THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- CLOSE DOWN REFUGEE CAMP, ROSNAH URGES

Close down refugee camp, Rosnah urges

KOTA KINABALU:

Papar Member of Parliament Rosnah Abdul Rashid Sirlin has again urged the Government to close down or relocate the UNHCR refugee resettlement camp in Kinarut as local villagers are under threat of social and health problems. The lack of proper and adequate sanitation as well as rubbish disposal system have brought about all these problems, Rosnah said when debating the King’s motion of thanks in Parliament on Tuesday. “Closing down the refugee resettlement camp would also deter more immigrants especially from the Philippines from coming to Sabah,” she said, adding this would be one of the ways to resolve the illegal immigrants problem fated by the state. Rosnah also urged the Federal Government to find out the actual number of immigrant,s including those granted permanent status, in the country and find ways to resolve the problem with those who entered the state illegally. At the same time, Rosnah also urged the Government to take action against private rice millers who did not contribute to the country’s rice stock. “Currently only Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) is given the responsibility to stock up on rice and this is not fair as Bernas only controls 45 per cent of the country’s rice market while the private millers control 55 per cent,” she said. To this end, she said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair minister needs to enforce the Rice and Padi Control Act on the private millers so they will play their part in ensuring that the country’ has sufficient rice stock. She also appealed to the Federal Government to given Sabahans more opportunity to serve in Government agencies and Government Linked Companies. “Do not overlook Sabahans in terms of promotion as many of the Government officers here are experienced,” she said.

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- CONSIDER RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY, CALL TO TNB, SESB

Consider renewable energy policy, call to TNB, SESB

KOTA KINABALU:

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) have been urged to implement a renewable energy policy. “Almost all developing nations nowadays have their own renewable energy policy because of the climate change which is a huge threat to our environment,” Consumers Association of Sabah and Labuan (CASH) Deputy President Nordin Thani said. According to him, the existing energy policy if any or should the Government dcidcs to adopt Out, would affict the quality of lift of future generations in years to come. “Our current investments in the electricity grid, in transport infrastructure and in our building stock will still affect our use of energy in decades to come. For this reason we must look to the long term when we are deciding what our future energy needs will be and where our future energy supplies will come from? “We have to take that long term view into account as we balance the three requirements of our having a cheap, clean, and secure energy supply,” he said. He acknowledged that the Government and TNB are trying very hard to supply, keep and maintain electricity tariff as low as possible. “While this policy would work for a number of years, let us not forget we are now facing significant increases in energy prices as a consequence of having ignored two issues, namely the security of supply and environmental standards. “If we fail to develop our own renewable energy supplies and conservation measures we will find ourselves totally dependent on imported fossil fuels to generate power,” he said. To the question of the usage of coal to generate electricity and its alternative, Nordin said that to his knowledge, the closest alternative resource is gas at 19 per cent. “In my experience, in the UK, 40 per cent of the natural resources is from natural gas, 19 per cent from nuclear, 4 per cent from renewable and 4 per cent from other sources. “But the UK Government is committed in reducing emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels and is currently working towards a target of 10 per cent electricity generated from renewable sources by 2010,” he said. Nordin said TNB claimed that the advances in technology over recent decades by using coal have delivered dramatic reductions in emissions from a coal-fired power station and with new technology available, promises even better reduction. “To my understanding, knowledge and experience, by using a modern clean boiler technology, coupled with biomass blending, it can reduce long - term C02 emissions by about 50 per cent equivalent to the level of modern gas plants and by using carbon capture and storage it can reduce them much further, by more that 90 per cent. “But does it guarantee us a consistent supply of electricity and coal to generate power?” asked Nordin. “Apart from the environmental impact, what is important to the consumer I think in general, is that there is no increase in the electricity tariff when other resources other than fuel is used to generate power. Nordin also said that TNB has received many suggestions and proposals pertaining to the matter of using alternative sources to a coal-fired plant in providing electricity supply Sabah’s east coast in the east of Sabah against the use of a coal fired plant! “These include renewable energy, as unlike fossil fuels, the supply will never become exhausted. The main sources of renewable energy that were mentioned are a) the sun (solar energy), b) the wind, c) moving water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy), d) heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy), e) biomass (wood, waste, energy crops),” he added. On the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman’s assurance that a full briefing by independent consultants will be done before any decisions are made on the proposed TNB coal fired plant power project, Nordin said it was a welcomed move by the State Government. Meanwhile, Department of Environment Director Abdul Razak Abdul Manaf when asked for his comments on TNB, intending to shift its coal-fired power project to Tawau, said it would depend on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from TNB. “But we have not received a EIA from TNB related to its intention to set up the coal fired plant power in Tawau”.

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- MOU ON FOREST RESTORATION FUNDING

MoU on forest restoration funding

KOTA KINABALU:

The WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Forestry Department will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the funding of forest restoration work in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve. WWF-Malaysia Borneo Programme Chief Technical Officer Dr Rahimatshah Amat said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is expected to witness the signing ceremony to be held here on May 21. Musa would also, auncha book. Orang Utan: Behavior, Ecology. Conservation, by Dr Junaidi Payne and Cede Prudente at the same event, he said in a statement yesterday. Vice-President Emeritus of WWF-Malaysia, Datuk Seri Tengku DZ Adlin will represent the WWF-Malaysia and State Forestry Director Datuk Sam Mannan for the Forestry Department at the signing ceremony.

