Parti Bersatu Sabah secretary general Datuk Radin Maleh said party president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan's leadership is still needed by the party and that he still enjoys full support of the party members and grassroots.
He said that it was not for Kiulu PBS divisional head Sindin Ranggangon to decide on leadership matters.
"There is no hurry for a leadership handover. Deputy President Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and other leaders can wait for their time," Radin said Thursday.
He said Sindin should be referred to the party's disciplinary committee for breaching party rules and procedures.
Radin was commenting to Sindin call (see earlier posting) for Pairin to step down for Ongkili to take over after leading the party for 23 years.
My Say:
Just before the election, I remembered Sindin resigned from his senior post in the Federal National Unity Department to, he said then, concentrate strengthening the Kiulu Division. It was also reported that he was promised to be the candidate but came the election, Pairin maintained incumbent Datuk Louis Rampas to defend the seat. Rampas won.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Pairin told to step down!
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan had been asked by the party's divisional chief for Kiulu Sindin Ranggangon to step down from the post which he had held since the party's formation 23 years ago.
Sindin said Pairin, who is Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, should retired and let someone who is more energy, calibre and charisma took over the party leadership.
He said the most appropriate leader to take over from Pairin has to be Deputy President Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.
"Pairin's leadership is no longer effective because he practised favouritism and had failed to take into consideration the people's sensitivity," Sindin said, adding that this was the general consensus among the Kiulu division committee and party's members during a meeting recently.
Sindin said PBS would meet the same fate as MIC, MCA and Gerakan in the next election if Pairin refused to resign.
My Say:
What do the other PBS divisions has to say about this?
Sindin said Pairin, who is Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, should retired and let someone who is more energy, calibre and charisma took over the party leadership.
He said the most appropriate leader to take over from Pairin has to be Deputy President Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.
"Pairin's leadership is no longer effective because he practised favouritism and had failed to take into consideration the people's sensitivity," Sindin said, adding that this was the general consensus among the Kiulu division committee and party's members during a meeting recently.
Sindin said PBS would meet the same fate as MIC, MCA and Gerakan in the next election if Pairin refused to resign.
My Say:
What do the other PBS divisions has to say about this?
Monday, 28 July 2008
Matthias Chang says......
WHY DID THE LATE TAN SRI MEGAT JUNID CRIED TWICE BEFORE ME?
by Matthias Chang in HERE
Future FastForward, Sunday, 27 July 2008 13:24
Where The Buck Stops!
A great leader never claims glory all to himself and ducks behind subordinates when ghastly mistakes are committed.
It came as no surprise to me when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in his recent posting in his Blog – www.chedet.com - assumed total responsibility for the ghastly mistake of appointing Abdullah Badawi as the Deputy Prime Minister, following the disgraceful exit by Anwar Ibrahim upon his conviction. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had on a previous occasion, in his interview by BBC’s HARDTalk, admitted that he had made a mistake in choosing Badawi as his successor.
But on this occasion Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was more explicit.
Notwithstanding the admission, the events leading to the appointment of Badawi as Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s successor is not as simple as Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad unilaterally picking Badawi as the next prime minister.
The Greatest Political Mistake
I have decided to make this exposé for two reasons, namely: (i) I want to dispel the myth that Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was solely responsible for the ghastly mistake of appointing Badawi as the Deputy Prime Minister and therefore his successor and (ii) I believe that the late Tan Sri Megat Junid had entrusted the responsibility to me to reveal the truth regarding the circumstances of the appointment of Badawi as Deputy Prime Minister.
Tan Sri Megat Junid confided in me that the greatest political mistake in his entire career was his pivotal recommendation that Badawi be appointed as Tun’s successor.
I was stunned by his revelation as the purpose of my meeting Tan Sri had nothing to do with that issue but to get Tan Sri’s perspective and further background information on the Anwar Ibrahim episode in the history of UMNO’s internal struggles in my research work for Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
In the course of our conversation, he interjected and asked, “Matthias, as a former political secretary to another, and having served the same boss, would you like to know what was my greatest political mistake?”
I was dumbfounded by the question! In the history of Prime Minister’s political secretaries, he was a giant and a superb political craftsman. I was embarrassed by the question as I was not his confidante and tried to evade the question.
But Tan Sri repeated the question and with tears welling in his eyes, said, “My greatest mistake in my political career is to recommend Badawi as successor to Mahathir. Pak Lah was not his first choice. I was told by those who wanted Badawi as successor that if anyone could convince Mahathir, it would be me. At that time, I believe Pak Lah was the correct choice. So I recommended Pak Lah to Mahathir.”
Tan Sri then exhorted me to be “loyal to Mahathir and defend his legacy” as there were ongoing efforts to destroy that legacy. His voice breaking, Tan Sri said that he cannot do very much in the circumstances, as he is getting old and had “retired from politics”.
Seeing the pain and the anguish, I sought Tan Sri’s indulgence to be excused from continuing with the meeting and hastily departed.
The second occasion was equally painful, if not more so. Tan Sri was suffering from cancer and was at the Perdana Leadership Foundation for one of its events.
While waiting for Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to officiate the event, Tan Sri took me away from the crowd and unashamedly said:
“I just don’t know what to say to Tun. I am having treatment for my cancer and God willing I will recover. But right now I can’t do much. I never expect such attacks on Tun. I regret asking him to appoint Pak Lah….”
Again, tears were welling in his eyes and rolling down his cheeks. His lips quivering, and voice breaking Tan Sri said, “Take care of Tun. We are the front lines. You take care and be vigilant.”
I clasped Tan Sri’s hands and could not help the tears welling in my eyes as well and in that one special moment, sealed a promise – to fight together to the very end, come hell or high water!
This is the Tan Sri Megat Junid that I want everyone in UMNO to remember. Tan Sri could not right the wrong that he had committed but he has entrusted us that duty and responsibility. Although Tan Sri is no longer with us, it is his wish that you go down to the trenches to fight and restore the true glory of UMNO.
UMNO is being destroyed from within and only members of UMNO can restore UMNO and this can only come about if the present leadership of UMNO is changed right now, not in 2010.
God willing members of UMNO will right this wrong!
by Matthias Chang in HERE
Future FastForward, Sunday, 27 July 2008 13:24
Where The Buck Stops!
A great leader never claims glory all to himself and ducks behind subordinates when ghastly mistakes are committed.
It came as no surprise to me when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in his recent posting in his Blog – www.chedet.com - assumed total responsibility for the ghastly mistake of appointing Abdullah Badawi as the Deputy Prime Minister, following the disgraceful exit by Anwar Ibrahim upon his conviction. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had on a previous occasion, in his interview by BBC’s HARDTalk, admitted that he had made a mistake in choosing Badawi as his successor.
But on this occasion Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was more explicit.
Notwithstanding the admission, the events leading to the appointment of Badawi as Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s successor is not as simple as Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad unilaterally picking Badawi as the next prime minister.
The Greatest Political Mistake
I have decided to make this exposé for two reasons, namely: (i) I want to dispel the myth that Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was solely responsible for the ghastly mistake of appointing Badawi as the Deputy Prime Minister and therefore his successor and (ii) I believe that the late Tan Sri Megat Junid had entrusted the responsibility to me to reveal the truth regarding the circumstances of the appointment of Badawi as Deputy Prime Minister.
Tan Sri Megat Junid confided in me that the greatest political mistake in his entire career was his pivotal recommendation that Badawi be appointed as Tun’s successor.
I was stunned by his revelation as the purpose of my meeting Tan Sri had nothing to do with that issue but to get Tan Sri’s perspective and further background information on the Anwar Ibrahim episode in the history of UMNO’s internal struggles in my research work for Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
In the course of our conversation, he interjected and asked, “Matthias, as a former political secretary to another, and having served the same boss, would you like to know what was my greatest political mistake?”
I was dumbfounded by the question! In the history of Prime Minister’s political secretaries, he was a giant and a superb political craftsman. I was embarrassed by the question as I was not his confidante and tried to evade the question.
But Tan Sri repeated the question and with tears welling in his eyes, said, “My greatest mistake in my political career is to recommend Badawi as successor to Mahathir. Pak Lah was not his first choice. I was told by those who wanted Badawi as successor that if anyone could convince Mahathir, it would be me. At that time, I believe Pak Lah was the correct choice. So I recommended Pak Lah to Mahathir.”
Tan Sri then exhorted me to be “loyal to Mahathir and defend his legacy” as there were ongoing efforts to destroy that legacy. His voice breaking, Tan Sri said that he cannot do very much in the circumstances, as he is getting old and had “retired from politics”.
Seeing the pain and the anguish, I sought Tan Sri’s indulgence to be excused from continuing with the meeting and hastily departed.
The second occasion was equally painful, if not more so. Tan Sri was suffering from cancer and was at the Perdana Leadership Foundation for one of its events.
While waiting for Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to officiate the event, Tan Sri took me away from the crowd and unashamedly said:
“I just don’t know what to say to Tun. I am having treatment for my cancer and God willing I will recover. But right now I can’t do much. I never expect such attacks on Tun. I regret asking him to appoint Pak Lah….”
