MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- YAYASAN SABAH GROUP HELPS PEOPLE BY HELPING NATURE

Yayasan Sabah Group helps people by helping nature

IN principle, Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) was not established for the purpose of carrying out any specific nature conservation activities. Perhaps the closest link that Yayasan Sabah has with regard to nature conservation activities is Section 17 of the Yayasan Sabah Enactment, which relates to the almost one million hectares of forestland that the Sabah State Government has made available to YSG as its source of funding to carry out the various activities that it needs to perform in order to achieve its social objectives. The timber concession area provided to Yayasan Sabah Group by the Sabah State Government to help finance activities related to its responsibility is rich in timber, yet very sensitive environmentally. Therefore, it is inherent in Yayasan Sabah Group to manage the area on a sustainable manner, both economically and environmentally. Thus, while timber resources contain within the area is important to finance the implementation of Yayasan Sabah Group’s socioeconomic responsibilities, at the same time it has to manage the area as environmentally friendly as possible. This led to the creation of several conservation areas, namely Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas. Recent addition is the Tumunong Hallu Conservation Area, a small coastal area at Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu.

DANUM VALLEY

The Danum Valley Conservation Area in terms of faunal and floral diversity, can be regarded as being representative of a once abundance habitat in the island of Borneo - this is its main biodiversity, conservation and scientific value. Among the inhabitants of Danum Valley are the endangered Borneon Orangutan, Borneon pygmy elephant, banteng, Malayan sun bear, clouded leopard, bearded pig and many species of deer. It is also home to the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. A haven for birdwatchers, Danum Valley boasts 300 species of bird including the Red-Crowned Barbet, seven species of pitta and all eight species of hornbill found in Borneo. Danum Valley is also an important site for pioneering research and operational experiment in carbon sequestration, such as the Innoprise-Face Foundation Rehabilitation Project (Infapro) and Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) as well as site for major study on atmospheric chemistry, which is related to the framework of Climate Change Convention. For the next four years beginning 2008, Danum Valley will host a long-term research project entitled 0P3-DANUM-08 which investigates climate changes.

MALIAU BASIN

The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a huge bowl of almost pristine forests comprising an unusual assemblage of forest types guarded by formidable cliffs and described as one of the few remaining relatively untouched wilderness areas in the world. The flora of Maliau is distinct and diverse, including at least six species of pitcher plant and 80 species of orchid, several of which are new records for Sabah. Maliau may be one of only two remaining sites of the rare Rafflesia tengku-adlinii, first discovered here in 1988. Maliau Basin is also set to become a haven for birdwatchers as well as conservation of bird biodiversity. Over 270 species such as the Bornean Bristlehead, Peregrine Falcon and Bulwer’s Pheasant have been recorded in the area and the surrounding buffer zones, of which an astonishing 26% are listed as threatened or near-threatened by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Over 70 mammal species have so far been recorded, including some of Sabah’s rarest mammals such as the proboscis monkey and Sumatran rhinoceros. The surrounding forest is also refuge to the endangered Banteng and Asian Elephant. Due to the unique geomorphological condition of Maliau Basin, there are numerous waterfalls, one of which is the magnificent seven-tier Maliau Falls.

IMBAK CANYON

Imbak Canyon Conservation Area is a sweeping swathe of unspoilt forest, north of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area in the heart of Sabah. It is one of the largest remaining areas of unlogged lowland dipterocarp forest left in Sabah. As pristine forest, Imbak has a key role as a gene bank or seed source for forest rehabilitation in the future, as well as a potentially important source of undiscovered plant based medicine. During a 10-day expedition, 69 specimens of ethno-medicinal plants from 15 families were found to be medicinally useful. Imbak also plays an integral role as part of the vital wildlife corridor connecting Danum Valley and Maliau Basin.

TUMUNONG HALLU

Tumunong Hallu Conservation Area is located in the Darvel Bay on the southeast coast of Sabah. Darvel Bay is one of the renowned marine biodiversity areas in the region. Yayasan Sabah Group is currently undertaking initiatives to develop the area as a marine and coastal forest research centre. Long-term research on marine life (e.g. coral rehabilitation, coral and clam conservation, richness and distribution of algae, habitat restoration and aquaculture) and mangrove are among the research potentials that can be carried out here apart from recreational activities as the area has beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. To further enhance the conservation areas, centers for research, training, education and recreation were established, namely Danum Valley Field Centre and Maliau Basin Studies Centre. These centres both act as an administrative centre as well as venues or facilities to carry out activities related to nature education and training, recreation and tourism, and scientific research activities. Yayasan Sabah Group does not specifically carry out most of the basic scientific research activities, but by providing logistical support, it has attracted scientists and research grants. This has been proven to be a good and appropriate strategy. Danum Valley Field Centre is now an internationally recognized site for tropical research activities - ‘A World Class Research Station’ along with La Selva in Costa Rica and Baro Colorado Island in Panama.

FOREST REHABILITATION

Reduced Impact Logging
In relation to improving the management of the forest, YSG has been instrumental in developing and piloting the logging guidelines that could reduce incidental damage to the forest. Famously referred to as the Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) guidelines, it is now part and parcel of the sustainable Forest Management practices which the Government adopted as policy since 1997.

RIL Exneriment
Around about the same time that the RIL was being experimented in 1992, YS embarked on a project involving large-scale enrichment planting of dipterocarp in logged- over rainforest as well as the tending of naturally regenerating dipterocarp seedlings, other commercial timber species and forest fruit trees. This is made possible through collaboration with the FACE Foundation of the Netherlands. One of the key purposes of the project, apart from nature conservation, is to promote the rehabilitation of forests to absorb Carbon Dioxide (C02) from the atmosphere. Today more than 11,000 ha of forest had been rehabilitated.

Collaboration with IKEA
On a largely conservation purposes, in 1988 YSG began a collaboration in a forest rehabilitation project with foundation established by IKEA, the Sow-A-Seed Foundation. During the first phase of the project (1998- 2003), a total area of 4,600 ha has been successfully rehabilitated. The second phase (2003-2008) would rehabilitate up to 4,500 ha of degraded forest.

Nature Education
What better way to educate the public about the importance of conserving our environment than to bring them to the conservation areas to experience the pristine ambience of the rainforest as it has been for hundreds of years. Through in-situ recreational and ecotourism activities and environmental education at the conservation areas, conservation of wildlife including large mammals is efficiently promoted. Towards this effort, the study/ field centres established in Danum Valley and Maliau Basin provide logistical support (accommodation, food, transportation, rangers, etc) for visitors, whose nature experience are further enhanced with nature interpretation by experienced and knowledgeable rangers, and facilities such as observation towers and sky- bridges offer visitors a canopy view of the forest and the added thrill of walking on a cable sky-bridges high above the forest floor. YS has also established a program that is specifically for the purpose of organizing nature and environmental education programme. The program is called the Sabah Nature Club and it has now been running for almost 20 years. Sabah Nature Club or better known as SNC is a joint program with the Education Department as an extra-curricular activity for schools in Sabah, maximizing the involvement of school heads, teachers and the Nature Orientation Courses or NOCs at Danum Valley and Maliau Basin during school holidays.

