Tidak sampai dua mingggu daripada tarikh sebenar Fiesta Koko Malaysia yang julung-julung kali diadakan, satu satu penganjur utama, Lembaga Koko Malaysia (LKM), mengumumkan penarikan diri daripada acara tersebut. Sedangkan LKM adalah badan yang bertanggungjawab untuk mengkaji, menyelidik, mempromosi dan mengembangkan pasaran koko Malaysia ke serluruh dunia.
LKM meninggalkan dua rakan penganjur bersama, Majlis Perbandaran Tawau dan Teck Guan Group yang telah sama-sama menganjurkan acara tahunan tersebut sejak 8 tahun yang lalu. Ia bermula dengan Pesta Koko Tawau yang kemudiannya dinaikkan taraf ke Pesta Koko Sabah pada tahun lepas (2002) dan tahun ini diberi pengiktirafan menganjurkan Fiesta Koko Malaysia.
Namun, Ketua Pengarah Lembaga Koko Malaysia, Dr Azhar Ismail mengumumkan mereka telah membuat keputusan untuk menarik diri daripada terus menganjurkan acara tersebut kerana permintaan LKM supaya acara tersebut ditunda untuk menghormati bulan Ramadan ditolak oleh dua penganjur bersama yang lain.
Tindakan LKM adalah sama seperti menikan kedua rakan perjuangannya dari belakang. Ia juga menunjukkan rasa tidak tanggungjawab LKM dalam mengendalikan satu acara bertaraf kebangsaan. Ia juga sekaligus menampakkan kebudak-budakan LKM yang merajuk apabila permintaan mereka ditolak.
Akan tetapi, alasan LKM untuk menarik diri sekadar kerana untuk menghormati bulan adalah tidak munasabah. Lembaga Koko Malaysia sebagai salah satu penganjur cukup arif bahawa penentapan tarikh Fiesta Koko Malaysia pada tahun ini jatuh dalam bulan Ramadan. Tarikh tersebut telah ditetapkan pada tahun lepas dan telah dilapor dan dihebahkan melalui iklan pelbagai media sekian lama. Mustahil seorang Ketua Pengarah yang juga seorang Islam begitu alpa untuk menyedarinya pada saat terakhir sebelum acara tersebut dilangsung.
Yang anehnya juga, pada setiap tahun penglibatan LKM dalam penganjuran Pesta Koko ini adalah pada peringkat minimum sahaja. Kebanyakan masa mereka sekadar menghantar wakil untuk menghadiri mesyuarat dan tidak menyumbangkan apa-apa yang signifikan. Malah mereka juga begitu bijak mengelakkan tanggungjawab. Akan tetapi mereka tetap diberi penghormatan sebagai salah penganjur dan Ketua Pengarahnya diberi peluang berucap.
Oleh yang demikian penarikannya daripada barisan penganjur tidak memberikan kesan yang mendalam sebaliknya membuka mata masyarakat umum terhadap sikap mementingkan diri dan rasa tidak tanggungjawa LKM.
Adalah juga satu perkara yang menarik kerana tetamu kehormat pada majlis perasmian Fiesta Koko Malaysia pada tahun ini adalah Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Ahmadshah Abdullah tidak pula menolak jemputan jawatankuasa penganjur. Majlis Perbandaran Tawau (MPT) yang diketuai oleh Datuk Harith Hj M. Yahya tidak pernah mengurangkan sumbangan beliau ke arah kejayaan Fiesta Koko Malaysia yang diadakan di Tawau, Sabah.
Malah Presiden MPT mempersoalkan apakah Dr Azhar mengambil ikhtibar daripada pesanan Perdana Menteri, Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad supaya umat Islam meningkatkan produktiviti pada bulan Ramadan supaya puasa kita lebih diberkati.
Jika Lembaga Koko Malaysia sebagai badan yang diberi amanat untuk memajukan industri koko Malaysia sanggup memboikot dan sabotaj terhadap Fista Koko Malaysia, tidak ada gunakan badan tersebut terus dipimpin oleh golongan yang berkepentingan diri, berpemikiran sempit dan bongkak. Sudah tiba masanya mereka ini diganti dan dipindahkan.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Thursday, October 23, 2003
How to Become a Datuk in Sabah
The state assembly agreed to increase the number of Datuks from 850 to 950 giving the new Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman, another opportunity to reward his supporters.
It is a known secret that Datukship in Sabah could be easily lobbied or bought through various channels and means. One could get the Chieft Minster to recommend for a datukship after offering certans favours. One could also get close to the Tuan Yang Terutama, state Governor, or his immediate families to be made a Datuk.
Take for instant those who have been awarded datukships, no one knows what these new datuks have contributed to the society. Lee Chuan Wan is the brother-in-law to the former Chief Minister. He has done nothing to the people of Sabah. He could not even contribute to his local community in Kota Kinabalu. Even his political position in Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as a vice president was pre-arranged by the brother-in-law who is also the party President, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat. Hours before last year's party election, delegates were given a 'menu' telling them who to vote and who not to. His name was on the top list.
So if you are a relative of those people in power, you will have a better chance to be called Datuk.
Liew Yun Fah (who name is far longer if all his 'bought over' titles were to be mentioned) has also done nothing to the community of Tawau. Being a businessman dealing with illegal logging. He has business interest with the sons of the then TYT. He also shamelessly, breaking all protocol to 'accompany' the TYT whenever he is in Tawau. He was said to have paid RM500,000 for his datukship. He has also previously paid for his doctor and Mejar titles. People in Tawau knows he is a crook and gangster. He does not even know the basic rule of communication, RESPECT. He has a brother-in-law whose name is equally long, Datuk Lajim. He is now aiming for Justice of Peace (JP) that's why he is following the new TYT.
The second rule, be thick skin, get your name longer to be different.
Thien Kok Poh is an Indonesian who hailed from Tarakan, East Kalimantan. His families are still staying in Tarakan. He is yet another timber businessman who earns his fortune by stealing timber in restricted areas including those in Indonesia. He too has done nothing for anybody except for his own pocket. He is also a big playboy who sleeps around with practically any pretty ladies in town. He was also one of those who rushed to do his blood test when one of his sleeping partners died of HIV. He also bought his datukship through the relationship of palace people. How he got his Malaysian citizenship is still a big question but yet he was awarded datukship.
Doesn't matter where you come from as long as you know how to manipulate your money to your advantage, you will be called a datuk.
YC Lau, who is in the centre of controversial between LDP and SAPP was awarded the datukship this year. It is clearly a reward from the former CM as a gratitude for carrying his balls. People in Kota Kinabalu knows well that he is one of those big thieves who teamed up with the KK Mayor to rob the people through the sky high parking fee.
Next tip, doesn't matter if you rob others but be sure to call others thieves and carry your boss' balls well.
There is another young datuk who is a well know timber thief which Datuk Chong vowed to get rid off. Did Datuk Chong success in doing so? No. Why? Simple, this timber thief, Elbert Lim, joined his party, LDP and became the division youth chief, made generous donation to the party and to the president personally. So he was cleared of any act of stealing timber in Benta Wawasan.
Doesn't matter what the public think about you as long as the leader 'knows' who you are.
Datuk? What datuk? Need the list to continue? No one will ever respect this 'money datuks'. In fact the people are embarrassed to have such people awarded the title of datuk. If Datuk Clearance Bongkos Malakun is sincere in preserving the status of Datuks, stop increasing the number of datuks but instead get rid of those money datuks.
The moral of the story, if you want to be embarrassed, laughed and ridiculed, buy yourself a datukship in Sabah.
It is a known secret that Datukship in Sabah could be easily lobbied or bought through various channels and means. One could get the Chieft Minster to recommend for a datukship after offering certans favours. One could also get close to the Tuan Yang Terutama, state Governor, or his immediate families to be made a Datuk.
Take for instant those who have been awarded datukships, no one knows what these new datuks have contributed to the society. Lee Chuan Wan is the brother-in-law to the former Chief Minister. He has done nothing to the people of Sabah. He could not even contribute to his local community in Kota Kinabalu. Even his political position in Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as a vice president was pre-arranged by the brother-in-law who is also the party President, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat. Hours before last year's party election, delegates were given a 'menu' telling them who to vote and who not to. His name was on the top list.
So if you are a relative of those people in power, you will have a better chance to be called Datuk.
Liew Yun Fah (who name is far longer if all his 'bought over' titles were to be mentioned) has also done nothing to the community of Tawau. Being a businessman dealing with illegal logging. He has business interest with the sons of the then TYT. He also shamelessly, breaking all protocol to 'accompany' the TYT whenever he is in Tawau. He was said to have paid RM500,000 for his datukship. He has also previously paid for his doctor and Mejar titles. People in Tawau knows he is a crook and gangster. He does not even know the basic rule of communication, RESPECT. He has a brother-in-law whose name is equally long, Datuk Lajim. He is now aiming for Justice of Peace (JP) that's why he is following the new TYT.
The second rule, be thick skin, get your name longer to be different.
Thien Kok Poh is an Indonesian who hailed from Tarakan, East Kalimantan. His families are still staying in Tarakan. He is yet another timber businessman who earns his fortune by stealing timber in restricted areas including those in Indonesia. He too has done nothing for anybody except for his own pocket. He is also a big playboy who sleeps around with practically any pretty ladies in town. He was also one of those who rushed to do his blood test when one of his sleeping partners died of HIV. He also bought his datukship through the relationship of palace people. How he got his Malaysian citizenship is still a big question but yet he was awarded datukship.
Doesn't matter where you come from as long as you know how to manipulate your money to your advantage, you will be called a datuk.
YC Lau, who is in the centre of controversial between LDP and SAPP was awarded the datukship this year. It is clearly a reward from the former CM as a gratitude for carrying his balls. People in Kota Kinabalu knows well that he is one of those big thieves who teamed up with the KK Mayor to rob the people through the sky high parking fee.
Next tip, doesn't matter if you rob others but be sure to call others thieves and carry your boss' balls well.
There is another young datuk who is a well know timber thief which Datuk Chong vowed to get rid off. Did Datuk Chong success in doing so? No. Why? Simple, this timber thief, Elbert Lim, joined his party, LDP and became the division youth chief, made generous donation to the party and to the president personally. So he was cleared of any act of stealing timber in Benta Wawasan.
Doesn't matter what the public think about you as long as the leader 'knows' who you are.
Datuk? What datuk? Need the list to continue? No one will ever respect this 'money datuks'. In fact the people are embarrassed to have such people awarded the title of datuk. If Datuk Clearance Bongkos Malakun is sincere in preserving the status of Datuks, stop increasing the number of datuks but instead get rid of those money datuks.
The moral of the story, if you want to be embarrassed, laughed and ridiculed, buy yourself a datukship in Sabah.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Malaysia Cocoa Board Killing its Own Baby
Just barely two weeks away from the first ever Malaysia Cocoa Fest, the body which is responsible to promote cocoa, Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), shocked everyone by pulling out from the team of organisers.
