MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- FOOD PRICES IN PENINSULAR CHEAPER THAN THOSE IN SABAH, SARAWAK

Food prices in Peninsular cheaper than those in Sabah, Sarawak

KOTA KINABALU:

Food prices in Sabah and Sarawak are still higher than those in Peninsular Malaysia, according to the weekly marketing guide posted on the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s website. While all the States in Peninsular Malaysia show a significant increase in food prices, such as those for poultry and vegetables, in Sabah and Sarawak they are at least 10 per cent to 15 per cent costlier. However, the prices of seafood like fish and prawns are much cheaper. Ikan kembung hitam and hijau (local) cost only RM6 in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu while in Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Alor Star they cost between RM7.50 to RM10 per kg. Prawn (small) costs only RM6 in both Sabah and Sarawak while in Kangar, Malacca, Ipoh and Penang they cost between RM8 to’ as high as RM16 per kg. “This is probably due to proximity. Sabah and Sarawak share a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the South,” said a trader in the SS2, PJ, market. “The traders don’t need to import seafood from the Peninsula so they don’t need to increase the price to make huge profits,” he said. When it comes to dry food, Kota Kinabalu still records the highest prices. Eggs (A, B and C grade) are about 8 per cent to 10 per cent more expensive and the same goes for the different types of vegetables, Qnions and garlic. And while the price of red onions is between RM1.40 and RM2 in Kuantan, Terengganu and Penang, in Sabah the red are priced at RM4 per kg. Shallots are sold at RM6 in Sabah and Sarawak while in the peninsula they are sold between only RM2.50 and RM4 per kg. Sabah has some beautiful places worth visiting and one of them is the Central Market in Kota Kinabalu. The market has two sections - the waterfront area for fish and an area in front of the harbour for fruits and vegetables. Other things to look out for are orchids and grapes imported from the United States and asparagus that is grown on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. The prices of the food may be on the high side but you are guaranteed produce that is fresh as it is grown locally. The market offers almost everything, from a betel nut chew (a local concoction which leaves the mouth bright red), strange jungle fruits, nose-tingling spices and fresh herbs. Amid the stalls selling souvenirs are small outlets where Malaysian artists display their works. Here, visitors may even have their portrait painted or order custom-made crafts. In case you ever get bored, just outside the market is a riverside amphitheatre where there’s always a wayang kulit show, as well as more contemporary entertainment for the younger crowds. Another market that is worth mentioning is the one next to the wet market, in the waterfront area. The market is aptly-named Filipino Market, as most of the stalls are owned by Filipinos who sell a wide range of souvenirs, as well as fashion apparel.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- NABAWAN TO HAVE CLINIC WITH WARD FACILITIES

Nabawan to have clinic with ward facilities

KENINGAU:

A RM20 million health clinic will be built in Nabawan District under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), said Nabawan Assemblyman Datuk Bobbey Suan. He said the cost of the clinic had been approved by the Health Ministry. “The Nabawan people are still waiting for the construction of this clinic which will provide ward facilities,” he told reporters after officiating the Keningau channa agroindustry awareness workshop at Perkasa I lotel here on Saturday. Bobbey, who is the Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, represented the Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Sen Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin at the function. He added a 50-acre site for the clinic had already been provided since 1980. He also said the construction of a library costing RM1.5 million had started and expected to be completed early next year. “Other projects being planned in Nabawan are water and electricity supplies and upgrading of roads. I hope these projects could be implemented in the 9MP,” he said. Bobbey also disclosed that the hybrid solar project in Pagalungan sub-district to supply electricity to the people in the area is 90 percent completed. Only the wiring to building is yet to be fixed. Meanwhile, the Assemblyman advised the people in the area, especially in Pensiangan, to be more prudent in their spending following the hike of fuel and goods prices. He said the best way to lessen their burden is to plant commercial crops on their idle land. On channa fish breeding, Bobbey said it could assist in poverty eradication among the rural people. He said the project was part of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) for middle corridor besides the Jatrapha Research Centre in Nabawan and Handicraft Centre in Keningau. On the prices of dairy products, Bobbey said that his Ministry had asked the Veterinary Services Department to prepare a working paper on prices revision. “All decisions made will be brought at the Cabinet meeting for consideration,” he said. On the proposed revival of the Sabah Padi Board, he said that many factors had to be taken based on experience faced by the Government. He said the Ministry would prepare a working paper on the proposal.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- TENOM THALASSAEMIA SUFFERERS VISIT KK

Tenom thalassaemia sufferers visit KK

KOTA KINABALU:

Seventeen thalassaemia sufferers from the Tenom Thalassaemia Association (TTA) capped their two-day visit to the State Capital with a dinner hosted by the Chernicky Welfare Organisation Kota Kinabalu Sabah (CeWOS) recently. CeWOS President Johnny Mositun said the dinner was like a reunion for them because the children were among CeWOS’ first beneficiaries when it donated RM20,000 to the TTA for the improvement of facilities at its premises. There are 36 patients in the Association but only 17 could make it for the trip as some of them were taken ill. “Sadly, since our last meeting in 2006. three of them are no longer with us. So, for CeWOS, we are doing whatever we can to make them feel comfortable. “Hopefully, more people will come forward to provide assistance in whatever form so as to lessen their burden and forget a little bit about their sufferings,” said Mositun who is also a Deputy Speaker. He also presented “angpow’ to the children during the dinner also attended by CeWOS Treasurer-General Theresa Chong who is the benefactor, David Chernicky’s foster sister and co-organiser Dr Alex Leong at one of the leading restaurants in Penampang. The children had visited places like the Lok Kawi Wildlife Zoo and Crocodile Farm in Tuaran.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- MAKTAB NASIONAL WINS LAW MOCK TRIAL CONTEST

Maktab Nasional wins Law Mock Trial Contest

KOTA KINABALU:

