MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- THOUSAND ACRES OF FARMS FACE FLOOD DESTRUCTION

Thousand acres of farms face flood destruction

KENINGAU:

About 3,000 residents from five villages in Apin-Apin area here have urged the Government to straighten the Pegalan River which is threatening to destroy their farms. The affected villages are Kampung Merampong, Tuhan Baru, Liau Laut, Kilambang and Tagai. A spokesman for the villagers, Jamree Mansiri, told The Borneo Post here yesterday that if the problem is not resolved immediately, more than 600 acres of paddy fields, 300 acres of rubber farms and 200 acres of other farm crops, including Government projects such as irrigation and house pumps, will be damaged and destroyed by flood waters. “The Pegalan River has changed its passage early this year following a big flood,” said Jamree who is the former Bingkor People Development Leader. He said the matter had been brought to the attention of the elected representatives since 2004 but until now no action has been taken. According to him, the relevant authorities here have also been informed but they said there was no allocation to straighten the river. if there is still no action from the elected representatives this area. the villagers will ask the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, to intervene. five villages had supported the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in Bingkor and Keningau during the March 8 general election. The villagers were hoping with their full support of both BN candidates, this problem could be immediately resolved,” he said. Jamree feared that if another flood happens again, thousand acres of Jamree said the residents of the land will be destroyed.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- DON'T TAKE JAUNDICE LIGHTLY: YAHYA

Don’t take jaundice lightly: Yahya

PUTATAN:

Parents should not take jaundice lightly as it can result in their babies becoming deaf, handicapped or worse, succumb to the disease, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin. “It is therefore very important for parents whose babies are diagnosed with jaundice to seek medical treatment at clinics or hospitals,” Yahya said. Speaking at the launching of a health education project in Kampung Sailian here yesterday, Yahya who is also the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said jaundice, if untreated, could result in fatality or the baby becoming handicapped. Jaundice usually occurs two or three days after birth and with treatment, it will disappear within 10 days. ‘Many parents, especially those in the rural areas, do not take their babies for treatment of the disease because they think that it is not serious. “Some also use traditional medicine such as herbs and roots or may even seek traditional Chinese treatment as well as medication,” he said, adding that jaundice has to be treated at hospital or clinic so the babies will not suffer brain damage. Yahya also pointed out that Malaysians are lucky because the Government provides good medical facilities for them, thus, they should be more appreciative of the importance of good health.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- NAJIB TELLS PEOPLE TO MAKE UNITY MAIN NATIONAL AGENDA

Najib tells people to make unity main national agenda

PUTRAJAYA:

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday launched National Unity Month with a call to the people to make unity the main national agenda, saying it was an important basis for a nation’s success. The Deputy Prime Minister said the people were not prohibited from having differences of opinion but they should express them with consideration. “They must be aware of the racial sensitivities. They must not hurt the feelings of other communities. They must ensure that their demands are reasonable,” he said at the launch at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here. Najib said every community would not necessarily get to fulfil all its demands, and must continue to maintain a give-and-take attitude. The very existence of the Federal Constitution reflected the spirit of compromise and placed unity as the main basis of the nation, he said. Najib said the spirit of consensus among the people was clearly evident, for example, in the presence of vernacular schools which did not exist in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Speaking to reporters later, Najib said unity among the people was getting more resolute. He said the concept of “bangsa Malaysia” (Malaysian race) was in the minds of the people regardless of race because the people regarded an individual based on his or her nobility of character rather than racial background. For example, he said, when a road accident occurred, the people would rush to help the victims regardless of which community they belonged to. At the event, Najib presented the Unity Personality Award to former Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Sakaran Dandai and social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The award recognises the efforts of leaders who contribute to fostering unity and wellbeing of the people of various races. The award recipients receive a certificate and a souvenir. Najib also presented the Unity Garland Award to MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau Head Datuk Michael Chong; cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid or Lat; S Krishnamoorthy who saved passengers of a ferry fire tragedy off Mersing in October last year; Nafisah Abdullah who saved victims of a house fire in Kota Baharu in August last year and Mohd Afzal Hamzah who caught a snatch thief. The award carries a certificate, a souvenir and RM5,000. Lee Lam Thye told reporters later hat unity should he given high priority by the Government and unity education should begin at school. Krishnamoorthy said he would not hesitate to go to the aid of people in distress. Chong said he hoped that more Malaysians would help the needy regardless of race. -Bernama