The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years. MCB was the one who initiated the Tawau Cocoa Fest, then Sabah Cocoa Fest and now Malaysia Cocoa Fest.
MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.
After listening to the excuse given by Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail, no one in their right mind would accept his childish and irresponsible excuse. It is similar to stepping the event from the back.
The dates were decided on long ago after the last cocoa fest which was held last year. It has also been publicised and promoted all over the nation and the whole world. Being a Muslim himself, Dr Azhar should have known it long enough that the dates fall on the holy month of Ramadan.
If he were to request for a different dates, why make it at the last minutes and not before everything was decided and started working on it? Why the last minute? It not for the reason of back stabbing and sabotage, why other motive could one think of?
If Dr Azhar remembers what our beloved Prime Minister has said before when he was asked about the complaint of Muslims about non-muslim eating at public places during fasting month. The PM said, Muslim should not blame others for not being able to perform their responsibilities during fasting month. One cannot just ban others from eating just because we are fasting. If our faith is not truely tested then the fasting itself carries less meaning.
For whatever reasons or excuses that the MCB may come out with, they could not stop the public from assuming that the MCB is irresponsible, selfish and arrogant.
Nevertheless, without MCB the event will be even more successful. The reason is that MCB has been very incooperative all these years. They involvement in the organisation of the event has been very minimum. Some of the top level officials were only know how to talk and complain without knowing what they are talking and complaining.
I think the government should review all the dead wood in MCB and get them retired earlier before the rod the whole board.
The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years. MCB was the one who initiated the Tawau Cocoa Fest, then Sabah Cocoa Fest and now Malaysia Cocoa Fest.
MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.
After listening to the excuse given by Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail, no one in their right mind would accept his childish and irresponsible excuse. It is similar to stepping the event from the back.
The dates were decided on long ago after the last cocoa fest which was held last year. It has also been publicised and promoted all over the nation and the whole world. Being a Muslim himself, Dr Azhar should have known it long enough that the dates fall on the holy month of Ramadan.
If he were to request for a different dates, why make it at the last minutes and not before everything was decided and started working on it? Why the last minute? It not for the reason of back stabbing and sabotage, why other motive could one think of?
If Dr Azhar remembers what our beloved Prime Minister has said before when he was asked about the complaint of Muslims about non-muslim eating at public places during fasting month. The PM said, Muslim should not blame others for not being able to perform their responsibilities during fasting month. One cannot just ban others from eating just because we are fasting. If our faith is not truely tested then the fasting itself carries less meaning.
For whatever reasons or excuses that the MCB may come out with, they could not stop the public from assuming that the MCB is irresponsible, selfish and arrogant.
Nevertheless, without MCB the event will be even more successful. The reason is that MCB has been very incooperative all these years. They involvement in the organisation of the event has been very minimum. Some of the top level officials were only know how to talk and complain without knowing what they are talking and complaining.
I think the government should review all the dead wood in MCB and get them retired earlier before the rod the whole board.
Malaysia Cocoa Fest: MCB withdraws
Daily Express
Tawau: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has pulled out from the organising committee of the Malaysian Cocoa Festival to be held here from Nov 7 to 11.
The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years.
MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.
“The board suggested a new date for the Malaysian Cocoa Festival as the present one falls during the month of Ramadan. But unfortunately, our appeal was not granted.
“So for this year, MCB will not be part of the organising committee of the festival,” he said when met at a workshop on ways to protect cocoa crops, here.
Tawau: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has pulled out from the organising committee of the Malaysian Cocoa Festival to be held here from Nov 7 to 11.
The event was jointly organised by MCB, Tawau Municipal Council and the Teck Guan Group for the past eight years.
MCB Director-General, Datuk Dr Azhar Ismail on Monday said the decision to withdraw was made after the board’s appeal to change the date of the festival was turned down by the organising committee at a meeting recently.
“The board suggested a new date for the Malaysian Cocoa Festival as the present one falls during the month of Ramadan. But unfortunately, our appeal was not granted.
“So for this year, MCB will not be part of the organising committee of the festival,” he said when met at a workshop on ways to protect cocoa crops, here.
Plea on Datukships
Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu: DEPUTY Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin said the various State BN components should refrain from nominating too many candidates to receive the Datukship title.
“Even in Kuala Lumpur, not all of the (peninsula-based) BN component parties get their share of the Datukship title every year,” he said at the Assembly, Monday.
“So, I am asking that leaders of the (various State) BN component parties not to request the government for the distribution of the Datukship every year.
“If we can do this in Sabah, the conferment of the title would be reduced,” he said.
He said this in response to Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun’s (Upko-Moyog) proposal that the Datukship be limited to between 20 and 30 a year.
The Assembly on Monday agreed to increase the number of Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu (Second Grade), which carries the title “Datuk” from the present 850 to 950.
An amendment to provide for 100 more such awards was made to subsection (2) of section 4 of the State Honours Enactment 1963.
Lajim, who is also Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, said the increase was necessitated by the growing number of eligible persons to be conferred with the Order every year.
“To show appreciation and acknowledgement to those who have given excellent services, it is only appropriate for the State Government to confer them with honours and medals.
“But the government is confident that with the conferment of the title, it would encourage them to continue contributing their services to the State and nation,” said Lajim.
Malakun, however, said if too many Datukships were conferred, it would eventually lose its social value.
“My suggestion is that only those really eligible be conferred,” he said, adding even foreign doctors had conferred through their connection with VIPs.
“I fully support the Enactment but the Government should exercise restraint from exhausting the quota in a short time,” he said.
He also proposed that a super first class Datukship entitled ‘Datuk Seri Perdana Kinabalu (DSPK)’ be created for the Chief Minister, ex-Chief Ministers, top Federal leaders including Heads of Government and foreign heads of government.
Apart from that, he said a Third Grade Datuk - Datuk Gemilang Kerajaan Sabah should be created particularly for those in the sports sector, entertainment industry and business sector.
Lajim, meanwhile, said the Government had no intention to add more titles to the existing ones. “The present Datukships are sufficient to be conferred to the eligible recipients.”
On Malakun’s proposal to set up the Sabah Datuk Association, Lajim said the Government was not committed to the idea.
He said it would be up to those eager to form the association if they thought it would bring benefit to all the present Datuks.
Kota Kinabalu: DEPUTY Chief Minister Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin said the various State BN components should refrain from nominating too many candidates to receive the Datukship title.
“Even in Kuala Lumpur, not all of the (peninsula-based) BN component parties get their share of the Datukship title every year,” he said at the Assembly, Monday.
“So, I am asking that leaders of the (various State) BN component parties not to request the government for the distribution of the Datukship every year.
“If we can do this in Sabah, the conferment of the title would be reduced,” he said.
He said this in response to Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun’s (Upko-Moyog) proposal that the Datukship be limited to between 20 and 30 a year.
The Assembly on Monday agreed to increase the number of Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu (Second Grade), which carries the title “Datuk” from the present 850 to 950.
An amendment to provide for 100 more such awards was made to subsection (2) of section 4 of the State Honours Enactment 1963.
Lajim, who is also Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, said the increase was necessitated by the growing number of eligible persons to be conferred with the Order every year.
“To show appreciation and acknowledgement to those who have given excellent services, it is only appropriate for the State Government to confer them with honours and medals.
“But the government is confident that with the conferment of the title, it would encourage them to continue contributing their services to the State and nation,” said Lajim.
Malakun, however, said if too many Datukships were conferred, it would eventually lose its social value.
“My suggestion is that only those really eligible be conferred,” he said, adding even foreign doctors had conferred through their connection with VIPs.
“I fully support the Enactment but the Government should exercise restraint from exhausting the quota in a short time,” he said.
He also proposed that a super first class Datukship entitled ‘Datuk Seri Perdana Kinabalu (DSPK)’ be created for the Chief Minister, ex-Chief Ministers, top Federal leaders including Heads of Government and foreign heads of government.
Apart from that, he said a Third Grade Datuk - Datuk Gemilang Kerajaan Sabah should be created particularly for those in the sports sector, entertainment industry and business sector.
Lajim, meanwhile, said the Government had no intention to add more titles to the existing ones. “The present Datukships are sufficient to be conferred to the eligible recipients.”
On Malakun’s proposal to set up the Sabah Datuk Association, Lajim said the Government was not committed to the idea.
He said it would be up to those eager to form the association if they thought it would bring benefit to all the present Datuks.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Sabah Security
People in Sabah are once again shocked when aremed men robbed Borneo Paradise Eco Farm and Resort on 5th October 2003. Ten armed pirates stormed the riverside resort on Sunday night and forced six foreign workers on to a boat and fled into the darkness. A manhunt for both the pirates and hostages is still on.
To some people what happened last Sunday does not come as a surprise. First, Sabah water is wide to be guarded by any security forces. People can come in at any time from any of the long stretch of sea shore from Tawau to Menumbuk. There shall never be enough policemen or army to be on guard.
Second, security forces put on the Islands of Sabah are mostly 'holiday'. These people were stationed there after the two kidnap cases involving muslim terrorists from Southern Philippines. The Defence Ministery and Dato' Najib Tun Razak were under strong criticism from the public.
True that the Minister made numerous promises and assurance that Sabah waters are safe. Everyone knows that it was for his political survival. If one were to visit any of the island it is not difficult to find out that these people are just enjoying their holiday on the beautiful island. They are more insterested in disturbing girls then to study the security of the surrounding area.
There are also the Marine Police on duty along the costal line. But they are equally useless. It is an open secret that these Marine Police are only capable of threatening the Malaysian fishermen and shipping companies where their ships and barges travel along Sabah coasts. They are the real sea pirates who are highly corrupted. They also team up with Sabah Port Authorities and custom to rob off the hard earn money of the poor fishermen.
We are certain that Borneo Paradise will not be the last target. Balung Fishing Resort could be the next target. If the security forces are just paying lips service then even people on land are to worry of their safety. Sabah will just turn back into the 80s where day light robberies were so rampant.
If anyone is serious of solving these problems, the first step to do is to sack all the corrupted lots. Or else you can go on talking for hours and making tonnes of promises but nothing will be done.
To some people what happened last Sunday does not come as a surprise. First, Sabah water is wide to be guarded by any security forces. People can come in at any time from any of the long stretch of sea shore from Tawau to Menumbuk. There shall never be enough policemen or army to be on guard.
Second, security forces put on the Islands of Sabah are mostly 'holiday'. These people were stationed there after the two kidnap cases involving muslim terrorists from Southern Philippines. The Defence Ministery and Dato' Najib Tun Razak were under strong criticism from the public.
True that the Minister made numerous promises and assurance that Sabah waters are safe. Everyone knows that it was for his political survival. If one were to visit any of the island it is not difficult to find out that these people are just enjoying their holiday on the beautiful island. They are more insterested in disturbing girls then to study the security of the surrounding area.