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- SET UP MINISTRY TO TACKLE ILLEGALS, CALL

Set up Ministry to tackle illegals, call

Street kids becoming parents of more street kids: MP

KOTA KINABALU:

A call was made to the Government to set up a Special Affairs Ministry for Sabah and Sarawak to tackle problems concerning illegal immigrants in both states. Tawau Member of Parliament, Datuk Chua Soon Bui, said during the Parliament sitting in Kuala Lumpur recently that it was time to set up such a Ministry to address the longstanding problem of illegal immigrants and find the best mechanism to tackle the issue. Describing issues concerning illegal immigrants as serious problems, Chua said that the setting up of the Ministry would be a long- term solution rather than continuing with the operations by security forces. “I would like to ask the Home Affairs Ministry on its action plan to overcome the illegal immigrants problem, which has long existed in Sabah? They (illegal immigrants) are the mother of all threats in Saba,” she said. “To make matters worse, some of them are holding syndicated MyKad and other dubious documents, and the State Government has drained out all its resources to put a stop to the problem. “Illegal immigrants have long been linked to the rise of crime rates and the spread of contagious diseases in Sabah,” she said. Chua said their presence has also contributed to another social problem, which is the stateless children, where either the mother or father is a foreigner and these young boys and girls are abandoned without any care from adults. “Furthermore, the foreign street kids in Sabah are becoming parents to second generation of street kids. According to statistics, it is estimated that a few thousands of these street kids live in Tawau, not to mention those in other cities in Sabah. The critical issue leads to human misery borne out of such a social environment,” she said. She hoped the new Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, will carry out direct intervention to prevent the further entry of illegal immigrants to Sabah and also conduct operations on illegal immigrants. “The Government must also embark on an immediate action to solve the syndicated MyKad problem and formulate and implement policies on the stateless and street kids before our state is burdened by the illegal immigrants permanently,” she stressed. On another issue, Chua urged the Rural Development Ministry to repair roads in Ulu Kalumpang, some 70 kilometres from Tawau, to solve problem faced by some 500 smallholders involved in oil palm, cocoa, rubber and coconut plantations. “The road condition is very bad and has not been improved since 10 years back. The situation are hampering the smallholders to drive in and harvest their products, and some were forced to abandon their products due to the poor road condition,” she said, adding that it is not just a lost for the smallholders, but also the industry and country’s economy. She also called on the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to find an effective technology to overcome the long overdue problem on rubbish in Tawau. “The cleanliness situation is very serious in Tawau, and I was told that one of the problem faced by the Tawau Municipal Council is the shortage of landfill sites. The situation is so bad that residents of housing estates as well as the town area are forced to bear with the piling rubbish, which is becoming an eyesore,” she said. Chua added that even the drainage system has not been properly maintained since 30 years back. “Tawau needs the assistance and allocations from the Ministry to clear clogged drains and to build more drains and channels to improve drainage. The Ministry administers the livelihood of the people. As such, in line with the Prime Minister’s call for a people-centred service, I appeal to the Minister and the Ministry to visit Tawau personally to see how serious is the condition there which requires handling and solution. “Although each and every Municipal Council enjoys its own autonomy, I hope that the Ministry could monitor and supervise the efficiency of the Tawau Municipal Council in discharging its duties to maintain the cleanliness of Tawau effectively. “I also hope the Ministry could provide the appropriate assistance and allocations for the Tawau Municipal Council to upgrade all areas of its service in the interest of the Tawau people,” she stressed.

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- US$ 20 BLN FLOATING RESORT, FISHING PORT FOR LABUAN

US$20 bln floating resort, fishing port for Labuan

LABUAN:

A USD20 billion MAFA Resort Smart City with an International Integrated Deep Sea fishing Port, featuring many first- in-Malaysia floating facilities, is being proposed for Labuan. MAFA Groups Corporation Sdn Bhd on Tuesday night officially announced the ambitious plan here and signed an MOU with a consortium led by MS Azam Holdings Sdn Bhd. Other members of the consortium are Naturelink Industries Co, Royal Corejati Group & Consultancy Company Limited and NCCorp Netcomm Technology Sdn Bhd. “This project would integrate three core activities that are development targets of the island’s deep sea fisheries, tourism and education,” the Managing Director of MAFA, Kamaruzzaman Abu Samah said at the signing ceremony at a leading hotel here Tuesday night. The development of the hi-tech state-of-the-art deep sea fishing port and Smart Resort City would be done in collaboration with Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM), who would provide the marine/ fisheries expertise while FAMA would provide the technical construction and financing, he added. Kamaruzzaman said the project would be showcased as the biggest floating structure in the country. It would include, for the first time in Malaysia, the following floating facilities: township, fishing port, golf course and clubhouse. The project that would be spread over 15 years would stretch from Tanjung Kubong to Tanjung Kerupang. While expressing his gladness that is such a mega project is proposed for Labuan, local Member of Parliament, Datuk Yussof Mahal who witnessed the signing ceremony said, “I hope it will materialize for the good of the island and that it would be profitable for the investors.”