Safeguarding Nature
Research, education and nature tourism activities can only be successful if the area is efficiently protected. In ensuring the pristine condition of the conservation areas so that it may continue to appeal to researchers, naturalists and tourists, several activities are carried out by Yayasan Sabah Group including surveillance and patrolling to curb illegal hunting, felling of timber and poaching of gaharu, a much sought after non-timber forest product. Conserving the environment no doubt lies at the heart of global commitments intended to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations a wide range of goods and services essential for life on earth, in that conservation areas around the world are increasingly recognized for their role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and act as buffer against impacts such as sea level rise and extreme weather events, they are sources of pure water and vital ecosystem services;genetic store houses, and sites for tourism and recreation. In essence, therefore, Yayasan Sabah Group helps people by helping nature.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- LET ANWAR DECIDE WHEN TO FORM PAKATAN RAKYAT GOVERNMENT, SAYS ANSARI

Let Anwar decide when to form Pakatan Rakyat Government, says Ansari

PENAMPANG:

Sabah Keadilan Liaison Chief Hj Ansari Abdullah has urged Keadilan members to be patient and allow de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to decide when to pull the rug off the feet of the Barisan Nasional. “Anwar has the number to form the Pakatan Rakyat Federal Government,” Ansari said when he officiated the Penampang Keadilan Division Kaamatan at Dowish Restaurant here last week. The Sabah Keadilan Chief criticised the recent oil price hike which is affecting the poor. He said the official poverty rate of 24 percent in Sabah would soon increase. Ansari reminded the gathering that Anwar had already warned of the price hike if BN was returned to power. Nevertheless, he informed the members that more than 150,000 Sabahan voters had ‘heard’ the message. Penampang Keadilan Division Chief Dr Edwin Bosi said the frequent electric failures and flooding after an intermittent rain in the City and Penampang area indicated the poor management of the Government. He said if only the Government was concerned about the problems affecting the rakyat then the problems could be easily resolved. Bosi who is also Sabah Keadilan Information Chief, said the Government’s priority is wrong. “They are spending too much on mega projects and space adventure. A Government is like a mega corporation. The managers must ensure profitability. The people decide on the Government and the Government in turn ensure that the management is efficient to deliver the tasks,” he said. Both Ansari and Bosi reminded the gathering that Kaamatan is the time to look back at our achievement in agriculture production. With the rice shortage and price hike, both leaders also urged the members to promote or involve in food production. After all, Sabah is blessed with huge tract of fertile land. Among the 300 present at the celebration were DAP Kapayan leader Steven Jimbangan, Sabah Keadilan Treasurer Datuk Kong Hong Min Kalabakan Division Chief Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Hasbullah Hj Taha, Sabah Keadilan Liaison Assistant Secretary Hj Mohd Shukur Abdul Mumin and Sabah Keadilan Youth Chief Mr Razak Jamil.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- MENGASIH CENTRE NEEDS PUBLIC DONATIONS

Mengasih Centre needs public donations

KOTA KINABALU:

Donations and cooperation from the public are needed for the Seri Mengasih Centre to run its operation. Joanne Sario, one of the organisers of the Seri Mengasih Fair, said the purpose of organizing the event yesterday was to achieve the objective of this centre which is to collect funds. According to her, the program - held every two years – is aimed to search for volunteers and generous people and organizations that are willing to help the Centre. Joanne added they wanted to find a new site for the Centre. At the moment, they are using a site which is belonged to the Government and it would be developed anytime. “Thus, I hope the donations that we received from the public will help to find a suitable place for this The program was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Pairin Kitingan’s wife, Datin Seri Panglima Genevieve Kitingan, on behalf of the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rafidah Hj Tussin. Fifty-one stalls were set up at the fair which was held from 8.30am to 2pm. Among the activities held were food fair, lucky draws, presentation by the Seri Mengasih pupils and band performances.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- INCREASE ALLOWANCE OF JKKK CHAIRMEN: JAINAB

Increase allowance of JKKK chairmen: Jainab

KOTA KINABALU:

The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has been asked to consider increasing the allowance of Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen in the State. Assistant Industrial Development Minister Jainab Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Ayid said the present allowance was still too low if compared to what the JKKK chairmen received in the Peninsular. “The function, role and responsibility of JKKK chairmen in both regions are the same. They are agents for development and are the ears and eyes of the Government who explain to the rakyat about the Government’s policies,” she said. Thus, she said the allowance of the JKKK chairmen should be standardized in the country. According to Jainab, the matter has been forwarded to Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Taib when the latter held a meeting with the Sabah representatives here. “We hope he will consider reviewing the allowance of the JKKK chairmen in the State immediately,” she said. Jainab meanwhile thanked Muhammad for giving a positive response to standardising the allowance of village chiefs here. “From what we have read in the newspapers, he has assured that the allowance will be directly channelled from the Federal Government to the State Government for distribution to the village chiefs together with additional allowance from the State Government,” she said. On the target set by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to complete infrastructure facilities such as water and electricity supplies as well as roads within a radius of 30km from the City and rural towns in the State by 2016, Jainab said it showed that the Government is committed to take care of the welfare and needs of the people. “However, if possible, we hope that rural areas in Sabah which still do not have such facilities will enjoy them early without waiting until 2016,” Jainab added.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- DEVELOP NATIVE TITLE, NCR LANDS TO IMPROVE ECONOMY: DOMPOK

Develop native title, NCR lands to improve economy: Dompok

Penampang:

Landowners with native title (NT) and native customary right (NCR) lands have been urged to develop them to improve their economy. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok in the making the call, said the lands should not be left idle. “As Bumiputeras, we are lucky to have NT and NCR lands which are suitable for agriculture so we should not let them remain idle,” he said, adding that agricultural activities are also proof of ownership of the lands. According to Dompok, there is immediate need to increase agricultural products, especially padi in Sabah to meet local demands. “With the increase in prices of necessities such as rice, there is a need to increase padi production and landowners must take this opportunity to utilize their land to its maximum for agricultural purposes,” the Penampang Member of Parliament said when presenting rubber tree seedlings to villagers in Kampung Dudar, Kota Belud last week. Dompok also said that the price for rubber in both latex and processed forms was good and could help improve the income of planters. “The price for latex is now RM7.55 and rubber sheets RM5.20 sen so planting rubber trees is one good way to supplement your income, “he told the villagers before praising them for the initiative to implement the cluster rubber plantation project which involved 39 participants with a total land area of 127 acres. The Sabah Rubber Industry Board (SRIB) Kota Belud and the Persatuan Tobilung Sabah (TOBISA) have also done a good job by taking the initiative to assist the villagers of Kampung Dudar, he said. “TOBISA’s role not only covers the cultural development aspect but also increasing awareness as well as organizing economic activities for its members and this is something which must be lauded,” Dompok said, adding that he is confident that other non-governmental organizations will emulate TOBISA’s efforts. Meanwhile, TOBISA President Muji Ampau in his speech earlier said Kota Belud is among the districts in Sabah which has a high poverty rate. “This rubber plantation project can help lift the villagers out of the hardcore poverty line,” he said.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- MP RIDICULED FOR TRYING TO HELP GAYA ISLANDERS

Mp ridiculed for trying to help Gaya islanders

KOTA KINABALU:

Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Marcus Mojigoh said he had been ridiculed for trying to resolve the problems of villagers in Pulau Gaya. He said this is because most people thought that the villagers are foreigners, both legal and illegal “They always think that when I bring all these issues up, I am addressing the problems of the immigrants but they are wrong. Don’t get the feeling that they are foreigners because they are actually locals,” he said. Mojigoh urged corporate companies and the private sector to assist the villagers in Kampung Pulau Gaya and Kampung Pulau Gaya Baru to resolve their water woes. He said the private sector and corporate companies have the corporate responsibility to help out the locals in need. He said this after a lighting inspection trip to the two villages located on Pulau Gaya, a mere seven minutes away by boat from the mainland here. “I have spoken to Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib about this matter and suggested that some sort of water distilling facility be built on the island so that villagers there have access to clean water,” Mojigoh said. “Maybe the corporate companies can assist by building a water distilling facility on the island,” he said and stressed that the lack of clean water supply is one of the main problems affecting villagers on the island. Mojigoh also lamented that the problem is not new as nothing has been done to improve the water supply system on the island. “I have been pressuring for funds from the relevant ministries but to no avail and I repeat the effort is like a puppy barking at the mountain. There is no effect,” he said, adding that the Government’s inability to resolve the people’s problems will make them vote for the Opposition. “They have no alternative because they feel that the Government is not serious in resolving their problems and we do not want this to happen,” he said. Mojigoh also issued an invitation to the Rural and Regional Development Minister to personally visit the island and see for himself just how dire the living conditions are. “I won’t be surprised if what he sees there will bring tears to his eyes,” Mojigoh said. Meanwhile, community leaders of Kampung Pulau Gaya and Kampung Pulau Gaya Baru said that even after 50 years of the country’s independence, their living conditions have not changed much. Of course they now have (limited) electricity supply, schools and are no longer living in huts with ‘nipah’ roof, the living condition of the 2,000 over villagers here is still very difficult. The villagers are lamenting the fact despite being so near to the City, they do not have basic necessities such as steady supply of clean water and medical services. Village leaders when met during Mojigoh’s visit to the island, expressed hope that the Government would seriously consider easing their burden. “We are not asking for 100 percent development on the island but just the basic infrastructure such as clean water supply and uninterrupted electricity supply,” Community Developer Salleh Haji Lait said. Salleh said that residents in the two villages are of course grateful to the Government for providing educational facilities and electricity but pointed that more needs to be done to help the villagers. “If possible we would like to enjoy 24-hour electricity supply because at the moment the power supply to the island is only from 5pm to midnight. Our most urgent need though is clean water supply as we are now depending on springs and wells as well as rainwater. “Those who can afford it can purchase water and if we use it sparingly, two 100-litre drums of water can last only two days,” he said, adding that it costs about RM25 to fill up two 100-litre drums. Villagers collect rain water for bathing and washing clothes, he said. Mojigoh has proposed that a reservoir be built on the island so that the villagers can enjoy clean water all the time. According to Salleh further, numerous requests to set up a rural clinic on the island has also been rejected by the authorities who cited security reason for not approving the medical facility. Salleh said there had been cases of fatalities because ailing villagers were unable to get medical attention and also of mothers delivering their babies in the boats transporting them to the mainland. “We would like to stress that we are not angry with the Government, just disappointed because it has neglected us. The Government seems to be more concerned about the illegal immigrant than the locals as from what we can see, the resettlement villages for the refugees are provided with all the basic infrastructure such as water and electricity,” he said. Fellow community leader Saimah Salam disclosed that about 30 percent of the villagers are living in abject poverty, some with no source of income. Their daily meal consists of watery plain rice porridge and if they are lucky, they might have some fish. Those who were lucky to have registered for aid from the Welfare Department receives RM60 monthly but the money does not go far. “The learning environment in schools is also not conducive because without electricity during the day, the students have no access to the educational programmes on television or radio. They have no access to computers too,” she said, adding that students who want to study at night will have to do so using oil lamps or candles.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- PAIRIN: COMMUNICATE WITH TAMBUNAN DISTRICT OFFICE

Pairin: Communicate with Tambunan District Office

TAMBUNAN:

Community leaders, especially the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in the district, must take the initiative to frequently communicate with the District Office here n matters arising in the respective areas. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan in giving the reminder, said by being in constant communication with the District Office, the JKKKs can find out about the latest development on their applications for development in their villages. The Rural Development Minister also reminded the JKKKs not to lose hope and give up if their applications are not approved fast. Pairin who is also the Tambunan Assemblyman, added the District Office received applications for projects from 88 JKKKs in the district and would have to look through all of them to determine those which should be given priority. “Approvals are made based on importance and allocation available, so I urge the JKKKs to be patient as the Government wants to assist the people but has to do so with limited funding,” he said when met after presenting water tanks to villagers in the remote villages of Kampung Kuala Monsok and Kampung Tondulu here. Earlier, District Officer Thomas Angor expressed disappointment over the action of some quarters who aired their grouses through the print media. These quarters have a hidden agenda behind their action, he said, adding that the District Office is always doing its best to assist the local community. “By right the problems faced by the villagers must be referred to the District Office first so that they can be recorded down before action is taken,” he said, adding that it is disheartening for them to find out about the villagers’ problems through the media and not via the proper channels. Pairin later handed over 900-litre plastic water tanks to the heads of 115 families from the two villages which have been fully dependent on rain and gravity water because the supply to the villages was disrupted by landslides and flooding. According to Pairin, the water tanks are part of the Government’s efforts to address the problems of the people, especially those in the rural areas.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- PM WARNS OF DISASTER IF PRICES NOT TACKLED

PM warns of disaster if prices not tackled

PUTRAJAYA:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has warned that bold, immediate, remedial measures had to be taken to tackle the food and fuel crisis as well as a possible recession or the world could be looking at a disaster which could jeopardise the livelihood of millions of people. “About 100 million or more people have descended into poverty worldwide while low and middle-income groups everywhere are feeling the strain of increased food prices on their budget. “Mass protests over food have erupted in several countries and more instability awaits those societies which fail to alleviate their problems. “It seems that we have yet to awaken to the enormity of the problem and its potential for creating a real disaster,” he said in his speech at a welcoming reception for about 150 local and international delegates to the two-day World Economic Forum on East Asia beginning yesterday. Also present was his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah. Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, said that global recession was not a distinct possibility, more so with the fallout of the US sub—prime crisis. He lamented that while East Asian countries might have taken measures to resolve the economic problems, they have had only limited impact, as food prices remained high and fuel prices continued to soar. Abdullah also took to task Western Governments for allowing unscrupulous speculators and their hunt for quick profits to prevail without any regard for good financial governance. Chastising them for their double standards, he said: “if our own financial institutionswere involved, I have no doubt that we would have been subject to vociferous criticism.” The Prime Minister said the most urgent challenge facing East Asia and the world was food prices which have risen by 75 per cent since 2000. “Wheat costs three times more and the price of rice has increased by 50 percent just over the past year. The problem that confronts all of us now is largely the consequence of ill-conceived and harmful policies. “These include the widespread conversion of arable land to cater to the production of bio-fuels, the depreciation of the US dollar which has made products more expensive, restrictions on the export of rice and the payment of subsidies on farm products in rich countries. “Such subsidies have made investment in agriculture less rewarding for developing countries,” he said. Abdullah said skyrocketing oil prices, now hovering at US$135 (US$1=RM3.27) a barrel, and forecast to increase to as high as US$200, was another threat to the global economy. Abdullah also cited speculation as a major factor inflating the prices of essential commodities like oil, wheat and rice in addition to wars and the threat of war in West Asia. “Even aggressive rhetoric, like threatening talk of attacking Iran, spooks markets and sends the price of oil spiralling upwards,” he said. Abdullah called on East Asian countries to do their best to address the triple challenges of high food prices, spiralling fuel costs and the likely global recession. Since the problem went beyond East Asia, Abdullah called on leaders, global institutions and the international con to address the many problems besetting their economies. “We have faced serious challenges beforebut rarely in such a potent combination and which seriously threatens the world. “Dire situations do call for bold measures,” he said.-Bernama