There are also the Marine Police on duty along the costal line. But they are equally useless. It is an open secret that these Marine Police are only capable of threatening the Malaysian fishermen and shipping companies where their ships and barges travel along Sabah coasts. They are the real sea pirates who are highly corrupted. They also team up with Sabah Port Authorities and custom to rob off the hard earn money of the poor fishermen.
We are certain that Borneo Paradise will not be the last target. Balung Fishing Resort could be the next target. If the security forces are just paying lips service then even people on land are to worry of their safety. Sabah will just turn back into the 80s where day light robberies were so rampant.
If anyone is serious of solving these problems, the first step to do is to sack all the corrupted lots. Or else you can go on talking for hours and making tonnes of promises but nothing will be done.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Anti-Rotation Campaign
It was reported that an action group in Kota Kinabalu, Badan Bertindak Belia Pencinta Nusa Malaysia (Cintanusa), on Thursday launched a campaign calling for an end to the rotation system of the Sabah Chief Minister's post.
Wearing a white arm band, bearing the words "No To Rotation", Cintanusa chairman Zulkarnain Mahdar told a news conference here that they had already identified action plans to achieve their objective -- to have the system scrapped after the next Sabah State elections.
He said they would submit a memorandum to the State and national Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership, conduct a referendum among the people and establish a lobby group "to pressure the State BN to sit and discuss the issue."
If all measures failed, Zulkarnain said, members of the group "may have to consider" contesting the upcoming Sabah State elections as a last resort to express their displeasure about the system.
"Now that the political situation in the State has stabilised, the system has achieved its purpose and should now be scrapped," he said.
Zulkarnain said the system barely gave enough time for a Chief Minister to implement his plans and that each time a new Chief Minister was appointed, a new set of priorities would come about.
The system was implemented in Sabah when the BN took over the State Government in 1994 to give leaders of the three major communities in the State -- the Muslim Bumiputera, the Chinese and the non-Muslim Bumiputera -- an opportunity to head the State Government for a two-year term each.
The system underwent slight modifications in 2001 with a leader from Umno taking over the post each time the term of either the Chinese or non-Muslim Bumiputera ended.
Zulkarnain claimed that they had been campaigning for the scrapping of the system since 2001 but had only been partially successful "because it has only seen a slight modification but the system remains in effect".
This is yet another time wasting politicking in Sabah. Sabah governments under so many Chief Ministers failed to bring notable progress and development to the state was due to the fact that there was too much time spent on rubbish politicking.
When the person in power fogets his core business and let himself (or willingly allowed) to be dragged into the rotation issue then he will never have the time to attend to more serious business concerning the people at large. He, the CM has to remember that he is answerable to his people and not just a few politicians seeking for cheap political mileage.
If any CM could make a difference then Datuk Musa Aman should be the one. Let see how he is going to react to this.
Wearing a white arm band, bearing the words "No To Rotation", Cintanusa chairman Zulkarnain Mahdar told a news conference here that they had already identified action plans to achieve their objective -- to have the system scrapped after the next Sabah State elections.
He said they would submit a memorandum to the State and national Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership, conduct a referendum among the people and establish a lobby group "to pressure the State BN to sit and discuss the issue."
If all measures failed, Zulkarnain said, members of the group "may have to consider" contesting the upcoming Sabah State elections as a last resort to express their displeasure about the system.
"Now that the political situation in the State has stabilised, the system has achieved its purpose and should now be scrapped," he said.
Zulkarnain said the system barely gave enough time for a Chief Minister to implement his plans and that each time a new Chief Minister was appointed, a new set of priorities would come about.
The system was implemented in Sabah when the BN took over the State Government in 1994 to give leaders of the three major communities in the State -- the Muslim Bumiputera, the Chinese and the non-Muslim Bumiputera -- an opportunity to head the State Government for a two-year term each.
The system underwent slight modifications in 2001 with a leader from Umno taking over the post each time the term of either the Chinese or non-Muslim Bumiputera ended.
Zulkarnain claimed that they had been campaigning for the scrapping of the system since 2001 but had only been partially successful "because it has only seen a slight modification but the system remains in effect".
This is yet another time wasting politicking in Sabah. Sabah governments under so many Chief Ministers failed to bring notable progress and development to the state was due to the fact that there was too much time spent on rubbish politicking.
When the person in power fogets his core business and let himself (or willingly allowed) to be dragged into the rotation issue then he will never have the time to attend to more serious business concerning the people at large. He, the CM has to remember that he is answerable to his people and not just a few politicians seeking for cheap political mileage.
If any CM could make a difference then Datuk Musa Aman should be the one. Let see how he is going to react to this.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
MPT - The Troubled Tawau Municipal Council
The MPT (Majlis Perbandaran Tawau) or Tawau Municipal Council President, Datuk Harith was heated up once again during the recent council meeting.
He was disappointed with the irresponsible attitude of his enforcement officers. One open air karaoke was operated on top of a chicken rice restaurant till the wee hours but no action taken. Illegals found to be hawkers in the General Market were caught by the Council Secretary and later handed over to the enforcement officers to be brought to the immigration for deportation. But there were released because the immigration claimed that no police reports were made prior to handling over of the illegals to them.
There were many examples of the poor service provided by the MPT enforcement officers and the lack of co-operation among government agencies. It has been happening for many-many years. In fact too long for anyone to remember as it has become part of the MPT culture which everyone is so familiar of.
Therefore it is not surprising to find the President showing his temper. The previous president, Datuk Hamzah Amir just kept quiet until he was quietly replaced.
Anyone could shout, cry or even scream but there will never be any changes in MPT unless those bunch of lazy, irresponsible and blood sucking staffs are sacked and replaced.
When the President failed to carry out his duty he is transferred. But when the staff are incapable, no one was transferred. Even the President could not transfer them away. All he could say was, if you are not capable just pack and go. But who will given the fact that they can sit and receive their monthly salary.
Corruption is obvious among the staff. Big croc would bite off a big piece from the contractor. A small clerk would ask for monetary favour when contractors see them for their payment collection.
There are also engineers who teamed up with contractor to monopolise the MPT projects. Just check out who is the owners and their connection to MPT engineer for the renovation of MPT building after the fire. And who erected the useless spot lights along Jalan Kuhara.
Look at the grass along the roads and it won't take long for you to realise that they are only being cut once or twice a year. But alas, how many times the claims were made?
Rubbish collection has been privatised. But who is satisfied with it? Don't expect 100%, not even 30% are happy with the service. Every time the rubbish truck arrives, it only dirty the road instead of cleaning up the rubbish.
The list will go on and on. The reports will keep pouring in the news papers. Everyone is just waiting for a real action to be taken.
So, it is about time to stop the scolding and shouting, Datuk President. Get the culprits out from MPT for good. Then you will see your team improve and the people will surely back you up. Or else, just be like Datuk Hamzah, keep quiet and wait till you are quietly transferred.
He was disappointed with the irresponsible attitude of his enforcement officers. One open air karaoke was operated on top of a chicken rice restaurant till the wee hours but no action taken. Illegals found to be hawkers in the General Market were caught by the Council Secretary and later handed over to the enforcement officers to be brought to the immigration for deportation. But there were released because the immigration claimed that no police reports were made prior to handling over of the illegals to them.
There were many examples of the poor service provided by the MPT enforcement officers and the lack of co-operation among government agencies. It has been happening for many-many years. In fact too long for anyone to remember as it has become part of the MPT culture which everyone is so familiar of.
Therefore it is not surprising to find the President showing his temper. The previous president, Datuk Hamzah Amir just kept quiet until he was quietly replaced.
Anyone could shout, cry or even scream but there will never be any changes in MPT unless those bunch of lazy, irresponsible and blood sucking staffs are sacked and replaced.
When the President failed to carry out his duty he is transferred. But when the staff are incapable, no one was transferred. Even the President could not transfer them away. All he could say was, if you are not capable just pack and go. But who will given the fact that they can sit and receive their monthly salary.
Corruption is obvious among the staff. Big croc would bite off a big piece from the contractor. A small clerk would ask for monetary favour when contractors see them for their payment collection.
There are also engineers who teamed up with contractor to monopolise the MPT projects. Just check out who is the owners and their connection to MPT engineer for the renovation of MPT building after the fire. And who erected the useless spot lights along Jalan Kuhara.
Look at the grass along the roads and it won't take long for you to realise that they are only being cut once or twice a year. But alas, how many times the claims were made?
Rubbish collection has been privatised. But who is satisfied with it? Don't expect 100%, not even 30% are happy with the service. Every time the rubbish truck arrives, it only dirty the road instead of cleaning up the rubbish.
The list will go on and on. The reports will keep pouring in the news papers. Everyone is just waiting for a real action to be taken.
So, it is about time to stop the scolding and shouting, Datuk President. Get the culprits out from MPT for good. Then you will see your team improve and the people will surely back you up. Or else, just be like Datuk Hamzah, keep quiet and wait till you are quietly transferred.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
KL funds always channelled thru JPPS, says Adnan
Daily Express
23 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: Federal development funds for the State have always been channelled through the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS).
This is standard practice, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, adding that it does not connote any mistrust for the State Government.
“Whether the funds are channelled through JPPS or the State Government, it’s the same. We’re all under the BN Government,” he said after a briefing by the JPPS on budget allocations to the State, here Monday.
Tengku Adnan added that JPPS, from the start, had been tasked to implement Federal Government-funded projects.
He said that since many projects were planned and implemented by Federal ministries, delays could arise if the State Government decides to alter the plans for the projects.
PBS President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan had last Thursday proposed the RM5.9 billion allocation under Budget 2004 be channelled directly to the State Government for implementation of Federal-funded development programmes.
In reply, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman said on Sunday that the matter would be studied by looking at how the budget had been allocated.
In another development, Adnan urged all main contractors undertaking projects for the Government to bolster their professional ethics and work quality.
He said this in light of problems faced by the Federal Government when implementing projects in the State.
“They must change their mindset and be more professional when carrying out the projects given to them,” he said.
He said while the JPPS only implements and monitors the projects, the department could only report delays or breaches of contracts to the Public Works Department or the Entrepreneur Development Ministry, which licenses the contractors.
“We can only inform the ministry. Our position is, if the main contractor is not performing, we will issue a report against them,” he said.
He informed that problems concerning these contractors included lack of materials or granting too many sub-contracts out of the project allocations entrusted to them.
“We’re upset when they purposely tender for the projects and then sell the contracts or cheat the sub-contractors without paying them,” he said.
So, Adnan said, the Federal Government was taking a stand to pay the sub-contractors should their fees go unpaid by irresponsible main contractors.
Based on briefing to him earlier, Adnan reported that the ceiling of the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP) allocation to Sabah is slightly more than RM9.8 billion.
Until Aug 31 this year, nearly RM4.7billion had been spent for development in the State.
He gave the breakdown of the sectors involved in the 8MP as social (215 projects at RM3.2 billion), infrastructure (89 at RM2.7 billion), security (61 at RM2.2 billion) and economic (202 at RM1.7 billion).