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- STATE GOV'T HOPES TO SEE MINIMUM WAGE INTRODUCED: YEE

State Gov’t hopes to see minimum wage introduced: Yee

KOTA KINABALU:

The State Government will strive ensure workers and labourers enjoy a minimum wage and other employment benefits that they should be getting, Resource Development and Information Technology Minister, Datuk Pr Yee Moh Chai said. “The State Government’s intention and policy are very clear. It has been highlighted by the fact that we have already amended the Labour Ordinance and will of course, touch on the wages of labour ... so we are working in that direction. We hope to see the day that employees will not only get the minimum wage but other benefits, such as the right to live, overtime and etc,” he said. He said in fact, two years ago, the Labour Ordinance was rectified and amended in line with what had been going on in the nation with the intention of giving the benefits to workers while taking care of the employers’ interests. “It is a very important issue. It demonstrates the desire and the intention of the State Government to ensure workers and labourers enjoy benefits,” he said. “The timing will depend on the situation and has been set by the Prime Minister recently and I am sure the time will come... there will not be a long wait. There will be a minimum wage as requested by MTUC,” he added. Yee who is also Api-Api Assemblyman said, “one has to understand the newly amended Labour Ordinance and that no law will forever be stagnant and be permanent”. “So if there is a need to change, according to the needs of the time, of circumstances ... I think we should look into the possibility of fine-tuning it to meet the needs of the people involved. So we should look into the suggestion as mentioned by MTUC,” he said when asked about the Labour Ordinance. MTUC Sabah had earlier presented a declaration calling for an immediate introduction of minimum wage of RM 900 for all workers in the State. It also called for an introduction of Regional Allowance equivalent to COLA of RM300 to be given to workers in the State in view of the high cost of living.

THURSDAY-15 MAY 2008- WINDS FORCE AIRCRAFT DIVERSION,DELAYS

Winds force aircraft diversion, delays
Roofs of school building,12 village houses in Kota Marudu blown off

KOTA KINABALU:

At least one aircraft was diverted while eight other flights delayed due to strong winds and bad weather here yesterday. Malaysia Airports Berhad Sabah Manager, Aznan Othman, said the MH2616 aircraft bound for Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur had to be diverted to Brunei due to the violent weather conditions. It was scheduled to touch down at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 4. 30pm. He added that as of 6pm yesterday, arrivals of at least five flights and departure of another three aircrafts were delayed by 10 to 15 minutes due to strong winds. “We had to divert and delay the flights for the safety of all passengers. It is a normal routine and practice for us during bad weathers,” he said, adding the diverted flights would resume flights to KKIA when the weather conditions improve. The strong winds and heavy rain in some parts of the State were caused by the tail of a powerful typhoon, Rammasun that battered Eastern Philippines last week as it was moving northward towards Japan since Sunday. It caused strong winds and heavy rain in some parts of Sabah coastal areas, including the State Capital Kota Kinabalu. The State Meteorological Services Department had recently issued a warning that the 70 km/hr winds on Monday are expected to hit the State again today (Thursday), and the public is asked to stay away from the seas as waves of 2.5 to 3.5 meters and winds of 40-50 km/ hr are expected to persist.
In KOTA MARUDU, a school building and 12 houses had their roofs blown off by unusually strong winds since early morning till 8pm yesterday. According to Constable Jamaliah Busri, the police station here received reports from 12 villagers on the damages caused by the winds yesterday. “We received among others two reports from two families residing in Kampung Lintasan Laut and we learned that those affected have taken shelter at their relatives’ homes while waiting for assistance from the Welfare Department. “Other affected villages include Kampung Sembilingun, Kampung Mongkis Malangkap, Kampung Malangkap Tengah and Kampung Malangkap Darat, Kampung Mongkis, Kampung Luntuk Pitas, Kampung Sapatalang, Kampung Sosop, Kampung Malangkap Kota Marudu and Kampung Kota Marudu,” she said. The SK Malangkap school building also had its roof blown off besides being badly damaged. One report was received from each of these villages, she said, adding however that no casualties were reported. She said it is advisable for the people to stay indoor due to the strong winds that would occur without any warning. The Meteorological Services Department has said that the strong winds and rough seas are expected to persist until Saturday.

WEDNESDAY-14 MAY 2008- PRICE OF RICE STABILISING, SAYS SHAHRIR

Price of rice stabilising, says Shahrir

KUALA LUMPUR

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said yesterday the price of rice was stabilising following steps taken by the Government. He said the initial confusion pertaining to the supply and the price of the staple food had also died down. “There is less confusion now. It’s how the government explain the steps to tackle the problem. There should be no more worries because the supply is enough,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday. He was asked to comment on the five steps announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday to ensure there was no shortage of rice and to keep the price down. Among the immediate measures implemented by the Government was to secure the supply of the price- controlled 15 per cent broken rice and to fix the price between RM1 .65 per kg and RM1 .80 per kg according to zones. The Government had also imposed ceiling prices on Super Special Tempatan (SST) 5 per cent at RM2. 80 per kg, and SST l0percentatRM2.70 per kg, effective June 1. Shahrir said the Ministry had deployed 2,000 enforcement officers and 2,000 members of the price monitoring team to monitor the price and supply of rice nationwide. Meanwhile, Thailand Ambassador to Malaysia Piyawat Niyomrerks said Thailand was committed to deliver the rice to Malaysia as soon as possible. “May be we can deliver them as early as next month,” he said when asked to comment when Thailand could deliver the rice ordered by Padiberas Nasional Berhad. Earlier, Piyawat called on Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri and spent time to follow the Dewan Rakyat session. - Bernama