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- POS MALAYSIA DISBURSES RM27.6 MLN CASH REBATES ON SECOND DAY

Pos Malaysia disburses RM27.6 mln cash rebates on second day

KUALA LUMPUR:

Pos Malaysia Bhd (PMB) disbursed RM27.6 million to 59,154 eligible individual vehicle owners on the second day of the oil rebate payment nationwide yesterday. PMB said in a statement that its system continued to perform at the desired service levels to enable efficient transactions. It said that customers can download the claim forms for free at PMB’s website www.pos.com.my and submit the form directly at their counters to claim the rebates in the form of cash. “Eligible customers who possess Temporary Identity Card and wish to claim the rebates at the post offices are required to bring along the card for verification purposes and the processing time at the counter will take more than three minutes compared to the usual transaction process,” it said. PMB also advised the customers to contact JPJ at its hotline 03-8886 6427 or 03-8888 4244 should they experience problems relating to their respective data in JPS’s database. “PMB would access the JPJ database before responding to customers’ application for the cash rebates to verify their eligibility. “PMB wishes to thank our customers for their patience and cooperation in ensuring the smooth and efficient transaction of the disbursement of cash rebates,” it said. PMB also reminded the eligible individual vehicle owners that if they were not able to claim the cash rebate yesterday, they still had ample time to make the claim anytime until March 31, 2009. The public can also submit enquiries or feedback and get the latest information on PMB’s services through its Customer Service Centre at PosLine 1-300-300-300 or PMB’s website or any nearby post office. - Bernama

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- BANGGI HARDCORE POOR TO MOVE INTO RESETTLEMENT HOUSES

Banggi hardcore poor to move into resettlement houses

KUDAT:

Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad bin Muhammad Taib said 1,000 heads of hardcore poor household will move into the agropolitan project settlement houses in Banggi Island this October. “They will live in the houses which are almost completed through the first phase of the project,” he said. He said by moving into the settlement, it would change their way of living and they could enjoy many basic facilities there. Muhammad said this at a press conference after attending a programme with the people at Kampung Meliyu during a visit to Banggi Island with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman yesterday. Also present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Deputy Foreign Minister-cum Kudat Member of Parliament Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri and Banggi Assemblyman Abdul Mijul bin Unaini. Muhammad added the participants of the agropolitan project would be able to increase their income from RM300 to RM1,200 per month. “The RM167 million project at the 4,000-hectare area that will be used for rubber plantation will be able to help the houshold heads lift themselves out from hardcore poverty,” he said. Touching on electricity supply, Muhammad said his Ministry would find an alternative way to supply electricity to the islanders apart from building hybrid solar system which is now under implementation. “Currently, several researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) are doing research on using windmill to generate electricity for the residents here,” he said, adding getting power supply from the windmill was ideal due to the strong wind in the island. Muhammad also said the Banggi residents would be able to enjoy clean water after a clean water project worth RM30 million was completed while the road project was expected to be completed next year. The agropolitan project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on August 11 last year. It will be fully funded by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, which will cost RM167.36 million. FELCRA was appointed as the implementing agency to ensure the success of the project. The State Government will provide 4,500 acres of land for the projects to ensure its success. The high impact rural development project and agropolitan project in Banggi island will involve several components. Among them is the development of rubber tree plantation costing RM65.9 million and covering 4,500 of land. The other component of the project is the provision of land for 200 settlers under the Local Community Development Programme which cost RM10.6 million. With the implementation of this project, it is hoped that Banggi Island will change from a backward village to an economically self-sustaining area. It is estimated that 1,000 hardcore poor will benefit from the project in the form of share in the plantation. The State Government is confident that the project will solve the economic imbalance between the rural and urban areas.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- SABAH LAND OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS MUSA

Sabah land of investment opportunities, says Musa

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah is a land of opportunities for investors with policies to ensure that its people enjoy good quality of life, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said. “We in Sabah are very fortunate to live in an environment that has a fascinating mix of cultures, rich in natural resources and diversity of natural attractions,” he said at the welcome I dinner for participants of the Second International CEOs Conference here last night. Musa pointed out that with a population of three million people and backed by a stable political environment, Sabah provides an ideal climate for economic development as well as trade and investment opportunities. “We believe that Sabah is a land of opportunities for investors. Pragmatic policies and strategies have been formulated which not only guarantee long-term economic and political stability but also increase the prosperity and the quality of life of the people. “The Federal and State Governments are committed to create a conducive business climate, improve quality of life and a pleasant environment for the people generally,” he added. According to Musa, the event themed, ‘Managing Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness in the Globalised Era’ beginning today (June 16), is organised by Sabah Foundation and Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute. “Against a backdrop of economic uncertainties and inflationary pressure on a global scale, this conference comes at a most opportune time and we have high hopes that your deliberations over the next two days will address some of the pressing issues facing us today,” he said. Musa pointed out that the outlook for 2008 is laden with economic uncertainties, political instability, natural disasters and rising prices of food and commodities. Inevitably, all these will have profound implications worldwide. Gaining a competitive edge and sustaining economic growth in a globalised environment, without sacrificing the standard of living of communities, he said, are some issues that governments continue to work hard to address,” he said. “I trust this welcome dinner themed ‘An Evening in Sabah’, will not only give us exposure for network opportunities with successful world-renowned corporate figures and trailblazers, but will also serve as an excellent avenue for us to promote Sabah as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region,” he said.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- SAPP PRESIDENT RUMOURED TO HAVE QUIT BN

SAPP President rumoured to have quit BN

KOTA KINABALU:

Has outspoken Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee finally left the Barisan Nasional? After a series of strong statements, including an ultimatum that the BN Government resolve long-standing issues in Sabah rumours are rife that the former Member of Parliament and Chief Minister has resigned from the ruling coalition, New Straits Times reported yesterday. Not spared from the rumour mill is Sepanggar Member of Parliament Eric Majimbun and Tawau Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bid. Asked on Saturday whether there was any truth in the rumour, Yong evaded the question. He had once said that he would give BN until August to resolve the issues in Sabah or SAPP members might leave the coalition. Meanwhile, Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah reiterated to Bernama yesterday that a BN component party will leave the coalition at the end of this month. He only said the Party is from East Malaysia. When contacted in Kuala Lumpur, the Umno veteran declined to identify the party. The former Finance Minister said in Mentakab on Saturday that he received news that one Party would leave the BN before the end of the month.

