspecting victim accepted the ride, only to be taken towards another direction after the driver made a U-turn.
The man assured her that he had to pick up his younger sister first to be sent to school as well.
Disclosing this here Friday, City Police Chief ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad said the suspect then stopped the car in a specified area and demanded sex from the victim.
The frightened girl gave in to his demand after he threatened her with bodily harm, after which he sent her back to the school.
On arrival, the victim immediately related her ordeal to her teachers who, together with her parents, lodged a police report later the same day.
Based on the victim’s description, the suspect was in his 30s but police had yet to ascertain whether he was the same perpetrator in two earlier offences, Hamdan said.
On Monday, a 10-year-old schoolgirl was molested by a stranger inside a white Proton Iswara at the Tanjung Aru beach, after she accepted his offer for a joy ride at 6.15pm when she got separated with her brother in a crowded open market.
On October 26, a 16-year-old waitress from Putatan was on her way home alone, close to midnight, when she accepted a lift from a man in a white Proton Iswara, but was instead brought to the Donggongon township where she was molested inside the car.
02 January, 2003
Victim: 22
Kota Kinabalu: A 22-year-old shop assistant at a cyber cafe was raped inside a car at an isolated area near SMK Kolombong shortly after she had accepted a lift from a stranger.
City police chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, on Thursday said the girl, residing at one of the kampungs in Inanam, was waiting for a bus when she was approached by the man who was driving a dark blue Proton Saga on New Year’s eve.
“The man, in his 30’s, who had short hair and a well built body, offered the victim a ride,” he said.
Instead of sending her to her workplace, the man took her to Kolombong on the excuse of wanting to chit-chat but forced her into having sex with him on getting there.
He later sent the girl to her workplace. The girl lodged a report with city police on Wednesday.
No one has been arrested but investigations are continuing.
Hamdan, meanwhile, again advised women against accepting lifts from strangers. They should also avoid going out alone at night, he added.
14 January, 2003
Victim: 12
Kota Kinabalu: A 12-year-old schoolgirl claimed she was raped by her father’s friend at her unnumbered house in Sri Tanjung here last Friday.
She told police she was alone at home when the incident took place at about 1.30pm. Both her parents were away in Tawau.
She claimed the man, in his 20s, took her into a small room and raped her and left about five minutes later.
The girl later revealed the incident to her uncle who accompanied her to lodge a report at the police station here.
City police chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said no arrest had been made thus far but that police were looking for the suspect.
05 February, 2003
Victim: 8
Papar: An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 50-year-old Indonesian man at her parents’ house in Bongawan about 1am Tuesday.
District Crime Chief ASP Shivanandan V on Tuesday confirmed that a report was lodged by the grandfather of the girl at 9.45am the same day.
According to the report, the man had been living with the family, as they had pitied him for not having a place to stay.
However, he allegedly raped the girl who was sleeping next to him in the house in which there are no partitions. He had already fled by the time members of the family realised what had happened.
But police managed to nab the man at 4.10pm the same day at Kg Nyaris-Nyaris in Bongawan.
Meanwhile, an 18-year-old Indonesian was detained during an anti-crime operation here by three police personnel led by Chief Inspector Mohd Fauzi Sahat.
The suspect, who works as a coffeeshop assistant in town, was found with three identity cards of dubious origin. He has been remanded for a week to facilitate investigations.
25 February, 2003
Victim: 31
Tawau: A 31-year-old local woman who accepted a lift home from five men outside a discotheque here early Sunday wound up being gang-raped instead.
She told police they took turns to rape her in some bushes along Jalan St Patrick, about 20 metres away from the night entertainment outlet, about 1am.
Thereafter, they went back to their vehicle and drove away, leaving her alone in the bushes.
She walked back towards the discotheque and sought help from several people standing outside the premises. They brought her to the police station here.
District Police Chief, ACP Kuik Harris OKK Anik, said no arrest has been made thus far.
He said the woman told police she and her two female companions had been earlier having some drinks in the discotheque and that she decided to go home sometime later on feeling intoxicated.
Outside the discotheque, she met the five men who offered her a ride home on their vehicle.
She accepted the offer but a short distance away she asked them to pull over as she felt nauseous and wanted to throw up.