Again, tears were welling in his eyes and rolling down his cheeks. His lips quivering, and voice breaking Tan Sri said, “Take care of Tun. We are the front lines. You take care and be vigilant.”
I clasped Tan Sri’s hands and could not help the tears welling in my eyes as well and in that one special moment, sealed a promise – to fight together to the very end, come hell or high water!
This is the Tan Sri Megat Junid that I want everyone in UMNO to remember. Tan Sri could not right the wrong that he had committed but he has entrusted us that duty and responsibility. Although Tan Sri is no longer with us, it is his wish that you go down to the trenches to fight and restore the true glory of UMNO.
UMNO is being destroyed from within and only members of UMNO can restore UMNO and this can only come about if the present leadership of UMNO is changed right now, not in 2010.
God willing members of UMNO will right this wrong!
The electoral postal votes bag
Sabah Election Commission director Mohd Idrus Ismail said he would leave the `Postal votes bag found in Kampung Tebobon, Menggatal on July 21' matter to the police to investigate.
As the matter has been reported to the police, let them do their investigation. For now, I do not want to comment further on it," he said.
As the matter has been reported to the police, let them do their investigation. For now, I do not want to comment further on it," he said.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Postal votes bag found!!!
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah deputy liaison head Daniel John Jambun has lodged a police report about the discovery of an Election Commission Postal Votes Bag for the March 8, 2008 general elections at Kampung Tebobon, Menggatal.
Contacted tonight, Daniel said he went to the Menggatal police station where his report was recorded. He was than told to go to the Kota Kinabalu City Police HQ at Karamunsing at 6.40pm where his statement and that of the residents who found the bag were taken.
"I had just came out from the police station," he said when I called him just now (at 10.05pm).
Daniel said several residents were clearing the river bank in Kampung Tebobon on July 21 morning when they stumbled upon the bag. The villagers called him today and upon checking, it was a bag similar to the EC Postal Votes Bag used in the elections.
"Inside the bag were several small bags which were used to keep ballot papers, all opened and there was no ballot papers," he said, adding that there were words written in the smaller bags.
Daniel said he made the police report so that the relevant authorities could conduct investigation to `this serious matter.'
Daniel contested in the Inanam state seat in the general elections but lost to incumbent Johnny Goh of Parti Bersatu Sabah by 1,686 votes. Daniel polled 4,293 against the 5,979 votes garnered by Goh. DAP's Jeffrey Kumin obtained 2,864 votes while an independent candidate, Clarence Chin, lost his deposit after getting only 196 votes.
My Say:
Let hear what EC has to say about this and also together we wait for the outcome of police investigation.
Contacted tonight, Daniel said he went to the Menggatal police station where his report was recorded. He was than told to go to the Kota Kinabalu City Police HQ at Karamunsing at 6.40pm where his statement and that of the residents who found the bag were taken.
"I had just came out from the police station," he said when I called him just now (at 10.05pm).
Daniel said several residents were clearing the river bank in Kampung Tebobon on July 21 morning when they stumbled upon the bag. The villagers called him today and upon checking, it was a bag similar to the EC Postal Votes Bag used in the elections.
"Inside the bag were several small bags which were used to keep ballot papers, all opened and there was no ballot papers," he said, adding that there were words written in the smaller bags.
Daniel said he made the police report so that the relevant authorities could conduct investigation to `this serious matter.'
Daniel contested in the Inanam state seat in the general elections but lost to incumbent Johnny Goh of Parti Bersatu Sabah by 1,686 votes. Daniel polled 4,293 against the 5,979 votes garnered by Goh. DAP's Jeffrey Kumin obtained 2,864 votes while an independent candidate, Clarence Chin, lost his deposit after getting only 196 votes.
My Say:
Let hear what EC has to say about this and also together we wait for the outcome of police investigation.
Malaysia Day = New Goverment
Tuesday Sept 16 will be a Public Holiday in Sabah to celebrate Malaysia Day and the Yang Dipertua Negeri's birthday. Sept 16, 1963 was the day when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore together with the Federation of Malaya form a new nation called MALAYSIA.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also chosen Sept 16 for the Pakatan Rakyat coalition of PKR, PAS and DAP to form the Federal Government.
Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Anwar reiterated that the dateline (Sept 16) he had set for the opposition to form a new government, replacing the BN Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had not change despite of a former aide accusing him on sodomy.
He also said that PKR, headed by his wife Datin Seri Azizah, was in discussion with PAS and DAP on the imminent by-election which he would contest to step into parliament.
Asked if more umno members would cross over to the opposition, he said there would be more such moves `but we will surprise you from time to time."
My Say:
Will BN would really fall and Anwar become the Prime Minister on Sept 16?
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also chosen Sept 16 for the Pakatan Rakyat coalition of PKR, PAS and DAP to form the Federal Government.
Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Anwar reiterated that the dateline (Sept 16) he had set for the opposition to form a new government, replacing the BN Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had not change despite of a former aide accusing him on sodomy.
He also said that PKR, headed by his wife Datin Seri Azizah, was in discussion with PAS and DAP on the imminent by-election which he would contest to step into parliament.
Asked if more umno members would cross over to the opposition, he said there would be more such moves `but we will surprise you from time to time."
My Say:
Will BN would really fall and Anwar become the Prime Minister on Sept 16?
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
PBS not out to split SAPP
The following from HERE is a reply from PBS to SAPP on the former's opening its door to SAPP Deputy President Datuk Raymond Tan should he no longer a SAPP member.
KOTA KINABALU: PBS is not attempting to disunite its fellow Barisan Nasional component party, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), said its Information chief Johnny Mositun.
He defended his statement in saying that SAPP deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan could apply to join the party (PBS) if he opted to leave SAPP.
Johnny categorically denied SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee’s charge that PBS was trying to cause a split within SAPP.
“I was only telling Raymond that his options are open and he can continue serving the people in BN through any of the nine component parties.
“That is not the same as asking Raymond to abandon SAPP,” Mositun said in a statement yesterday.
PBS would not do anything to cause friction between BN component parties because that would only benefit the opposition, “which has grown stronger and bolder after the 12th general election in March”, he said.
According to him, SAPP was now in an untenable situation because it had, while as a BN party, wanted to table a motion of no confidence against BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“It is therefore illogical for Yong to expect other BN components not to criticise SAPP’s action and if we look at the almost daily tirades against the federal government as well as component parties in Sabah, he is behaving as if SAPP is already out of the coalition when it is not,” Mositun pointed out.
Mositun said it was wrong for Yong to accuse PBS of being ‘unprincipled and abandoning its struggles’ for the people of Sabah.
PBS had not abandoned any of its objectives, but had changed its methods for achieving its objectives because the party believed in doing it through BN and not by opposing it, he said.
“We criticise the government, too, as we want the same things for Sabah as SAPP but not by resorting to posturing and heroics like Yong,” he added.
Mositun also said that Yong’s claim to the call by PBS deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili for SAPP to leave BN had amounted to capitulation by PBS to the federal capital’s “divide and rule” tactics was a distortion to the truth.
According to him, Yong could be excused for objecting to the language used by Maximus but the fact remained that the latter’s call for SAPP to leave BN was legitimate and justified.
“Yong should have realised that his words and actions could be likened to “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.
“If SAPP wants to remain in BN, it should toe the party’s line and give Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the time needed to resolve Sabah’s problems and not put obstacles in the way,” he said.
KOTA KINABALU: PBS is not attempting to disunite its fellow Barisan Nasional component party, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), said its Information chief Johnny Mositun.
He defended his statement in saying that SAPP deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan could apply to join the party (PBS) if he opted to leave SAPP.
Johnny categorically denied SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee’s charge that PBS was trying to cause a split within SAPP.
“I was only telling Raymond that his options are open and he can continue serving the people in BN through any of the nine component parties.
“That is not the same as asking Raymond to abandon SAPP,” Mositun said in a statement yesterday.
PBS would not do anything to cause friction between BN component parties because that would only benefit the opposition, “which has grown stronger and bolder after the 12th general election in March”, he said.
According to him, SAPP was now in an untenable situation because it had, while as a BN party, wanted to table a motion of no confidence against BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“It is therefore illogical for Yong to expect other BN components not to criticise SAPP’s action and if we look at the almost daily tirades against the federal government as well as component parties in Sabah, he is behaving as if SAPP is already out of the coalition when it is not,” Mositun pointed out.
Mositun said it was wrong for Yong to accuse PBS of being ‘unprincipled and abandoning its struggles’ for the people of Sabah.
PBS had not abandoned any of its objectives, but had changed its methods for achieving its objectives because the party believed in doing it through BN and not by opposing it, he said.
“We criticise the government, too, as we want the same things for Sabah as SAPP but not by resorting to posturing and heroics like Yong,” he added.
Mositun also said that Yong’s claim to the call by PBS deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili for SAPP to leave BN had amounted to capitulation by PBS to the federal capital’s “divide and rule” tactics was a distortion to the truth.