MONDAY-16TH JUNE 2008- CONTESTS FOR ALL POSTS WON'T LEAD TO SPLITS, SAYS KHAIRY

Contests for all posts won’t lead to splits, says Khairy

TAWAU:

Contests for posts at all levels to choose Umno’s top leadership at the Party’s general assembly in December is not expected to lead to splits within the Party, said its Deputy Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin. He said his confidence was based on the maturity of Umno members and leaders and their holding fast to the concept of democracy. “I am confident and believe that the voting will be smooth. Open contests show Umno leaders’ attitude towards democracy that still exists and is strong,” Khairy told reporters here yesterday. However, Khairy hoped the contests for the top Umno posts, especially that of Party Chief, would be done smoothly and in a healthy manner. He also said that all problems raised by Sabah Umno Youth would be forwarded to the higher-ups in the Party for urgent action. - Bernama

SUNDAY-15TH JUNE 2008-MALAYSIAN JUSTICE ON TRIAL.. AGAIN?

SUNDAY- 15TH JUNE 2008-
MALAYSIAN JUSTICE ON TRIAL….AGAIN?

Last week in the Borneo Post it was reported that Sabah High Court Judge Justice Datuk Ian H. C. Chin revealed that a former prime minister had threatened judges. He also said that he and selected judges were sent to a boot camp to ensure they got the message.
Justice Chin said this before hearing an election petition challenging the results of the Sarikei parliamentary seat which was won by a BN candidate by just 51 votes.
In a report that comes hot on the heels of the findings of the Royal Commission on the V.K. Lingam video clip, Justice Chin said the threat from the former prime minister came after he handed down two judgments in 1997.

‘Boot Camp Judge’ Datuk Ian Chin

“Shortly after the two judgments, a Judges Conference was held from April 24, 1997 where the then prime minister issued a thinly veiled threat to remove judges by referring them to a tribunal and stating that, though it might be difficult to do so, it was still done.”
A month later, Justice Chin said he and select judges and judicial officers were packed off to a boot camp from May 26-30, 1997 where there was an attempt to indoctrinate them with the view “that the Government’s interest was more important than all else.”
Justice Chin added “the perversion of justice” continued and recounted an episode when a fellow judge Muhammad Kamil Awang told him he had received a telephone call from the then Chief Justice asking him to dismiss the election petition that he was going to hear in Kota Kinabalu.
“We went into the possibility of making a police report or of writing to the Chief Justice a letter to record what he had said over the telephone but in the end he decided against it since it would be his word against that of the Chief Justice,” he said.
Justice Chin said he was happy to later on learn that Kamil did not bow to the pressure and went on to hear the petition, thereafter making a decision based on law and evidence.



HARRIS MOHD SALLEH v RETURNING OFFICER & ORS

It appear that Justice Chin was referring to a Sabah election petition case heard by Justice MUHAMMAD KAMIL who in the conclusion of his judgement said ”I seize this opportunity to record a few observations that a worrisome trend or culture, not borne out of Malaysian culture, has evolved where public institutions or government departments do not seem to care to respond to letters or reports received from the public. Such letters or reports seemed simply ignored, invariably no response or acknowledgement or receipt whatsoever has been made. For example, from personal knowledge in a few cases: where my son had applied for a temporary work permit which was refused, and I wrote an appeal to the authority concerned; and in another case, my daughter had applied for a scholarship for a one year post graduate course. In both cases there was no acknowledgement despite reminders, although earlier on, personal assurances of favourable considerations had been given. Regrettably this is the very antithesis to good governance in as much as a threat to the government’s effort to foster good relationship and integration between East and West Malaysia.
It has been said that a government is a trustee of the people, and being elected by the people, it owes a higher responsibility to the people. The government must act honestly and responsibly.
The only guide to a man is his conscience, the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and the sincerity of his action. In my view, it is an insult to one’s intelligence to be given a directive over the phone that these petitions should be struck off without a hearing, and above all, it is with prescience conscience that I heard these petitions. God has given me the strength and fortitude, as a lesser mortal, to act without fear or favour, for fear of a breach of oath of office and sacrifice justice, and above all to truly act as a judge and not a ‘yes man’.”



“Malaysian Justice on trial” & INSAS BHD & ANOR v DAVID SAMUELS & ORS

In 1996 Insas Bhd (plaintiffs) filed a libel action instituted by the plaintiffs against the David Samuels and others (defendants) arising out of the publication of a feature article entitled ‘Malaysian Justice on Trial’ (‘the said article’) which was published in the November 1995 issue of the International Commercial Litigation Magazine (‘the Magazine’). The magazine is published in London and circulated in Malaysia and elsewhere. Insas Bhd (‘the first plaintiff’) was at the material time a company listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. Megapolitan Nominees Sdn Bhd (‘the second plaintiff’) was at the material time a licensed stock broking company. The second plaintiff was the wholly owned subsidiary of the first plaintiff. David Samuels (‘the first defendant’) was at the material time a staff writer of the said magazine and also the writer of the said article. Joff Wild (‘the second defendant’) was at the material time the editor of the said magazine. Robert Menzies Walker (‘the third defendant’) was at the material time the editorial publisher of the said magazine. Euromoney Publications PLC (‘the fourth defendant’) was at the material time the proprietor and publisher of the said magazine.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs pleaded that the natural and ordinary meanings of the words complained of in the said article were meant and were understood to mean that the plaintiffs and each of them had connived at, and participated in the corruption, or the attempted corruption by one Datuk of the Malaysian judiciary, in the course of the plaintiffs’ litigation against Ayer Molek Rubber Company Berhad in Malaysia.



On 20th October 2004, Justice KAMALANATHAN RATNAM J gave his ruling and said that the said article was clearly defamatory of and concerned the plaintiffs. The words complained of bore the natural and ordinary meaning pleaded by the plaintiffs, that is, the plaintiffs had connived at, and participated in the corruption or the attempted corruption by Datuk of the Malaysian judiciary, in the course of the plaintiffs’ litigation against Ayer Molek Rubber Company Berhad.

The defamatory words contained in the said article and complained of by the plaintiffs are set out in para 7 of the statement of claim which is as follows:

On pages 10 to 14 of the November 1995 issue of the International Commercial Litigation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Magazine’), in a feature article entitled ‘Malaysian justice on trial’ (which article was the cover story for that issue, and was highlighted on the front cover of the Magazine), and which contained the following defamatory words:
Feature
Malaysia’s reputation for judicial integrity is being questioned. David Samuels reports that a string of controversial court decisions is the cause of mounting concern among the country’s lawyers and foreign investors.