Maktab Nasional emerged champion in the second Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Law Mock Trial Competition after they defeated Sekolah Menengah Yu Yuan of Sandakan at the High Court here on Saturday. During the mock trial presided over by Sessions Court Judge Ravinthran Paramaguru, teams from each school pitted against each other in a battle of wits and legal manoeuvres to simulate a real courtroom scenario. The competition was jointly organised by the Sabah QUT Alumni, Sabah Law Association (SLA) and International Education Consultancy (IEC). It was sponsored by the Faculty of Law at QUT. Eight secondary schools in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan participated in the competition which commenced in April this year. They were SM All Saints, SM La Salle, SM Lok Yuk, KK High School, SM Tshung Tsin, Maktab Nasional, SM Sung Siew and SM Yu Yuan. Maktab Nasional was represented by Kimberley Lo and Karen Lui who acted as first and second barristers respectively, Jeremy Tan as solicitor, Kohinoor Kaur and Leland Chong as first and second witnesses respectively, and Natasha Sim as Magistrate’s Assistant. The team was led by teacher cum advisor Alexander Funk and legal coaches Brendon Soh and Grace Chaw. Maktab Nasional received a cash prize of RM3,000 and a championship trophy, while SM Yu Yuan and SM Lok Yuk received RM2,000 and RM1 ,000 for finishing second and third respectively.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- STUDENTS OF SM TEKNIK KENINGAU TRAIN AT NEXUS RESORT

Students of SM Teknik Keningau train at Nexus Resort

KOTA KINABALU:

For the first time in Malaysia, a vocational school has introduced an attachment programme for its students to gain first-hand experience in an actual work environment. Since 2006, SM Teknik Keningau has included a one-week practical attachment as part of the Bakery Course for students taking their MPAV and SPM examinations. The two modules involved are the Bread and Yeast and Patisserie. The objective of this exercise is to give students the opportunity to gain as much practical knowledge as possible directly from the related industry before they graduate. In turn, they will be able to apply their academic knowledge and expertise in an actual work situation. This will help the students develop a higher level of confidence in their ability and capability in this field before venturing into the work force. Nexus Resort Karambunai is the first resort chosen by SM Teknik Keningau to place its students. Two groups totalling 18 students underwent their one-week training between May 25 and June 7 this year. They were accompanied by two chaperones from the school and stayed at the resort staff campus. The students were supervised by Chef Marcel Riemer, Executive Sous Chef at Nexus Resort, and were given the opportunity to learn not only about pastry and baking but also how the other kitchens operate as well. Currently, the industrial training offered at SM Teknik Keningau is for the Form 5 students 2007/08 session. This is the first time such a programme is carried out by a vocational school in Malaysia. This type of training is usually organized by institutes of higher learning such as polytechnics and other industrial training institutes. However this type of programme is actually very useful to ensure SPM graduates from technical and vocational schools have the right foundation to get involved in the food service industry.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- MARE'S MILK CAN HELP FIGHT DISEASES

Mare’s milk can help fight diseases

KUALA LUMPUR:

The wild mare’s milk if taken regularly can help prevent the growth of cancer cells, according to a study. Besides preventing the growth of cancer cells, it also slows down the ageing process, relieves the effects of stress and is beneficial for the treatment of dengue, diabetes and asthma. Nevertheless, the benefit derived from the consumption of wild mares milk could vary in individuals. This was confirmed by Associate Professor Dr Rozita Rosli, who is the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Postgraduate and Research) at Universiti Putra Malaysia. “We were the pioneers of the study on mare’s milk in 1997,” she said. Research on mares milk had already proven that compared to cow and goat’s milk, the composition of mares milk closely resembles mothers milk. It has significant anti-cancer properties that could kill or retard the generation of cancer cells, she added. Dr Rozita noted that the focus of the study was on the reaction mechanism of the mare’s milk from the Niemans breed on two types of leukemia and another four types of cancer - ovary, breast and colon. In the in-vitro analysis on leukemia patients found that the mare’s milk was able to destroy some 50 to 60 percent of the cancer cells in tests conducted at the university. “This goes to show that the wild mares milk has significant anti-cancer properties that could kill or retard the generation of cancer cells,” she added. In 1996, Setia Brothers Sdn Bhd, producer and sole distributor of wild mares milk as a health supplement, introduced its product called Niemans SKL to Malaysian consumers. Setia’s Managing Director Norhayati Abdul Rahim said, over the years, the product has gained a reputation as an effective anti-cancer agent and is increasingly popular among local consumers. In preparing to penetrate the international market, Niemans SKL has undergone a rebranding exercise, and is now packaged under the brand name Niemans Feramilch. “Where our products were previously only available in liquid form in 200ml to 500m1 bottles, we have now included capsules packed in blister packets as well,” she added. According to Norhayati, the company’s re-branding process not only involved transforming and enhancing its product image through quality packaging but also enhanced with nutraceutical innovation incorporating ingredients not found in similar products that are currently in the market. - Bernama

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- MOTION FORCES CHINA TOURISTS TO CANCEL TRIP TO SABAH: CHIN

Motion forces China tourists to cancel trip to Sabah: Chin

KOTA KINABALU:

Parti Bersatu Sabah(PBS) Supreme Council member Kapitan Chin Tek Ming yesterday said it was morally wrong for Sabah Progressive Party President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee to move a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister. “Yong has again tried to use the illegal immigrants issue and Chinese leader platform to hero and has used Chinese community as his pawn in his political chess game,” he charged in a statement yesterday. Chin claimed that Yong had kept silent on the issues of returning Labuan to Sabah and Petroleum royalty when he was the Chief Minister. “He ought to know that such issues needed to be discussed among the people of Labuan, Sarawak and Sabah in order to reach the best solution. Why didn’t he ask for the return of Labuan when he was the Chief Minister?” he asked. According to him, Yong is engineering SAPP’s exit from the BN by creating conditions that would lead to the dismissal of the Party so that he can emerge as a hero and as a saviour of the rights of Sabahans. Chin also said that since the general election had passed, all the parties must settle down and do their work so that we can go through this I hard time together instead of creating political turmoil and putting Malaysia in political instability. “I received complaints from a few travel agencies that they have tens of chartered flights from China until the end of this year which were cancelled recently upon the announcement of the motion to be tabled by SAPP. Our people and Government have lost the chance to earn these foreign currencies and our tourism industries have been badly hit,” he said.