23 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: Federal development funds for the State have always been channelled through the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS).
This is standard practice, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, adding that it does not connote any mistrust for the State Government.
“Whether the funds are channelled through JPPS or the State Government, it’s the same. We’re all under the BN Government,” he said after a briefing by the JPPS on budget allocations to the State, here Monday.
Tengku Adnan added that JPPS, from the start, had been tasked to implement Federal Government-funded projects.
He said that since many projects were planned and implemented by Federal ministries, delays could arise if the State Government decides to alter the plans for the projects.
PBS President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan had last Thursday proposed the RM5.9 billion allocation under Budget 2004 be channelled directly to the State Government for implementation of Federal-funded development programmes.
In reply, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman said on Sunday that the matter would be studied by looking at how the budget had been allocated.
In another development, Adnan urged all main contractors undertaking projects for the Government to bolster their professional ethics and work quality.
He said this in light of problems faced by the Federal Government when implementing projects in the State.
“They must change their mindset and be more professional when carrying out the projects given to them,” he said.
He said while the JPPS only implements and monitors the projects, the department could only report delays or breaches of contracts to the Public Works Department or the Entrepreneur Development Ministry, which licenses the contractors.
“We can only inform the ministry. Our position is, if the main contractor is not performing, we will issue a report against them,” he said.
He informed that problems concerning these contractors included lack of materials or granting too many sub-contracts out of the project allocations entrusted to them.
“We’re upset when they purposely tender for the projects and then sell the contracts or cheat the sub-contractors without paying them,” he said.
So, Adnan said, the Federal Government was taking a stand to pay the sub-contractors should their fees go unpaid by irresponsible main contractors.
Based on briefing to him earlier, Adnan reported that the ceiling of the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP) allocation to Sabah is slightly more than RM9.8 billion.
Until Aug 31 this year, nearly RM4.7billion had been spent for development in the State.
He gave the breakdown of the sectors involved in the 8MP as social (215 projects at RM3.2 billion), infrastructure (89 at RM2.7 billion), security (61 at RM2.2 billion) and economic (202 at RM1.7 billion).
Monday, September 22, 2003
Datuk Musa Aman's Self Made Mess
It all started with an untimely announcement by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday (16 September 2003) to declare Wednesday a public holiday, to a loud applause by the remaining audience at the National Merdeka Month closing celebration at the Likas Sports Complex.
This (extra holiday) was a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the celebration a success.
Many workers were caught off-guard and were disappointed by the sudden announcement, saying they had wasted their time travelling long distances, from as far as Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran to their places of work, only to discover some of their colleagues waiting there in a state of confusion.
There were also confusion among standard six student who were sitting for their Ujian Penilain Sekolah Rendah (UPSR). Some schools were forced to look for their students one by one to make sure that they do not miss their examination.
Many more were stucked in Tarakan and Nunukan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian when passengers on ships were told that Tawau Immigration was closed due to the sudden announcement of holiday. Immigration office at the passenger terminal in Tawau are not open on public holidays and Sundays. These passengers who were already on board the ships were told to leave causing them to incure additional expenses on transportation, food, lodging and connecting transportations cancellation.
Then there were workers who turned up for work and continued to work after learning about the late announcement of holiday. Since they were working on a public holiday they are naturally entitled for they double pay.
However, according to a Sabah Labour Department official, the public holiday on Wednesday announced by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman has not been gazetted and is therefore not a statutory holiday. He said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), such holiday is merely an ordinary holiday.
He said since the Chief Minister merely announced the holiday and did not get it gazetted as a statutory holiday, those who worked on that day were not entitled to any extra allowance.
The official said those who worked on Wednesday were only entitled to normal pay and no pay for those who did not work.
“For those monthly-salaried workers who did not come to work on Wednesday, their employers may deduct their salary for that day.
“If the Wednesday holiday is gazetted, those who worked on that day can enjoy a minimum double pay,” he added.
Subsequently, the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has urged employers in the State to pay allowance to their workers who worked on the public holiday on Wednesday although it is not a gazetted holiday.
At the same time, it also urged the employers not to deduct the salary of those workers who did not turn up for work on that day.
In making the call Saturday, MUTC Sabah Branch Secretary Catherine Jikunan said this is the way for employers to show their appreciation to those who worked on that day.
She said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), employers have the right not to pay overtime or allowance to workers working on a non-gazetted holiday like Wednesday, but they should consider their workers’ contributions and establish good working relations with them (workers) so as to enhance productivity.
She said inconsiderate bosses would not be able to maintain good relations with their workers and as a result, productivity would suffer, to the detriment of all.
This is all the mess created by our wise Chief Minister, Datuk Musa Aman. If you are really responsible and care for your people, please clear this mess as soon as possible before your rating decline even further.
Election is around the corner, if you do forget, Datuk.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday (16 September 2003) to declare Wednesday a public holiday, to a loud applause by the remaining audience at the National Merdeka Month closing celebration at the Likas Sports Complex.
This (extra holiday) was a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the celebration a success.
Many workers were caught off-guard and were disappointed by the sudden announcement, saying they had wasted their time travelling long distances, from as far as Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran to their places of work, only to discover some of their colleagues waiting there in a state of confusion.
There were also confusion among standard six student who were sitting for their Ujian Penilain Sekolah Rendah (UPSR). Some schools were forced to look for their students one by one to make sure that they do not miss their examination.
Many more were stucked in Tarakan and Nunukan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian when passengers on ships were told that Tawau Immigration was closed due to the sudden announcement of holiday. Immigration office at the passenger terminal in Tawau are not open on public holidays and Sundays. These passengers who were already on board the ships were told to leave causing them to incure additional expenses on transportation, food, lodging and connecting transportations cancellation.
Then there were workers who turned up for work and continued to work after learning about the late announcement of holiday. Since they were working on a public holiday they are naturally entitled for they double pay.
However, according to a Sabah Labour Department official, the public holiday on Wednesday announced by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman has not been gazetted and is therefore not a statutory holiday. He said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), such holiday is merely an ordinary holiday.
He said since the Chief Minister merely announced the holiday and did not get it gazetted as a statutory holiday, those who worked on that day were not entitled to any extra allowance.
The official said those who worked on Wednesday were only entitled to normal pay and no pay for those who did not work.
“For those monthly-salaried workers who did not come to work on Wednesday, their employers may deduct their salary for that day.
“If the Wednesday holiday is gazetted, those who worked on that day can enjoy a minimum double pay,” he added.
Subsequently, the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has urged employers in the State to pay allowance to their workers who worked on the public holiday on Wednesday although it is not a gazetted holiday.
At the same time, it also urged the employers not to deduct the salary of those workers who did not turn up for work on that day.
In making the call Saturday, MUTC Sabah Branch Secretary Catherine Jikunan said this is the way for employers to show their appreciation to those who worked on that day.
She said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), employers have the right not to pay overtime or allowance to workers working on a non-gazetted holiday like Wednesday, but they should consider their workers’ contributions and establish good working relations with them (workers) so as to enhance productivity.
She said inconsiderate bosses would not be able to maintain good relations with their workers and as a result, productivity would suffer, to the detriment of all.
This is all the mess created by our wise Chief Minister, Datuk Musa Aman. If you are really responsible and care for your people, please clear this mess as soon as possible before your rating decline even further.
Election is around the corner, if you do forget, Datuk.
BIMP-EAGA moving fast to recovery
21 September, 2003
DAVAO CITY: The Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) experienced a long hibernation when Asean countries and the rest of Asia were devastated by the 1997 financial crisis.
But six years after the Asian financial crisis , BIMP-EAGA is again moving on full blast in promoting and strengthening economic cooperation among the four-member countries.
The 11th Senior Officials Meeting of the BIMP-EAGA held here recently revitalised the hope of local traders and tourism industry players in fostering economic ties among their counterparts in the EAGA region.
Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) chair Jesus Dureza said BIMP-EAGA cooperation is beginning to reap the economic gains from several years of economic cooperation among the four-member countries.
“We are in the implementation of projects already. Projects are now ongoing,” Dureza said, adding that it is high time for setting in motion many EAGA projects, which have been long overdue for the Philippines and the other member-countries.
The BIMP-EAGA is a popular acronym since its creation in 1994 by giving Mindanao a niche in the global market. Business missions and trade fairs in and out of the region have forged freer trade policies and bilateral mechanisms were developed which boosted Mindanao’s image as the country’s new trade and tourism front door for the four-member-countries.
When the financial crisis hit Asia in 1977, BIMP-EAGA economic activities lost momentum. Governments of BIMP-EAGA-member-countries imposed belt-tightening measures, cutting off significantly on public sector budget and channelling most of their expenditures on major economic and social concerns afflicting their respective countries, thus, reducing the level of involvement in the BIMP-EAGA.
Changes in leadership at the national level and sub-national level also stalled the BIMP-EAGA. Adding to the vacuum was sluggish private sector participation because they, too, were adversely affected by the financial crises.
MEDCo, the Philippine Secretariat to the BIMP-EAGA reported that incoming trade missions from EAGA- member countries to Mindanao significantly dropped from 1997 to 1999.
Only seven incoming trade missions were conducted during the two-year period compared to the more than 25 trade missions in 1996 alone.
The MEDCo report added that there were only three outgoing missions from Mindanao to EAGA member countries in 1998 compared to the 23 organised in 1997 and 11 in 1996.
It was also the first time that a zero cash sales from various trade fairs, exhibits and expositions was recorded in 1998.
The value of Mindanao Foreign Trade with Indonesia and Malaysia in 1998 was among the lowest between 1995 and 1999. The peak was in 1995 when the value of foreign trade with BIMP-EAGA reached almost US$80 million.
Mindanao exports to the BIMP-EAGA significantly sunk in 1999 compared to the US$55-million generated in 1997 and the US$41.9 million in 2000.
Mindanao imports from the BIMP-EAGA likewise dropped in 1998 compared to the US$81-million and US$70 million in 2000.
Tourists arrivals in Mindanao also plunged in 2000 due to pockets of armed conflicts in the island, stimulating a negative image in the travel market. Tourist arrivals in 1997 reached 146,172 and 157,999 in 1999.
From 1994 to early 2000, hotel room occupancy rate was the lowest in 1999 (46.79 per cent compared to the 56.81 percent in 1994 and 56.69 per cent in 1997.
With Mindanao now as host to BIMP-EAGA-related activities, there is hope that promises made in the past will be fulfilled.
Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Concerns and the country’s Signing Minister Paul G. Dominguez called on EAGA governments to work closer together “to clearly demonstrate renewed and increased support for BIMP-EAGA endeavours to encourage the private sector to keep EAGA in their investment radar scanners.”
He encouraged EAGA member-countries to ensure the sustainability of the economic sub-region to keep the momentum going to spur economic development in Mindanao.
In the MEDCo report, the early successes of the BIMP-EAGA serve as a barometer as manifested by its strong indication of viability and its effectiveness to develop this sub-region.