Malaysian justice on trial
On 10 April 1995, a Malaysian lawyer was granted an ex parte order by the High Court, compelling a company to register a block of shares owned by his client. The kind of thing that happens all the time.
But this was no routine case. This was different. It ended with Malaysia’s supreme court criticizing the country’s Appeal court in terms which were far from judicial, and the President of the Malaysian Bar Council talking of ‘very serious questions over the administration of justice in Malaysia’.
The case in question was the Ayer Molek case. And it was the culmination of a series of court decisions in commercial cases which has caused many of Malaysia’s leading lawyers to raise doubts about Malaysia’s legal system.
‘The ultimate fear about Ayer Molek and all of these cases is that they mean Malaysia is going the way of other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines’, says Raphael Pura, the Malaysia correspondent to the Asian Wall Street Journal. ‘The implication is that, just like those other countries, Malaysia is becoming a place where justice is now “up for bid”.’
Until now, Malaysia, which enjoyed economic growth of 9.5% in the first half of 1995, has been able to portray itself as a country largely free from corruption. As a result, the Government has succeeded in attracting some of the biggest foreign names in manufacturing. Apple Computers, Citroen, Motorola, General Electric and Hewlett Packard all chose Malaysia as their base when they set up manufacturing operations in Asia.
The court cases to which Pura refers, and which could seriously affect Malaysia’s reputation as a major financial centre, have all occurred within the last year. They came to a head in August, when the Ayer Molek case provoked a row between the Federal Court and the Court of Appeal, Malaysia’s two highest courts. Because of the cases, Malaysians from all walks of life have openly started to question the independence of their judiciary.
On 28 August, Puan Hendon, the President of the Malaysian Bar Council, issued a press statement saying the ‘differing views and comments’ of the two courts raised ‘very serious questions over the administration of justice in Malaysia’. In response, Eusoff Chin, Malaysia’s most senior judge and the author of the Federal Court judgment which criticized the Court of Appeal, issued a statement saying the Bar Council should have discussed the matter with him privately before they went ‘to yell in the press’.
Politicians also became involved. Lim Kit Siang, Secretary General to the DAP, Malaysia’s largest opposition party, said that there was ‘a new crisis of confidence over the judiciary in Malaysia’. Then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad told the Bar Council and Chin on 7 September that their squabble was ‘destabilizing’ the Malaysian legal system.

The Ayer Molek case
The case of Insas and Megapolitan Nominees v Ayer Molek Rubber Company concerned court action brought to force the rectification of Ayer Molek’s share register after the M$157m (63m) purchase by Insas and Megapolitan, two related investment houses, of 30% of Ayer Molek’s shares in 1994. It produced very sharp criticisms from the Court of Appeal about the conduct of one plaintiff lawyer, VK Lingham of VK Lingham & Co, accusing him of illicit manoeuvring to put the case before a High Court judge of his choice.
At the hearing, the Court of Appeal, saying that it was ‘using its inherent power to stop further injustice from occurring’, gave Ayer Molek an order to stop Insas and Megapolitan exercising any rights over their shares. Five days later, it delivered its written judgment on Ayer Molek’s appeal. It called the situation produced by the High Court’s treatment of the case ‘an injustice perpetrated by a court of law’.
The Court of Appeal also strongly criticized Lingham for taking a commercial matter, the registration of shares, to a division of the High Court which should only deal with administrative law cases. It said his conduct would give ‘right-minded people the impression that some litigants are able to choose the judge before whom they wish to appear’. Insas and Megapolitan appealed to the Federal Court, Malaysia’s highest court, which held a hearing on 1 August.

The Federal Court overturned the Court of Appeal’s judgment and censured the lower court for its comments. In an 12 August judgment, it accused the Court of Appeal of itself ‘bringing the administration of justice into disrepute’ by ‘departing from sobriety’ and ‘going off on a frolic of its own’. The Federal Court said that, by discontinuing the High Court action, Ayer Molek could ‘be deemed to have conceded the ex parte order’. It expunged the sections of the Court of Appeal’s judgment which criticized Lingham.

On 8 September, the share sales to Insas and Megapolitan, and PFA Nominees, were finally cancelled and police investigations into the whole affair ceased. All law suits were withdrawn a week later.

Something rotten
Although the Federal Court overturned the lower court’s decision, the Court of Appeal’s comments brought the Ayer Molek case to the attention of the rest of Malaysia's legal profession. One lawyer notes ‘The Court of Appeal made it clear that it thought something funny had been going on in the High Court in that case. That was why they put in a Shakespearean quote about there being ‘something rotten in the State of Denmark’. It was a reference to the building the High Court is in, which is called Denmark House’.
Tommy Thomas of Skrine and Co would like to know how Lingham managed to ‘overcome two hurdles that are supposed to make it impossible for this misfiling to happen. First, you have to get the registry to admit the case in the wrong division. Then you have to persuade the judge himself to let it stay. The fact that the judge agreed to entertain this case really is a surprise’.
Another lawyer says: ‘Lingham’s action was like filing a commercial matter in the family court.
Yet another lawyer found the terms of the ex parte order that Lingham obtained highly irregular: ‘First, it is literally unheard of to be given a compulsion order which forces a company to register your shares except where you have tried everything else and it is your last resort. Here, Insas and Megapelitan, the two shareholders, who had not done anything at all about their shares for six months, suddenly were able to go to court and use this last resort compulsion procedure. What I do not understand is how they could get a judge to threaten Ayer Molek with contempt of court before Ayer Molek had actually refused to do anything.’
Another says: ‘At Lingham’s request, this judge even added mandatory imprisonment to the ex parte order. And then he refused to hear Ayer Molek’s case for two weeks or to suspend the order, although such orders only have a life-span of two weeks’.

Privileged Scheduling
There are various aspects of the way that the Federal Court dealt with Ayer Molek that also concern Malaysia's lawyers. ‘The case made it into the Federal Court at a startling speed’, says one. ‘I am appealing the same sort of order at the moment. I expect that to get it into the Federal Court will take at least six months. In Ayer Molek, it only took Lingham four days.’

SUNDAY-15TH JUNE 2008- KHAIRY PLAYS 'FATHER' TO NIECE WITH DOWN'S

Khairy plays ‘father' to niece with Down’s

KOTA KINABALU:

Helping the less fortunate is something dear to Umno Youth Vice Chief Khairy Jamaluddin, as he has to play ‘father’ to his three-year-old niece, who has Down’s Syndrome. “I know what it means to be dealing with children with special needs. My niece Aishah has Down’s Syndrome and I am very attached to her; I am like a father to her, so I do understand the importance of early preparations for people with disabilities,” said Khairy. The Rembau Member of Parliament stressed that despite the children’s disabilities, there are abilities and potentials that they can achieve. “It is important for the people to stop the stigma towards the disabled people. Given proper education and training, they too can achieve greater heights and reach the highest potential,” he said. “I do believe that Malaysians nowadays are more exposed to the needs of the disabled people, but there are still cases where those in the rural areas would keep their children with special needs away from the public; they are ashamed of the children’s disabilities, thus depriving them of basic knowledge and skills,” he said. Khairy said that without exposure, skills and education, these special people will not be able to realise their potentials. “We must provide them with empowerment and spend time with these people so that they can be independent citizens in the future, and probably one day, contribute towards the nation’s growth. “My sister, who is a single mother, has devoted her time entirely to Aishah. Her daughter is her world. And we must also do the same so that these special people will be able to progress in life,” he said. Khairy was in town yesterday to present Umno Youth’s RM5,000 contribution to Seri Mengasih Centre in Tanjung Aru, a non-profitable organisation that provides educational, social and economic developmental programmes for people with special needs. Also present was Sabah Umno Youth Chief Datuk Japlin Akim. “It is a noble thing to set up Seri Mengasih Centre. Today’s event is not a charity programme, we must stop thinking this Centre as a halfway house where we carry out welfare works today and forget them tomorrow,” he said. “We must change our mindset and accept the Centre as a place of opportunities, where children with special needs are taught basic living skills so that one day they would be able to live like any normal people,” he said. The Centre was set up in 1981 by a psychiatrist, Dr Sarbadikaj, with the collaboration of Rotary Club. To date, the Centre provides education and training for 130 special people, comprising 90 children and 40 adults. Since 1995, the Centre has provided job emplacement for 30 people and employment for 33 others, of whom 15 became teachers, supervisors (nine) and another nine are administration staff. According to the Centre’s Management Committee chairman, Datuk Safari Manan, they need at least RM5,500 per student annually to train them in basic knowledge and skills, which could be beneficial to them in the future. “We utterly depend on funds from private individuals, community groups and any organisations,” he said. He hoped more people will come forward and lend them a helping hand.