According to him, Yong could be excused for objecting to the language used by Maximus but the fact remained that the latter’s call for SAPP to leave BN was legitimate and justified.
“Yong should have realised that his words and actions could be likened to “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.
“If SAPP wants to remain in BN, it should toe the party’s line and give Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the time needed to resolve Sabah’s problems and not put obstacles in the way,” he said.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Taib longest serving Chief Minister in Malaysia
When Taib will hand over his power?
While component parties of Barisan Nasional are geared for leadership change in the next two years, the State Barisan Nasional parties are silent of any possible change in their leadership. Change of leadership also means change of ministerial positions in the government.
In UMNO, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has publicly announced that he will hand over the UMNO presidency to Najib Tun Razak, his deputy now in June 2010 and this means that Najib will also take over the reins of government. Abdullah received the “power” in October 2003 when Mahathir Mohamad after 22 years as Premier relinquished it.
Except for MIC, the other parties such as Gerakan and MCA will see also change of leadership in the next few months.
But in Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud became the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) on 26 March 1981 and also Chief Minister of Sarawak when Rahman Yakub, his uncle became the governor of the State. The question commonly asked by the people of Sarawak whenever and wherever they meet is: when is Taib Mahmud going to step down? He is aging and not in a healthy condition, after a colon cancer operation.
Earlier on, Taib had identified a number of PBB politicians who were tipped to take over from him. But one after the other, these politicians disappeared into oblivion, the latest being Adenan Satem. Since then, the question of Taib stepping down is very sensitive. I remember in 2003 a reporter from The New Straits Times who was with Mahathir on a farewell visit asked Taib when was his turn to step down.
So furious was Taib that he was seen to have kicked a chair during the Press Conference. The Head of NST bureau in Kuching became the victim and he was told to leave the State. Relationship between the State and NST was at its nadir point.
Nowadays, Taib has been searching for someone who can take over from him and so far he has not found anyone. It is most unfortunate that Taib cannot find anyone whose capability, ability and leadership is near to his despite a number of them are academically qualified. Alfred Jabu, for instance, is a graduate in agriculture and has been in politics since 1974 holding various ministerial posts in the government.
Since no one is capable of taking over from Taib, the next question being asked is: what will become of PBB should anything happen to Taib? Let us discuss the various possibilities.
My Say:
This is a posting I reproduced from HERE. I was at the function when the Kuala Lumpur-based NST journalist asked Taib when he would step down as Sarawak Chief Minister. Taib was taken by surprise that he asked for the question again. Before the journalist could repeat his question, Dr Mahathir repeated the question to Taib.
What Joseph Tawie wrote in his posting are true. I was then the NST News Editor for Sabah and Sarawak cum head of the Kuching NST office. Though there was a `request' for my transfer, NST Kuala Lumpur kept me in Kuching until two years later when I was called up/promoted to Newsdesk Kuala Lumpur as News Editor.
While component parties of Barisan Nasional are geared for leadership change in the next two years, the State Barisan Nasional parties are silent of any possible change in their leadership. Change of leadership also means change of ministerial positions in the government.
In UMNO, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has publicly announced that he will hand over the UMNO presidency to Najib Tun Razak, his deputy now in June 2010 and this means that Najib will also take over the reins of government. Abdullah received the “power” in October 2003 when Mahathir Mohamad after 22 years as Premier relinquished it.
Except for MIC, the other parties such as Gerakan and MCA will see also change of leadership in the next few months.
But in Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud became the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) on 26 March 1981 and also Chief Minister of Sarawak when Rahman Yakub, his uncle became the governor of the State. The question commonly asked by the people of Sarawak whenever and wherever they meet is: when is Taib Mahmud going to step down? He is aging and not in a healthy condition, after a colon cancer operation.
Earlier on, Taib had identified a number of PBB politicians who were tipped to take over from him. But one after the other, these politicians disappeared into oblivion, the latest being Adenan Satem. Since then, the question of Taib stepping down is very sensitive. I remember in 2003 a reporter from The New Straits Times who was with Mahathir on a farewell visit asked Taib when was his turn to step down.
So furious was Taib that he was seen to have kicked a chair during the Press Conference. The Head of NST bureau in Kuching became the victim and he was told to leave the State. Relationship between the State and NST was at its nadir point.
Nowadays, Taib has been searching for someone who can take over from him and so far he has not found anyone. It is most unfortunate that Taib cannot find anyone whose capability, ability and leadership is near to his despite a number of them are academically qualified. Alfred Jabu, for instance, is a graduate in agriculture and has been in politics since 1974 holding various ministerial posts in the government.
Since no one is capable of taking over from Taib, the next question being asked is: what will become of PBB should anything happen to Taib? Let us discuss the various possibilities.
My Say:
This is a posting I reproduced from HERE. I was at the function when the Kuala Lumpur-based NST journalist asked Taib when he would step down as Sarawak Chief Minister. Taib was taken by surprise that he asked for the question again. Before the journalist could repeat his question, Dr Mahathir repeated the question to Taib.
What Joseph Tawie wrote in his posting are true. I was then the NST News Editor for Sabah and Sarawak cum head of the Kuching NST office. Though there was a `request' for my transfer, NST Kuala Lumpur kept me in Kuching until two years later when I was called up/promoted to Newsdesk Kuala Lumpur as News Editor.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Putatan MP: Yahya wants to be MP
UPKO's Vice President and Putatan MP Datuk Dr Marcus Majigoh says Sabah Umno's secretary Datuk Haji Yahya Hussin wanted the Putatan parliamentary constituency to be given to Umno to contest in the March 8, 2008 general election and the candidate was to be himself (Yahya).
"The call by Yahya to be the Putatan MP candidate is not a new thing as he had personally asked me to give up the seat for him. He (told me) wants to be an MP before retiring," Mojigoh told Daily Express reporter Chris Maskilone Sunday.
Mojigoh said Yahya repeated the call again when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the Putatan Umno division annual delegates conference last year.
Mojigoh was commenting on Yahya's statement on Saturday (refer to my earlier posting) where he said that Putatan should be given to Umno to contest in the next general elections.
Yahya was also reported to have said that despite the contribution given by Umno to help wrest the Putatan seat for UPKO, it was not reciprocated and instead `they questioned the issue of Ketuanan Melayu and our sincerity' which he likened as kacang lupakan kulit.'
Mojigoh said: "To me, to ask the Prime Minister to tell the young turks of Umno to slow down on the Ketuanan Melayu issue is a normal suggestion. If that statement is considered as kacang lupakan kulit than that is grossly misinterpreted or unless it is ill intended."
"We know for a fact that the issue of ketuanan Melayu is only supreme in the Peninsula. Are we in the same situation as in the Peninsula," Mojigoh asked.
"The Bajau, Dusunn, Murut, Brunei, Bisaya, Rungus, Iban, Melanau, Dayak, are there tuan too? After all we all adore the same King, the Yang Dipertuan Agong," he said.
My Say:
Tabik Tuan YB Mojigoh!!!
"The call by Yahya to be the Putatan MP candidate is not a new thing as he had personally asked me to give up the seat for him. He (told me) wants to be an MP before retiring," Mojigoh told Daily Express reporter Chris Maskilone Sunday.
Mojigoh said Yahya repeated the call again when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened the Putatan Umno division annual delegates conference last year.
Mojigoh was commenting on Yahya's statement on Saturday (refer to my earlier posting) where he said that Putatan should be given to Umno to contest in the next general elections.
Yahya was also reported to have said that despite the contribution given by Umno to help wrest the Putatan seat for UPKO, it was not reciprocated and instead `they questioned the issue of Ketuanan Melayu and our sincerity' which he likened as kacang lupakan kulit.'
Mojigoh said: "To me, to ask the Prime Minister to tell the young turks of Umno to slow down on the Ketuanan Melayu issue is a normal suggestion. If that statement is considered as kacang lupakan kulit than that is grossly misinterpreted or unless it is ill intended."
"We know for a fact that the issue of ketuanan Melayu is only supreme in the Peninsula. Are we in the same situation as in the Peninsula," Mojigoh asked.
"The Bajau, Dusunn, Murut, Brunei, Bisaya, Rungus, Iban, Melanau, Dayak, are there tuan too? After all we all adore the same King, the Yang Dipertuan Agong," he said.
My Say:
Tabik Tuan YB Mojigoh!!!
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Oh! Its Sunday...........
A beautiful Sunday morning it is today. I am off to Kionsom Waterfall for my regular weekend retreat. Cheers - Tumpung
Umno wants Putatan
Sabah Umno Secretary Datuk Haji Yahya Hussin has again express the party's strong interest for the Putatan parliamentary seat currently held by another Barisan Nasional (BN) party, UPKO.
Opening Umno branches conferences at Dewan Raya Putatan Saturday, Yahya said Umno should had been given the seat to contest in the March 8, 2008 general elections.
"We (Umno) had made known our intention to represent BN in Putatan MP seat in the last election but it went to the hand of others. They disagreed but we (Umno) worked very hard and in th end BN win the seat," he said.
Yahya, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, said Umno actually wanted its sacrifice to be recognised by other BN component parties.