MONDAY-23 APRIL 2008- REGARD SABAH, SARAWAK AS PARTNERS AND NOT SONS: YONG

Regard Sabah, Sarawak as partners and not sons: Yong

KOTA KINABALU:

The Federal Government should regard Sabah and Sarawak as their ‘partners’ rather than ‘sons’, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee. Yong stressed that the Federal Government should do away with the ‘father and son’ superiority, where the Barisan Nasional Government tends to bow to the mentality of a father disciplining their children. “That seems to be the way they treat us in Sabah. When we are naughty or making too much noise, they give us some sweets. “This is not a healthy relationship. It makes us unwilling to listen, and not open up and express our feelings,” he said, referring to statements made by BN Secretary-General Tengku Adnan Mansor about SAPP’s move to support the vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the Parliament sitting. The former Chief Minister said history showed that both Sabah and Sarawak along with West Malaysia were joined together to form Malaysia, and therefore the two States deserved to be viewed as equals. “It would be much healthier if the Federal Government could adjust their mentality, attitude and mindset that we are actually partners, rather than sons. “We hope that what we see now (that the whole nation is a political debate), will bring about change in how the central leadership looks at the two States,” he told reporters at the SAPP’s mobile service booth at the Sunday Gaya Street market, where the Party leaders would spend time to listen to public grouses. Yong who was also at the booth yesterday which attracted a big crowd and many stopped by to chat or shake his hands. Touching on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s comment that BN will remain strong despite SAPP’s no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister, Yong said that it was the expected response from the Party leadership. “They must say their part in order t consolidate the BN in view of what has been happening. I will just take what he said at face value,” said Yong. On support from other BN component parties, he said that at least two component parties would be happy to go along with whatever the Party leadership decides, but he hopes that the other component parties would lend their support. “I think that a lot of people will support us. I know certain leaders at the Federal level and from other States have basically lost confidence in the Prime Minister and some have indicated it within their own parties,” he said and hoped the vote for no confidence would be tabled during the Parliament session which begins today.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- IT'S WRONG FOR SAPP TO MAKE DECLARATION: LDP

It’s wrong for SAPP to make declaration: LDP

KOTA KINABALU:

It is principly wrong for Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) to openly declare their intent to initiate or support a vote of no-confidence on the Prime Minister in Parliament, said Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Teo Chee Kang. “If SAPP has lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership, the honourable thing that they should have done before calling for a vote of no confidence is to quit from the Barisan Nasional first. Whether or not they actually do it in Parliament tomorrow (Monday), irrepairable damage is already done to the Barisan Nasional, said Teo in a statement yesterday. He said shortly after the Government’s unpopular decision of the increase in fuel prices, while the public opinion on the Government is down, Datuk Yong Teck Lee saw this as a ‘window of opportunity’ to perform his political stunt for furtherance of his personal agenda under the pretext of fighting for State’s rights. “Criticising SAPP does not mean that we disagree with them on the several issues raised by them such as illegal immigrants and eradication of poverty in Sabah. Liberal Democratic Party is also vocal when it comes to issues concerning the people. We voice out the people’s grouses in the right forum, but we do not subscribe to such unprincipled tactic,” Teo said. By saying that BN no longer exists in Sabah and that it is only in form but not inspirit and substance, he said Yong had actually insulted the whole ruling coalition in Sabah under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman. “Datuk Raymond Tan was right when he took the stand that SAPP, as a BN component Party, could not move the vote of no-confidence. But now he seems confused because although he takes the opposite stand, he still chooses to remain in SAPP, and now he is begging the Prime Minister not to take action against his own colleagues for having done something which he disapproves,” he added.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- UPKO UNDECIDED ON NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE

Upko undecided on no-confidence vote

KOTA KINABALU:

Upko has not decided on which way to go should a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister come up in Parliament, its Deputy President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing said. However, Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok had earlier said the Party had “no plans to play hero” during such a vote. Bumburing said whatever the decision, Upko would participate in any debate should the vote come up. “We cannot deny that we share Sabah Progressive Party’s views on issues pertaining to the migrant problem. “We are firm about this and we are unhappy about so-called Cabinet Committee to tackle Sabah’s illegal immigrant woes,” he said. Bumburing said a similar committee set up in 2002 had only one meeting. “It’s almost forgotten and now they are talking of the same thing,” he said, adding that a Royal Commission of Inquiry was a better option as it would be able to act on the problem firmly. Upko has four Members of Parliaments Party President and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Bumburing who is Tuaran MP, Datuk Dr Marcus Majigoh (Putatan MP) and Datuk Siringan Gubat (Ranau MP).

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- UMNO DIVISIONS FREE TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES: MUSA

Umno divisions free to nominate candidates: Musa

KOTA KINABALU:

All the 25 Sabah Umno divisions are free to nominate their choice of candidates for the Party elections in December. Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Musa Aman, however, stressed that all branches and divisions must conduct their meetings in an orderly fashion and in accordance with Party rules and regulations. “What is important is for Umno to be strengthened in the State,” said the Chief Minister after chairing the State Liaison Committee meeting for the first time at its new multi-million ringgit two-storey building here yesterday. Musa said that at the meeting, he stressed on the importance for all Umno elected members to continue to work hard in their constituencies in view of the mandate given by the people. During the meeting, Sabah Umno fully endorsed its undivided support for Party President Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the light of current political developments, including Sabah Progressive Party’s push for a vote of no-confidence against Abdullah who is also the Prime Minister. On whether he will be defending his Supreme Council post or planning to seek a higher post in the Party, Musa said that it was too early for him to decide. The Umno branch meeting is scheduled to be held between July 17-Aug 24 while the divisional meeting is from Oct 9 to Nov 9. There are over 5,000 Umno branches in Sabah from the 25 divisions. “I am confident that everything (meeting) will all be in order, God willing,” he said. On another development, Musa, who is also the Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman, disclosed that none of the Umno leaders will be ditching the Party for the Opposition. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Dr Syed Hussin Ali yesterday claimed that 10 Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak will be joining the Opposition’s camp soon, stressing that it would then lead to a change of Government. “They can claim whatever they want. They have been dreaming of forming a new Government so let them be. “What is more important is for the Government’s elected representatives to play their role and fulfill the promises made to the people,” Musa reiterated.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- GOVT HELP LOW-INCOME GROUP EARN MORE