SUNDAY-15TH JUNE 2008- KHAIRY TELLS PETRONAS TO SHOW ACCOUNTS

Khairy tells Petronas to show accounts

KOTA KINABALU:

Umno Youth Deputy Chief Khairy Jamaluddin is joining the chorus of calls for the Petronas accounts to be made public. Stressing that the public “has the right to know”, Khairy said it was necessary for the accounts to be revealed to answer questions on why the National Oil Corporation was unable to absorb the high cost of fuel in the country with its profits. “I will bring it up in Parliament andl will ask the Government to make it public,” he told reporters after presenting RM5,000 in donation to Seri Mengasih Centre, a school for the intellectually disabled in Tanjung Aru here, on behalf of Sabah Umno Youth. He said although the Government had given various incentives to cushion the fuel prices increase, Khairy believes the people in Sabah as well as others throughout the country, were still suspicious. The people frequently asked why Malaysia, as an oil producing country, was not able to absorb the rising costs. As the Barisan Nasional backbencher, Khairy finds it difficult to explain to the people on the matter as he himself is also in the dark. “I do not know why it (Petronas) is not revealing its account in detail. I believe the people have the right to know as fuel found in the country belongs to the people. “Petronas is one of the best run companies and lam sure there is nothing that we cannot defend in their accounts. If detailed information on its accounts is not revealed to the public, the people will continue to be suspicious. I hope the Government will consider publicly revealing the detailed accounts of Petronas,” said the Rembau Member of Parliament, who is on a two-day visit to the State where he will be visiting Sandakan and Tawau. Khairy believes Petronas, a respected international oil company listed under the Fox500, would be able to give a full account of its operations - the cost of production, its various commitments to Government, like royalty as well as its profits. “This will give a clearer picture and people can see for themselves whether Petronas can pay higher oil royalty. Only when the accounts is made public, then we would know the exact amount of royalty that should be paid to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, the three oil producing states in the Country. “We need to find out first (the profits made by Petronas) before deciding if additional royalties should be paid. These three oil producing States are still lagging behind in terms of development and should probably get more (royalties), but we need to find out if Petronas is able to pay extra to these States,” he said, adding that he did not know why Petronas accounts had never been made public in the past. Believing that Petronas has nothing to hide, he added that it would make it easier for Government MPs to explain to the people if accounts were made public. Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican was recently quoted as saying that it had paid the Government RM335.7 billion since its incorporation and now faces large rises in exploration costs at a much higher rate than the increase, in percentage terms, of oil prices. On another development, Khairy also urged Petronas together with other oil companies like Shell and Murphy Oil to consider investing in setting training centres in Sabah to equip local youths in petrochemical, oil and engineering fields to meet requirements of the industry here. He said locals should be employed in the sector, instead of hiring experts from Peninsular and overseas. On the protest rally over the fuel prices hike on Friday which failed to draw 20,000 people as hoped by the organisers, Khairy said the Opposition’s approach was not favoured by the people. “Malaysians are rejecting demonstrations but this does not mean the people have accepted the Government’s decision to cut subsidies on fuel. I believe the people are still unhappy with the fuel prices hike but the Opposition’s approach (to hold a rally) is not being accepted by the people,” said Khairy. He stressed that no amount of shouting and street demonstrations would bring down the international price of oil. On a question about an agreement for a leadership change between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Khairy declined to comment.

SATURDAY-14 JUNE 2008- NIOSH TO GIVE MORE TO SABAHANS

NIOSH to give more to Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabahans would receive more training from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Human Resources Ministry. NIOSH Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Lee Lam Thye said this is because Sabahans are the future supporters of the developments in the State, especially the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC). Speaking at a press conference at the NIOSH office here yesterday, Lee said the level of occupational safety and health awareness in the State had increased and NIOSH Sabah was determined to train more Sabahans. “To date, NIOSH Sabah has trained 2,726 participants from - Sabah and Labuan through 101 courses held here, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sipitang. “As for competency courses, 123 safety and health officers and eight occupational health doctors have been produced,” he said. NIOSH Sabah, which was launched on May 21 last year, has eight staff headed by Regional Manager Hj Azman Sah Bin Hj Sabali. However, the service needed from NIOSH is very demanding and encouraging and the Institute would in future employ more staff to achieve its objectives efficiently. To further strengthen the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for SDC, Lee said NIOSH Sabah would hold a Borneo Occupational Safety and Health Convention in June next year and it would cover Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, Kalimantan and The Philippines. The convention is also intended to make Sabah an OSH information hub in Borneo. According to Lee, a Memorandum of Understanding between NIOSH and Yayasan Sabah would be signed today at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort to train Sabahan youth on occupational safety and health to support the SDC. He hoped that more industries in Sabah would train their employees on occupational safety and health. On the number of industrial accidents reported in the Country, he said it had reduced drastically. “The latest report we received from PERKESO (Social Security Organisation) indicates that there were 81,810 accidents reported in 2002 and 58,321 in 2006. Most of the cases happened in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” he added. Lee explained that the plantation, tourism and manufacturing industries are booming in Sabah and it is vital for employers to ensure proper and lawful work place and safety for the employees as accidents could occur without any warning. He added that NIOSH is also looking for sponsors to promote its books in the schools which play a significant role in educating the students about safety. Meanwhile, Lee advised Malaysians, especially the unemployed graduates, to be cautious when hunting for jobs through the internet which promises a garden of roses. “It is very shameful that our citizens were caught in the trafficking of drugs and cheated in their efforts to look for higher... paying jobs,” stressed Lee.“I say it is shameful because Malaysia being strict in drugs and has strict penalty, including the death sentence but its citizens still got caught trafficking drugs in other countries,” he said. Lee urged Malaysians to verify the companies they intend to work with from the Human Resource Ministry or the Malaysian Ambassadors before accepting job offers overseas.

SATURDAY-14 JUNE 2008- RISING COST NO REASON TO ABANDON PROJECTS

Rising cost no reason to abandon projects

Govt to be accommodative to contractors: Minister

KOTA KINABALU:

Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Raymond Tan said the Government will be accommodating to contractors who are affected by the rising prices of building materials and fuels. “The State Government has decided to be accommodative towards contractors affected by the rise in the prices,” he said at a press conference yesterday after attending the Associate Consultant Engineers of Malaysia luncheon. Tan stressed however that the rising cost cannot be a reason to abandon Government projects. “I do not want any abandoned projects. I believe some of the projects that have been completed on schedule or ahead of schedule, or are near completion are not or little affected,” he said. “That is why I have advised all contractors to complete their projects on schedule or ahead of schedule to avoid any trouble in the future. “The Government projects should not be delayed too long, as if you delay too long, it would effect the cost structure. The longer it takes, the higher the cost would be, and at the end of the day, they cannot carry out the work.” Raymond said they are very serious about the rising cost problem and would consider giving allowance for the ongoing projects and also for those who have been awarded projects. “We understand that some of the projects are affected by the higher material and fuel prices and those that involve transportation of materials; we will study the projects individually and do a reasonable adjustment,” he said. Tan said he hopes all contractors will in future strive to complete their projects on schedule to avoid facing the problem like now. He said consideration to give allowance will be done on a case by case basis, and not all of the projects will be given additional allowance. “It will be based on many major considerations,” he said.