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- SCIENTISTS CREATE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENT

Scientists create multi-disciplinary environment

KOTA KINABALU:

Twenty local and expatriate scientists have created a multidisciplinary environment that fosters the fusion of new ideas and collaboration. Professor Dr Saleem Mustafa, who is the Director of Borneo Marine Research Institute BMRI) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, disclosed this in conjunction with the seventh IOC/Westpac International Scientific Symposium 2008 held at Sutera Harbour here yesterday. “They all have a shared understanding of the roles and actions needed to achieve the standard required of a centre of excellence in marine science, aquaculture and biotechnology,” he said. “Our network with national and international institutions is growing, and there are many projects that are being undertaken in cooperation with the respective institutions with which we have agreements. “We have also built on collaborative partnerships with research and development funding agencies and organizations to deliver practical solutions to a number of problems,” Saleem added. As a result of the efficient working and smart partnerships in many spheres of marine science and aquaculture, he said the Institute had positioned it self as a prominent resource for the whole State of Sabah and Federation of Malaysia. According to him, BMRI, located in front of the Sepanggar Bay, has several state-of-the-art research facilities such as a jetty to facilitate research, a sea cage culture facility, aquarium and museum. Currently, the Institute handles two undergraduate academic programmes, Marine Science and Aquaculture, each with a three- year duration. Upon graduation, the students have requisite knowledge to either seek gainful employment or pursue higher post-graduate studies. The research programmes focus on marine conservation, physical oceanography, marine aquaculture, sea farming and marine biotechnology. An efficient and dedicated administration team supports all the teaching, training and research activities. The Institute has now emerged as a venue for pursuing innovative research and dissemination of knowledge across a wide range of aquaculture and marine science subjects in a regional, national and international context.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- TADAU KAAMATAN UPKO CELEBRATION IN TAMPARULI

Tadau Kaamatan UPKO celebration in Tamparuli

KOTA KINABALU:

Tamparuli has been chosen as the host for this year’s Tadau Kaamatan UPKO celebration which will also be jointly hosted by Sulaman, Tamparuli and Kiulu UPKO Divisions. It will be held on May 30 at the Tamparuli town field, the organising chairman of the celebration, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing, said in a statement yesterday. He said a huge stage would be constructed to stage the Sugandoi and Unduk Ngadau contest. “The UPKO Divisions from Sulaman, Tamparuli and Kiulu will be putting up three tents where traditional food will be placed for the public to satisfy their appetite for traditional food,” he added. Aside from that, 13 booths will be placed all over the town field where traditional food brought in from some 40 UPKO divisions throughout the State will be made available to the public. This will be a real ‘moginakan’ festival where each division will be bringing their own food to be shared together with the other participants from other parts of Sabah. Ample food will be made available to guests, tourists and the public, he added. Sugandoi Kaamatan will be held from 9am while the final of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan UPKO 2008 will start at 1pm and is expected to end around 6pm. Forty Unduk Ngadau participants from the various UPKO divisions, including one from Labuan and one from Johore Baru representing the Momogun Society of Malaysia which held their Tadau Kaamatan early this month. Meanwhile, the Unduk Ngadau participants will start their program from May 28 which will include a seminar on self motivation, and on May 9 they will visit the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park where they will be given a talk on environment and the protection of wildlife. The public is invited to witness and join the program that will carried out on that day. Additional information on the Tadau Kaamatan UPKO 2008 can be obtained from Publicity Officer Mr Lesaya Lopog Sorudim at 019-8815261.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- ASEAN HAS TO DEAL WITH MYANMAR SITUATION: RAIS

Asean has to deal with Myanmar situation: Rais

KUALA LUMPUR:

There is an urgent need for ASEAN and the international community to galvanise and coordinate efforts to deal with the emergency situation in Myanmar, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. In a statement here yesterday, he said although the region was no stranger to natural disasters, the extent of the devastation brought about by Cyclone Nargis caught many by surprise. “The claim that we only smile together is evidently not true. Here we are together, in our earnestness to be collective in our endeavor to be together and contributive during times of difficulties,” he said at the ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference for Myanmar in Yangon, yesterday. -Bernama

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- DO THOROUGH STUDY TO DETERMINE NUMBER OF ILLEGALS: ANIFAH

Do thorough study to determine number of illegals: Anifah

KOTA KINABALU:

A thorough study on the exact number of illegal immigrants in sabah should be conducted before taking action to resolve the issue, said Sabah Backbenchers’ Chairman Datuk Anifah Aman. He said many claims were made on the number but none was supported with facts. “ some said the number reached 200,000 or 500,000 and some even said one million.. but none came from an official study. “It should be done by an established body and only then, can we get the real picture to discuss possible solutions,” he told a press conference here yesterday. Anifah was commenting on allegations by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) that Sabah MPs were not concerned over the issue of illegal immigrants after Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee rejected a motion by DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang to set up a Royal Commision on illegal immigrants in the State. Anifah, who is also Kimanis MP, said an effective mechanism should be formulated to overcome the problem of illegal immigrants, including enforcement and humanitarian aspects. - Bernama

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- KU LI CALLS FOR SUPPORT FROM SABAHANS

Ku Li calls for support from Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU:

Umno Veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has urged Umno members here to nominate him for the top post of the Party without any fear. “Don’t be afraid to nominate me for the Umno President’s post,” the Gua Musang Member of Parliament told Umno supporters here on Saturday. “If Sabahans want change, now is the time to show how brave you are. Sabahans are no longer second class citizens and you are on par with Malaysians in the Peninsula,” he told more than 1,000 Umno members who attended a meeting with the longest serving Gua Musang MP who is fondly referred to as “Ku Li”.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- STEP UP ENFORCEMENT RAIDS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT: PAIRIN

Step up enforcement raids on illegal immigrant: Pairin

KOTA KINABALU:

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan yesterday asked the Police and Immigration to step up enforcement raids on illegal immigrants in Sabah to guarantee locals’ safety. He said since the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry or a select committee to deal with the perennial problem in Sabah would take time, the Police and Immigration were vested with adequate powers to arrest the illegals. “Regardless of whether a Royal Commission of Inquiry or a select committee is established to deal with the problem, Police and Immigration operations to nab the illegals should continue and in fact, be intensified,” he told reporters after attending a culinary contest to mark Kaamatan festival end of this month. “Many people in Sabah are anxious to see a Royal Commission of Inquiry set up to address the illegal immigrants’ issue in the State. In fact, the request was made long ago. The proposal to establish a Parliamentary select committee also has its advantages. “But what is my fervent hope now is for the security forces, which have the powers to tackle the problem, to step up enforcement and act immediately,” said Pairin who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President. Kimanis Member of Parliament Datuk Anifah Aman proposed in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday that a Parliamentary select committee on illegal immigrants be set up to resolve the long-standing problem in Sabah. DAP Adviser Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) felt that establishing Royal Commission of Inquiry to deal with the problem would be a better option. To this, Pairin said: “To me, whether a select committee or a commission is formed is not a problem. We already have laws in place on illegal immigrants. “What’s important is that we must be really serious in protecting our citizens and sovereignty of our country,” he said. he also suggested the manpower strength and allocations for enforcement agencies be increased for the country to have a bigger capacity in law enforcement. - Bernama

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- MUSA URGES PHARMACISTS TO TAPE INTO STATE'S BIODIVERSITY RESOURCES