One of the major reasons for reviving BIMP-EAGA is the opportunity and mechanism for the Muslim entrepreneur to meet their counterparts in EAGA and to participate in private sector undertaking by providing a market exposure.
Medco stressed that BIMP-EAGA serves as catalyst for peace and development in the politically unstable Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao.
With more participation in the BIMP-EAGA endeavours, “Muslim entrepreneurs in Mindanao may become the engines of growth.” - Oana-PNA
DAVAO CITY: The Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) experienced a long hibernation when Asean countries and the rest of Asia were devastated by the 1997 financial crisis.
But six years after the Asian financial crisis , BIMP-EAGA is again moving on full blast in promoting and strengthening economic cooperation among the four-member countries.
The 11th Senior Officials Meeting of the BIMP-EAGA held here recently revitalised the hope of local traders and tourism industry players in fostering economic ties among their counterparts in the EAGA region.
Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) chair Jesus Dureza said BIMP-EAGA cooperation is beginning to reap the economic gains from several years of economic cooperation among the four-member countries.
“We are in the implementation of projects already. Projects are now ongoing,” Dureza said, adding that it is high time for setting in motion many EAGA projects, which have been long overdue for the Philippines and the other member-countries.
The BIMP-EAGA is a popular acronym since its creation in 1994 by giving Mindanao a niche in the global market. Business missions and trade fairs in and out of the region have forged freer trade policies and bilateral mechanisms were developed which boosted Mindanao’s image as the country’s new trade and tourism front door for the four-member-countries.
When the financial crisis hit Asia in 1977, BIMP-EAGA economic activities lost momentum. Governments of BIMP-EAGA-member-countries imposed belt-tightening measures, cutting off significantly on public sector budget and channelling most of their expenditures on major economic and social concerns afflicting their respective countries, thus, reducing the level of involvement in the BIMP-EAGA.
Changes in leadership at the national level and sub-national level also stalled the BIMP-EAGA. Adding to the vacuum was sluggish private sector participation because they, too, were adversely affected by the financial crises.
MEDCo, the Philippine Secretariat to the BIMP-EAGA reported that incoming trade missions from EAGA- member countries to Mindanao significantly dropped from 1997 to 1999.
Only seven incoming trade missions were conducted during the two-year period compared to the more than 25 trade missions in 1996 alone.
The MEDCo report added that there were only three outgoing missions from Mindanao to EAGA member countries in 1998 compared to the 23 organised in 1997 and 11 in 1996.
It was also the first time that a zero cash sales from various trade fairs, exhibits and expositions was recorded in 1998.
The value of Mindanao Foreign Trade with Indonesia and Malaysia in 1998 was among the lowest between 1995 and 1999. The peak was in 1995 when the value of foreign trade with BIMP-EAGA reached almost US$80 million.
Mindanao exports to the BIMP-EAGA significantly sunk in 1999 compared to the US$55-million generated in 1997 and the US$41.9 million in 2000.
Mindanao imports from the BIMP-EAGA likewise dropped in 1998 compared to the US$81-million and US$70 million in 2000.
Tourists arrivals in Mindanao also plunged in 2000 due to pockets of armed conflicts in the island, stimulating a negative image in the travel market. Tourist arrivals in 1997 reached 146,172 and 157,999 in 1999.
From 1994 to early 2000, hotel room occupancy rate was the lowest in 1999 (46.79 per cent compared to the 56.81 percent in 1994 and 56.69 per cent in 1997.
With Mindanao now as host to BIMP-EAGA-related activities, there is hope that promises made in the past will be fulfilled.
Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Concerns and the country’s Signing Minister Paul G. Dominguez called on EAGA governments to work closer together “to clearly demonstrate renewed and increased support for BIMP-EAGA endeavours to encourage the private sector to keep EAGA in their investment radar scanners.”
He encouraged EAGA member-countries to ensure the sustainability of the economic sub-region to keep the momentum going to spur economic development in Mindanao.
In the MEDCo report, the early successes of the BIMP-EAGA serve as a barometer as manifested by its strong indication of viability and its effectiveness to develop this sub-region.
One of the major reasons for reviving BIMP-EAGA is the opportunity and mechanism for the Muslim entrepreneur to meet their counterparts in EAGA and to participate in private sector undertaking by providing a market exposure.
Medco stressed that BIMP-EAGA serves as catalyst for peace and development in the politically unstable Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao.
With more participation in the BIMP-EAGA endeavours, “Muslim entrepreneurs in Mindanao may become the engines of growth.” - Oana-PNA
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Pay allowance for the extra holiday, says MTUC
Daily Express
21 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has urged employers in the State to pay allowance to their workers who worked on the public holiday on Wednesday although it is not a gazetted holiday.
At the same time, it also urged the employers not to deduct the salary of those workers who did not turn up for work on that day.
In making the call Saturday, MUTC Sabah Branch Secretary Catherine Jikunan said this is the way for employers to show their appreciation to those who worked on that day.
She said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), employers have the right not to pay overtime or allowance to workers working on a non-gazetted holiday like Wednesday, but they should consider their workers’ contributions and establish good working relations with them (workers) so as to enhance productivity.
She said inconsiderate bosses would not be able to maintain good relations with their workers and as a result, productivity would suffer, to the detriment of all.
She said this in response to a Sabah Labour Department official who had said on Thursday that the public holiday on Wednesday is not gazetted as a statutory holiday and, therefore, employers are not obliged to pay overtime or allowance to those who worked on that day.
Catherine said such problems arose simply because the SLO is outdated.
“If the provision concerned under SLO is in line with the Employment Act in force in Peninsular Malaysia, these problems will not arise,” she added.
She said since SLO in an outdated law, it should not serve as reference for anything related to it.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman had on late Tuesday night declared Wednesday a public holiday as a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the Merdeka Month closing celebration here a success.
21 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has urged employers in the State to pay allowance to their workers who worked on the public holiday on Wednesday although it is not a gazetted holiday.
At the same time, it also urged the employers not to deduct the salary of those workers who did not turn up for work on that day.
In making the call Saturday, MUTC Sabah Branch Secretary Catherine Jikunan said this is the way for employers to show their appreciation to those who worked on that day.
She said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), employers have the right not to pay overtime or allowance to workers working on a non-gazetted holiday like Wednesday, but they should consider their workers’ contributions and establish good working relations with them (workers) so as to enhance productivity.
She said inconsiderate bosses would not be able to maintain good relations with their workers and as a result, productivity would suffer, to the detriment of all.
She said this in response to a Sabah Labour Department official who had said on Thursday that the public holiday on Wednesday is not gazetted as a statutory holiday and, therefore, employers are not obliged to pay overtime or allowance to those who worked on that day.
Catherine said such problems arose simply because the SLO is outdated.
“If the provision concerned under SLO is in line with the Employment Act in force in Peninsular Malaysia, these problems will not arise,” she added.
She said since SLO in an outdated law, it should not serve as reference for anything related to it.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman had on late Tuesday night declared Wednesday a public holiday as a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the Merdeka Month closing celebration here a success.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Extra holiday is not gazetted: Dept
Daily Express
20 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: The public holiday on Wednesday announced by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman has not been gazetted and is therefore not a statutory holiday.
A Sabah Labour Department official said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), such holiday is merely an ordinary holiday.
He said since the Chief Minister merely announced the holiday and did not get it gazetted as a statutory holiday, those who worked on that day were not entitled to any extra allowance.
“Of course, if the employers wish to pay extra, better still, but they are not obliged to do so as there is no law saying they must pay overtime or extra allowance,” he explained.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday to declare Wednesday a public holiday as a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the Merdeka Month closing celebration here a success.
The official said under the SLO, there are only 12 statutory holidays.
These are Jan 1, Chinese New Year (2 days), Good Friday, Harvest Festival (2 days), Hari Raya Puasa (2 days), Hari Raya Haji, Head of State’s Birthday, Workers’ Day and Christmas.
The official said those who worked on Wednesday were only entitled to normal pay and no pay for those who did not work.
“For those monthly-salaried workers who did not come to work on Wednesday, their employers may deduct their salary for that day.
“If the Wednesday holiday is gazetted, those who worked on that day can enjoy a minimum double pay,” he added.
20 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: The public holiday on Wednesday announced by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman has not been gazetted and is therefore not a statutory holiday.
A Sabah Labour Department official said under the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), such holiday is merely an ordinary holiday.
He said since the Chief Minister merely announced the holiday and did not get it gazetted as a statutory holiday, those who worked on that day were not entitled to any extra allowance.
“Of course, if the employers wish to pay extra, better still, but they are not obliged to do so as there is no law saying they must pay overtime or extra allowance,” he explained.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday to declare Wednesday a public holiday as a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the Merdeka Month closing celebration here a success.
The official said under the SLO, there are only 12 statutory holidays.
These are Jan 1, Chinese New Year (2 days), Good Friday, Harvest Festival (2 days), Hari Raya Puasa (2 days), Hari Raya Haji, Head of State’s Birthday, Workers’ Day and Christmas.
The official said those who worked on Wednesday were only entitled to normal pay and no pay for those who did not work.
“For those monthly-salaried workers who did not come to work on Wednesday, their employers may deduct their salary for that day.
“If the Wednesday holiday is gazetted, those who worked on that day can enjoy a minimum double pay,” he added.
Penisula lawyer loses bid
Daily Express
20 September, 2003
Alor Setar: The High Court here Friday dismissed a petition by a Perak-born lawyer seeking admission as an advocate to the Sabah Bar.
In his written judgement on the application by Mursyida Abdul Halim, Justice Ian Chin said she has not provided sufficient evidence that she is a domicile in Sabah to fulfil one of the requirements as provided for under the Sabah Advocates Ordinance that she must have “Sabah connections.”
This is provided under Section 2, which reads:
“A person shall be deemed to have Sabah connections for the purposes of this Ordinance if, and only if: he has been born in Sabah;
has been an ordinarily resident in Sabah for a continuous period of five years or more; or satisfies the Chief Judge that he is, at the time when the question whether he has Sabah connections is relevant, domiciled in Sabah.”
“The issue was simply whether the petitioner had acquired Sabah domicile at the time she presented it. The petitioner’s case is that she is domiciled in Sabah.
“According to the facts of the case, she was born in Perak in 1978 and had been living all over Malaya during the period her father was serving in the police force and who was transferred from state to state in Malaya. After her father was transferred to Kota Kinabalu, she visited Sabah for the first time on June 14, 2001. By then she was in Kuala Lumpur doing her final year in law at the International Islamic University, Malaysia where she received her degree in December 2001. She then came back to Sabah on Jan 7, 2002, commenced her chambering a month later and after completing 12 months, petitioned for admission.
“Unfortunately, she was chambering in Kota Kinabalu without the necessary Visit Pass (Professional) as required by Regulation 11(1)(I) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. I pause the narration to consider the controversy surrounding the visit pass that she possessed because her advocate, Sugumar Balakrishnan, insisted that she does not require one and that in any event she was not told by anyone that she requires one.