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- GOF PERSONNEL HURT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGALS

GOF personnel hurt in operation against illegals

SANDAKAN:

A General Operations Force (GOF) personnel was injured on the head during a joint operation against illegal immigrants at Kampung Forest here yesterday. District Police Chief ACP Rosli Mohd Isa said the personnel, who fell when the wooden bridge he was walking broke, was rushed to the district hospital for treatment. He said 363 illegal immigrants were roped in during the operation but 127 of them were later released after producing valid travel documents. Those foreigners detained comprised 187 Filipinos, 41 Indonesians and eight of various nationalities, said Rosli. In an unrelated case, police detained three men on suspicion of raping a 13-year-old girl at a public park in Jalan Aman here yesterday. The three supects, aged 15, 16 and 39 years, are the alleged victim’s neighbour who were arrested after her mother lodged a police report. Rosli said initial investigations showed that the victim was pregnant and she was raped between 2004 and November last year. Police investigated the case under Section 376 of the Panel Code and the victim has been sent for medical examination at the Duchess of Kent Hospital here.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- ABDULLAH, NAJIB DUE FOR CEOS CONFERENCE

Abdullah, Najib due for CEOs Conference

KOTA KINABALU:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak are due in Kota Kinabalu to officiate the Second International CEOs Conference 2008 (ICC2008) next month. The Prime Minister is due to officiate the closing ceremony of the Conference on June 17 while the Deputy Prime Minister will officiate the opening ceremony on June 16 with a keynote address ‘Leading The Boundaries-Renaissances In the Midst of Revolution’. According to the Director of Yayasan Sabah, Tan Sri Datu Khalil Bin Datu Haji Jamalul, the Conference will kick off with a welcome dinner to be hosted by Chief Minister Datuk Sen Panglima Musa Haji Aman on June 15. The Chief Minister is also the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of ICC2008. “The Conference to be held at Sutera Harbour Resort will bring together experts and leading players to share the latest key and innovative trends, unique value-creating strategies, unlimited opportunities as well as current global issues such as the topic of climatology changes and serious discussion on how to make human economic systems last longer while having less impact on ecological systems, and particularly relates to concern over major global problems relating to climate change and the recent food production problem,” said Khalil, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of 1CC2008. “Indeed this Conference will be the most idealistic and pragmatic venue for such discussions. “It is our fervent hope that the Conference will open up a chance for us to analyse and understand the key issues and propose initiatives and efforts with enduring positive results and tangible outcomes,” added Khalil. It also aims to bring the experts to unlock secrets to developing unique capabilities that help them to seize market opportunities and transform their businesses into successful trailblazers. “Hence, we hope this Conference will create a plethora of networking opportunities, sharing views, thoughts and ideas on numerous topics for participants and role players to capitalize on taking a risk and reaping the reward, he said. In view of the importance and the relevance of sustainable ability to change, especially in today’s world characterised by rapid unpredictable change and volatility, we have chosen ‘Managing Sustainable Growth anti Competitiveness In The Globalised Era’ as the theme of the Conference,” said Kbalil. Five sessions of most engaging topics have been arranged for this Conference. They are ‘Globalisation and New Realities : How Asian Companies are Responding to Them’; ‘Asian Giants Awakened: China and India In The Making of The New Economic Superpowers’; ‘Globalisation Revisited - Its Impact on Mankind’; ‘Climate Change and Ecological Sustainability . Honouring Mother Nature’; and ‘Talent Management and High Performing Organisations: Driving Talent Mindset for Excellence’. There will also be two Special Sessions and a Parallel Session. The Special Sessions are ‘Is Globalisation The Panacea To The Problem of The World Peace and Harmony?’; and ‘Facility and Asset Management-Minimise and Control Costs, Increase Capacity and Sustainability’. The Parallel Session, an Economic Roundtable with the title ‘Regional Economic and Strategic Outlook’, is divided into three concurrent sessions i.e. ‘Brand and Corporate Innovation & Competitiveness’; ‘Meeting Worldwide Demand for Bio-diesel’; and ‘The Entrepreneurial Promise of Renewable Energy.’ Among the speakers that will be giving their talk at the Conference are Prof Dr Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Deputy Chairman of Social Science & Humanities, Theindonesia Institute of Sciences/The Habibie Centre, Indonesia; Mr Russell Teall, JD who is the President and Founder, Bio-diesel Industries, Inc., USA; Dr John Hewson, Chairman of Natural Fuel Ltd., Australia; Mr Andrew McEwan, Chairman of Facility Management Association (FMA) Australia; Mr Ian C. Buchanan who is the Senior Executive Advisor and former Asia- Pacific Chairman, Booz Allen Hamilton - Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, Australia, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, former Minister of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia; Others include Mr Hermawan Kartajaya, Founding Chairman and President, MarkPlus Inc, Indonesia/President, World Marketing Association; Dr Paul Temporal, Group Managing Director, Temporal Brand Consulting, USA; Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO)/Former Minister of Communications, Minister of Education and Former Ambassador of Ghana to the United States; Ms Parvin Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of Fatima Women’s Network, UK; Ms Veronica Pedrosa, News Anchor, Al Jazeera International; and Mr Robert G. Lees, Director, Global Sources Ltd., Hong Kong and Senior Advisor, ABeam Consulting who is also the former President & CEO, Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC). The panellists include Senator Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Water; Lord Patten of Barnes, CH, who is the former EU Commissioner and Governor of Hong Kong/Chancellor of the University of Oxford and University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Mr Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman, Hang Lung Group, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China; and Prof Yu Yongding, Director, Institute of World Economics & Politics, PeopleIs Republic of China. In conjunction with the Conference, an. exhibition will also be held where exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the delegates. The Conference, the second i the series, is organised by Yayasan Sabah Group and managed by Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI). The first ICC was held in 2005 and attended by more than 600 delegates from 32 countries.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- PENSIONERS HAPPY WITH PENSION CALCULATION