He said other BN component parties should reciprocate the huge contribution by Umno Putatan but `at times our sacrifices have gone unnoticed and even our sincerity questioned.'
"Its like there is a case of `kacang lupakan kulit (one forgetting its origin) because sometiomes they question what is the Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) so we really hope that in thhe next general election, Putatan will be given to Ymno," Yahya said.
My Say:
For the record UPKO's Datuk Dr Marcus Makin Mojigoh won Putatan polling 12,766 votes defeating Saukinah Yussof of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) who garnered 6,485 votes while an Independent candidate Ramzah Ahmad lost his deposit after getting only 850 votes.
This is Mojigoh's second term as Putatan MP.
With a huge majority of 6,283 votes will UPKO headed by Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok `surrender' Putatan to Umno in the 13th general elections?
Opening Umno branches conferences at Dewan Raya Putatan Saturday, Yahya said Umno should had been given the seat to contest in the March 8, 2008 general elections.
"We (Umno) had made known our intention to represent BN in Putatan MP seat in the last election but it went to the hand of others. They disagreed but we (Umno) worked very hard and in th end BN win the seat," he said.
Yahya, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, said Umno actually wanted its sacrifice to be recognised by other BN component parties.
He said other BN component parties should reciprocate the huge contribution by Umno Putatan but `at times our sacrifices have gone unnoticed and even our sincerity questioned.'
"Its like there is a case of `kacang lupakan kulit (one forgetting its origin) because sometiomes they question what is the Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) so we really hope that in thhe next general election, Putatan will be given to Ymno," Yahya said.
My Say:
For the record UPKO's Datuk Dr Marcus Makin Mojigoh won Putatan polling 12,766 votes defeating Saukinah Yussof of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) who garnered 6,485 votes while an Independent candidate Ramzah Ahmad lost his deposit after getting only 850 votes.
This is Mojigoh's second term as Putatan MP.
With a huge majority of 6,283 votes will UPKO headed by Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok `surrender' Putatan to Umno in the 13th general elections?
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
More from SAPP
Issued by SAPP headquaters
Kota Kinabalu: The people in Sabah should examine the real motivation behind BN the component parties from Sabah who are frantically calling for the ouster of SAPP from the coalition.
SAPP is of the view that these parties, including PBS and LDP, could not wait for SAPP to be ousted so that they will have the government positions to be vacated by SAPP representatives to dish out to their leaders.
SAPP insists that its intention to move a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister was not an isolated move to gain notoriety, but in cognizance with its struggle for the rights of Malaysians in Sabah.
That the Prime Minister has been ineffective and paying only lip-service to Sabah's interests is known by and acknowledged by all Malaysians, particularly those parties in Sabah.
BN leaders, including those from Umno, LDP and PBS, have at one time or another gone on record calling on the PM to act more expediently on Sabah issues, including those related to illegal immigrants, regional development imbalances and poverty eradication.
SAPP expects leaders from Sabah who have been appointed to positions in the Federal government not to lose sight of their obligations to the Sabah electorate who make their positions possible.
It is disappointing to the Sabah people that leaders like Dr Maximus Ongkili and Datuk V K Liew have become `federalised' or `domesticated' that they have become apologists for Kuala Lumpur. So eager are they willing to please that a learned and supposedly cultured person like Dr Maximus went on record to describe a component party as a member of the canine species.
SAPP doubts if PBS and LDP still hold to their commitment to fight for Sabah rights and Sabahan interests.
If indeed they still do, they should find commonality with SAPP's move which are aimed at resolving long standing and grave issues. They would have second thoughts about calling for SAPP's blood. Instead, they should acknowledge the fact that (as utterd by PBS Information Chief Johnny Mositun) the parties are pursuing the same objectives through different paths.
SAPP concludes that PBS and LDP's intensity in wanting SAPP sacked from BN, or calling for SAPP to quit the coalition, is a simple act of self preservation.
Dr Chong Eng Liong's case.
PBS supreme council member and a fervent campaigner of the illegal immigrant issue, Dr Chong En Liong, resigned from the party recently because he was told by the PBS leadership to stop talking.
PBS elected representatives and other leaders have been consipcuously quiet in recent weeks. One is inclined to conclude that a gag order has been slapped on them even on issues of Sabah rights.
Is this not a reflection of the PBS wavering on its commitment ? Is it not a clear indication of self preservation?
Increased allocation? where is it?
SAPP would like to alert the people in Sabah to the fact that the recent promises to inject massive development funds into Sabah may just be attempts to pull wool over their eyes in this climate in which a government is rapidly losing the people's trust.
For example, what has become of the RM1 billion promised by the Prime Minister several months ago? Is there any truth that the money has mostly been disbursed through the various Umno divisions in a move to pacify these grassroot leaders and to prevent a revolt in view of the Umno elections this December?
The Minister of Education recently announed RM700 million for education projects in Sabah. This seems a little hard to comprehend in light of recent newspaper reports about children in Kemabong risking their lives to go to school by crossing a river on bamboo rafts! Four consecutive state administrations, including this current one, have failed to give these children the convenience of a suspension bridge costing pershaps just tens of thousands of ringgit; and here we have a promise to inject millions into rural schools.
Kota Kinabalu: The people in Sabah should examine the real motivation behind BN the component parties from Sabah who are frantically calling for the ouster of SAPP from the coalition.
SAPP is of the view that these parties, including PBS and LDP, could not wait for SAPP to be ousted so that they will have the government positions to be vacated by SAPP representatives to dish out to their leaders.
SAPP insists that its intention to move a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister was not an isolated move to gain notoriety, but in cognizance with its struggle for the rights of Malaysians in Sabah.
That the Prime Minister has been ineffective and paying only lip-service to Sabah's interests is known by and acknowledged by all Malaysians, particularly those parties in Sabah.
BN leaders, including those from Umno, LDP and PBS, have at one time or another gone on record calling on the PM to act more expediently on Sabah issues, including those related to illegal immigrants, regional development imbalances and poverty eradication.
SAPP expects leaders from Sabah who have been appointed to positions in the Federal government not to lose sight of their obligations to the Sabah electorate who make their positions possible.
It is disappointing to the Sabah people that leaders like Dr Maximus Ongkili and Datuk V K Liew have become `federalised' or `domesticated' that they have become apologists for Kuala Lumpur. So eager are they willing to please that a learned and supposedly cultured person like Dr Maximus went on record to describe a component party as a member of the canine species.
SAPP doubts if PBS and LDP still hold to their commitment to fight for Sabah rights and Sabahan interests.
If indeed they still do, they should find commonality with SAPP's move which are aimed at resolving long standing and grave issues. They would have second thoughts about calling for SAPP's blood. Instead, they should acknowledge the fact that (as utterd by PBS Information Chief Johnny Mositun) the parties are pursuing the same objectives through different paths.
SAPP concludes that PBS and LDP's intensity in wanting SAPP sacked from BN, or calling for SAPP to quit the coalition, is a simple act of self preservation.
Dr Chong Eng Liong's case.
PBS supreme council member and a fervent campaigner of the illegal immigrant issue, Dr Chong En Liong, resigned from the party recently because he was told by the PBS leadership to stop talking.
PBS elected representatives and other leaders have been consipcuously quiet in recent weeks. One is inclined to conclude that a gag order has been slapped on them even on issues of Sabah rights.
Is this not a reflection of the PBS wavering on its commitment ? Is it not a clear indication of self preservation?
Increased allocation? where is it?
SAPP would like to alert the people in Sabah to the fact that the recent promises to inject massive development funds into Sabah may just be attempts to pull wool over their eyes in this climate in which a government is rapidly losing the people's trust.
For example, what has become of the RM1 billion promised by the Prime Minister several months ago? Is there any truth that the money has mostly been disbursed through the various Umno divisions in a move to pacify these grassroot leaders and to prevent a revolt in view of the Umno elections this December?
The Minister of Education recently announed RM700 million for education projects in Sabah. This seems a little hard to comprehend in light of recent newspaper reports about children in Kemabong risking their lives to go to school by crossing a river on bamboo rafts! Four consecutive state administrations, including this current one, have failed to give these children the convenience of a suspension bridge costing pershaps just tens of thousands of ringgit; and here we have a promise to inject millions into rural schools.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Running Dog and Political Bitch
Dr Max's vile remarks unbecoming
Kota Kinabalu: SAPP has expressed regret that certain Sabah-based parties like PBS had willingly become the Federal government's instrument to condemn the party for fighting for the rights of Sabah and,for expressing no confidence in the Prime Minister.
"But they (PBS) was silent when Umno leaders called for the PM to step down," said SAPP Secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong Monday.
"This clearly shows that some Sabah political leaders holding positions in the federal government had willingly subscribed to Kuala Lumpur's 'divide-and-rule' tactic to try to neutralize SAPP's effort to fight for the interests of the State and people.
Yong pointed this out in a statement issued yesterday in response to a statement made by PBS deputy president, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili in a local daily that it was better for SAPP to quit BN besides describing it as a 'political bitch'.