“Under the Constitution, Sabah is entitled (with certain exceptions which do not concern this case) to treat Malaysians not of Sabah origin as if they are non-citizens.
“This means that other Malaysians seeking to enter Sabah has to comply with the requirement of the immigration authority and they carry the burden of establishing that they are entitled to enter Sabah (Section 66(4) of the Immigration Act). Other Malaysians wishing to enter and remain in Sabah temporarily may be issued the following classes of Passes: (a) Employment, (b) Dependent’s, (c) Visit, (d) Transit, (e) Student, (f) Special and (g) Landing (Regulation 8, Immigration Regulations, 1963).
“The Director of Immigration has the discretion whether or not to issue any pass. A Visit Pass may be issued for the purpose of a social business or professional visit. The Director of Immigration had by a letter dated July 4, 2003 stated that a chambering student from West Malaysia and Sarawak requires a Visit Pass (Professional) under Regulation 11(1)(I) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“The applicant had argued that the Director was wrong but that is a matter of policy and you can only insist on coming to Sabah as of right if you fall under any of those categories under Section 66 of the Act. In all other cases, the discretion lies with the Director whether to let you into Sabah.
“She had commenced her chambering without the necessary pass required under the law. What she did not tell the court is whether she was paid any money or allowance (or by whatever term it is called) for chambering in the firm of Sugumar & Co because it is a notorious fact which I can take judicial notice that chambering students are paid a monetary allowance.
“What I have referred tend to show that she does not reveal all that is going on which has a bearing on whether there was that intention to acquire a domicile in Sabah whatever may be the consequence, like being allowed a work permit to practise as a lawyer in Sabah since there is no guarantee that the Immigration Department will issue her a work permit. The result is that she chose to disclose as little as possible.
“The petitioner was given more opportunities to provide more evidence and for the purpose, she deponed another four affidavits. She firstly provided the documents to show the payment of an apartment.
“She produced a letter from Sugumar & Co to say that she would be employed for RM2,000 a month for a probationary period of three months. She also produced a letter from her father to say that he will financially support her in any event so that she can remain in Sabah permanently.
Again, there is a scarcity of details, like the cost of living for her and how financially capable is the father as to be able to support her, at how much per month and for how long. All the answers will have a bearing on whether she can financially survive and whether financially it is possible to support and carry out her declared intention to remain in Sabah permanently.
“Therefore, quite apart from conduct and action which are needed to fortify the declaration of intent and as the declaration to change a domicile is not conclusive, those conduct and action must be, in this case, further demonstrated to be feasible, sustainable or possible financially taking into the possibilities of the applicant not finding long-term employment or not finding any gainful employment at all.
“Unfortunately, there is no evidence of what her monthly expenditure will be like and, as mentioned earlier, whether her father is able to maintain her and for how long.
“There is yet another area where the evidence is unsatisfactory and this has to do with the proof of the abandonment of her domicile of origin.
“Since a person cannot have at any one time two domiciles, the applicant would have to prove that she has abandoned her domicile of origin and taken up a new one. There must be satisfactory evidence to show that the Applicant has changed her former domicile.
“The applicant in the aspect of showing evidence of abandonment of her domicile failed miserably to do so. If she has really made up her mind to abandon her former domicile, she would have informed the authorities concerned, like the National Registration Department, or apply to change her area for voting when the revision of the electoral is done.
“There is no evidence that she has done that. Those are strong evidence if she had done that to manifest her intention of abandoning her previous domicile and of acquiring a new one.”
The Sabah State Attorney-General was represented by counsel Zaleha Rose Pandin while counsel Alex Decena and counsel John Sikayun acted for the Sabah Law Association.
20 September, 2003
Alor Setar: The High Court here Friday dismissed a petition by a Perak-born lawyer seeking admission as an advocate to the Sabah Bar.
In his written judgement on the application by Mursyida Abdul Halim, Justice Ian Chin said she has not provided sufficient evidence that she is a domicile in Sabah to fulfil one of the requirements as provided for under the Sabah Advocates Ordinance that she must have “Sabah connections.”
This is provided under Section 2, which reads:
“A person shall be deemed to have Sabah connections for the purposes of this Ordinance if, and only if: he has been born in Sabah;
has been an ordinarily resident in Sabah for a continuous period of five years or more; or satisfies the Chief Judge that he is, at the time when the question whether he has Sabah connections is relevant, domiciled in Sabah.”
“The issue was simply whether the petitioner had acquired Sabah domicile at the time she presented it. The petitioner’s case is that she is domiciled in Sabah.
“According to the facts of the case, she was born in Perak in 1978 and had been living all over Malaya during the period her father was serving in the police force and who was transferred from state to state in Malaya. After her father was transferred to Kota Kinabalu, she visited Sabah for the first time on June 14, 2001. By then she was in Kuala Lumpur doing her final year in law at the International Islamic University, Malaysia where she received her degree in December 2001. She then came back to Sabah on Jan 7, 2002, commenced her chambering a month later and after completing 12 months, petitioned for admission.
“Unfortunately, she was chambering in Kota Kinabalu without the necessary Visit Pass (Professional) as required by Regulation 11(1)(I) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. I pause the narration to consider the controversy surrounding the visit pass that she possessed because her advocate, Sugumar Balakrishnan, insisted that she does not require one and that in any event she was not told by anyone that she requires one.
“Under the Constitution, Sabah is entitled (with certain exceptions which do not concern this case) to treat Malaysians not of Sabah origin as if they are non-citizens.
“This means that other Malaysians seeking to enter Sabah has to comply with the requirement of the immigration authority and they carry the burden of establishing that they are entitled to enter Sabah (Section 66(4) of the Immigration Act). Other Malaysians wishing to enter and remain in Sabah temporarily may be issued the following classes of Passes: (a) Employment, (b) Dependent’s, (c) Visit, (d) Transit, (e) Student, (f) Special and (g) Landing (Regulation 8, Immigration Regulations, 1963).
“The Director of Immigration has the discretion whether or not to issue any pass. A Visit Pass may be issued for the purpose of a social business or professional visit. The Director of Immigration had by a letter dated July 4, 2003 stated that a chambering student from West Malaysia and Sarawak requires a Visit Pass (Professional) under Regulation 11(1)(I) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“The applicant had argued that the Director was wrong but that is a matter of policy and you can only insist on coming to Sabah as of right if you fall under any of those categories under Section 66 of the Act. In all other cases, the discretion lies with the Director whether to let you into Sabah.
“She had commenced her chambering without the necessary pass required under the law. What she did not tell the court is whether she was paid any money or allowance (or by whatever term it is called) for chambering in the firm of Sugumar & Co because it is a notorious fact which I can take judicial notice that chambering students are paid a monetary allowance.
“What I have referred tend to show that she does not reveal all that is going on which has a bearing on whether there was that intention to acquire a domicile in Sabah whatever may be the consequence, like being allowed a work permit to practise as a lawyer in Sabah since there is no guarantee that the Immigration Department will issue her a work permit. The result is that she chose to disclose as little as possible.
“The petitioner was given more opportunities to provide more evidence and for the purpose, she deponed another four affidavits. She firstly provided the documents to show the payment of an apartment.
“She produced a letter from Sugumar & Co to say that she would be employed for RM2,000 a month for a probationary period of three months. She also produced a letter from her father to say that he will financially support her in any event so that she can remain in Sabah permanently.
Again, there is a scarcity of details, like the cost of living for her and how financially capable is the father as to be able to support her, at how much per month and for how long. All the answers will have a bearing on whether she can financially survive and whether financially it is possible to support and carry out her declared intention to remain in Sabah permanently.
“Therefore, quite apart from conduct and action which are needed to fortify the declaration of intent and as the declaration to change a domicile is not conclusive, those conduct and action must be, in this case, further demonstrated to be feasible, sustainable or possible financially taking into the possibilities of the applicant not finding long-term employment or not finding any gainful employment at all.
“Unfortunately, there is no evidence of what her monthly expenditure will be like and, as mentioned earlier, whether her father is able to maintain her and for how long.
“There is yet another area where the evidence is unsatisfactory and this has to do with the proof of the abandonment of her domicile of origin.
“Since a person cannot have at any one time two domiciles, the applicant would have to prove that she has abandoned her domicile of origin and taken up a new one. There must be satisfactory evidence to show that the Applicant has changed her former domicile.
“The applicant in the aspect of showing evidence of abandonment of her domicile failed miserably to do so. If she has really made up her mind to abandon her former domicile, she would have informed the authorities concerned, like the National Registration Department, or apply to change her area for voting when the revision of the electoral is done.
“There is no evidence that she has done that. Those are strong evidence if she had done that to manifest her intention of abandoning her previous domicile and of acquiring a new one.”
The Sabah State Attorney-General was represented by counsel Zaleha Rose Pandin while counsel Alex Decena and counsel John Sikayun acted for the Sabah Law Association.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Many caught off-guard by extra holiday
Daily Express
18 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: While the surprise announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman of an extended public holiday Wednesday for Sabah should be welcomed by most people, it had also resulted in public confusion.
Many workers and students were caught off-guard Wednesday morning as they went about for a routine work or school day, only to find their offices and schools empty.
Some students here and in Penampang, especially those with wet uniforms due to the heavy morning rain, were delighted on learning they had been given another day off after the Tuesday public holiday in conjunction with the Head of State’s official birthday.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday to declare Wednesday a public holiday, to a loud applause by the remaining audience at the National Merdeka Month closing celebration at the Likas Sports Complex.
This (extra holiday) was a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the celebration a success.
As early as 6am, Sabah RTM repeated the announcement several times on the radio, catching many motorists on their routine journey to work by surprise.
The Daily Express press office in Tanjung Aru was deluged with calls from members of the public wishing to confirm the “holiday rumour” passed around by friends.
However, the ongoing Primary School Assessment Test (UPSR) continued as usual.
Some workers caught off-guard were visibly disappointed by the sudden announcement, saying they had wasted their time travelling long distances, from as far as Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran to their places of work, only to discover some of their colleagues waiting there in a state of confusion.
They felt that any proposal to extend a public holiday should be properly organised to avoid public inconvenience.
The Chief Minister should have made the announcement during his speech while all eyes were glued to their television screens to watch the closing ceremony of the 46th Merdeka Month celebration, telecast “live” nationwide, they said.
Note: Many more were stucked in Tarakan and Nunukan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian when passengers on ship were told that Tawau Immigration was closed due to the sudden announcement of holiday. Immigration office at the passenger terminal in Tawau does not open on public holidays and Sundays. These passengers who were already on board the ships were told to leave causing them to incure additional expenses on transportation, food, lodging and connecting transportations cancellation.
Such announcement made by the Chief Minister was certainly unwise and should never be repeated. We feel no sympathy for the CM when he was cursed by the people on the street for making a "foolish" announcement. He should have postpond the holiday to a later date where everyone in the state has ample time to prepare and to enjoy. If the holiday was intended for everyone then make sure everyone gets to enjoy it. Such action is similar to a lazy teacher dismissing his class early but the students have no transport to go home. We hope this is not an indication of how the CM carrying out his duties.