She said when she alighted from the vehicle, all the five followed and forced her into the bushes where they raped her.
11 April, 2003
Victim: 15
Kota Kinabalu: A 15-year-old secondary schoolgirl lodged a police report on Wednesday claiming she had been raped by an “army officer” at a downtown hotel here.
City Police Chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said the incident allegedly happened in a room of the hotel at about 3.45pm on April 4, after the victim accepted the man’s invitation to lunch.
He said the victim became acquainted with the suspect the previous day when she and her sister were at a shopping complex here.
On the same day, the victim and the man went to the Tanjung Aru Beach for a walk until midnight.
Earlier, the suspect had introduced himself as an “army officer currently on leave” and was staying in a hotel.
On April 4, the suspect went to the third former’s school to fetch her for lunch before inviting her to his hotel room.
“Don’t be easily deceived by anybody unknown to you, who may claim that they know your family and offer to send you home,” said Hamdan.
“Based on past records, the modus operandi of most rapists is similar. They will offer to send their victims home but instead take them to other places where they (the victims) are raped,” he added.
At the same time, Hamdan also advised rape victims to immediately lodge a police report so that immediate investigations can be carried out.
21 June, 2003
Victim: 21, 12
Kota Kinabalu: A 21-year-old woman and an underage girl have lodged separate police reports claiming they were raped.
City Police Chief, ACP Hamdan Haji Mohamad, said the first report was by the woman about 5pm on Wednesday alleging she was raped by a man after a drink at a cyber cafÈ, in Likas, here on June 9.
According to her, she was approached by the man who, together with his girlfriend, invited her for a drink at the cyber cafÈ that evening.
The 23-year-old male suspect drank liquor while she had an orange drink.
Around 8pm, she felt dizzy and asked the suspect to get her a taxi to go home. She claimed she was fully conscious when escorted out of the cyber cafÈ by the man.
However, she was already at home when she woke up the next morning and felt pain in her private parts.
Her adoptive mother advised her to lodge a police report after being told of the incident.
In the other police report, a 12-year-old girl claimed she was raped in a room at Kg Air here between 1am and 2am, Thursday.
The victim, a night market sales assistant, claimed to have followed a female friend to her room in the area prior to the incident.
Once in the room, she claimed a man known to her friend came in and raped her.
Police have detained a 19-year-old male suspect for questioning, following the incident.
25 July, 2003
Victim: 12, 16
Tawau: Police have detained a 49-year-old Bugis plantation worker here for allegedly raping his two daughters on several occasions over the past six years.
The suspect allegedly committed the act since the victims were aged 10 and six years at the workers’ quarters in an estate in Brumas, near here.
The victims’ mother, who is also a labourer, was out working during the incidents.
Now aged 16 and 12, they did not relate their ordeal to anyone until early Wednesday when the suspect tried to force his lust on the elder girl.
She, however, managed to escape and related her ordeal to an uncle living nearby.
The concerned uncle brought the girl back to her house and confronted the suspect, during which time both girls claimed to having been raped by their father, before bringing them to the police station to lodge a report.
The suspect was consequently arrested at the police station and the sisters were sent for medical examination at the district hospital.
Confirming this Thursday, acting District Police Chief Supt Mohamed Deraman said initial investigations showed the suspect took the opportunity to rape the victims each time their mother went out to work early in the morning, over the past six years.
He might have raped them separately on different occasions because the elder girl never knew that their father also raped her younger sister, he added.
“When the suspect attempted to rape the elder victim at around 4am Wednesday, after her mother went out to work, she resisted and rushed to her uncle’s house nearby,” said Mohamed.
The suspect is currently detained under Section 376(A) of the Penal Code.
03 October, 2003
Victim: 5
Tawau: An Indonesian woman lodged a police report here Wednesday claiming her five-year-old daughter was raped by their 14-year-old tenant, also an Indonesian, who stayed on the ground floor of their double-storey house.
Acting District Police Chief, Supt Mohamed Deraman, said the 22-year-old complainant made the report at noon after her daughter complained of pain in her private parts. He said on being queried by her mother, the girl related what had transpired at their house several times last month.
The suspect, who is still schooling, was arrested nine hours after the report was lodged and is being detained to facilitate further investigations, said Mohamed.