Musa urges pharmacists to tape into State’s biodiversity resources

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has urged the pharmaceutical industry to tap into the huge biodiversity resources in the State through research and development. By doing so, he said evidence-based herbal medicines could be developed and produced in line with the agricultural thrust under the Halatuju, whereby the herbal industry has been identified as an area with promise for growth. “The herbal industry, though still largely untapped here, is a multi-billion ringgit industry, and I believe with concerted efforts on research and development and the right collaboration, Sabah has the potential to be a key player in herbal medicines,” he said at the annual dinner and installation night of the Sabah Pharmaceutical Society at Sutera Pacific Hotel here last night. “Opportunities are also abound under the Sabah Development Corridor whereby harnessing our biodiversity resources for value adding as one of its objectives. As such, I hope pharmacists will take up, the challenge to pursue this industry, and he realized its potentials and socio-economic benefits for Sabah in particular, and Malaysia in generals added the Chief Minister. Having said that, Musa said it is also timely to conduct more surveys into the manpower development of the pharmacist population in anticipation of new challenges in the face of globalization and market liberalization. “As a member of the healthcare team, it is crucial that all pharmacists keep abreast of advancement in medicines and as well as challenges facing the industry. Only then, the general public in Sabah can continue to enjoy a high level of service from the. industry. This is in line with the Government’s emphasis on enhancing our human capital to maintain our competitive edge in a globalised world. “With attention paid to the quality of service, the continuing Professional Development Programme and an effective medicines management policy, it is without doubt that pharmacists can then be better equipped in carrying out their roles and responsibilities in the rapidly changing healthcare scene,” said Musa. The Chief Minister pointed out an area of concern is the persistent drug menace that is still affecting the welfare of the people and security of the State. Pharmacists, who are well- versed with the effects of habit- forming drugs, can also play an effective role in providing useful information in preventing the abuse of drugs, he said. “I notice that the Society had played quite an active role in the State’s anti- drug programme in the past and I would like to urge all members to continue to complement the Government’s efforts in combating the drug menace. Let us all combine our efforts to increase vigilance and actively promote a drug-free community,” he added. Mr Yee That Hian was the newly installed President of the Sabah Pharmaceutical Society. He replaced Dr Allan Matthews.

MONDAY-26TH MAY 2008- SEXY SCHOOL UNIFORMS STAY

Sexy School Uniforms stay
Hishammuddin: Changing uniforms won’t reduce sexual crimes committed against schoolgirls

PALOH:

The Education Ministry will not change the current uniform worn by girls in Government schools, which has been described as too “sexy” and has allegedly contributed to rape and other immoral acts. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, said the uniform has been in use for decades and would probably not change much in the next few years. He said that he personally felt it was unfair to blame the students or their uniforms for sexual crimes committed against them. “It is unfair to punish women and children for the clothes they wear for the act of the rapist,” he said, adding that he could not allow such stereotyping to continue. “Clothing is not the main consideration for those who commit despicable acts like these,” he said, in reference to the National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia’s condemnation of the uniform for being too sexy. Hishammuddin said that although he believed that changing the uniforms would not reduce sexual crimes committed against schoolgirls, he would refer the matter to experts within his Ministry before making a decision. The Association said the uniform encouraged rape and pre-marital sex. “The white blouse is too transparent for girls and it becomes a source of attraction,” said its Vice President, Munirah Bahari. “It becomes a distraction to men, who are drawn to it, whether or not they like looking at it,” she said, calling for a review of uniform policy so that it did not violate Islamic ideals. Female students at Government schools have a choice of wearing a white blouse with a knee-length skirt or pinafore. They may also wear a “baju kurung” which is a traditional long top and skirt, and a headscarf is optional for Malay students. Munirah said that “covering up” according to Islamic precepts was important to fend off social ills including “rape, sexual harassment and even premarital sex which involve schoolgirls in their teens.” “All this leads to babies born out of wedlock and to an extent, even prostitution,” she said. “Decent clothes which are not revealing can prevent and protect women from any untoward situations,” she said, suggesting that girls wear a blouse of a different colour or with an undergarment. However, the girls themselves also came in for criticism, with the Association saying some used the white blouse to lure men. “This is the source of the problem, where we can see that schoolgirls themselves are capable of using this to attract men to them,” Munirah said, adding this could see them getting molested, having pre-marital sex and all sorts of things.