Govt to help low-income group earn more

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Government will issue small business permit to low-income earners who are seeking to increase their income to cope with economic burden following the fuel prices hike, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday. The Prime Minister said Government employees could also apply for the permit, which would cover petty trading and hawker’s licences in locations such as agricultural market, night market and housing areas which had spaces for such purposes. “The permit can be short-term or long-term depending on the applicants’ requirement,” he told reporters after briefing the Barisan Nasional (BN) Members of Parliament on subsidy restructuring at the Auditorium Perdana, Angkasapuri. Answering a question, Abdullah said Government employees, however, needed to get permission from their department heads and that the business should not interfere with their office work. “If this is not causing them to neglect their work, they can apply... subject to approval from the heads of department,” he said. He said the Government was also coming up with plans to help the Orang Asli under the social safety net programme currently being finalised. Abdullah said the Government had also decided on steps to help the small-and-medium industry to cope with the burden arising from the fuel price hike. He said the anti-inflation committee had agreed to the measures but they needed to be scrutinised further by the Finance Ministry as they involved tax matters. “We will decide in the very near future. Although the Treasury has suggested that the matter be announced during the tabling of 2009 Budget in August, I feel that if they can be announced much earlier, it will be of great help to those in need,” he said. The Prime Minister also said following the high global fuel prices, specific directives would be issued to enhance energy efficiency. In this context, he said, the Government had agreed to find other sources of energy such as solar and wind power as well as biofuel and the possibility of developing nuclear energy. “But we need to study this (developing nuclear energy) because it is not easy to dispose of nuclear waste,” he said, adding that several companies had expressed interest in developing solar and wind power facilities. He said steps would also be taken to increase productivity in the commodity sector, such as oil palm, without increasing the areas for plantation. “This is a possibility which we can now implement following the advancement in technology,” said Abdullah. He said the Government also wanted to ensure that the innovation and creativity sector be strengthened, and administrative efficiency be enhanced, to lower the cost of doing business in Malaysia so that the country would continue to be a profitable business destination even with the high fuel price. He said Malaysians might also need to change their lifestyle, particularly in minimising waste in their daily lives. “I don’t mean we should be stingy. It’s just that we should avoid wastage... in good times or bad.” He said the short-term and long-term measures identified by the Government should be implemented for the benefit of the people in the long run. Asked how far the people accepted the fuel price hike recently, Abdullah said, there were those who understood the necessity due to the global oil price hike. “But there are those who still complain... that the hike is too high. But they should also accept the fact that despite the increase the government also implemented measures to lighten their burden,” he said. Abdullah said the people, however, are only interested in reacting to the issue and not the measures taken by the Government.

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- CASH REBATE EXTENDED TO 3,000CC VEHICLES IN SABAH AND SARAWAK

Cash rebate extended to 3,000cc vehicles in Sabah and Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Government has decided to extend petrol and diesel subsidy cash rebate to owners of private vehicles up to 3,000cc in the interior areas of Sabah and Sarawak where such vehicles are widely used for transport, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced yesterday. The Prime Minister said this was to ease the financial expenditure of tour-wheel-drive vehicle owners following the hike in petrol and disel prices. “It has been decided to give the same rebate for vehicles of up to 3000cc in Sabah and Sarawak registered to transport goods in the interior areas, he said. Similarly, in the Peninsula, the Government would continue to provide appropriate assistance and facilities to boat and ferry operators to lighten their burden, he told reporters after a special briefing on fuel subsidy restructuring for Barisan Nasional (BN) Members of Parliament and Senators. The Government has allocated RM5 billion for the rebate payout to private vehicle owners who will receive RM625 a year for vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 2,000cc and pick-up trucks and Jeeps of up to 2,500cc. Owners of motorcycles with engine capacity of up to 250cc are being paid RM15O for a year after they renew the road tax. As of Friday, Pos Malaysia Berhad had disbursed RM437.23 million in cash rebate to eligible private vehicle owners who accounted for 56 per cent of vehicle owners. On another matter, Abdullah said the Government had decided to reject the proposed 100 per cent salary increase for senior officials of Government-linked companies (GLC5) including Tenaga Nasional Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh. “The GLCs submitted a proposal for a 100 per cent salary rise but was not approved by the Finance Ministry,” added Abdullah who is also Finance Minister. - Bernama

MONDAY-23 JUNE 2008- I CAN WORK WITH SAPP, SAYS MUSA

I can work with SAPP, says Musa

State BN Chairman has no problem working with Party despite political differences

KOTA KINABALU:

There may be political differences but Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman sees no problem working with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), especially within the State administration. Describing SAPP’s decision to support the motion of vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as ‘irrational’, Musa stressed that the fact remains that to date, the Party is still part of the Coalition. “We don’t have a problem (with SAPP members in the State). “At this moment SAPP is still in the Barisan Nasional. But not all the SAPP members agree with their President (Datuk Yong Teck Lee),” the Chief Minister told reporters after chairing the Sabah Umno Supreme Council meeting that fully endorsed their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday. He was referring to l)cputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan, who is also SAPP Deputy President, and several other members in the State administration. On Friday, the SAPP Supreme Council endorsed in a consensus Yong’s decision for the Party’s4 two Members of Parliament to table or support a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister. Tan had however publicly disputed the decision but later said he would stay with the Party even if exp(led from BN. Earlier today, Yong told reporters at the popular Gaya Street Fair here that he had no knowledge of any of his Party members planning to join Gerakan in Sabah. “No indication of anyone leaving,” Yong said, adding that such talk was emerging because SAPP and Gerakan are both multi racial in their approach and have similar political ideology. He said that Gerakan Acting President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Secretary General Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye had close ties with him and other SAPP leaders “I believe that is why people think that some of our members are joining them,” he said. Yong, who on Saturday launched a’ roadshow to explain the Supreme Council’s no-confidence decisions headed to Sandakan yesterday to nwet with officials of the two SAPP divisions where Tan and Elopura Assemblyman Au Kam Wah are members. “I needed to explain to them the decision,” he added.