One mark deducted from the Chief Minster, Datuk Musa Aman.
18 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: While the surprise announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman of an extended public holiday Wednesday for Sabah should be welcomed by most people, it had also resulted in public confusion.
Many workers and students were caught off-guard Wednesday morning as they went about for a routine work or school day, only to find their offices and schools empty.
Some students here and in Penampang, especially those with wet uniforms due to the heavy morning rain, were delighted on learning they had been given another day off after the Tuesday public holiday in conjunction with the Head of State’s official birthday.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, made a sudden announcement soon after midnight Tuesday to declare Wednesday a public holiday, to a loud applause by the remaining audience at the National Merdeka Month closing celebration at the Likas Sports Complex.
This (extra holiday) was a gesture of appreciation by the State Government for all those Sabahans involved in making the celebration a success.
As early as 6am, Sabah RTM repeated the announcement several times on the radio, catching many motorists on their routine journey to work by surprise.
The Daily Express press office in Tanjung Aru was deluged with calls from members of the public wishing to confirm the “holiday rumour” passed around by friends.
However, the ongoing Primary School Assessment Test (UPSR) continued as usual.
Some workers caught off-guard were visibly disappointed by the sudden announcement, saying they had wasted their time travelling long distances, from as far as Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran to their places of work, only to discover some of their colleagues waiting there in a state of confusion.
They felt that any proposal to extend a public holiday should be properly organised to avoid public inconvenience.
The Chief Minister should have made the announcement during his speech while all eyes were glued to their television screens to watch the closing ceremony of the 46th Merdeka Month celebration, telecast “live” nationwide, they said.
Note: Many more were stucked in Tarakan and Nunukan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian when passengers on ship were told that Tawau Immigration was closed due to the sudden announcement of holiday. Immigration office at the passenger terminal in Tawau does not open on public holidays and Sundays. These passengers who were already on board the ships were told to leave causing them to incure additional expenses on transportation, food, lodging and connecting transportations cancellation.
Such announcement made by the Chief Minister was certainly unwise and should never be repeated. We feel no sympathy for the CM when he was cursed by the people on the street for making a "foolish" announcement. He should have postpond the holiday to a later date where everyone in the state has ample time to prepare and to enjoy. If the holiday was intended for everyone then make sure everyone gets to enjoy it. Such action is similar to a lazy teacher dismissing his class early but the students have no transport to go home. We hope this is not an indication of how the CM carrying out his duties.
One mark deducted from the Chief Minster, Datuk Musa Aman.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Masalah kewangan dikatakan jadi punca -- Tour de Borneo ditunda
Utusan Malaysia
16 9 2003
Oleh MOHD. TAUFEK RAZAK
PERLUMBAAN sulung Tour de Borneo (TdB) pada 21-27 September ini menemui jalan buntu untuk diteruskan angkara masalah kewangan yang dihadapi penganjurnya, Yellow Jersey Sdn Bhd.
Pengumuman mengenai penundaan jelajah lumba basikal itu dibuat menerusi satu kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di Kuala Lumpur semalam tetapi keputusan mengejut penganjur berbuat demikian telah diputuskan lebih awal iaitu pada Sabtu lalu lagi.
Mesyuarat untuk memutuskan penundaan itu dibuat sehari selepas pihak media dipanggil penganjur untuk diberi taklimat mengenai peraturan dan persediaan pada hari Jumaat sebelumnya.
Agak menghairankan pada majlis taklimat itu, pihak media dimaklumkan segala persiapan berjalan lancar dan TdB hanya menunggu masa sahaja untuk dilangsungkan.
Bagaimanapun hanya sehari selepas itu, penganjur terpaksa menundanya di saat akhir kepada satu tarikh yang mungkin selepas berlangsungnya Sukan Sea di Vietnam pada Disember ini.
Dalam kenyataan kepada media, Pengarah Eksekutif Yellow Jersey Sdn Bhd, Zainal Anuar bagaimanapun tidak mendedahkan punca sebenar kepada penundaan itu.
Sebaliknya beliau hanya memberitahu bahawa ia disebabkan oleh masalah yang tidak dijangka.
Tetapi beliau memberi jaminan bahawa perlumbaan itu akan tetap diadakan tahun ini memandangkan banyak perbelanjaan telah dikeluarkan untuk merancangnya.
``Terlalu banyak pelaburan telah kami buat untuk memastikan jelajah ini satu kenyataan dan terbaik.
``Tentunya keputusan ini amat merugikan. Namun memandangkan perlumbaan itu dirancang untuk 2003, ia tetap akan dilangsungkan tahun ini biar apa pun yang berlaku selepas ini,'' tegasnya.
Sehubungan itu, beliau meminta maaf di atas segala kesulitan berikutan penundaan di saat akhir ini.
``Bayangkan sudah 19 pasukan mengesahkan penyertaan mereka apatah lagi perlumbaan ini berorentasikan pelancongan untuk Malaysia amnya dan Sabah khasnya.
``Namun penundaannya tidak dapat dielakkan dan bagi pihak Yellow Jersey dan Persatuan Berbasikal Sabah, kami meminta maaf kepada pelumba, sukarelawan dan pihak-pihak yang banyak membantu,'' jelasnya.
TdB yang menawarkan hadiah RM160,000 akan mempunyai tujuh peringkat perlumbaan yang bermula dengan acara kriterium di sekitar pekan Tawau (56km) pada 21 September.
Ini akan diikuti dengan peringkat kedua dari Tawau-Semporna (115.3km), Semporna-Lahad Datu (157.9km), Lahad Datu-Sandakan (173.3km), Sepilok-Kundasang (213.1km), Penampang-Kota Belud-Kota Kinabalu (141.2km) sebelum berakhir dengan satu lagi acara kriterium di sekitar bandar Kota Kinabalu (64.8km).
Sehingga ini, 19 pasukan sudah pun mengesahkan penyertaan dengan 15 daripadanya adalah pasukan kebangsaan dan profesional dari luar negara.
Malaysia sahaja akan diwakili empat pasukan iaitu pasukan Malaysia A, Malaysia B, Majlis Sukan Negara dan Pilihan Sabah.
16 9 2003
Oleh MOHD. TAUFEK RAZAK
PERLUMBAAN sulung Tour de Borneo (TdB) pada 21-27 September ini menemui jalan buntu untuk diteruskan angkara masalah kewangan yang dihadapi penganjurnya, Yellow Jersey Sdn Bhd.
Pengumuman mengenai penundaan jelajah lumba basikal itu dibuat menerusi satu kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di Kuala Lumpur semalam tetapi keputusan mengejut penganjur berbuat demikian telah diputuskan lebih awal iaitu pada Sabtu lalu lagi.
Mesyuarat untuk memutuskan penundaan itu dibuat sehari selepas pihak media dipanggil penganjur untuk diberi taklimat mengenai peraturan dan persediaan pada hari Jumaat sebelumnya.
Agak menghairankan pada majlis taklimat itu, pihak media dimaklumkan segala persiapan berjalan lancar dan TdB hanya menunggu masa sahaja untuk dilangsungkan.
Bagaimanapun hanya sehari selepas itu, penganjur terpaksa menundanya di saat akhir kepada satu tarikh yang mungkin selepas berlangsungnya Sukan Sea di Vietnam pada Disember ini.
Dalam kenyataan kepada media, Pengarah Eksekutif Yellow Jersey Sdn Bhd, Zainal Anuar bagaimanapun tidak mendedahkan punca sebenar kepada penundaan itu.
Sebaliknya beliau hanya memberitahu bahawa ia disebabkan oleh masalah yang tidak dijangka.
Tetapi beliau memberi jaminan bahawa perlumbaan itu akan tetap diadakan tahun ini memandangkan banyak perbelanjaan telah dikeluarkan untuk merancangnya.
``Terlalu banyak pelaburan telah kami buat untuk memastikan jelajah ini satu kenyataan dan terbaik.
``Tentunya keputusan ini amat merugikan. Namun memandangkan perlumbaan itu dirancang untuk 2003, ia tetap akan dilangsungkan tahun ini biar apa pun yang berlaku selepas ini,'' tegasnya.
Sehubungan itu, beliau meminta maaf di atas segala kesulitan berikutan penundaan di saat akhir ini.
``Bayangkan sudah 19 pasukan mengesahkan penyertaan mereka apatah lagi perlumbaan ini berorentasikan pelancongan untuk Malaysia amnya dan Sabah khasnya.
``Namun penundaannya tidak dapat dielakkan dan bagi pihak Yellow Jersey dan Persatuan Berbasikal Sabah, kami meminta maaf kepada pelumba, sukarelawan dan pihak-pihak yang banyak membantu,'' jelasnya.
TdB yang menawarkan hadiah RM160,000 akan mempunyai tujuh peringkat perlumbaan yang bermula dengan acara kriterium di sekitar pekan Tawau (56km) pada 21 September.
Ini akan diikuti dengan peringkat kedua dari Tawau-Semporna (115.3km), Semporna-Lahad Datu (157.9km), Lahad Datu-Sandakan (173.3km), Sepilok-Kundasang (213.1km), Penampang-Kota Belud-Kota Kinabalu (141.2km) sebelum berakhir dengan satu lagi acara kriterium di sekitar bandar Kota Kinabalu (64.8km).
Sehingga ini, 19 pasukan sudah pun mengesahkan penyertaan dengan 15 daripadanya adalah pasukan kebangsaan dan profesional dari luar negara.
Malaysia sahaja akan diwakili empat pasukan iaitu pasukan Malaysia A, Malaysia B, Majlis Sukan Negara dan Pilihan Sabah.
Khalil heads the list
Daily Express
16 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob heads the list of 574 people conferred with honours and awards in conjunction with the 57th birthday of the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, today (Tuesday).
He was awarded the ‘Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu’ (SPDK), the State’s highest award, which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri Panglima’.
Another recipient of the SPDK is businessman Datuk Mohammed alias Kadir Mohamad Mastan.
The investiture will be held at the Istana Negeri here today.
State Umno Youth head, Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, is among 26 people conferred the ‘Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu’ (PGDK) which carries the title ‘Datuk’.
Other recipients of the PGDK are Puteri Umno Chief Azalina Othman Said, Kunak Assemblyman Jasa Rauddah, Tempasuk Assemblyman Musbah Jamli, Sabah Sports Board General Manager Herman Tiongsoh, Libaran Wanita Umno Chief Armani Mahiruddin, Sabah Hakka Association President Tan Fook En, Parti Liberal Demokratik (LDP) Information Chief Lau Yick Chiang and Sabah Umno Executive Secretary Kadzim Yahya.