Yong especially regretted that Ongkili had resorted to insult SAPP by calling the party a 'political bitch'.
"I find it very unbecoming of a veteran politician like him to call another Sabah-based party by such vile names.
"He shouldn't be too personal as SAPP is purely fighting for justice for Sabah and its people. And for doing so, SAPP and its leaders are willing to take the risk and to make sacrifices," said Yong.
On Ongkili's labelling SAPP as the "enemy from within", Yong countered that such description was probably most fitting for PBS which has now become "enemy within Sabah"
To better elaborate this, he reminded Ongkili that PBS had always used "Sabah for Sabahans" as platform of their political struggle.
"It looks like now PBS has forgotten all about it," he quipped.
He added that Ongkili should perhaps inform the people of Sabah on what he had accomplished to resolve the problems faced by Sabah, particularly the illegal immigrants and 'dubious citizens' issues, after his many years as Minister in the Federal Cabinet.
"If our leaders had done their job well and the Federal government had been sincere and fair towards Sabah and competent in solving issues affecting the State and, had not been flip-flop in its announcements and then frantically coming up with all sorts of questioning measures to try to easy the people's suffering which it (Federal Government) had caused as a result of hiking the fuel price drastically, this issue of no-confidence would not have arisen," he pointed out.
He also said Ongkili and those like-minded Sabah political leaders who are anxious to see SAPP get out of BN will have to wait for time being as, SAPP has until the end of July to answer to the show cause letter issued by the BN Secretary-general earlier.
Besides this, Yong also vehemently condemned PBS's Information Chief, Johnny Mositun's attempt to split SAPP by saying that PBS is willing to consider accepting SAPP deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan if he becomes partyless.
He stressed that PBS can say what they like in their attempt to split SAPP but, the fact is that Tan had categorically expressed his loyalty to SAPP earlier that, he would stay with the Party regardless of whether it is in or out of BN.
Meanwhile, responding to Ongkili's calling SAPP a `political bitch', SAPP's think-tank chief Datuk Tham Nyip Shen likened PBS to a `running dog.'
"SAPP may be a `political bitch' but it is not like PBS which is like a `running dog' with its tail always between its legs," Tham said.
Kota Kinabalu: SAPP has expressed regret that certain Sabah-based parties like PBS had willingly become the Federal government's instrument to condemn the party for fighting for the rights of Sabah and,for expressing no confidence in the Prime Minister.
"But they (PBS) was silent when Umno leaders called for the PM to step down," said SAPP Secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong Monday.
"This clearly shows that some Sabah political leaders holding positions in the federal government had willingly subscribed to Kuala Lumpur's 'divide-and-rule' tactic to try to neutralize SAPP's effort to fight for the interests of the State and people.
Yong pointed this out in a statement issued yesterday in response to a statement made by PBS deputy president, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili in a local daily that it was better for SAPP to quit BN besides describing it as a 'political bitch'.
Yong especially regretted that Ongkili had resorted to insult SAPP by calling the party a 'political bitch'.
"I find it very unbecoming of a veteran politician like him to call another Sabah-based party by such vile names.
"He shouldn't be too personal as SAPP is purely fighting for justice for Sabah and its people. And for doing so, SAPP and its leaders are willing to take the risk and to make sacrifices," said Yong.
On Ongkili's labelling SAPP as the "enemy from within", Yong countered that such description was probably most fitting for PBS which has now become "enemy within Sabah"
To better elaborate this, he reminded Ongkili that PBS had always used "Sabah for Sabahans" as platform of their political struggle.
"It looks like now PBS has forgotten all about it," he quipped.
He added that Ongkili should perhaps inform the people of Sabah on what he had accomplished to resolve the problems faced by Sabah, particularly the illegal immigrants and 'dubious citizens' issues, after his many years as Minister in the Federal Cabinet.
"If our leaders had done their job well and the Federal government had been sincere and fair towards Sabah and competent in solving issues affecting the State and, had not been flip-flop in its announcements and then frantically coming up with all sorts of questioning measures to try to easy the people's suffering which it (Federal Government) had caused as a result of hiking the fuel price drastically, this issue of no-confidence would not have arisen," he pointed out.
He also said Ongkili and those like-minded Sabah political leaders who are anxious to see SAPP get out of BN will have to wait for time being as, SAPP has until the end of July to answer to the show cause letter issued by the BN Secretary-general earlier.
Besides this, Yong also vehemently condemned PBS's Information Chief, Johnny Mositun's attempt to split SAPP by saying that PBS is willing to consider accepting SAPP deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan if he becomes partyless.
He stressed that PBS can say what they like in their attempt to split SAPP but, the fact is that Tan had categorically expressed his loyalty to SAPP earlier that, he would stay with the Party regardless of whether it is in or out of BN.
Meanwhile, responding to Ongkili's calling SAPP a `political bitch', SAPP's think-tank chief Datuk Tham Nyip Shen likened PBS to a `running dog.'
"SAPP may be a `political bitch' but it is not like PBS which is like a `running dog' with its tail always between its legs," Tham said.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
PBS welcomes Raymond Tan if....
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will consider accepting Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy President Datuk Raymond Tan IF he decides to ditch Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee.
PBS Information Chief Johnny Mositun, who is also Sabah Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, said the party's door has always been opened for those who subscribes to Barisan Nasional ideology.
Mositun made this statement in anticipation of SAPP being sacked from BN for openly declaring to support vote of no confidence to BN chief and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Raymond Tan, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, had openly declared that he did not agree with SAPP's move to support the motion. He is at loggerhead with Yong on this issue.
BN had served SAPP with a show cause letter why actions should not be taken for supporting the motion. They have 30 days to reply.
Opposition Leader Datin Wan Azizah had submitted the motion to Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia whho said he would have to study the motion before deciding whether to accept it or not.
SAPP MPs Datuk Eric Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) said they would support the motion should the Speaker allowed it be tabled in Parliament.
My Say:
What if SAPP is kicked out of BN and Raymond Tan still in the party, will he be still Sabah Deputy Chief Minister?
PBS Information Chief Johnny Mositun, who is also Sabah Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, said the party's door has always been opened for those who subscribes to Barisan Nasional ideology.
Mositun made this statement in anticipation of SAPP being sacked from BN for openly declaring to support vote of no confidence to BN chief and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Raymond Tan, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, had openly declared that he did not agree with SAPP's move to support the motion. He is at loggerhead with Yong on this issue.
BN had served SAPP with a show cause letter why actions should not be taken for supporting the motion. They have 30 days to reply.
Opposition Leader Datin Wan Azizah had submitted the motion to Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia whho said he would have to study the motion before deciding whether to accept it or not.
SAPP MPs Datuk Eric Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) said they would support the motion should the Speaker allowed it be tabled in Parliament.
My Say:
What if SAPP is kicked out of BN and Raymond Tan still in the party, will he be still Sabah Deputy Chief Minister?
Friday, 11 July 2008
Papar MP Rosnah
Papar BN-Umno member of Parliament Rosnah Haji Abdul Rashid Shirlin, 36, wedding was today at the Papar District Mosque. The lucky man is Fadli Haji Juanas, 29, a reporter with the Information Department based in Papar.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and wife were among the guests who attended a reception hosted by the new couple at the Papar Community Centre.
Rosnah is in her second term as Papar MP. She won the seat uncontested in the 2004 general elections, retained the seats in the March 8, general elections after defeating three other candidates.
Selamat Pengantin Baru YB.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and wife were among the guests who attended a reception hosted by the new couple at the Papar Community Centre.
Rosnah is in her second term as Papar MP. She won the seat uncontested in the 2004 general elections, retained the seats in the March 8, general elections after defeating three other candidates.
Selamat Pengantin Baru YB.
Count SAPP in
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee said the party's two MPs, Datuk Eric Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau), will support the motion of no confidence that had been filed against the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"SAPP, a member of the ruling Barisan Nasional, will support any party in moving the motion," Yong, a former Chief Minister said.
Yesterday at 3.30pm, Opposition Leader cum President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail submitted the motion to Parliament Speaker Tan Sir Pandikar Aman Mulia.
"SAPP, a member of the ruling Barisan Nasional, will support any party in moving the motion," Yong, a former Chief Minister said.
Yesterday at 3.30pm, Opposition Leader cum President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail submitted the motion to Parliament Speaker Tan Sir Pandikar Aman Mulia.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Yong: They try to isolate me
Press release By SAPP President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee
9 July 2008
Kota Kinabalu
The meeting and photo session Monday, July 7 between Tawau MP Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui and Minister in charge of Parliament, Dato Nazri, was unfortunate and has cast SAPP in a very bad light as though SAPP has back tracked from the no-confidence motion against the PM.
Although Datuk Dr. Chua never mentioned the words to the effect that the proposed motion of no confidence had been "dropped" or "aborted", her comments were misinterpreted.
This latest twist makes me sad that our noble struggle has been damaged in the eyes of the people whose hopes for a better future rest with SAPP.