FRIDAY-23 MAY 2008- THAM QUESTIONS CHIN'S RATIONALE FOR DEFENDING JPPS

Tham questions Chin’s rationale for defending JPPS

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) stalwart Datuk Tham Nyip Shen yesterday took Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Deputy President Datuk Chin Su Phin to task for defending the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPPS). Tham especially questioned Chin’s over-zealous act of defending the Department. “Perhaps he should tell the people of Sabah what is his relation with the JPPS,” said Tham in a statement issued here yesterday. He was responding to Chin’s statement on Wednesday, cautioning the Government not to make a hasty decision in closing down the Department. The former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah argued that JPPS was set up to facilitate the implementation of Federal-funded Government projects in the State, for fear of sabotage from the then Opposition PBS State Government. “But this is no longer the case now, as the Barisan Nasional is now the ruling Government in Sabah, as such JPPS has already outlived its usefulness,” he pointed out. He also noted that unlike in the past when the Department was first established, it has become less efficient and uncooperative over the years and has drawn criticisms from many Elected Representatives in Sabah. This was reflected in the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting where many of the YBs have voiced their dissatisfaction over the practical functions of JPPS to meet the needs of Sabah people. Not only that, sometimes even the Ministers are having problems dealing with JPPS, he claimed, hence making it difficult for them to serve the people effectively. Tham added that prolonging the existence of JPPS not only benefit a privileged few but also giving an impression that Central BN simply does not trust Sabahans, a scenario that Kuala Lumpur must avoid at all cost today. On Wednesday, Chin said that the suggestion to close down the JPPS was only the views of several Sabah BN component leaders and as such did not reflect the view of all Sabahans. He said nobody could deny the fact that over the past 20 years, the JPPS had benefited the people Sabah, in particular the rural areas such as the construction of roads. hospitals, schools and fire station during the Eighth Malaysia Plan and under the current Plan. He also said any hasty decision t close down the Department would not only inconvenience its bi number of staff, including professionals such as engineers and their family members but also jeopardize on-going development projects being undertaken by the Department. He said it would not make an difference to close down the Department and gives it another name “We cannot make a hasty decision and close down JPPS just to pacif3 certain unsatisfied leaders because this will not solve the problem. Nevertheless, if there is really need to close down the JPPS, ii must be done properly and with ample time to do it,” he argued. After the March 8 Genera Election, and following overwhelming requests from Sabah leaders, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi promised to close down the JPPS.

FRIDAY-23 MAY 2008- DOs,ADOs URGED TO ENHANCE LAWS KNOWLEDGE

DOs, ADOs urged to enhance laws knowledge

KOTA KINABALU:

State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman has urged District Officers (DOs) and Assistant District Officers (ADOs) to enhance their knowledge and understanding of existing laws. “This is vital to enable District Officers and Assistant District Officers to discharge their statutory duties as Second Class Magistrate, especially in handling remand proceedings” he said when closing a course on Remand Proceedings and Statutory Duties here yesterday. The course was jointly organised by the Rural Development Ministry, State Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Sabah Law Association (SLA). It was the first such course for District Officers and Assistant District Officers from across the State Sukarti, who was represented by Rural Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Ghulam Jelani, said such course should have been provided to District Officers and Assistant District Officers long time ago. Nevertheless, he said the course was timely in view of the increasing number of cases involving the application of remand order from the police and other enforcement bodies in the State. “At the same time, it is difficult to engage qualified speakers to update the DOs and ADOs on the laws on important issues,” said Sukarti, urging the officers to discharge their duties efflciently.

FRIDAY-23RD MAY 2008- FOUR ASSISTANT MINISTERS SWORN IN

FOUR ASSISTANT MINISTERS SWORN IN

KOTA KINABALU:

Four Assistant Ministers were sworn in before the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah at the Istana Negeri here witnessed by High Court Judge Datuk Clement Skinner yesterday. They were Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar, Assistant Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Herbert Timbun Lagadan and Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministers Datuk Ellron Angin and Bolkiah Ismail. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman, Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Juhar Mahiruddin and other members of the State Cabinet. The four Assistant Ministers took their oath of office following a recent decision by the State Legislative Assembly to pass the amendment to the State Constitution to increase the Assistant Minister posts from l4 to 18. The other 14 Assistant Ministers for the various portfolios were sworn in together with the full Ministers soon after the March 8 general election in which the State Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Musa won 59 State seats and 24 Parliamentary seats, losing only Sri Tanjung and Kota Kinabalu to the opposition DAP.