SUNDAY-22ND JUNE 2008-CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: MAHATHIR WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES OVER ARTICLE 121-A3

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: MAHATHIR WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES OVER ARTICLE 121-A3

WHAT POLITICAL BRIBERY? Musa denies Yong’s claim over offer of Senator post

SANDAKAN:
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has denied an allegation by Sabah Progressive Party “political bribery”.
“The matter was discussed by us much earlier. When he was not picked to be a candidate in the last general election, I was ask the Prime Minister as the Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, to give a Senator post to Yong as SAPP President.
“The post was agreed upon by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi much earlier … so, it was not a political bribery or to shut up his mouth,” Musa told reporters yesterday after launching the State-level Youth Month and Day program here.
Musa, who is Sabah BN Chairman, was asked to comment on Yong’s statement on Friday that he considered the Senator post and the post of Special Envoy for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as “political bribery” so as not to voice out issues regarding Sabah.
Yong had said this when asked to comment on Abdullah’s statement on Thursday that he had offered the post of Senator and BIMP-EAGA Special Envoy to the SAPP President.
According to Yong, on June 17, just a day before he announced SAPP’s intention to table a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah, he received a confidential letter from the Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister’s Department. He declined to reveal its contents to reporters, saying it was confidential.
On the SAPP Supreme Council’s decision that a motion of no-confidence be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Musa said the decision was not made unanimously as there were objections by several leaders and Party members.
According to him, there were differences between Yong and his Deputy, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, SAPP Youth Chief Au Kam Wah and Vice-President Jimmy Wong.
“Raymond Tan told me that in the SAPP Supreme Council Meeting, he, Au, Jimmy Wong and several leaders did not agree with the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister as put forward by Yong.
“There were differences and opposition among them, and this shows that there was no unanimity among the SAPP Supreme Council Members.
“So, this is a very unfortunate as it is clear that not all SAPP leaders and members agree with the Party President’s action and it shows clearly that is was done for self-interest,” Musa said.
He believes Raymond would continue to support the BN leadership, especially that of Abdullah, adding that he was leaving it to the BN leadership to take any action against Yong or SAPP.
“As I understand it, if both the SAPP Members of Parliament (Datuk Eric Majimbun and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Boi) table a motion of no-confidence, action will be taken against them,” Musa said.
On SAPP itself, he said not all SAPP leaders agree on the motion.
According to him, it was due to this factor that the BN leadership did not take any drastic action on the Party as the leadership knew earlier on that not all SAPP leaders and members agreed with their President’s action. – Bernama

SUNDAY 22ND JUNE, 2008- RAYMOND NOT QUITTING SAPP

RAYMOND NOT QUITTING SAPP – DCM says he will stay even if Party is expelled by BN

Come what may, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Koh will remain loyal to his Party – even if it is expelled.

Tan, who started his political career with SAPP since its inception in 1994, also stressed that he would stick around even if Barisan Nasional decides to expel the Party following its move to proceed in supporting a motion of vote of no-confidence on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership at Monday’s Parliament sitting.
And despite the different opinions between him and Party President Datuk Yong Teck Lee, Tan insists on staying with the Party, especially now during this crucial time.
“We may have different opinions but I do not think that I should be away from the Party; this is the time where the Party would need me. I think I can work with my President despite the differences and I do not have any problem with that,” said Tan, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister.
The 49-year-old politician did not deny speculations of being ‘proposed’ by other BN Component Parties to join them, explaining that: “There have been a lot of speculations on this but I am not going to entertain any request of such nature at the moment. I do not want to see the Party in trouble,” he quipped.
Speaking to reporters at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport before catching a flight to Sandakan yesterday afternoon, Tan however hoped that he would be given a chance to present his views, adding that he was disappointed when Yong claimed that the Party’s decision was based on the consensus of all SAPP Supreme council Members.
“During the meeting, I gave a different opinion and anyone who attended the meeting knew the fact that it was not an unanimous decision. It was not a consensus. I just hope our Datuk President would clarify this matter. It was not right to say it was consensus and that other opinions were regarded as personal views.
“I also said during the meeting that I was not going anywhere because I have no decision to pull out from the Party. The Party will proceed with the motion and definitely BN will take action against SAPP, (but) I am not going anywhere. I am willing to accept any decision made by the Coalition,” he said.
Tan also said that during the five-and-a-half-hours meeting, Yong also brought up the Anti-Corruption Agency’s case against him. It was stated in court that when Yong was the Chief Minister, he had ordered payment of over RM5 million profit from the sale of shares belonging to a State-owned company to his selected agents in 1996.
“I am puzzled on why the case was brought up now. It was as if the case was purposely mentioned to force our President to drop the move of supporting a motion of no-confidence against the PM, this is not right. Although I am pressing for an opportunity to express my own view, I do not want to see my President, or other members for that matter, be forced when making decisions. I am appealing to them to stop putting such pressure on us.
“I do not have any bad intention. I just want to share my views for the good of the Party. I am asking from the PM not to take any action that would stop people from voicing out their opinions. The action was seen as a threat and is sending us the wrong signals and determining what we should decide on.
“Honestly, I do think that since we want to remain in BN, we should not have pursued with the motion, I have not changed my stand but if my opinion is wrong, if the Party and President think I am wrong, I will accept any decision to be taken against me,” said Tan, in a choking voice as he was overwhelmed by his feelings.
He believes that the decision to support a no-confidence vote against Abdullah was regarded by the Opposition as a support for Pakatan Rakyat de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, adding: “I do not agree with this, but God willing, I will be strong”

SUNDAY- 22ND JUNE 2008 - NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE: The Sabah Experience

VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE: THE SABAH EXPERIENCE
LEX BORNEO

On March 8 this year Malaysia was hit by a political tsunami when Barisan Nasional lost its 2/3 majority in Parliament and 5 State elections. Then last Wednesday Malaysia woke up to a political earthquake when Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) called a press conference to make a stand that they have lost confidence in the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and their MPs will support a Vote of No Confidence on the PM.