To put things in the right perspective and to reaffirm SAPP¡¯s struggle for the people and Sabah, I would like to reveal that I had earlier told our Party Vice-President cum Tawau MP, Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui, to be extremely careful when dealing with some KL leaders; it is like swimming with the sharks. I had alerted her that we had discovered the tactic of the BN leaders to use her and Deputy President/Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan to "split SAPP and isolate Yong Teck Lee".
At first, there were doubts as to why the BN generously gave a long period of 30-day to SAPP to reply the show cause letter. Later, it dawned on us in SAPP that the lengthy 30-days period was actually intended to give time to BN efforts "to split SAPP and isolate Yong Teck Lee". This is why the move by PBS and LDP for an immediate expulsion of SAPP from BN was not carried. BN tacticians wanted SAPP to be split and had lost the support of the people before action is taken against SAPP. BN did not want to repeat their mistake of 1984 when they expelled USNO which had opposed the federalization of Labuan. In State elections the following year (1985), the BN was almost completely wiped out by PBS and USNO.
As Tan Sri Bernard Dompok observed last month, Sabahans are a laid back people and unsuspecting. But in the rough world of federal politics, many earlier Sabahan leaders have been "eaten alive" and came home defeated and disgraced. From the books "Politics of Federalism" (on Syed Kechik in East Malaysia, 1976) to the banned book "Golden Son of the Kadazan" (on the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin, 1976) and "Harris of Sabah" (1986), The Making of a Malaysian (on Datuk J. Pairin Kitingan, 1991) and countless recollections, we Malaysians in Sabah have endured a collective history of betrayals, disappointments and failures.
I am sure this latest episode will make our Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui a stronger leader who can tell the hard truths to federal leaders, however friendly they might seem on a personal basis. As for leaders like Datuk Raymond Tan, however good his intentions maybe, leaders can be easily awed by the immensity of federal political power. The fear of the stick and the lure of carrots are enough to overwhelm many people.
Issued by SAPP HQ
Read more HERE
9 July 2008
Kota Kinabalu
The meeting and photo session Monday, July 7 between Tawau MP Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui and Minister in charge of Parliament, Dato Nazri, was unfortunate and has cast SAPP in a very bad light as though SAPP has back tracked from the no-confidence motion against the PM.
Although Datuk Dr. Chua never mentioned the words to the effect that the proposed motion of no confidence had been "dropped" or "aborted", her comments were misinterpreted.
This latest twist makes me sad that our noble struggle has been damaged in the eyes of the people whose hopes for a better future rest with SAPP.
To put things in the right perspective and to reaffirm SAPP¡¯s struggle for the people and Sabah, I would like to reveal that I had earlier told our Party Vice-President cum Tawau MP, Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui, to be extremely careful when dealing with some KL leaders; it is like swimming with the sharks. I had alerted her that we had discovered the tactic of the BN leaders to use her and Deputy President/Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan to "split SAPP and isolate Yong Teck Lee".
At first, there were doubts as to why the BN generously gave a long period of 30-day to SAPP to reply the show cause letter. Later, it dawned on us in SAPP that the lengthy 30-days period was actually intended to give time to BN efforts "to split SAPP and isolate Yong Teck Lee". This is why the move by PBS and LDP for an immediate expulsion of SAPP from BN was not carried. BN tacticians wanted SAPP to be split and had lost the support of the people before action is taken against SAPP. BN did not want to repeat their mistake of 1984 when they expelled USNO which had opposed the federalization of Labuan. In State elections the following year (1985), the BN was almost completely wiped out by PBS and USNO.
As Tan Sri Bernard Dompok observed last month, Sabahans are a laid back people and unsuspecting. But in the rough world of federal politics, many earlier Sabahan leaders have been "eaten alive" and came home defeated and disgraced. From the books "Politics of Federalism" (on Syed Kechik in East Malaysia, 1976) to the banned book "Golden Son of the Kadazan" (on the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin, 1976) and "Harris of Sabah" (1986), The Making of a Malaysian (on Datuk J. Pairin Kitingan, 1991) and countless recollections, we Malaysians in Sabah have endured a collective history of betrayals, disappointments and failures.
I am sure this latest episode will make our Datuk Dr. Chua Soon Bui a stronger leader who can tell the hard truths to federal leaders, however friendly they might seem on a personal basis. As for leaders like Datuk Raymond Tan, however good his intentions maybe, leaders can be easily awed by the immensity of federal political power. The fear of the stick and the lure of carrots are enough to overwhelm many people.
Issued by SAPP HQ
Read more HERE
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Update on SAPP, Majimbun
I managed to speak to SAPP Deputy President and Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun this afternoon. He confirmed that SAPP had not abandoned the plan to table a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"I stand by my statement to the Press in Kota Kinabalu on June 28," he said. I had posted that comment earlier where Majimbun said he would table the motion at the right time.
Meanwhile, SAPP Secretary-General Datuk Richard Yong today also denied media report that the party had aborted the plan to table the motion of no confidence against the Primer Minister.
With Majimbun and Richard saying that, it will be interesting what Vice President and Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui have to say now. She was the source of the story which newspapers in the country published front page today saying that the SAPP is no longer pursuing the matter.
"I stand by my statement to the Press in Kota Kinabalu on June 28," he said. I had posted that comment earlier where Majimbun said he would table the motion at the right time.
Meanwhile, SAPP Secretary-General Datuk Richard Yong today also denied media report that the party had aborted the plan to table the motion of no confidence against the Primer Minister.
With Majimbun and Richard saying that, it will be interesting what Vice President and Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui have to say now. She was the source of the story which newspapers in the country published front page today saying that the SAPP is no longer pursuing the matter.
Majimbun says no comment
What with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) now? Yesterday in Kuala Lumpur Vice President and MP for Tawau Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui said the party had abandoned its plan to move or support a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (See earlier posting).
A Sabah newspaper published the story dateline Kuala Lumpur appearing front page lead today. The report said Chua was accompanied by Deputy President Datuk Eric Majimbun meeting the Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datur Seri Nazri Aziz.
But just a minute ago, Majimbun, who is in Kuala Lumpur attending Parliamant, called me sayaing that he was never with Chua in the meeting with Pandikar and Nazri.
However, he declined to comment on what Chua told the Press.
"No comment," the MP for Sepanggar said. Majimbun might be `buying time' before making another unexpected announcement. And again let us just wait and see what next, what SAPP president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has to say this time around.
Something brewing???
SAPP vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby.
SAPP STAND DOWN: Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz listens intently to SAPP’s MP for Tawau Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui at his Parliament office after she expressed her party’s desire to shelve the motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister. Chua also delivered a similar message to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia in an earlier meeting. Both pixs from HERE
On Sunday and Monday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee had been telling party's supporters of the wrongs that Barisan Nasional leaders had done to thhe people of Sabah, hence the plan to move vote of no confidence to Prime Minister Datuk Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
But yesterday in Parliament, Kuala Lumpur, SAPP Vice President and Tawau member of Parliament Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui announced that SAPP had dropped the move against the Prime Minister.
My Say:
Wayang kulit of politics. Now let wait what Sepanggar MP and SAPP Deputy President Datuk Eric Majimbun has to say.The following story is from HERE
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sabah Progressive Party's (SAPP) plan to table a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been shelved.
SAPP vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui said the party did not want to be blamed if the country's democracy was derailed through unconstitutional means.
"The dynamics of politics has changed over the last two weeks.
"The SAPP does not want to be made the scapegoat if there is an emergency rule or any outcome that affects the public," the Tawau MP said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
Chua, who appeared in Parliament for the first time yesterday after being absent for two weeks, had earlier met Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
She said the government also appeared to be doing something about her party's main concern -- the illegal immigrants in Sabah.
She added that the people's voice had been heard.
Chua also dismissed rumours that she was leaving Barisan Nasional to join Pakatan Rakyat.
"I am still in BN."
She explained her absence from parliament sittings because of a back problem.
Meanwhile, Nazri, when approached, said Chua had discussed her absence in parliament over the last two weeks.
"She was concerned about the action the BN would take against her for being absent during the motion on inflation.
"She wanted to know if it would affect her," he said.
Nazri said no action would be taken against her, adding that nine other BN MPs were also absent on that day.
"It's normal for some not to attend as they had their own reasons. Anway, BN carried the day and won the vote."
Monday, 7 July 2008
Yong Teck Lee is now talking
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee briefed party's leaders, members and supporters on Sunday in Kota Kinabalu on the latest development in the party.
Amongst others, Yong said what former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while campaigning during the 1990 elections, in Labuan was no longer relevant after the March 8, 2008 general elections.
Yong said that Dr Mahathir at that time stated that Barisan Nasional (BN) did not require the support of Sabah and Sarawak (Members of Parliament) to form the Federal Government as BN has enough support back in Peninsula Malaysia.
"That was back in 1990, but today, if without Sabah and Sarawak, BN won't be the ruling government. If not because of Sabah and Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is now the Opposition leader," the former Chief Minister said.
Yong also reminded the gathering that Sabah did not join but formed Malaysia in 1963.