FRIDAY-23 MAY 2008- ELEVEN DEATHS IN KENINGAU IN FIVE MONTHS

Eleven road deaths in Keningau in five months

KENINGAU:

Eleven road deaths in 212 accidents were recorded in the district in the first five months this year. Bingkor Assemblyman Justin Guka, who revealed this yesterday, said nine other people were seriously injured and 11 were slightly injured. The number of accidents during the period represents a 12 percent drop from the 243 cases in the same period last year, he told a press conference after launching the Kaamatan Festival Road Safety and Rear Seat Safety Belt campaigns here. Present at the function were District Police Chief, DSP Zahari Mohammad, State Road Safety Department Director, Herdianshah Abdul Karim; Road Transportation Department Enforcement Chief, Sharul Nizam Mohd Yatim; Assistant District Officer, Ash Sulaiman, District Chief, OKK Mohd Amir Datuk Arif; Heads of State and Federal Departments and local community leaders. Justin, who said the fatalities involved motorcycle riders, motorists and a pedestrian, advised road users to be more responsible when driving on the road. “Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and when feeling sleepy because it is too dangerous for them and other road users,” he said. Meanwhile, Herdianshah Abdul Karim said the regulation requiring backseat passengers to use safety belt will only be enforced in September this year and it is only for the private vehicle passengers. Vehicle owners will be given three years to fix the backseat belts after it was enforced, and it must be done through the dealers from which the vehicles were bought and not at any accessories shops, he said. However, he added, vehicles registered before 1995 would be exempted from this requirement.

FRIDAY-23RD MAY 2008- GOVT NEEDS COMPREHENSIVE, EFFICIENT INFO SYSTEM: MAX

Govt needs comprehensive, efficient info system: Max

KOTA KINABALU:

The Government needs a comprehensive and efficient information system in order to develop a cohesive mechanism for disaster preparedness management to minimize fatalities. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said an understanding of geo-fluid mechanics, chemical and biological aspects of any issues such as climate change is of utmost importance to any Government. These studies are important for the formulation of any strategies and plans for the sustainability of ocean and coastal natural resources, he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Minister Fadillah Haji Yusof .during the seventh International Scientific Symposium of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (Western Pacific) at the Magellan Sutera here yesterday. According to Maximus, with an advanced technology, any natural disasters such as the Cyclone Nargis that hit Myanmar and killed some 130,000 people could be tracked earlier and be monitored. He said the Malaysian Government has allocated RM3, 08 billion in the Ninth Malaysia Plan to commercialise the research and development (R&D) results and Intellectual Properties Protection. The Government recognises the need to translate research findings and program outcomes into innovations and more crucially to generate sustainable wealth from the marine environment to address the issues of food shortages, alternative sources of energy and poverty. “One of the significant programs undertaken is the centralised National R&D funding mechanism i.e. the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) which begins in the Fifth Malaysia Plan,” he said. Maximus said that under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, his Ministry, with the support of its agencies, continues to carry out various programmes to promote R&D and Innovations through several funding mechanisms for research institutions, higher learning institutions as well as private sectors. He said the Ministry supports R&D efforts within five clusters, which are biotechnology, ICT, Industry, Sea to Space (S2S) and S&T services where researches undertaken by various institutions are coordinated by various bodies such as Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES). The symposium, held from May 21-24, features presentations and discussions on issues such as climate change in the Western Pacific region, coastal and offshore processes and their measurement, best practices in marine environmental forecasting and data management, and assessment of the marine ecosystem health, including the economic implications of the marine environmental hazards. Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Husin who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Chairman of IOC/Westpac Dr Hyung Tack Huh, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah Prof. Datuk Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin and Chairperson of National Organizing Committee Malaysia for IOC/ Westpac Prof Dr Nor Aieni Hj Mokhtar. The symposium, the first held in Sabah and second in Malaysia, is themed “Natural Hazards and Changing Marine Environment in the Western Pacific”. The Western Pacific Chapter of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/ Westpac), which comprises 20 countries and a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, addresses current international concerns such as the effects of climate change particularly the devastation on the economies and quality of life of the poorest of communities. The symposium was jointly organized by the National Oceanographic Directorate of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and Borneo Marine Research Institute of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in collaboration with IOC/Westpac of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organisation (UNESCO).