Pensioners happy with pension calculation

KOTA KINABALU:

Pensioners in the State are happy with the pension calculation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Sabah Government Pensioners Association President Dr Florentius Epin said they were happy Abdullah approved among others, the calculation of pension to be based on the maximum of 30 years instead of the current 25 years and the derivative pension be maintained at 100 percent instead of the current 70 percent effective from January 1, 2009. “At last we got what we had continuously negotiated since 2002. In fact we asked for the actual number of years an officer served in the calculation of pension, as many served more that 30 years. “But the Government has approved the maximum of 30 years, that is an addition of five years, so it is not a bad bargain,” he said in a statement yesterday. The recipient of derivative pension is currently receiving 70 percent of the individual’s total pension when the pensioner dies 12 1/2 years from the date of retirement from service. This has caused hardship to the widow or widower, especially those with low pay. On another issue, the President said that he would like to bring to the attention of the authority of a group of ex-civil servants who had served for over 30 years, and were not paid pension or retiring benefits when they retired. “They had in a way been exploited by the British during colonial days by placing them under the temporary scheme of service. Their services were very much needed at that time, as they could not employ sufficient qualified staff. “They served as electricians, mechanics, etc. They were so expert in their fields and better than the technicians or engineers who just graduated, and yet the Government did not consider their invaluable contributions to the Department in particular and the Nation as a whole. “Many of those affected came to our Association for help. But so far there was no favorable response and development to our queries on the matter from the authority concerned,” he said.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- THUMBS UP TO NEW RETIREMENT AGE

Thumbs up to new retirement age

KOTA KINABALU:

It was ‘thumbs up’ from professionals and educationists to the new mandatory retirement age of 58 announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad badawi last Saturday. “Yes, I agree! Today’s lifestyle has changed, people are healthier, so at 58 they definitely are still considered young enough to go on working,” said Christina Aluda, an executive with an international voluntary organization. Her opinion was echoed by Nolin, an executive from the City Hall who said professionals and specialists with their experiences and expertise are needed to train the junior officers. Safiah Yusof, an executive from Sabah Softwood, (Sabah Foundation’s subsidiary), also welcomed the new retirement age, saying most private firms are hiring professionals and specialists who have retired from the civil service. “If you look around, most companies have in fact hired and rehired those who exceed the retiring age. For example, our CEO (Chief Executive Officer) retired from Guthrie, but because of his experiences, Sabah Softwood hired him,” she said. According to Safiah, many retirees are in fact still capable of performing their duties efficiently, so it would be a waste not to let them contribute to the State and country’s development.” Dayangku Azlina Awangku Aripen said the services of retirees can be utilized to train and assist newcomers as well as motivate the latter as future leaders and policy makers. Ahmad Sablee, who works for a government agency, said it is up to the individuals concerned whether to continue working or not. “But, I am sure many would agree to retire at 58,” he said. Anthony Kiob, an executive from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). said the retirement age should only be imposed on those with merits, leadership skills, or are qualified and capable. “It would be good to consider those who are approaching retirement age for other posts such as training and grooming new officers. Maybe more of an advisory role,” he said. Politician and social activist Kanul Gindol felt that civil servants should be offered the option to retire at 58 on a case by case basis. “This should be offered to deserving officers or departments that needs their experience,” he said. Consumers Association of Sabah and Labuan (CASH) Deputy President Nordin Thani is of the view that the Government needs to identify or determine the more productive civil servants. “We need their leadership and it should be of quality so that they can train the juniors, fresh graduates or newcomers to the organizations. “In the western countries, governments have utilised the experiences of many people or their citizens who have reached 58 and above by asking them to venture into a lecturer position, politics and inviting them to give talks that concern motivation and leadership and professions. “I believe our Government has a good reason to extend the age of retirement and it must be of positive reason,” said Nordin. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Lecturer, Benjamin Basintal said the Government must have strong reasons to raise the mardatory retirement age of civil servants. “There must be strong reasons for the extension; more quality contributions, problem-solving, creative and innovative ideas, dynamism and others,” he said, adding that this should lead to improved efficiency of the civil service.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- IMBAK CANYON GAZETTED AS FIRST CLASS FOREST RESERVE

Imbak Canyon gazetted as First Class Forest Reserve

KOTA KINABALU:

Imbak Canyon, located right in the heart of Sabah, has been gazetted by the State Government as a First Class Forest Reserve to further preserve the biodiversity in its flora and fauna. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who announced this, said the decision was made during the State Cabinet meeting yesterday, as the 30,000-hectare Canyon is a ‘vital component in the biodiversity corridor linking Maliau Basin to the south and Danum Valley in the east’. Imbak Canyon is rich in medicinal plants as well as being important as a potential botanical gene bank for forest rehabilitation. The Canyon, one of the last remaining substantial areas of unlogged lowland dipterocarp forest in Sabah, is part of the one million hectares Yayasan Sabah Forest Management Area. In 2003, Yayasan Sabah voluntarily designated Imbak Canyon as a Conservation Area for the purpose of research, education and training; similar to Maliau Basin and Danum Valley Conservation Areas. Imbak Canyon also plays an important role as a wildlife corridor connecting Danum Valley Conservation Area and Maliau Basin Conservation Area for major mammals like Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhino, Orang Utan, Tembadau, Bearded Pig and Clouded Leopard. Its geographical position and pristine state make it an ideal site for research into the non-destructive use of undisturbed forest, including carbon sequestration and bioprospecting, as well as non-timber forest products and water catchment management studies. The Canyon is situated over 300 kilometers south east of Kota Kinabalu, and the land journey to the site would include about four hours’ drive along a sealed road from the State Capital to Telupid and another two hours along an unsealed road from Telupid to the Base Camp just outside the Conservation Area.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- 100 PERCENT RICE SELF - SUFFICIENCY

100 percent rice self- sufficiency

26,500 ha paddy plantations in pipeline: CM

KOTA KINABALU:

If everything goes as planned, Sabah will be 100 per cent self-sufficient in rice soon. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in disclosing this yesterday, said the Government is in the process of identifying 26,500 hectares of suitable land in Sabah for paddy cultivation. “This is part of the effort to boost our paddy production. The 26,500 ha of land is additional to the existing 50,000 ha paddy fields in the State,” he said. Speaking to the media after chairing the State Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise yesterday, Musa said both the Forestry and the Land and Survey Departments have been given the task to identify suitable land for the paddy cultivation projects. “The project will be spearheaded by the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) as they have the expertise in large scale paddy plantations development,” he said. “SLDB has the experience and has carried out similar undertaking where a hectare of land could yield about 10 tonnes. “However, we foresee that this is not an easy task because we do not have big area (for plantation) anymore; it may take some time and that is why we have put the two departments to task to find suitable land for the project,” he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin said Sabah is reviewing its policy and strategy to further increase production of essential food items, particularly rice which has seen an almost three-fold increase in its price at the global market since March. Yahya, who is also the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said related agencies had been directed to study their existing policies and strategies on rice production to reduce dependency on imported rice. He said the current soaring prices highlighted the negative consequences of heavy dependency on imported rice and necessary action such as increasing the area for paddy planting needed to be taken to boost the State’s rice production. Increases in rice price is anticipated to continue as farmers across Asia are hoarding their crops, while rice producing countries, including the biggest exporter, Thailand, are curbing exports to safeguard their domestic supply. “When it comes to increasing food production, I believe we should not be complacent with achieving self efficiency. Increasing production to export level should be the target for all agriculture products. Only this way can we transform the agriculture sector to greater heights,” said Yahya when officiating the ‘Vanilla Crop’ course at Promenade Hotel here. The two-day course organized by Rural Development Cooperative (KPD), was attended by more than 200 participants. “Towards this, a holistic and integrated approach involving all related State and Federal agencies must be set in place,” said Yahya, adding attention should also be given to increasing the production of high- value agriculture products. He stressed that Sabah is well known for its vastly diversified natural resources and should continue to seek ways to positively exploit its rich bio-diversity to enhance the competitiveness of its agriculture sector. For instance, he said Sabah is well positioned to tap the increasing demand for herbal and medicinal products which is a multi-billion industry. “I suggest the agencies under my Ministry give more focus on research and development (R&D), especially for natural resources readily available in Sabah. This can be done through collaborative understanding with institutions such as MARDI and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) which have the resources and expertise in R&D,” added Yahya.

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- NO SABAH MPS WILL HOP: MUSA

No Sabah MPs will hop: Musa

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman yesterday reiterated that no Members of Parliament from Sabah will hop to the Opposition. “It is just mere rumour. None of our MPs have the intention to switch party; we are very loyal to BN and the top leadership. Give us time to work and fulfill our promises to the people,” he said. “So do not talk about switching; to other party ... it is important for us to stick together and work together. Now is the time to walk our talk,” he said commenting on the rumour that 16 MPs from Sabah are considering to jump ship soon. Responding to a question pertaining to the statement of Kalabakan MP Datuk Ghapur Salleh during the Parliament sitting in Kuala Lumpur’., yesterday that Sabah has been sidelined all this while, and that many would hop if a new party is created, Musa said: “That is his own opinion. He is talking based on the people’s grouses.”