"Sabah did not join Malaysia, we formed Malaysia. This is not something that proclaimed by me. This is clearly stated in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement. We are not a branch of the Federal Government. Sabah is a partner to the Federation of Malaysia," he said.
Yong also took a swipe at the Federal leaderships `carrot-and-stick' tactic to attempt to subdue State leaders who dare to stand up against the Federal for mistreating Sabah and its people.
"First they give us (SAPP) a Senatorship and when it was turned down, they came up with the Special Envoy to BIMP-EAGA and when it was also turned down, they immediately sent the Anti-Corruption Agency," he said.
And when someone in the crowd shouted `and also ISA' Yong spontaneously responded by saying `we have permit for this talk, there is no worry for ISA.'
My Say:
The function yesterday was, in fact, part of the roadshow by SAPP and Yong to explain to supporters on the party's position in BN after openly declaring that their two MPs will support a motion of no confidence to the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Amongst others, Yong said what former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while campaigning during the 1990 elections, in Labuan was no longer relevant after the March 8, 2008 general elections.
Yong said that Dr Mahathir at that time stated that Barisan Nasional (BN) did not require the support of Sabah and Sarawak (Members of Parliament) to form the Federal Government as BN has enough support back in Peninsula Malaysia.
"That was back in 1990, but today, if without Sabah and Sarawak, BN won't be the ruling government. If not because of Sabah and Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is now the Opposition leader," the former Chief Minister said.
Yong also reminded the gathering that Sabah did not join but formed Malaysia in 1963.
"Sabah did not join Malaysia, we formed Malaysia. This is not something that proclaimed by me. This is clearly stated in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement. We are not a branch of the Federal Government. Sabah is a partner to the Federation of Malaysia," he said.
Yong also took a swipe at the Federal leaderships `carrot-and-stick' tactic to attempt to subdue State leaders who dare to stand up against the Federal for mistreating Sabah and its people.
"First they give us (SAPP) a Senatorship and when it was turned down, they came up with the Special Envoy to BIMP-EAGA and when it was also turned down, they immediately sent the Anti-Corruption Agency," he said.
And when someone in the crowd shouted `and also ISA' Yong spontaneously responded by saying `we have permit for this talk, there is no worry for ISA.'
My Say:
The function yesterday was, in fact, part of the roadshow by SAPP and Yong to explain to supporters on the party's position in BN after openly declaring that their two MPs will support a motion of no confidence to the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
No porks on Mondays
Impacts of the fuel price hike as reported HERE
Declining business following last month's steep fuel price hike has prompted the 20-odd pork sellers at the Lido Wet Market, Kota Kinabalu, to close shop on Mondays from tomorrow - July 7.
Chairman of the Lido Hawkers Association, James Chan, 50, said the number of customers was dwindling as consumers have cut down on food and fuel costs in order to control household spending.
He claimed the butchers were now operating at a loss. The price of pork had seen an increase twice in recent months.
"This is because on average, a domesticated pig weighing 100 kilos would cost RM890. We pay this amount to the supplier but we are unable to sell the whole quantity to recover our capital because of fewer buyers these days.
"We supply cheaply to restaurants whatever is unsold at the end of the day, so we can't make any profits.
"Therefore, rather than incurring more losses, we have decided to take a day's break for the first time," he told reporters.
The latest pork price hike was reported in the Chinese media on June 26 this year. "One kilo of lean pork now costs RM16, compared with RM14 previously, while a kilo of ribs costs as much as RM21.
"We have no choice but to raise the price, given our stall rental, transportation from the abattoir to the Lido Market and workers' wages.
"A few days ago, it was announced that the cost of feedmeal will also go up," Chan lamented.
According to him, pork butchers at the KK Central Market, Taman Foh Sang Market, Dah Yeh Villa Market, Donggongon Market, Inanam Market and Menggatal Market would follow suit in earmarking Monday as a rest day.
Declining business following last month's steep fuel price hike has prompted the 20-odd pork sellers at the Lido Wet Market, Kota Kinabalu, to close shop on Mondays from tomorrow - July 7.
Chairman of the Lido Hawkers Association, James Chan, 50, said the number of customers was dwindling as consumers have cut down on food and fuel costs in order to control household spending.
He claimed the butchers were now operating at a loss. The price of pork had seen an increase twice in recent months.
"This is because on average, a domesticated pig weighing 100 kilos would cost RM890. We pay this amount to the supplier but we are unable to sell the whole quantity to recover our capital because of fewer buyers these days.
"We supply cheaply to restaurants whatever is unsold at the end of the day, so we can't make any profits.
"Therefore, rather than incurring more losses, we have decided to take a day's break for the first time," he told reporters.
The latest pork price hike was reported in the Chinese media on June 26 this year. "One kilo of lean pork now costs RM16, compared with RM14 previously, while a kilo of ribs costs as much as RM21.
"We have no choice but to raise the price, given our stall rental, transportation from the abattoir to the Lido Market and workers' wages.
"A few days ago, it was announced that the cost of feedmeal will also go up," Chan lamented.
According to him, pork butchers at the KK Central Market, Taman Foh Sang Market, Dah Yeh Villa Market, Donggongon Market, Inanam Market and Menggatal Market would follow suit in earmarking Monday as a rest day.
Friday, 4 July 2008
What says you Dompok?
UPKO president Tan Sri Bernard Gompok, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, is scheduled to hold a Press conference after opening the Kaamatan Festival in Kampung Ramayah, Penampang tomorrow (Saturday).
I was alerted of this by a journalist friend. He told me that he received a letter of invitation signed by one George Mijin to attend the function at 12noon. I hope this friend of mine will be still sober to file his story of what Dompok has to say to the Press.
To be updated.
I was alerted of this by a journalist friend. He told me that he received a letter of invitation signed by one George Mijin to attend the function at 12noon. I hope this friend of mine will be still sober to file his story of what Dompok has to say to the Press.
To be updated.
Man gives birth to a girl
Pregnant man has baby girl
By EMILY SMITH
US Editor
Published HERE Today - July 4th, 2008
PREGNANT man Thomas Beatie has given birth to a healthy baby girl.
The tot had been due to be delivered yesterday by Caesarean section.
But bearded transsexual Thomas went into labour early and had to be rushed to hospital.
Last night Thomas, 34, and wife Nancy were pictured leaving the clinic with the baby girl he calls his “little miracle”.
The tot was delivered in secret on Sunday in a special section of the hospital away from the other mums.
Callers phoning the maternity ward were sternly told there was no Thomas or Nancy Beatie.
A hospital source said: “Thomas gave birth without any problems at all, but amid tight security.
“The baby girl is healthy and mother — or father — and baby have been allowed to leave the hospital.”
The new family were discharged yesterday from the St Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon.
Thomas — who was born female but became a man in his 20s — is now hoping to strike a £500,000 deal for the exclusive first pictures of his baby.
He has also had a documentary team following him during the last months of his pregnancy.
Thomas caused outrage worldwide when he announced he was pregnant — and proved it by releasing a photo showing his belly.
The real-life Mr Mum was born Tracy Lagondino and lived in Hawaii.
He fell in love with Nancy and had a sex change because Hawaiian law bars same-sex marriages.
Thomas took testosterone pills, had his breasts removed and then legally became a man.
But he kept his ovaries and womb because Nancy, who has two grown-up children, had undergone a hysterectomy 20 years ago.
When they decided to try for a baby, Thomas stopped his testosterone treatment so that he could start ovulating again.
A year later he fell pregnant with twins using donor sperm, but lost them after developing life-threatening complications.
He then became pregnant again using a special syringe from a vet who helped out r doctors and baby clinics turned them away.
Just weeks ago, Thomas told of his joy ahead of the new arrival. He said: “We’re so excited. I just cannot wait to hold her in my arms and be a father.”
But despite the controversy he said his pregnancy felt natural.
Thomas said: “It’s been excellent. I feel fantastic. I’ve been so lucky.
“I can’t believe she’s inside me. She’s our little miracle. I’m just looking forward to holding her for the first time, to finally get to touch her and see her face.
“It was a dream that Nancy and I’ve had for a long time, to start a family together.”
And Thomas said the pregnancy had gone so well, the couple were looking forward to MORE children.
He explained: “It’s in our thoughts. We’ll see what the experience is like with our daughter’s arrival first and then give it some more thought.
“We’re deeply in love. I’m stable and confident being the man I am. Having this baby doesn’t make me less of a man.”
Thursday, 3 July 2008
What's up, Pairin???
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said foreigners who had been long-time residents in Sabah could be considered for Permanent Residence (PR) status in accordance with the laws of the country.
However, the Member of Parliament for Keningau and State Assemblyman for Tambunan said illegal immigrants without proper jobs and documents should be deported as soon as possible.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony of the Keningau District councillors, the former Chief Minister also pointed out that a PR status could not guarantee citizenship status unless further rigid regulations could be complied.
Pairin was commenting on a statement by Philippine Migrant Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos in Kuala Lumpuer yesterday in which he proposed that Filipinos nationals to be given PR rather than deporting them en mass.