FRIDAY-23RD MAY 2008- DO NOT INVOLVE THE KING, SAYS MAHATHIR

Do not involve the King, says Mahathir

TOKYO:

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said here yesterday it was not necessary to involve the Yang di Pertuan Agong to help resolve his spat with Prime Minister and Umno President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. “This is a question of Umno politics. We should not take the issue to the Yang di Pertuan Agong,” he said when asked to comment on a suggestion by Umno veteran Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa to seek the king’s mediation in the dispute. Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying yesterday that the quarrel between Dr Mahathir and Abdullah had reached a stage where it could only be resolved by the intervention of the Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin as the mediator. Dr Mahathir was approached for his comments after a dialogue session at the Nikkei International Conference on “The Future of Asia”, here. The former Prime Minister also said that he had no objections if Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tim Razak wanted to meet him. The dispute between Dr Mahathir and Abdullah reached a “shocking” stage last Monday when Dr Mahathir, who had served as Umno President for 22 years, announced that he was quitting the party after having lost confidence in Abdullah’s leadership, and that he would only rejoin the party after Abdullah had stepped down as Umno President and Prime Minister. Many quarters see the move as a last-ditch attempt by Dr Mahathir to remove Abdullah from Umno and the Government. -Bernama

FRIDAY-23RD MAY 2008- CLIMATE CHANGE THREAT: PRACTICAL POLICIES NEEDED

Climate change threat: Practical policies needed

KOTA KINABALU:

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has urged the scientific community worldwide to help in formulating practical policies to shape nature conservation programmes amid the challenges posed by global climate change. He said the impact of climate change is very serious not only on human being but also to the marine life as the rise in ocean temperature by just a few degrees could destroy coral reefs through bleaching. “The creation of networks of marine protected areas, I believe, can help degraded marine habitats recover and thrive. I therefore request the scientific community to do more to provide help in formulating practical policies needed to shape nature conservation,” he said in a speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin at the 7th International Scientific Symposium of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (Western Pacific) here yesterday. The four-day symposium was jointly organised by the National Oceanographic Directorate of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and Borneo Marine Research Institute of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in collaboration with Western Pacific Chapter of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/Westpac) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organisation (UNESCO). More than 20 scientific working papers would be presented at the symposium being attended by local and foreign participants fromthe2OIOC/Westpacmembercountries. Musa acknowledged that dealing with climate change is indeed a complex matter that involves complex issues such as those pertaining to quality of life, equity and environmental practices. He urged the international community to stand together in facing natural disasters which know no national boundary. “A tsunami originating in one country can bring havoc in places far remote from the source, and this calls for joint efforts to handle the situation,” he added. Musa hoped the symposium will stimulate research efforts aimed at improving the ability to mitigate geologic hazards through innovative tools and observations. Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Noh Dalimin said that while it is impossible to completely prevent destruction in disasters, it is possible to reduce the potential risk by developing early warning systems. Other mitigating methods include preparing developmental plans to provide resilience to such disasters, developing better communication and rescue systems, and helping in post-disaster work, he said. Noh said only innovative, multidisciplinary and collaborative solutions developed by the scientific community will ensure sustainability of the ocean ecosystem for sustainable seafood supplies, which is one of the focal points of the 20 countries of the Western Pacific grouping.