TUESDAY-13 MAY 2008- SABAH DEVT OFFICE TO REPLACE JPPS

Sabah Devt Office to replace JPPS
Revived SDO to take charge of Federal Projects, says CM

KOTA KINABALU:

After overseeing development projects in the State for 17 years, the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS) will be finally be disbanded soon. Its roles, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, will be taken over by the revived Sabah Development Office, which was established during the Usno and Berjaya era. “The disbandment of JPPS is in response to the grouses of Sabah people. The Chief Secretary to the Federal Government is discussing matters concerning the disbandment of JPPS with the State Secretary, and the revival of SDO here,” Musa told a perss conference after the State Cabinet meeting yesterday. He said efforts are currently being carried out to transfer projects under JPPS to SDO, which will be under the supervision of the Chief Minister’s Department. Matters concerning JPPS and the overlapping roles played by the Department and several State Departments and Agencies were brought to the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the latter’s visit on April 7 this year to meet Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders. JPPS was established in Sabah on 1 January 1991 to propose and monitor Federal Government’s development projects in the State so that it would move in line with the nation’s mission and vision. The Department also oversees the management of allocations channelled from various Federal Ministries and Departments to finance development projects in the State and ensure that they are completed with the five-year Malaysia Plan. Among the projects implemented by JPPS were related to education, security, health, roads, airports, rural electricity and water supplies, agriculture development as well as other facilities. Musa said the Federal Government has also approved the proposal to set up more detention centres in the State. “There were a lot more requests from the BN leaders in Sabah and the Federal Government is scrutinizing each of them. It will be implemented from time to time ... it will take some time but this shows that the Federal Government is listening to our grouses and complaints,” he said. Meanwhile, Musa said the Chief Executive Officers Conference will be held here on June 15-17 this year. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will officially open the conference while the closing ceremony will be graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. “We hope to lure more participants this time,” he said.

MONDAY-12 MAY 2008- CALL TO ADVERTISE VACANCIES IN SABAH PAPERS

Call to advertise vacancies in Sabah papers

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Keadilan Information Chief Dr Edwin Bosi has urged Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan to advertise job vacancies in the Sabah Federal Departments in the Sabah newspapers Mohd Sidek should also advertise all vacancies in the civil service not only in the West Malaysian papers but also the East Malaysian papers to allow every Malaysian the opportunity to apply, he said when commenting on the subject of Borneonisation, “I would however like to caution the Chief Secretary to properly scrutinise applications from Sabah so that only genuine Sabahans are appointed to the posts. The applicants’ identity card and background should be verified by the National Registration Department and Police respectively before the offer letter is issued,” be said in a statement yesterday.

MONDAY-12 MAY 2008- MAJIMBUN TO URGE KL TO REVIEW CHICKEN WING DUTIES

Majimbun to urge KL to review chicken wing duties

KOTA KINABALU:

The Member of Parliament for Sepanggar, Datuk Eric Majimbun, has promised to do his best to urge the Federal Government to review the new import duties dubbed as Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) imposed on import of chicken wings into Sabah, which has come into effect since April 1 this year. He said he would do his level best to urge the Federal Government to revoke the said import duties, which he regarded as unreasonable and a great burden to the consumers in Sabah. He made the promise after listening to the explanation by Koh Tze Guan, President of the Frozen Meat and Food Importers Association Sabah (FMAFIAS), during a courtesy call by the Association on Saturday, to highlight their plight over the imposition of the TRQ. Also present were FMAFIAS Secretary General Louis Fong and Majimbun’s two party colleagues, Melanie Chia and Datuk Liew Teck Chan who are also the Luyang State Assemblywoman and Likas Assemblyman respectively. Koh highlighted that following the implementation of the TRQ, the retail price for grilled chicken wings has been increased from RM1.20/RM1.50 to RM1.80/RM2 each, while the retail price for the deep-fried chicken wings has been increased from RM1.50 to RM2. He especially argued that the Government to take into consideration of the unique situation of Sabah, that is the distance between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia which is ocean apart, besides the fact that the local supply of chicken wings is still not enough to meet the market demand, thus making it necessary to import the chicken wings from Peninsular Malaysia. A calculation made by the Association based on the statistics of import of frozen chicken wings by Sabah last year, as compared to the production of chicken in the State revealed that the State will have to increase its chicken production by eight folds in order to meet the current market demand. “Last year, Sabah imported 15,875 MT of frozen chicken wings while the entire State’s production of dressed whole chicken was approximately 66,000 MT and only 10 per cent of that figure is made up of chicken wings which is only 1,980 MT,” he elaborated. Meanwhile, Melanie who is also the Assistant Finance Minister, revealed that she had recently brought up the issue to the attention of her colleague cum Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun. “She (Azizah) will be meeting up with the Association (FMAFIAS) soon to discuss about the issue,” she said. She too concurred with the Association’s view that the implementation of the TRQ would eventually force the traders to transfer the additional cost incurred on hein to the consumers.

MONDAY-12 MAY 2008- SABAHANS STILL HAVE CONFIDENCE IN BN'S CREDIBILITY: MP

Sabahans still have confidence in BN’s credibility: MP

KOTA KINABALU:

Confidence in the Barisan Nasional’s credibility and its ability to fulfill its election manifesto was the reason why people in Sabah rejected the Opposition during the 12th General Election, Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh said. “In this respect, it is imperative that the BN Government implements all developments planned in Sabah and Sarawak without delay,” he said in his debate to support the motion of thanks to the King’s royal address in the Parliament. No longer overlooking their needs, he pointed out, is the Federal Government’s way to repay the confidence of the people for giving it the mandate to govern the country. Mojigoh in his speech raised several issues which he said needed to be addressed by the Government, including the task of BN leaders in Sabah and Sarawak to explain to the people that only a credible BN Government could administer the country. “Credible here means BN is fair to all, provides equal education, development and other opportunities regardless of race and religion to all the rakyat,” he said. Mojigoh spoke briefly about the presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah, a perennial problem in the State which has yet to be resolved. “The problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah has yet to see a concrete solution. In fact, the Government plans to issue IMM13 documents to the illegal immigrants from Pulau Karuman in Labuan. This will never be accepted by Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak,” he stressed. The other urgent issues are road, water and electricity supplies in many villages in Sabah and Mojigoh said it was important for the Government to focus on development in rural areas, especially in the aspect of roads as well as developing of land to assist the needy rural folk to uplift their socioeconomic status. At this juncture, Tititwangsa PAS Member of Parliament Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali stood up and said that the only way to get immediate development in Sabah is when an elected representative in the State passed away, paving way for a by election.“When an elected representative passes away, a by-election will be held and it is the expressway for developmnt. Allocations of RM30 million to RM70 million will be approved within three to four days,” he said. Mojigoh in reply said that the Titiwangsa MP’s statement belittled the feelings of Sabahans and that it was the Opposition’s tactic to twist their words. His statements led to several other MPs both from the BN and Opposition interrupting him but he declined to give way and continued with his speech. Mojigoh pointed out that the big mandate given to BN in Sabah was the result of Sabahans feeling that they no longer wanted to be overlooked by the central leadership and this, he has reminded as well as appealed many times to the House. When Rantau Panjang PAS MP Hajah Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff interjected and asked for his opinion why Sabah and Sarawak continued to be overlooked and treated like the states governed by the Opposition, Mojigoh replied, “I understand what you are trying to say but it is irrelevant whether I agree or not.” To a question from BN-Umno MP Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (Tenggara) whether he was confident that the Opposition could, by inviting BN elected representatives to “move into a terrace house”, guarantee a better future for the people, he said: “The question of moving does not arise. The people in Sabah and Sarawak are used to living anywhere as long as there is credibility. The credibility of the Barisan Nasional has been proven but not the Opposition. What we are seeing in Selangor is shameful. So why move?” His statement again prompted several opposition MPs to stand up but Mojigoh did not relent since he said he still had a to raise to the Governmet particularly pertaining to people’s aspiration. “The Opposition MPs a preventing the BN backbench from raising issues and aspirations the rakyat,” he said when met he during the Parliament weekend break. “As you can see from the Hansar there is not enough time for us speak for our constituents as we a disturbed by the Opposition on t pretext of asking for point clarifications,” he said. However, Mojigoh said he would not be perturbed in carrying out his responsibility entrusted to him b the people who returned him as MP for another term. The Hansard of his debate speech can be viewed at his Putatan BNBB website.

MONDAY-12 MAY 2008- SABAHANS APPEALING TO KL FOR HELP:MOJIGOH

Sabahans appealing to KL for help: Mojigoh

KOTA KINABALU:

The cost of living in Sabah is much higher that other states in the country and people here are appealing to the Federal Government to help address the problem. “Necessary steps must taken, including the possibility of subsidising the goods in Sabah to address the high cost of living here,” Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Marcus Moigoh said. Mojigoh stressed that the matter needs to be viewed seriously as the glaring difference in the prices of goods in Sabah compared to other states, including Sarawak, has caused confusion among the people here. He said this when asked to elaborate on his debate speech on the King’s royal address in the Parliament last week. “If necessary have more subsidies for goods in Sabah to check the escalating cost of living and balance the prices of goods in the State with other states,” he said. In Parliament last week, Mojigoh when debating the motion of thanks, brought up the matter of the high cost of living in Sabah. “The Government must look into this problem which has caused the feeling of oppression among the rakyat in Sabah to the point that they are confused with the situation. “The rakyat in Sabah feel that it is as though they are penalised for supporting the Barisan Nasional (BN),” he said, adding, “It is very clear that there is discrimination here. Instead of being rewarded for supporting BN, we end up being penalised. Mojigoh warned that if the Federal Government failed to address the problem, “then the people of Sabah know how to punish them”. He however added that the matter had been brought to the attention of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad who has promised to look into ways to balance the prices of goods in Sabah and Sarawak with those in Peninsular Malaysia. He also told the House that the cabotage policy which was introduced in 1980 has contributed to the price increase in Sabah.. Mojigoh also brought up the issue of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) which, according to him, will boost the State’s overall economic growth and development as well as generate employment opportunities in the State. “We are aware that many graduates in Sabah are unemployed so it is hoped that they will be given priority to fill up the vacancies generated by the implementation of SDC,” he said. Mojigoh said he was told in Parliament recently of the overwhelming response to the 38,000 job vacancies in the civil service, including the police force and army in the country where 760,840 applications were received but only 141 called up for interviews. “If 30 percent Malays, 40 percent Chinese and 35 percent Indians were accepted from the number of those called up for interview, there is only a 15 percent job opportunity for the Kadazans,” he stressed. Mojigoh also said that recently, he had highlighted the dissatisfaction of Sabahans about them being left out in job appointments in the civil service. “Take for example the 30 new appointments in the Information Department, none of them were Sabahans. Although the work involved may be menial such as holding cameras or attaching cables, it riles us as elected representatives as it reflects the opinion that Sabahans are not qualified for the job,” he said.