Conejos said that Philippines officials had met with their Malaysian counterparts over the planned mass deportation of thousands of Filipinos now staying illegally in Sabah.
The Philippines Government wanted Malaysia to grant PR status to Filipinos who had lived in Malaysia for a long time.
Meanwhile, Pairin said the Sabah Government would continue to welcome Filipinos seeking jobs and greener pastures in Sabah provided they have valid documents and travel papers.
My Say:
Different tune, Datuk Pairin???
On Aug 4th, 1988, Pairin then Chief Minister told a forum on `The problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah' held in Keningau that the people of Sabah could not accept the continued presence of such a large number of aliens in Sabah.
Pairin said unless the problem was resolved, the people of Sabah would continue to live in anxiety and fear.
"We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to take concrete actions now to remedy the situation. Let us work out the framework for a solution to the problem at hand," Pairin said.
And that was 20 years ago!!!
However, the Member of Parliament for Keningau and State Assemblyman for Tambunan said illegal immigrants without proper jobs and documents should be deported as soon as possible.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony of the Keningau District councillors, the former Chief Minister also pointed out that a PR status could not guarantee citizenship status unless further rigid regulations could be complied.
Pairin was commenting on a statement by Philippine Migrant Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos in Kuala Lumpuer yesterday in which he proposed that Filipinos nationals to be given PR rather than deporting them en mass.
Conejos said that Philippines officials had met with their Malaysian counterparts over the planned mass deportation of thousands of Filipinos now staying illegally in Sabah.
The Philippines Government wanted Malaysia to grant PR status to Filipinos who had lived in Malaysia for a long time.
Meanwhile, Pairin said the Sabah Government would continue to welcome Filipinos seeking jobs and greener pastures in Sabah provided they have valid documents and travel papers.
My Say:
Different tune, Datuk Pairin???
On Aug 4th, 1988, Pairin then Chief Minister told a forum on `The problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah' held in Keningau that the people of Sabah could not accept the continued presence of such a large number of aliens in Sabah.
Pairin said unless the problem was resolved, the people of Sabah would continue to live in anxiety and fear.
"We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to take concrete actions now to remedy the situation. Let us work out the framework for a solution to the problem at hand," Pairin said.
And that was 20 years ago!!!
I also have Tumpung
The price of beer had gone up but I fear not for my wife made a special drink for my weekends. We called it `Tumpung' which is actually rice tapai/wine but loaded into empty cola or orange juice plastic containers.
One just have to pour water and tucked in a straw and bravo, the whole day of weekends is complete. Friends do come and joined but free are the tumpung not, they have to pay - three for RM10.
Fresh from my backyard
Kebun sayurku
Pinapples at large
Lemon grass, papaya and the chicken house at the background built by my father.
We will have daily supply of three eggs per day for a year or so.
Extras for sale.
Fresh bayam for dinner.
My wife attending to her sayur bayam, sayur bunga, pokok jagong at an open space behind our house. Previously the area was rich with lallang.
The price hike in fuel and other commodities was eating deeper into my pocket and for now I had my wife to thank for as now we are no longer buying vegetables, lemon grass, papaya, pineapple, banana, yam, tapioca, terung, sweet potato, sweet petula, eggs and ginger.
My wife cleared backyard (behind our kitchen) and is now full of greens. I have my father to build the chicken den. My job is confine to watering the vegetable.
We have all that fresh from our backyard. We are even selling pineapples, banana, lemon grass as there are just to many for our own consumption.
My three chicken are giving us three eggs per day and as I had said in my posting last year, we always six eggs `stand by' everyday. My two previous chickens had retired after two years and now their tasks been taken over by three new birds which started giving us eggs since four weeks ago.
Cikgu gone fishing!!!
A team from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) made a spot check on a school in Pulau Banggi, an island north of Kudat, and guess what they found out.
Only one teacher was in the school which had 60 pupils. The headmaster and another teacher were said to be in Kudat attending meeting. One of the four classrooms were empty, and some pupils were playing outside. There were pupils in two classroom but no sign of their teachers.
And Suhakam found out that the rest of the teachers had gone fishing!!!
This was among the complaints received by Suhakam Sabah Office in the Commission's Annual Report 2007 released by the commission's vice chairman Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.
My Say:
Sound like `an old and evergreen story' of teachers posted to islands and remote areas in Sabah.
Only one teacher was in the school which had 60 pupils. The headmaster and another teacher were said to be in Kudat attending meeting. One of the four classrooms were empty, and some pupils were playing outside. There were pupils in two classroom but no sign of their teachers.
And Suhakam found out that the rest of the teachers had gone fishing!!!
This was among the complaints received by Suhakam Sabah Office in the Commission's Annual Report 2007 released by the commission's vice chairman Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.
My Say:
Sound like `an old and evergreen story' of teachers posted to islands and remote areas in Sabah.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Opposition supports Dompok
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan fully supported UPKO's call for the Federal Government to give Sabah its five per cent share of the State's oil royalty.
He said the proposal voiced by UPKO's president and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok should be supported as an immediate and first step towards giving justice back to Sabah.
Dr Jeffrey said the Federal Government should not be receiving the five per cent royalty of oil sourced from Sabah as it is receiving all the tax revenue of more than 40 per cent as well as of Petronas' profit.
He said the proposal voiced by UPKO's president and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok should be supported as an immediate and first step towards giving justice back to Sabah.
Dr Jeffrey said the Federal Government should not be receiving the five per cent royalty of oil sourced from Sabah as it is receiving all the tax revenue of more than 40 per cent as well as of Petronas' profit.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
SAPP gets the letter
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)today received the Show Cause Letter from Barisan Nasional (BN)giving the party's 30 days to reply. The letter dated July 30, 2008 was signed by BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor.
Confirming this, SAPP official said the letter demanded explanations from the party's leadership for proposing the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
SAPP was also demanded to explain its statements that `there is no guarantee that SAPP will be still in BN after August' and `the party's loss of confidence in the Prime Minister.'
The official also said that SAPP president Datuk Sri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has not received any call from the Anti-Corrupption Agency requiring him to give statement in regards to a corruption case involving a State-owned company.
Confirming this, SAPP official said the letter demanded explanations from the party's leadership for proposing the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
SAPP was also demanded to explain its statements that `there is no guarantee that SAPP will be still in BN after August' and `the party's loss of confidence in the Prime Minister.'
The official also said that SAPP president Datuk Sri Panglima Yong Teck Lee has not received any call from the Anti-Corrupption Agency requiring him to give statement in regards to a corruption case involving a State-owned company.
I will be rich!!!
Can this be real, US$6.8 million for me? I received this in my e-mail today.
ATM FINAL NOTIFICATION
ATM PAYMENT CENTER to undisclosed-re.
DEAR BENEFICIARY:
An ATM Withdrawers card worth 6.8 Million Dollars has been credited in your
favor contact Mr Richard Smith and Provide for him the info below for
claims:
Name:
Address:
Country:
Age:
Sex:
Direct Phn No:
Send the above information to Mr Richard Smith Via his personal info below:
Email: mr.richard_smith234_claimsunit@live.com
TEL NO:+2348076664709
REGARDS
SENATOR DAVID MARK
ONLINE CO-ORDINATOR
ATM FINAL NOTIFICATION
ATM PAYMENT CENTER
DEAR BENEFICIARY:
An ATM Withdrawers card worth 6.8 Million Dollars has been credited in your
favor contact Mr Richard Smith and Provide for him the info below for
claims:
Name:
Address:
Country:
Age:
Sex:
Direct Phn No:
Send the above information to Mr Richard Smith Via his personal info below:
Email: mr.richard_smith234_claimsunit@live.com
TEL NO:+2348076664709
REGARDS
SENATOR DAVID MARK
ONLINE CO-ORDINATOR
Bravo! Dompok
Dompok: Give federal royalty to Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok has suggested that the five per cent royalty the Federal Government receives from Petronas for oil extracted from Sabah be given back to the state.
He said it would be a wise move in response to the persistent call by Sabah leaders for an increase in oil royalty.
"If we want to give Sabah more money, this is the easiest thing to do for now."
He said changing the agreement with Petronas in which Sabah and the Federal Government would each receive a five per cent oil royalty would be a hassle.
Dompok said he agreed with the principle that Sabah should get more money for its oil.
"To Sabahans, that is the right thing to do."
Dompok, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, was speaking after attending a seminar on oil and gas development in Sabah organised by the party's Youth wing.
He said developing the oil and gas industry in Sabah was important and could be the anchor of the Sabah Development Corridor. He added the industry would would provide job opportunities for the people.
He also said the Sabah-Sarawak gas pipeline project to the Petronas LNG complex in Bintulu would not allow Sabahans to be involved in the industry.
He suggested that the government develop the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal in Kimanis instead.
He said he was made to understand that the gas pipeline project was to be halted but according to reports, Petronas would proceed with the RM390 million project.
"I think the Sabah government should insist that the pipeline be stopped. It is in Sabah's interests to look at the bigger picture."
Dompok said he had spoken to the prime minister and Petronas and was waiting for their response.
This story is from HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)