19 December, 2003
Victim: 15
Tawau: A 15-year-old local girl was raped and stabbed on the neck by a Filipino, who had earlier threatened her with a knife while on board a bus at a bus station in town, here on Monday.
It was learnt that the victim boarded the bus to go home at about 3pm that day. She was sent to the bus station by a male friend whom she met with at Taman Bintang along Mile 3, Jalan Apas, at noon.
As she was sitting, the Filipino who was seated at the back suddenly pointed a knife at her and grabbed her handphone.
The Filipino then questioned the victim why she had befriended his brother (referring to the man who she had met and who sent her to the bus station), and she asked what was wrong with that.
The Filipino then told her that he wanted to take her to see their mother and she agreed to go with him.
Both of them alighted at Mile 5 off Jalan Apas and he took her about a mile away from the roadside where he raped her. He left after stabbing the victim on her neck.
The victim then walked to a nearby village where a villager helped her get on a vehicle to go to the nearest public telephone booth at Mile 1_ of the same road.
The victim called up her mother and related what had happened to her.
Her mother then picked her up and brought her to lodge a report at the police station as well as to undergo a medical examination at the district hospital.
Acting District Police Chief, DSP Rusdi Ramli, who confirmed this Thursday said police picked up a 24-year-old Filipino at Mile 3, Jalan Apas, on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the arrest was made based on the result of investigations into a report lodged by a 40-year-old local woman at 8pm on Monday.
The suspect is currently remanded to facilitate further investigations into the case, classified under Section 376 of the Penal Code.
In the report, he said the woman had told police that her daughter (the victim) left home at about noon on Monday to meet a male friend at Taman Bintang.
Investigations are continuing.
03 January, 2004
Victim: 17
Sandakan: A 17-year-old girl’s decision to usher in the New Year with a group of friends turned awry when she was gang-raped by six men.
It was learnt that the victim was lured by a friend to a secluded spot near the community centre where the others were waiting, who took turns to rape her at 9pm on Wednesday.
A report was lodged by the victim’s parents, after which she was sent to the Duchess of Kent Hospital for a medical examination.
Police are still investigating.
14 January, 2004
Victim: 15
Beaufort: A fisherman was arrested on suspicion of raping his teenage daughter at their home in Menumbok, near here, on Sunday.
Acting District Police Chief, ASP Mohamed Taib, said the man allegedly raped his 15-year-old daughter after he returned from sea, also on Sunday, at about 3.30pm.
At the time of the suspected crime, nobody was home except for the girl’s younger sister, who their father had asked to go out to buy some sweets for herself, before committing the alleged crime, Mohamed said.
All other family members, including the victim’s mother, were out working. The girl, like her siblings, did not go to school but instead helped their father earn a living for the family.
The girl went to the police station the same day to lodge a report after the alleged incident, he said, adding the suspect has been remanded for 14 days.
Meanwhile, police here arrested a jobless local and seized 28 small packets containing crystalline substances believed to be Syabu, hidden in a tooth pick dispenser.
The arrest was made downtown on Saturday at 1pm following a public tip-off.
The 23-year-old suspect, realising that police were on his tail, tried to run, during which he was seen throwing something that looked like a small bottle.
However, police managed to apprehend him and recover the bottle, which turned up be a toothpick dispenser that contained the substances.
Police are still awaiting a report on the actual weight of the suspected Syabu.
Mohamed thanked the public for their cooperation leading to the arrest, and hoped more would play their part in crime prevention.
29 January, 2004
Victim: 16
Ranau: A 62-year-old farmer was arrested on suspicion of raping his teenage neighbour for more than a year.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect would give the girl some money to keep her quiet after committing the crime in his home, said Acting District Police Chief, ASP Mohd Izaan Abdullah.
The Form Four student, who lives in Lohan here, was allegedly raped since the middle of 2002 until the end of last year.
Izaan said the girl’s sister suspected something amiss when she saw her leaving the suspect’s house at night.
When asked, she recounted her experience, and about a month later, after their father was released from prison, the parents lodged a report on Tuesday at 4pm.
Police immediately looked for the farmer and detained him in the town area, he said.
Investigations also showed that the suspect had lured the girl to his house at night, when his children were sleeping, and raped her.
The man has been remanded for investigations, Izaan added.
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