SATURDAY-14 JUNE 2008- KL POLICIES NOW EVEN MORE CONFUSING: HARRIS

KL policies now even more confusing : Harris
Former CM urges Govt to introduce weekly salary payment

KOTA KINABALU:

The various financial and economic policies announced by the Government are now even more confusing not only to the general public but more so to those who are affected by them and involved in implementing these policies, said Datuk Harris Mohd Salleh. Harris said the latest move by the Federal and State Governments to cut perks of Ministers and others shows that the Malaysian Government is trying to link this move with the outward trend of prices and is beginning to face up to the fact that the financial crisis is now a reality. According to the former Chief Minister, the actual source of the crisis is the unstoppable upward trend of international market prices - such as oil, rice and others. The cuts made from the entertainment allowances of Ministers and others will not contribute to saving even five percent of the total amount of this year’s subsidies which reportedly surpass RM60 billion. Also the adjustments of subsidies on diesel and other commodities and the payments of cash rebates to eligible motorists are both confusing and do not make sense. it is maintained that the Malaysian Government when and if it is not facing a financial crisis, is susceptible to a sabotage of funds and as such the cuts on Ministers’ entertainment allowances are merely a drop in the ocean. What is important is that the Government must follow and keep pace with the changing global economic situations and price adjustments. It is wrong to subsidise. Let the changes in the global prices take their course. However, in order to lessen their impact, this means that the Malaysian Government should abolish all subsidies and school and medical fees and in return introduce a ‘hardship allowance’ for every Malaysian over the age of 21 years. The abolition of subsidies will make Malaysians more responsible and thrifty on their spending habits. At the same time this also will encourage them to engage in economic activities which will make them more self sufficient, especially on rice, vegetables and fish. Presently most Malaysians are spending lavishly and beyond their means. Almost every Malaysian earning more than RM2,000 a month has two cars and the low interest rate for car loans at 2.9 percent is only encouraging this trend. On the other hand loans charged for agricultural activities such as for planting rice cost at least six percent. Where then is the logic? Actually almost every Malaysian has already, started to be frugal on his spending after the imposition of substantial increases on diesel and petrol prices. Comments made by those interviewed on TV and print media demonstrate clearly that with the higher fuel prices most Malaysians can only afford to visit their kampongs once a month instead of every week. The much touted promises ofhelping the rural people and the rural economy which have been going on since Merdeka, are only talk. With the exception of the settlement schemes introduced by the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, there is very little progress economically in the rural areas. The FELDA schemes introduced by Tun Razak are a full-fledged model of rural development - where every settler is given 10 acres fully planted either with rubber or oil palm and a small plot for a house. After completion, the lot is handed over to the settlers. Under these schemes, the settlers can look after the fully planted 10 acres and at the same time are able to repay the loan (development costs). Then again so much has been talked about the four million hectares of land which have been alienated and left abandoned. A full and realistic development of such land can only take off if the rural people are guaranteed of their source of daily live without food and sustenance. Therefore, regardless of whatever argument the Government may want to put forth, it is very important that for a start the Government pays a hardship allowance of RM300 to every Malaysian. This will not only contribute towards a distribution of wealth and a wider generation of cash flow, but will also spearhead the development of rural areas. The rural people will then have the incentive to not continue buying rice at RM4 per kilo, but instead to plant rice for their own consumption. Mere cuts of Ministers’ perks and also of others will not help to lessen the painful effects of the cuts in the subsidies nor contribute significantly to savings. Instead, it will only encourage those affected to look for other sources of income to maintain the high standard of living that they have been used to. The Government should after all have plenty of excess funds considering that prices of oil have gone up four times and the prices of commodities sucli as rubber and palm oil have doubled. Another pertinent and necessary factor to be considered is the cancellation of negotiated contracts for projects that are not the top priorities and are indeed not even needed by some States. On the payments of salaries twice a month, Harris said it is good news, but the Government should also consider introducing a weekly payment such as is practised in developed countries like UK, Australia and USA. This is more appropriate now as almost every average income earner does his grocery and other kinds of shopping at supermarkets - which require cash payments — instead of at the ‘kedai runcit’ - which give credit via records in the ‘555’ book. ‘I’1s twice monthly or weekly salaries system will still be of great help to low- income customers who can continue to do their purchases from the ‘kedai runcit’ which dominate in the rural areas, he said.

SATURDAY-14 JUNE 2008- NO QUICK FIX OVER ILLEGALS STREET KIDS: SYED HAMID

No quick fix over illegals street kids: Syed Hamid

KOTA KINABALU:

The longstanding problem of the presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah may not be an easy task to deal with. Although many people in the State are hoping for a quick solution to the problem, there are unfortunately issues which need to be dealt with first. After a two-day visit to Sabah, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar felt that there is a need to address the wide-ranging issue of illegal immigrants and migrants in a humane and rational manner without getting emotional. He said the issue of illegal immigrants is straight forward but the problem of stateless and street children needs to be addressed in accordance with international law and children’s rights. “As for illegal immigrants, we can handle it as the governments of their countries of origin will provide relevant travel documents for deportation. We have deported over 100,000 immigrants since 2000,” he said. “However, those stateless or document-less children of migrants are not being accepted. We have to see what we can do to resolve this problem,” said Syed Hamid, adding that such problems are not peculiar to Sabah, for in Peninsular Malaysia there is the Rohingya (refugees) problem. Syed Hamid explained that those without documents are not accepted by their home countries as they have been considered as refugees under the United Nations definition. “Therefore, efforts must be made to find third countries who are willing to accept them,” he said. “Previously we discussed with the United States and accepted a few thousand Rohingya into their country,” he said, adding that Malaysia hopes to discuss with other countries to help take the stateless people in. “I spoke to a 16-year-old stateless boy; he has no education. It would be difficult to find a third country for him,” he said, adding that they could just load them into boats and send them off without a third country ready to accept them. Speaking to the media after attending a meeting with the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department here, Syed Hamid urged the people here not to be sensitive and emotional over the issue. “Playing up the issue of illegal immigrants makes it look like as if there is an agenda,” he said. “You cannot impose; we need to cooperate and find solutions. We understand the fears of the local people,” he said, adding that the Special Cabinet Committee on illegal immigrants headed by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be meeting soon The committee would look at the various issues and see who would be best invited to the committee in helping solve the complex problem of illegal immigrants, paperless people and refugees in Sabah as well other parts of the country. On the calls by Sabah leaders for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to be set up to look into cases of illegal immigrants obtaining Malaysian identity cards through the backdoor, Syed Hamid said that there is no need for it. “We realise that the illegal immigrants issue is complex in Sabah and it is not as simple as it seems. We need solution. There is no need to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the illegal immigrants issue; it would help if we can understand the issue better,” he said.