This is an unprecedented event in our Federal Parliament, but not in Sabah. Our State for all its troubles and woes has on more than one occasion been the test case for major political and constitutional law precedents. Which state in Malaysia and perhaps in the whole world has had Anti-Hop Law, Chief Minister rotation and ‘istana incidents’ numbers 1 and 2? Where in the world did a Chief Minister like Datuk Seri Pairin Kitingan in 1990s have to wait outside the Istana gates to be sworn in after his party won the State Elections. I remember that it was because of that incident the mobile toilet was popularized in Sabah as Pairin could not for even a brief moment leave Istana gates to go and search for a normal toilet and do his business.


Datuk Yong – ‘A man for all seasons”





POLITICAL KARMA

A pastor I know told me that if you cast your bread upon the waters, many days later you will find it. In other faiths there is a similar concept known as ‘karma’. For Datuk Yong it appears to be a political karma of sorts as he was the man who was one of the prime architects in bringing BN to Sabah but now appears to be moving in the opposite direction. He has his reasons for his current stand. Sabahans have suffered long enough from various age old problems like illegal immigrants, power shortages, rising prices and now fuel price hikes. An entire generation has come and gone since BN has come to Sabah but we have yet to experience the boom and glory days of the Berjaya Government from 1976 to 1985. Swift action is needed because Sabah has unlike other more ‘prosperous states’ unanimously returned BN to power. Nevertheless the current situation in some ways mirrors the events of 1994 which are recorded in a civil suit when Datuk Pairin and the PBS-USNO coalition lost power. Again here there is the effect of karma because in 1985 when PBS first came to power, USNO alleged that PBS reneged on a power sharing agreement if Berjaya was defeated. Strangely in the last days of the PBS government, both PBS and USNO who initially worked together and then became bitter rivals finally ended up together again for a brief period of time

DATUK DATU AMIR KAHAR BIN TUN DATU HAJI MUSTAPHA v YANG DI-PERTUA NEGERI SABAH & ORS.

On 18 and 19 February 1994, there was a State election held in Sabah to elect 48 members to the Legislative Assembly and the winner would be entitled to appoint not more than six other nominated members (now abolished). Members of two major political parties, the Parti Bersatu Sabah (‘the PBS’) under the leadership of Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and the State Barisan Nasional (‘the BN’) under the leadership of Tan Sri Hj Sakaran Dandai, contested in the said election. Datuk Amir Kahar belonged to the PBS(USNO) and the three men won their respective State seats. When the results of the election were announced, the PBS won 25 of the total elected seats as against the BN which managed to obtain the 23 remaining seats. So, PBS obtained a majority of the members in the Legislative Assembly by two elected seats. As the leader of the party that had won a majority of the elected seats and a member of the Assembly, Datuk Pairin was, on 21 February 1994, duly appointed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri as the Chief Minister of Sabah and on his advice, other elected members from the PBS, including Datuk Amir Kahar were appointed to form the State Cabinet. The Sabah Legislative Assembly consisted of 54 members in all, both elected and nominated. Amir Kahar was one of the Ministers and was assigned the portfolio of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
On 17 March 1994, Pairin tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Sabah but he did not tender the resignation of the other members of his Cabinet. On the same day the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, appointed the Tan Sri Sakaran Dandai as the new Chief Minister to replace Pairin. On 24 March 1994, Yang di Pertua Negeri on the advice of Sakaran Dandai, appointed 7 others as other members of the Cabinet of Sakaran Dandai. Until this time, the other members of the previous Cabinet under Pairin did not tender their resignations and neither were their appointments revoked by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.


Datuk Amir Kahar as plaintiff (represented by Sabah lawyer Yunof Maringking) named Yang Di Pertua Negeri as the first defendant, Sakaran Dandai as second defendant, and 7 others as the remaining defendants applied to the High Court for the following declarations:

(1) A declaration that since no motion was ever tabled in the State Assembly against Pairin so as to determine whether or not he had lost the confidence of the majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, the resignation of Pairin on 17 March 1994 was personal to him as a member of the State Cabinet and has no effect on the appointment of the plaintiff as a Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

(2) A declaration that the first defendant as the head of the State of Sabah acted ultra vires the provisions of the State Constitution by purportedly appointing the third to ninth defendants as members of the State Cabinet on 24 March 1994 when the appointments of the plaintiff and the other Cabinet members who were earlier appointed on 21 February 1994 had not been revoked nor had they resigned.

(3) A declaration that the appointment of the plaintiff as a member of the State Cabinet by the first defendant under an instrument dated 21 February 1994 had not been legally revoked and still subsists in law and hence the plaintiff is still a member of the Sabah State Cabinet and assigned to the portfolio of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

(4) Alternatively, a declaration that the appointments of the second to ninth defendants are invalid because the first defendant acted ultra vires the State Constitution by relying upon the purported petition signed by 30 assemblymen outside the Legislative Assembly.



THE PETITON OF THE 30 ASSEMBLYMAN

The first Defendant , the Yang di Pertua Negeri said that in arriving at his decision to appoint Sakaran Dandai as Chief Minister and the 7 other defendants to the Cabinet relied on a petition received by his office on 16th March 1994 and signed by 30 assemblymen of the Sabah Legislative Assembly declaring that they no longer had any confidence in nor would give any support to Pairin as the Chief Minister and requested to procure the resignation of Pairin as Chief Minister. The petition also requested that in the event Pairin refused to either resign or subject himself to a test of confidence, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri was to invite the Sakaran Dandai to form a new government. which read as follows:-

Tuan Yang Terutama Tarikh: 16 Mac 1994
Tun Haji Said Bin Keruak
d/a Istana
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah

Tuan Yang Terutama Tun
(1) Kami selaku Ahli-ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Sabah yang baru dipilih dan sebagai penyokong Barisan Nasional dengan hormatnya memaklumkan kepada Tun bahawa kami tidak lagi mempunyai kepercayaan kepada Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan dan kami tidak akan menyokong Datuk Pairin, pemimpin Parti Bersatu Sabah sebagai Ketua Menteri Sabah.
(2) Kami juga memohon memaklumkan Tun bahawa Barisan Nasional dan penyokong-penyokongnya sekarang menguasai majoriti di kalangan ahli-ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri.
(3) Oleh itu dengan segala hormatnya kami ingin menegaskan bahawa Datuk Pairin atau pemimpin-pemimpin dan parti-parti politik atau campuran parti-parti politik yang lain tidak berkemampuan mendapat suara majoriti dalam Dewan Undangan Negeri tersebut.
(4) Dalam keadaan yang demikian kami memohon jasa baik Tun untuk, samada, mendapatkan perletakan jawatan Datuk Pairin selaku Ketua Menteri Sabah atau untuk membantu mengadakan suatu persidangan dewan Undangan Negeri dengan segera dan mengarahkan Datuk Pairin untuk menghadapi suatu undi kepercayaan.
(5) Jika Datuk Pairin enggan mematuhi salah satu arahan tersebut, kami dengan hormatnya memohon Tun melucutkan mandat beliau dan menjemput Tan Sri Haji Sakaran Dandai untuk membentuk sebuah kerajaan yang baru.
(6) Kami dengan hormatnya juga ingin merakamkan di sini perasaan penghargaan kami yang tidak terhingga di atas kepimpinan bijaksana dan ketabahan Tun dalam mempertahankan Perlembagaan.
Yang ikhlas
—Sgd—
(A list of 30 names with signatures)



THE SAD & DIGNIFIED RESIGNATION OF DATUK PAIRIN

The affidavit of Pairin in the case disclosed that on 13 March 1994, because of three defections by assemblymen from the PBS to the BN, he requested the Yang Di Pertua Negeri for the dissolution of the Assembly so as to call for a fresh mandate from the people. However, the consent to his request was withheld by the Yang Di Pertua Negeri. Then on 16 March 1994, he saw as announced through RTM, the petition with signatures purported to be those of the members of the Legislative Assembly. On 17 March 1994, he resigned as the Chief Minister but he did not tender the resignation of the other Cabinet members because the ground for his resignation was personal to him and on the same day, the first defendant appointed the second defendant as the Chief Minister of Sabah. On 24 May 1994, the new Cabinet was appointed but the old Cabinet’s appointments were never revoked. Finally, he states that his intention was to resign from the post of Chief Minister only without involving the other members of the Cabinet as was clearly stated in his press statement when he announced his resignation.


The press statement of Datuk Pairin is sad and the first by a Chief Minister of Sabah who had to resign because he lost confidence of the Assembly, but it shows his respect for the rule of law and for peaceful and dignified surrender of power.:-

The Right Honourable Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan’s Message Following His Resignation as the Chief Minister of Sabah on 17 March 1994

“Events in the last few days have forced a situation where we must tread carefully to avoid a further deterioration of the political situation. The turn of events have brought about a situation much different from that of 21 February 1994 when I was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sabah after the Parti Bersatu Sabah had won 25 seats. With the appointment of the six nominated assemblymen, the total was brought to 31 seats. The situation is now reversed with the Barisan Nasional having the majority of 33 seats to PBS’s 21, thus paving the way for it to form the next government.
By convention, the Chief Minister will have to resign if the ruling party no longer has the majority support of the assemblymen. Under the present circumstances, where the PBS majority is greatly reduced with the mass exodus of its assemblymen to the BN, my position as Chief Minister is no longer tenable. Having taken all matters into consideration, I have, therefore, decided to resign from the post of Chief Minister.
It is a sad decision for me but nonetheless I truly feel this is the most honourable thing to do under the present circumstances. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your full support to ensure Parti Bersatu Sabah’s victory in the just concluded state elections. We truly appreciated your mandate to give us another chance to govern the state.
In the context of what has transpired over the last few days, it is clear that some changes have occurred that tipped the balance of support in favour of the BN. I am now acknowledging the need to respond honourably to the situation. I made this decision to resign with a clear conscience and in the knowledge that I had tried to do my best for the people and the state in the past nine years.
As I offer my thanks and appreciation to the people of Sabah for giving us their trust and confidence, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Chief Minister and his government which will be formed today. It is my hope too that the new government will continue to look after the interests of the people and the state and work to ensure a developed, progressive and just society.
I would also like to assure the new Chief Minister and his government that I will co-operate and do my part to serve the people and the state. I sincerely wish him all the best.


THE COURT’S RULING

Despite the valiant last ditch effort by Datuk Amir Kahar to save the Government of the day the Court disallowed his application. The Court held that:-
“The evidence that a Chief Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of members of the Assembly may be found from other extraneous sources and are not confined to the votes taken in the Legislative Assembly provided that, those extraneous sources are properly established. In this case, that extraneous source is to be found in the clear expression contained in the petition by the 30 members to the first defendant and the admission of that fact by Datuk Pairin. This clear expression suffices for the first defendant to exercise his discretion to appoint the second defendant as the new Chief Minister to replace Pairin. The expression ‘lost of confidence’ is not, therefore, confined to a vote taken in the Assembly but depends on the circumstances, which are capable of contributing sufficient evidence to indicate such lack of confidence. So, in the circumstances, I am of the view that the resignation of Pairin on 17 March 1994 was in fact a resignation of the whole members of his Cabinet, including the plaintiff, on account of him ceasing to command the confidence of a majority of the Legislative Assembly notwithstanding that the letter of resignation was silent as to the resignation of the other members of his Cabinet including the plaintiff. Consequently, on the acceptance of the resignation by the first defendant, the whole Cabinet of Datuk Pairin collapsed. “

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SATURDAY-21ST JUNE 2008-Extra "RM1 bln to build roads in Sabah

Extra ‘RM 1 bln to build
roads in Sabah:
Najib

Additional funding for 9MP projects due to rising cost

PUTRAJAYA:

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, said the Government has approved additional funding of RM595 million to build roads in rural areas. He said the additional funding for the road projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan was due to rising cost. The funding will come from the RM4 billion allocation that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had recently annnounced, of which RM1 billion each was for Sabah and Sarawak respectively while RM2 billion was for the Peninsular. Najib was speaking to reporters after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Investments and Infrastructure here yesterday. He said the additional funding would assist in completing the roads under 9MP period. “The priority or decisions on other projects will be taken in the near future based on the applications we will be receiving,” he said.
In realising the Government’s aim to provide basic utilities in the rural areas, Najib said a mapping system will be introduced to identify these areas nationwide that have yet to receive adequate roads and supply of water and electricity. “Some rural areas have water but no electricity, some have no roads. These are the things that we need to do mapping in order to have a complete inventory base,” he said. Najib said the committee has also decided to carry out a detailed study to address the needs of estate communities that have been deprived of these basic utilities as they had not been provided by the estate owners. He explained that estates are not included under the rural areas programmes.
“We will study the management of estates. If the Government is to take action, it will have implications. “I am not saying that the Government will take the burden but somebody has to implement this. There is a group of people being marginalised,” he noted. Najib said the committee had also discussed ways to boost the local construction industry, and one way was to promote the usage of Industrial Building System (IBS) which offers ready made parts of certain buildings or infrastructure. “There has been suggestion to limit the intake of foreign workers in order to increase investments in lBS. “If there is still dependency on cheap foreign labour, there would not be any incentive to promote lBS which requires more capital expenditure,” he said. - Bernama

SATURDAY-21ST JUNE 2008-CONTRACTORS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY FUEL CRISIS

Contractors seriously affected by fuel crisis Many may have to abandon projects due to costly materials

KOTA KINABALU:

Sabah Builders Association (SBA) President Tsen Kui Lin has expressed his grave concern over the future of the contractors who are seriously affected by the domino effect of the uncontrolled fuel prices hike, in particular on the cost escalation of building materials. He said that contractors are facing the dilemma of either abandoning their ongoing projects (and face the legal consequences) or continue to dig deep into their own pockets to finance the losing projects. “The question is how far could they go before they exhausted all their lifetime savings,” he said yesterday. Tsen noted that since November 2007, the price of steel bars had increased from RM2,400 to RM4,000 a tonne, a whopping 80 per cent increase, while cement price had gone up by 30 per cent and transport 45 per cent. “With the present conditions of contract for construction, the contractors are finding it impossible to manage the cost of construction,” he said. Towards this end, the SBA has been advocating the inclusion of a price fluctuation cause for the affected building materials in all the on-going construction projects as well as new projects, whether they are private and public sector, projects. Lately, the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) in Kuala Lumpur and the Sarawak Builders Association had voiced the same concern over the issue in order to save the construction sector, he pointed out. Tsen reckoned that for the on-going projects, the fluctuation clause for the affected building materials would partially compensate the contractors and allow them some breathing space to complete them. Contractors are only partially compensated because there are other indirect cost increases which they will not be compensated, he said, adding that it is very costly to reactivate abandoned projects. According to him, for future projects, with the fluctuation clause, the contractors will be able to estimate more realistically over the tender price. He said this way, the owners would save money in the long term as the projects can be completed on time without the risk of being abandoned. “Besides, the small contractors will be spared from any eventualities caused by the sudden price fluctuation of building materials,” said Tsen, urging the Government to take cognizance of this prevailing crisis in the construction industry as many contractors will go bust. “Corrective actions should be speedily implemented by the Government to save the construction industry. Any failure of the construction industry will definitely affect the other industries, including financial institutions and the Government,” he cautioned.

SATURDAY-21ST JUNE 2008- NOTHING PERSONAL IN NO-CONFIDENCE MOVE, SAYS YONG

SATURDAY-21ST JUNE 2008
Nothing Personal in No-Confidence move, says Yong

KOTA KINABALU:
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee reiterated that the move to support a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister was nothing personal.
He said there was a Senatorship offer made through Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, and that if he accepted the post, it would be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“I told him that if PM announced, then it would not be nice for me to accept, so I told him (Musa) there was no need to do so,” he said.
“On June 17, just a day before I made the announcement to support a motion on vote of no-confidence on the PM, I received a confidential letter from the Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, but since it is a confidential letter, I cannot reveal its content.
“But PM had already said that it is a nomination letter for a Senatorship post in the Dewan Negara. I then spoke to CM whether the post was offered to shut my mouth and I said it in a body language, and he (Musa) said no.
“But when I received the letter, I was not sure whether it was a bribe … It was a political bribe. Then during a luncheon with the PM, we spoke and I did not say much as I respect the PM’s privacy. I was shocked when he said he could not satisfy my personal greed.
“I never asked for anything from him and in fact, the offer came from CM, I told him that it was unnecessary as it would be seen as shutting my mouth. But if there is a post, then it could be given to one of the eligible SAPP members.
“Again the offer came during our meeting with PM on May 13 where he had said in passing that he had never seen a long for senator, and that they have a role for me. But I felt that it was just a bait, so I stopped there,” explained Yong.
Yong said he had never mentioned anything personal with the PM, adding that they had not even mentioned a thing about the Premier in the Party’s blog.
He also denied claims that Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had offered him a bigger role than Senator.
Yong said that during his meeting with Anwar on two occasions in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, they spoke on problems of Asian renaissance, where they both gave the global view on the issues in Asia today, food crisis and the number of issues attacking Sabah, including the longstanding illegal immigrants issue.
Meanwhile, Yong said he was shocked when a corruption case, which was filed 12 years ago emerged suddenly, and implicating his name.
“I am curious about the timing the Anti Corruption Agency decided to bring the case up in court. I believe I am the target and that is was to serve as a warning to others to back off,” he said.
“The case was brought up 12 years ago, why it is emerging now? Why not last week? ACA had taken my statement about four to five years ago; I cannot remember how many hours I had to spend with them but I was there to give my statement, then suddenly the case emerges,” he said, referring to the case where the court heard that Yong, the then Chief Minister, had ordered payment of over RM5 million profit from the sale of shares belonging to a State-owned company to his selected agents in 1996.
“If this is a threat so that we can compromise our struggles, then it is not right. I am willing to accept anything, this is my struggle for the people and Sabah,” he said.
“If I am wrong, if I am arrested, if I am charged in court, if I am imprisoned, what can I do, but do not use this as a bargaining chip, it is a threat and could jeopardize our political struggle,” he said.