The PGDK recipients include former senior police officer Clement Jaikul, former Negeri Sembilan Education Director Khamis Noyo, former Sabah Fire and Rescue Director Leonard A. Athanasius, former Senator R. M. Jasni, businessman Lim Kim Heng, Ling Hua Kai, pharmacist Nancy Ho, Awang alias Mat Bashir Samat, Abdul Hadi Abdul Khatab, Abdul Wahab Sulaiman, Ahmad Mohamad Yassin alias M.Y. Ahmad, Awang Damit Awang Othman, Gabuh Paging, Shuhaibun Yussuf, Teo Ming Chung alias Chong Ming Chung, Andrew Lo Vun Bin and Nam Marthinin.
Seven people made Justices of Peace (JP) are Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Yunof Maringking, John Maluda, A. Ghandi Dhas s/o P. Arunasalam Pillay, Adnan Puteh, Mary alias Mariati Robert, Tan Kim Beng and Vincent Shia Tee Yap alias Sheah Zwat Tsang.
Sixty-two people receive the ‘Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu’ (ASDK). Among them are Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah Secretary-General Ellron Angin, former Kemabong Assemblyman Esar Andamas, former Sugut Assemblyman Pg Abdul Khafid Pg Aslleh, Sabah Football Association Executive Secretary Harry Baking, the PBS president’s wife, Datin Genevieve Kitingan, DSP Abdul Majid Mahmud, Datu Mansor Datu Jalilul Hassan, Abdul Mutalib Hashim and Abdul Ghani Abas.
Another 89 people are conferred the ‘Ahli Darjah Kinabalu’ (ADK). They include the State Youth and Sports Minister’s private secretary, David Tiongin Lumbok, Thomas Moore Wille, Vincent Lee, Zainal Abidin Hassan, Wahid Norbinsha and Petrus Leonard Yong.
A total of 143 people receive the ‘Bintang Setia Kinabalu’ (BSK). Sabah Puteri Umno Information Chief Suzaini Sabdin is one of the recipients.
Another 196 people receive the ‘Bintang Kinabalu’ (BK), while 49 others receive honorary certificates.
16 September, 2003
Kota Kinabalu: Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob heads the list of 574 people conferred with honours and awards in conjunction with the 57th birthday of the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, today (Tuesday).
He was awarded the ‘Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu’ (SPDK), the State’s highest award, which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri Panglima’.
Another recipient of the SPDK is businessman Datuk Mohammed alias Kadir Mohamad Mastan.
The investiture will be held at the Istana Negeri here today.
State Umno Youth head, Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, is among 26 people conferred the ‘Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu’ (PGDK) which carries the title ‘Datuk’.
Other recipients of the PGDK are Puteri Umno Chief Azalina Othman Said, Kunak Assemblyman Jasa Rauddah, Tempasuk Assemblyman Musbah Jamli, Sabah Sports Board General Manager Herman Tiongsoh, Libaran Wanita Umno Chief Armani Mahiruddin, Sabah Hakka Association President Tan Fook En, Parti Liberal Demokratik (LDP) Information Chief Lau Yick Chiang and Sabah Umno Executive Secretary Kadzim Yahya.
The PGDK recipients include former senior police officer Clement Jaikul, former Negeri Sembilan Education Director Khamis Noyo, former Sabah Fire and Rescue Director Leonard A. Athanasius, former Senator R. M. Jasni, businessman Lim Kim Heng, Ling Hua Kai, pharmacist Nancy Ho, Awang alias Mat Bashir Samat, Abdul Hadi Abdul Khatab, Abdul Wahab Sulaiman, Ahmad Mohamad Yassin alias M.Y. Ahmad, Awang Damit Awang Othman, Gabuh Paging, Shuhaibun Yussuf, Teo Ming Chung alias Chong Ming Chung, Andrew Lo Vun Bin and Nam Marthinin.
Seven people made Justices of Peace (JP) are Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Yunof Maringking, John Maluda, A. Ghandi Dhas s/o P. Arunasalam Pillay, Adnan Puteh, Mary alias Mariati Robert, Tan Kim Beng and Vincent Shia Tee Yap alias Sheah Zwat Tsang.
Sixty-two people receive the ‘Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu’ (ASDK). Among them are Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah Secretary-General Ellron Angin, former Kemabong Assemblyman Esar Andamas, former Sugut Assemblyman Pg Abdul Khafid Pg Aslleh, Sabah Football Association Executive Secretary Harry Baking, the PBS president’s wife, Datin Genevieve Kitingan, DSP Abdul Majid Mahmud, Datu Mansor Datu Jalilul Hassan, Abdul Mutalib Hashim and Abdul Ghani Abas.
Another 89 people are conferred the ‘Ahli Darjah Kinabalu’ (ADK). They include the State Youth and Sports Minister’s private secretary, David Tiongin Lumbok, Thomas Moore Wille, Vincent Lee, Zainal Abidin Hassan, Wahid Norbinsha and Petrus Leonard Yong.
A total of 143 people receive the ‘Bintang Setia Kinabalu’ (BSK). Sabah Puteri Umno Information Chief Suzaini Sabdin is one of the recipients.
Another 196 people receive the ‘Bintang Kinabalu’ (BK), while 49 others receive honorary certificates.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Janet wanita pertama Malaysia bawa Boeing
Utusan Malaysia
11-9-2003
Oleh: HERMAN HAMID
KUALA LUMPUR 10 Sept.- Ibu kepada seorang anak, Janet Chen, 45, menjadi juruterbang wanita pertama Malaysia menerbangkan pesawat komersial berenjin jet, Boeing 737-300; milik AirAsia.
Beliau menyertai syarikat penerbangan itu Mei lalu sebagai Pegawai Pertama (First Officer) setelah memulakan kariernya dengan Sabah Air selama 20 tahun.
Janet yang berasal dari Kota Kinabalu berkata, beliau mendapat latihan penerbangan selama 13 bulan di England sebelum menyertai Sabah Air.
``Semasa dengan Sabah Air saya hanya berpeluang menerbangkan pesawat jenis Beechcraft King Air 12 tempat duduk dengan jawatan terakhir adalah sebagai Kapten.
``Selepas menyertai AirAsia, barulah saya diberi peluang menjawat jawatan pegawai pertama dan ini membolehkan saya menjadi wanita Malaysia pertama menerbangkan pesawat Boeing 737-300,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Jelas Janet, walaupun di Malaysia telah ada wanita yang berjaya menjadi juruterbang sama ada pesawat komersial, tentera atau persendirian, namun belum ada yang pernah menerbangkan pesawat Boeing atau yang berenjin jet komersial sepertinya.
``Setidak-tidaknya pencapaian saya telah membuktikan kemampuan wanita Malaysia di dalam bidang yang mencabar walaupun di dalam bidang yang tradisinya dikuasai oleh kaum lelaki.''
Oleh itu beliau tidak menafikan kejayaan yang dikecapinya sekarang adalah hasil peluang serta kepercayaan yang diberikan oleh AirAsia.
``Sepatutnya syarikat penerbangan yang lain perlu mencontohi AirAsia dalam memberikan peluang kepada juruterbang wanita kerana kami juga mampu untuk menjadi seorang juruterbang yang baik setanding lelaki.
``Lagipun sepanjang berkhidmat dengan AirAsia, saya tidak pernah menerima sebarang reaksi negatif daripada penumpang walaupun mereka sedar yang ia dikendalikan oleh juruterbang wanita,'' tegasnya
11-9-2003
Oleh: HERMAN HAMID
KUALA LUMPUR 10 Sept.- Ibu kepada seorang anak, Janet Chen, 45, menjadi juruterbang wanita pertama Malaysia menerbangkan pesawat komersial berenjin jet, Boeing 737-300; milik AirAsia.
Beliau menyertai syarikat penerbangan itu Mei lalu sebagai Pegawai Pertama (First Officer) setelah memulakan kariernya dengan Sabah Air selama 20 tahun.
Janet yang berasal dari Kota Kinabalu berkata, beliau mendapat latihan penerbangan selama 13 bulan di England sebelum menyertai Sabah Air.
``Semasa dengan Sabah Air saya hanya berpeluang menerbangkan pesawat jenis Beechcraft King Air 12 tempat duduk dengan jawatan terakhir adalah sebagai Kapten.
``Selepas menyertai AirAsia, barulah saya diberi peluang menjawat jawatan pegawai pertama dan ini membolehkan saya menjadi wanita Malaysia pertama menerbangkan pesawat Boeing 737-300,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Jelas Janet, walaupun di Malaysia telah ada wanita yang berjaya menjadi juruterbang sama ada pesawat komersial, tentera atau persendirian, namun belum ada yang pernah menerbangkan pesawat Boeing atau yang berenjin jet komersial sepertinya.
``Setidak-tidaknya pencapaian saya telah membuktikan kemampuan wanita Malaysia di dalam bidang yang mencabar walaupun di dalam bidang yang tradisinya dikuasai oleh kaum lelaki.''
Oleh itu beliau tidak menafikan kejayaan yang dikecapinya sekarang adalah hasil peluang serta kepercayaan yang diberikan oleh AirAsia.
``Sepatutnya syarikat penerbangan yang lain perlu mencontohi AirAsia dalam memberikan peluang kepada juruterbang wanita kerana kami juga mampu untuk menjadi seorang juruterbang yang baik setanding lelaki.
``Lagipun sepanjang berkhidmat dengan AirAsia, saya tidak pernah menerima sebarang reaksi negatif daripada penumpang walaupun mereka sedar yang ia dikendalikan oleh juruterbang wanita,'' tegasnya
No one lobbying for Datuk this year?
It is a drastic change of scenario this year compared to last year. Last year, or even the year before were totally different when we are approaching 16 of September.
There would be a lot of rumours about so and so will be given the title of Datuk by the state Governor. Surprisingly this year the 'market' is very quiet, extremely quite.
Was it because of the new Chief Minister or because there is a new Governor?
What actually happen must be really interesting to know.
There would be a lot of rumours about so and so will be given the title of Datuk by the state Governor. Surprisingly this year the 'market' is very quiet, extremely quite.
Was it because of the new Chief Minister or because there is a new Governor?
What actually happen must be really interesting to know.
Friday, September 05, 2003
Are they still with the Wawasan Iktisas?
Just wondering if Yong Cheong Fah, Lau Yick Chang (YC Lau) and Leong Kum Ming are still with the company. News saying that they have sold the company for a quick profit.
Well, if really there wasn't any hanky panky in the deal, why sell?
If they are not serious in the business why get into it if not for hanky panky matters?
And why their boss, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, the former Chief Minister of Sabah, was so reluctant to take any action despite complaints from all level of people in Kota Kinabalu. Was he part of the hanky panky, since the three of them are his 'macai'.
Well, if really there wasn't any hanky panky in the deal, why sell?
If they are not serious in the business why get into it if not for hanky panky matters?
And why their boss, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, the former Chief Minister of Sabah, was so reluctant to take any action despite complaints from all level of people in Kota Kinabalu. Was he part of the hanky panky, since the three of them are his 'macai'.
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