FRIDAY-23 MAY 2008- KING WANTS UITM TO OFFER MORE POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES

King wants UiTM to offer more post-graduate programmes

SHAH ALAM:

The Yang di Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has suggested that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) introduces more postgraduate academic programmes, locally and abroad, to attract more students. He believed that this, indirectly, would help enhance research activities in various fields. He said UiTM’s success in receiving the most gold medals in the country for its research proved that it was on par with other universities. Tuanku Mizan, who is also UiTM Chancellor, attributed UiTM’s success to the commitment, comradeship and unity of the staff and students. “Therefore, an effective channel for corporate communication and information should be established so that all objectives, implementation approach and the university’s success can be shared. “It is based on this strength that the University can move to achieve greater heights and meet the country’s needs,” he said when speaking at the UiTM’s 68th convocation here yesterday. “With this, UiTM will not only be listed in the ranking of the Times Higher Education Supplement, but its name will also be on the lips of renowned academicians in the world, as being among the best universities,” he added. At the function, Tuanku Mizan presented scrolls to the first batch of 19 graduates from the university’s Medical Faculty and an Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science to Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kader, who is the first Asian woman to reach the North and South poles.-Bernama

FRIDAY-23 MAY 2008- ROBERT KUOK CONTINUES TO TOP MALAYSIA'S RICH LIST

Robert Kuok continues to top Malaysia’s rich list

SINGAPORE:

Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Robert Kuok continues to maintain his lead position as Malaysia’s richest man in the latest Forbes Asia’s rich list. According to Forbes Asia, Kuok, 84, who has many businesses, including Hong Kong property and media interests, and most notably palm oil giant Wilmar, increased his net worth from US$2.4 billion last year to hit US$10 billion. The latest ranking list also saw Berjaya Corp’s Tan Sri Vincent Tan joining the billionaires’ club, Forbes Asia said in a news release here. There are 10 billionaires in the list this year, one more than last year. Tan, who rose from 14th to ninth position, has a net worth of US$1.3 billion, up nearly US$1 billion from last year. Forbes Asia said Tan’s company, Berjaya Corporation, had bucked the trend with its stock price up nearly three-fold over the past 12 months. Tan reigns over a vast US$4 billion — combined sales — network of enterprises spanning industries such as gaming, media, telecom, consumer products and retail as well as real estate. Still in second place is Ananda Krishnan who heads telecom company Maxis. But his wealth dipped to US$7.2 billion, which is US$200 million less than last year. The third richest in the list is 101 Corporation’s group executive chairman Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng who was ranked fourth last year but as the oil palm plantation giant soared in value, his wealth rose from US$1.6 billion to US$5.5 billion, Forbes Asia said. The highest new entry is Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, widow of renowned gaming tycoon Tan Sri Lim Goh Tang who was ranked third last year but died in October. She and her family are worth US$3.4 billion and ranked fifth, even as son Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, who runs Genting, is listed on his own with US$345 million, putting him in 15th place. Lee is one of three women on the list alongside Selangor Properties’ chairman Puan Sri Chong Chook Yew, ranked 24th (US$245 million), and daughter of the Sultan of Perak, Raja Datuk Seri Eleena Raja Azlan Shah, ranked 35th (US$150 million). Among the newcomers is Datuk Nazir Razak, group chief executive of CIMB Group and the youngest son of second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. Nazir managed to scrape into the 40th position as the last richest Malaysian in Forbes Asia’s top 40 with a net worth of US$100 million. The collective wealth of the top 40 is US$46 billion, up US$3 billion from last year. While 16 people managed to add to their wealth, 18 saw their net worth slipped, with seven of them losing at least a quarter of their worth. Tan Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, the richest Malay tycoon and a billionaire, dropped one position from seventh to eighth after his net worth was reduced by US$200 million to US$1.8 billion. The Malaysia Rich List appears in the June 2 issue of Forbes Asia. The top 10 richest in Malaysia are:
1) Robert Kuok, US$10 billion.

2) Ananda Krishnan, US$7.2 billion.

3) Lee Shin Cheng, US$5.5 billion.

4) Teh Hong Piow, US$3. 5billion.

5) Lee Kim Hua & family, US$3.4 billion.

6) Quek Leng Chan, US$2.4 billion.

7) Yeoh Tiong Lay & family, US$2.1 billion.

8) Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, US$1.8 billion.

9) Vincent Tan, US$1.3 billion.

10) Tiong Hiew King, US$1.1 billion.

-Bernama